**As of May 1 the walleye bag limit will return to 6 fish per angler and the
treble hook restrictions in the bays will be removed. The 15" walleye
minimum size limit remains in effect for the entire season. From May 1 to
June 26 smallmouth bass possession is illegal. Anglers may catch and
release smallmouth, but possession is not permitted.**Walleye
Anglers are fishing for walleye on the reef complex north of Camp Perry, the
Bass Islands area, the Maumee Bay area, and between N. Bass Island and
Kelleys Island south of the Ontario/Ohio border. Surface temperatures range
from the mid 40's to 50 degrees. Over the past weekend (4/24) walleye were
caught by jigging the reefs, Maumee Bay and the Turtle Creek area, and
larger females were caught trolling near the reefs and NW of Kelleys Island.
Popular spring techniques include jigging shallow reef areas with
shiner-tipped jigs or trolling crankbaits in open water surrounding the
reefs. When fishing the reef complex be aware that ODNR sampling will be
taking place throughout the spring. Nets are clearly marked with yellow
flags and floats. Please stay clear of areas with nets. Yellow Perch
Yellow perch fishing has been good between the Marblehead ferry docks and
the lighthouse, between Marblehead and the SE corner of Kelleys Island, off
of the Vermilion River mouth, and within one mile of Lorain. Fish just off
the bottom using perch spreaders tipped with shiners. Rivers (report as of 4/26/2004)- Maumee River- 58°, water is clear, effort is low, level is low (a lot of
algae). Anglers are still taking some limits of walleye. Anglers are using
floating jig heads jigs with bright colored twister tails. The best areas
are Side Cut Park, Buttonwood and near the 475 bridge. A few white bass are
also being caught. Sandusky River - 64° Anglers are catching good numbers of white bass on
minnows under a bobber in the sand docks area. Large numbers of white perch
are being taken using worms. Some large catfish are also being taken.
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