You should carry weights from 1/4 to 3/4 ounces in a variety of colors to be sure of matching the existing water conditions.

LAKE ERIE
Though tributaries are the traditional spring walleye hotspots, Lake Erie’s open waters are also home to their share of spawning walleyes.

“Walleyes will use any of the Lake Erie reefs for spawning,” Tyson said. “But the Camp Perry Firing Zone Reefs, the Bass islands, Catawba Island and the areas around them are always good spring spots.”

He added that most of the spawning in the western basin takes place on the shallow-water reefs near the Camp Perry Firing Range, near Port Clinton and the Bass islands.

The reef and island complexes are Lake Erie’s most productive spring locations for walleyes. There’s also a good reef off the west side of Catawba Island called Clinton Reef, and then there’s Marblehead Reef east of Port Clinton as well as the reefs that surround West Sister Island, which lies northwest of the firing range and about 10 miles west of the Bass islands.

Though there are several boat ramps throughout this area, one good place for anglers to launch from -- due to its central location -- is Catawba Island State Park. Spring walleye anglers can find Catawba State Park by turning north off state Route 2 onto state Route 53 and continuing into West Harbor before turning west onto West Catawba Road.

Follow West Catawba Road to Northwest Catawba Road and turn north.

Continue on Northwest Catawba Road to East Moores Dock Road, which leads directly to the park.

Jigs are also used to great effect along the shallow reef areas of Lake Erie. Again, lure sizes and colors are determined by existing conditions. But to be prepared, anglers should carry weights from 1/4 to 1 ounce.

Also popular is trolling, using spoons or plugs that dive from eight to 15 feet. Planer boards are almost a must because boats and props will spook fish in the shallow water. Twilight is the best time for spring walleye fishing. Many anglers limit their efforts to the couple of hours before sunrise and after sunset.

Jerkbaits, plugs and jigs are used most often during these periods and are great shoreline tactics when fishing from the piers in the surrounding areas.

Throughout the season, there is a 15-inch minimum-size limit on walleyes. A four-fish limit per day (up from three in 2005) is in effect from March 1 through April 30, when the creel limit is raised to six fish per day during the rest of the season.

For more information about the great walleye fishing opportunities on Lake Erie, contact the Ohio Division of Wildlife, Sandusky Fish Research Unit ODNR, Division of Wildlife, 305 East Shoreline Drive, Sandusky, OH 44870. Or call (419) 625-8062, or e-mail jeff.tyson@dnr.state.oh.us

Visiting anglers may also visit the Ohio Division of Wildlife’s Internet address at www.ohiodnr.com

For information on local accommodations and amenities, contact Discover Ohio at 1-800-BUCKEYE (282-5383), or visit them online at www.discoverohio.com