SALT FORK LAKE
Guernsey County's Salt Fork Lake was once a source of broodstock for the ODOW's saugeye stocking program, and the lake was switched over to saugeye stocking in 2001 after fisheries personnel documented a decline in the numbers of walleyes they collected for eggs. Recent netting operations recently revealed walleyes up to 30 inches in length.

Much of Salt Fork seems better suited to largemouth bass, but the main-lake basin of Salt Fork, the area near the dam in particular, features much of the rocky features favored by the marble-eyes. Walleye seekers during the early part of the season should key in on rocky points near the dam. Riprap areas such as that found along the dam breast and causeway areas should also be explored. Walleyes commonly attempt to spawn on riprap in lakes devoid of better spawning habitat.

Salt Fork also features a small but productive tailwater area. A parking area has been established to serve this discharge area.

A good boat ramp is available near the breast of the dam at Salt Fork.

OHIO RIVER
Walleyes are among the many species featured in the Ohio River. The fish is most common, however, in the upper reaches of Ohio's portion of the river. When water levels aren't too high, good action can be expected all winter and into the spring.

In particular, fine fishing can be found downriver of the New Cumberland Locks and Dam, Pike Island Locks and Dam and the Hannibal Locks and Dam.

Walleyes will begin tend to congregate below the dams in late fall, staying there well into spring. The mouth of locks pool fish that are best available to boat anglers. On the opposite side of the river, good shoreline access is provided in the tailrace areas.

Jig-'n'-minnow combos work well for both shore and boat anglers at this time. Boat anglers would be wise to include an assortment of jigging spoons and blade baits that can be fished vertically (right under the boat) when the fish are in a less aggressive mood.

Tailrace areas are not the only places for finding early-season river walleyes. The mouths of feeder streams are also classic spots, such as Fishing Creek, which is a couple of miles downriver of the Hannibal Dam.

A wealth of information on the Ohio River can be found in the Ohio River Fishing Guide, available from the Ohio Division of Wildlife.

MAUMEE RIVER
If you dislike fishing amid a crowd, this Ottawa County tributary of Lake Erie's not for you, because when conditions are good, it's pretty much shoulder-to-shoulder. But that's a price many are willing to pay for a shot at spawning fish entering the river from Lake Erie.

State fisheries officials expect a good run of walleyes this spring, including fish from 16 to 20 inches up to lunkers in the 22- to 26-inch range. The run typically starts in mid to late March and peaks in sometime in the first half of April.

The presentation of choice on the Maumee is a leadhead jig with a twistertail. Access is good along the first few miles of the Maumee for both shore-anglers and boat anglers.

Several special regulations apply to this river, particularly during the spring spawning seasons. Be sure to check your 2005 edition of the Ohio Fishing Regulations booklet for items that apply to legal fishing hours, legal presentations and other items.

A map of the lower Maumee River may be downloaded from the ODOW's Web site at www.dnr.state.oh.us. Maps of Mosquito Lake, Pymatuning Lake and Salt Fork Lake can also be downloaded from this site.

For additional information, contact the Ohio Division of Wildlife at (614) 265-6300.