Steelhead caught by Ohio's anglers from the lake or its tributaries range from 18 to 26 inches. Fish over 30 inches and weighing 10 pounds or more are caught annually. The state- record steelhead, caught in 1996, measured 36.5 inches and weighed 20.97 pounds.

Lake Erie anglers pursuing steelhead from a boat commonly troll with large spoons. Color choices are usually silver, blue, Wonder Bread, or trout. River anglers usually drift spawn sacks or flies with good success. Bouncing small jigs and inline spinners can also work for a wading fisherman looking for steelhead.

OTHER FISHERIES
Many other fish representing a wide variety of species are taking advantage of the changes happening to Lake Erie. Improving water quality with lower suspended silt levels and revegetation has allowed the resurgence of many fish specie populations.

"Largemouth bass, crappie and other pan fish have really taken off," said Tyson. "In fact, muskellunge numbers are increasing as well as northern pike. Most muskies are caught by anglers north of the islands, but these big fish are making appearances in Sandusky Bay as well as in East and West harbors. Casting near any of the vegetative matter in the harbor areas can produce largemouth bass, bluegills, crappies or even northern pike and muskies."

Tyson reported having boated 11 largemouths averaging between 16 and 17 inches during a recent evening trip there.

Anglers can also expect to find crappies and other panfish along any of the rocky or shallow areas that make up the shoreline of Lake Erie and its islands this May. Look for sheltered areas behind break walls to be hotspots, especially those with vegetation, rocks or logs. Jigs, spinners and natural baits like night crawlers and minnows work well. Many anglers use a small jig tipped with a minnow on light line to great effect.

Another fish species that may be making an amazing resurgence: sturgeon. Tyson reports that the research unit has been conducting surveys with nets since 1969 and had never caught a sturgeon until 1996.

"Over the past eight years, we have seen several sturgeon in our sampling gear, which may be a indication that they are coming back," Tyson said. "If any angler catches one, we ask that they photograph and measure the fish if possible before returning it to the water, and then report the catch to the ODOW."

The western basin of Lake Erie appears to be the nursery area for juvenile sturgeon, the majority of fish caught ranging from 3 to 7 years old -- relatively young for a sturgeon.

Tyson also says that white bass are doing well at Lake Erie. In May, look for them in the Maumee, Mahoning, Portage and Sandusky rivers.

"Most will be 2-year-olds," said Tyson, "so they are going to be nice sized fish."

For more information about fishing opportunities on Lake Erie, contact the Ohio Division of Wildlife District Three office at (330) 644-2293 or write them at 912 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron, OH 44319.

Anglers may also visit the Ohio Division of Wildlife Internet Website at www.ohiodnr.com.

For information on accommodations and amenities, contact Discover Ohio at 1-800-BUCKEYE, or visit the agency online at www.discoverohio.com.