Photo by Ron Sinfelt

The Ohio Division of Wildlife, through the Fish Research Units in Sandusky and Fairport Harbor, uses modern fish survey techniques, stocking programs and regulations to sustaining and improve Lake Erie’s incredible fishery.

Information gathered through fish sampling, sport harvest and commercial harvest research programs is used to assess the fishery and to project what anglers can expect in the coming year.

Here’s a brief look at what they found:

WALLEYES
Jim Bader has 24 years of experience working with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources as a fisheries biologist out of the Fairport Fish Research Unit. According to Bader, last year’s walleye harvest was fantastic by anyone’s estimation.

“Normally, about 1 million walleyes are harvested each year,” Bader said. “But last year, Ohio anglers harvested 1.8 million walleyes.”

Walleye anglers can expect another very good year in 2007, Bader said.

“There will be a lot of fish from the 2003 hatch (18 to 22 inches), good numbers of the 2001 fish (20 to 25 inches) and some walleyes from the 1999 year-class.”

Fish from the 1999 and older hatchings should be over 28 inches, weighing 10 pounds. “Last year’s harvest was dominated by the 2003 and 2001 year hatches,” Bader noted.

This is good news for Lake Erie’s fishermen because the only change this year should be that those fish should be much larger.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife considers walleye 28 inches or more to be trophy-class fish. Anglers skilled or lucky enough to catch one can receive from them a Fish Ohio Certificate and pin. Anglers can find the forms and information online at DNROhio.US/Wildlife.

In early spring, walleyes hold relatively close to shore and in river mouths in preparation for the spawn. Early mornings, late evenings and at night are the most productive times to fish.

Lake Erie’s western basin tends to be the traditional hotspot for spring walleyes, and this year looks to be the same. Expect to find walleyes in great numbers around Maumee Bay and in the Toledo shipping channel. The islands near Port Clinton such as Kelleys Island and the Bass islands will also be great places to find walleyes this month.

Another great western basin hotspot is the Camp Perry firing range reefs. Check with Camp Perry authorities to avoid conflicts with planned range exercises.

Moving eastward, much of Lake Erie from Huron to Lorain Harbor will be good places to chase walleyes in May. This area, including the sandbar region, will continue to be a walleye hotspot well into spring as the walleyes move through on their way to the eastern basin.

There is a 15-inch minimum-size limit throughout the season on walleyes. A four-fish limit per day is in effect from March 1 through April 30, when the creel limit increases to six fish per day during the rest of the season.

SMALLMOUTH BASS
Three years ago, new conservation regulations were implemented on Lake Erie to better control the harvest of smallmouth bass. From May 1 through the last Saturday in June, smallmouth anglers are not allowed to keep any smallmouths from Lake Erie or its tributaries up to the first dam or designated landmark.