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Lake Erie Fishing Report: April 25, 2002 Western Basin:
Lake Erie water temperature is 50* F off Toledo and 45* F off
Cleveland. High winds are expected across Lake Erie the next few days,
which may hamper fishing activity. However, fishing continues to be
fabulous when wind and wave conditions are favorable.
Anglers are catching walleyes in the 16- to 18-inch range with some
larger fish and some limit catches reported. Some anglers are vertical
jigging using leadhead jigs tipped with minnows and blade baits while others
are using trolling methods. Trollers are taking the largest fish. The
prime locations have been Maumee Bay, Sandusky Bay, off Davis Besse, near
Middle Island, and Western Basin reefs. However, many female walleyes have
now spawned and are moving away from reefs. The legal bag limit for
walleyes for Lake Erie and its tributaries is four per angler per day during
March and April.
The spring perch action is also underway and is excellent. The hot
spots are off the Marblehead Peninsula, especially off the Marblehead
Lighthouse, with large perch in the in the 9- to 13-inch range being taken.
The yellow perch bag limit remains at 30 perch per angler per day.
Smallmouth bass anglers are also doing well in the islands areas. The legal
limit for smallmouth bass is five fish per angler with a minimum length
requirement of 12 inches.
Western Basin Walleye Streams: The Maumee River is 56* F and the water level is normal and muddy. The
timing is right for anglers to catch a mixed bag of both walleyes and white
bass on the Maumee. Anglers are taking an occasional walleye in the 16- to
22-inch range using 1/8-1/4 ounce jigs in chartreuse, florescent orange, and
pink. Best area is from Fort Meigs upstream through the 475 Bridge.
Anglers are also taking good numbers of white bass using shiners below
bobbers. The Sandusky River is 56* F and the water is high and muddy, but receding.
The walleye fishery is waning but the number of white bass being caught is
increasing
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