Photo by Michael Skinner

It has been many years -- perhaps decades -- since the walleye fishing on Lake Erie has been considered “phenomenal.” However, biologist’s reports and angler’s surveys suggest that this spring will be the big one.

Vast numbers of walleyes from the 2003 hatch are still out there and will be adding their considerable bulk to the spring spawning runs.

For Buckeye State anglers, this means that fish which are in the mid-20-inch range will be considered “average.”

Last year, I personally saw more Fish Ohio qualifiers and 30-inch fish than I have in the previous four years combined!

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, considers walleyes 28 inches or longer to be trophy-sized fish. Anglers skilled or lucky enough to catch one can receive a Fish Ohio Certificate and pin.

You can find the necessary forms and information online. Log on to www.dnr.ohio.us/wildlife

Here’s a look at where to find your Fish Ohio walleye in Ohio this season:

SANDUSKY AND MAUMEE RIVERS
According to Jeff Tyson, supervisor for the Sandusky Fisheries Research Unit, the Sandusky and Maumee rivers are two good places to start your search for a king-sized walleye.

“Remember that spring walleye runs create an incredible tributary fishery as they move upstream from Lake Erie to spawn,” Tyson said.

One of his top picks is Perrysburg along the Maumee River near Toledo. There are many public access points in Perrysburg for anglers to choose from. The Side Cut Metro-park and Fallen Timbers State Park are good choices. These two parks merge to create one long fishing access that, combined, offer over two miles of shoreline.

The southern end of the park shoreline has a cobblestone rapids that’s a favorite spot for spring walleyes looking for a place to discharge their eggs.

Anglers can find the park from the east by taking the Ohio Turnpike toward Toledo. Cross the Maumee River and take the U.S. Route 23 exit south. Follow Route 23 about four miles to U.S. Route 24 west, also called the Toledo Waterville Road.