LAKE ERIE WALLEYE ACTION IS HOT THIS SUMMER
SANDUSKY, OH -- Lake Erie is maintaining its title as the Walleye Capital of
the World this summer with both the weather and the fish cooperating. Local walleye
anglers are touting this year as the best fishing season in a decade, according to Ohio
Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
"Overall, the walleye fishing has been very good this year, beginning with some
excellent ice fishing last winter and pre-spawn fishing on the reefs and in Maumee Bay.
Fishing in the western basin has really heated up since mid-June, especially along the
Toledo Shipping Channel," said Roger Knight, supervisor of ODNRs Lake Erie
Fisheries Unit in Sandusky. "Fishing success is affected by many factors and this
year, many of the right factors are coming together."
Disappointing walleye fishing for many Lake Erie anglers for the past two summers was
attributed to poor weather, an abundance of bait fish in the lake and lack of a large
spawning class entering the fishery. This year, walleyes from an excellent spawn in 1999,
now measuring 14 to 16 inches, are adding significantly to the fishery. Anglers are
filling coolers with a mixed bag of walleyes ranging in length from 14 to 30 inches.
Fishing from private boats, charter boats and "walk-on" charters (larger
boats that can accommodate up to 50 people) have all been successful, with many reporting
limit catches, often in just two or three hours of fishing. The hot spots are concentrated
west of the islands to the Michigan state line.
"Lake Erie gained its national reputation throughout the 1980s due largely to reef
fishing in June and July. The lake was ideal walleye habitat, with moderately turbid
waters that allowed walleyes to be active throughout the day. Moreover, record numbers of
fish were present in the walleye population. Yet, walleye fishing was generally over for
most anglers by mid-August." Knight said. "But since the 1980s, water clarity
has increased, walleye abundance has declined to a moderate level, and walleye feeding
behavior has changed. Walleye schools tend to be distributed in patches and anglers often
have to search for these schools to be successful."
To compensate for these changes, walleye anglers have adopted new tackle and fishing
methods. Weight-forward spinners that were once the rage of Lake Erie anglers are now just
another lure in the walleye anglers tackle box. Worm harnesses, mayfly rigs, small
spoons, and crankbaits are now equally popular baits.
"While casting is preferred by many anglers, our data clearly show that trolling
produces more fish per hour expended, probably because trollers cover more water and are
more likely to encounter an active school of fish. Walleye anglers should not give up on
late summer and fall fishing, as we have observed high catch rates in late-August through
October in recent years."
Some of the recent hot spots include the area between the Toledo Shipping Channel and
the Michigan state line, West Sister Island area, south of Middle Sister Island in Ohio
waters, C and B Cans, the Reef Complex and north of Niagara Reef.
The legal bag limit for walleyes on the Ohio waters of Lake Erie is six from May
through February, and four during March and April.
Most anglers are fishing for walleyes, but Lake Erie also provides excellent fishing
for yellow perch, smallmouth bass and white bass.
A fishing report is available by calling 1-888-HOOK FISH (1-888-466-5347). Callers in
the local Sandusky exchange should call 625-3187.
Despite the current trend in lower-than-average water levels on Lake Erie, all ODNR
fishing and boat access facilities are open and fully operational at this time. However,
boat anglers are reminded to follow navigational charts.
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For Further Information Contact:
Melissa Hathaway, ODNR Division of Wildlife
(419) 625-8062
-or-
Andy Ware, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882