News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 1999

NEW BASS, TROUT FISHING REGULATIONS APPROVED FOR 2000

Bass species included in the new rules are the smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and spotted bass. Citing the need to preserve the quality of bass fishing in Lake Erie and across the state, the Division of Wildlife wanted to reduce the statewide largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass daily bag limit from eight to five fish. The Council also approved a measure that increases the minimum size limit required for keeping smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass taken in Lake Erie from 12 to 14 inches. Spotted bass are generally confined to some inland lakes and rivers in southern Ohio.

"We have seen a significant increase in bass fishing pressure on Lake Erie, particularly for smallmouth bass, during the past twenty years," said Gary Isbell, executive administrator of fish management and research for the ODNR Division of Wildlife.

"Additionally, there are other factors affecting the distribution, relocation and reproductive success of the Lake Erie bass population. Recently, we have seen an increase in the annual harvest of smallmouth bass taken in Lake Erie and we need to protect the future of this sport fishery while at the same time maintain good fishing opportunities."

By implementing these new fishing regulations next March, the wildlife agency expects to reduce by 50 percent the number of bass taken in Ohio waters of Lake Erie. The newly adopted rules for next year do not affect Pymatuning Lake and the Ohio River.

The Council also adopted a rule that establishes a daily bag limit of two fish per angler and minimum size limit of 12 inches for brown trout taken in the Mad River, Clear Fork River, Clear Creek, and each of their tributaries. A related rule change also adopted Wednesday repeals an existing regulation that affects certain sections of these three streams where anglers must use an artificial lure or fly having a single barbless hook when fishing for any species of trout. The existing minimum length limit for trout caught in these zones is 10 inches.

"We have successfully established a very good fishery that has improved inland trout fishing opportunities. We wanted to unify our Lake Erie trout regulations with those of our inland fishing district and continue to promote the quality of this inland trout fishery by extending the survival of these fish in our streams," Isbell said.

Other regulations adopted by the Council Wednesday included:

* Establishing an 18-inch minimum size limit for bass taken in Tycoon Lake in Gallia County.

* Establishing a 15-inch minimum size limit for bass taken in the Ohio-Erie Canal in Cuyahoga County.

* Establishing a 12-15 inch protective slot length limit for bass taken in Slope Creek Reservoir in Belmont County, Turkey Creek Lake in Scioto County and Highlandtown Lake in Columbiana County.

* Adding Deer Creek Lake in Stark County to the list of lakes where electric trolling motors may be used on state wildlife areas.

* Establishing a 10 mph speed limit for boaters on Berlin Reservoir from sunset to sunrise.

* Adding the zebra mussel, quagga mussel and rudd to the list of exotic aquatic nuisance species that may not be possessed alive.

* Designating the Grand River target range as a Class A shooting facility and establishing a $3 fee for re-issuance of a lost shooting range permit.

* Prohibiting any person from using and providing any contraceptive drugs, substances, or chemicals to any free ranging wild animal without written authority of the chief of the Division of Wildlife;

* Establishing a youth turkey hunting season for April 21-22, 2000.

* Establishing new rules for the collection, possession, trade, and sale of reptiles, amphibians and ginseng.

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For Further Information Contact:
John Wisse, Mike Costello, Randy Miller or Gary Isbell, ODNR Division of Wildlife
(614) 265-6300