ODNR Lake Erie Fishing Report: 3/11/04

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http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/wildlife/Fishing/freport/lakeerieweekly.htm

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1-888-HOOK FISH (1-888-466-5347)

Local Sandusky Exchange: (419) 625-3187

**As of March 1, 2004 the bag limit for walleye on
Ohio waters of Lake Erie and its tributaries is 3
fish. On May 1 the bag limit will return to 6
walleye. A new 15” minimum size limit for walleye
is in place for the entire season.

Single hook restrictions have also been extended
to the mouth of Maumee Bay and Sandusky Bay.
To view a map of this area, click here. See the
2004 Ohio fishing regulations for a complete
listing of all fishing regulations. 2004 licenses are
required as of March 1.** (Buy a license online)

Unstable March weather has kept most anglers
off of Lake Erie. On days when conditions allow expect the opportunity to catch limits of walleye with an
occasional trophy. Spring walleye fishing generally consists of two tactics; jigging shallow reef areas or
trolling open water near reef areas. Try jigging a lead-head jig tipped with a minnow on the reef complex
north of Camp Perry. Trollers usually pull crankbaits in the upper half of the water column over flats north or
east of the reef complex to catch early season trophies over ten pounds.

To view weather forecast for Lake Erie log onto:
http://seaboard.ndbc.noaa.gov/data/Forecasts/FZUS61.KCLE.html

Rivers (report as of 3/17/2004):

Peak river fishing usually occurs during the last week of March and first few weeks of April. Before the
snowstorm on 3/16 anglers were catching walleye on the Maumee River around Bluegrass Island near the
Buttonwood access. Most fish being caught were 18 to 22” males with an occasional limit. In general fishing
was slow with short periods of activity. Anglers were also fishing the Sandusky River between the State
Street and Hayes Avenue bridges with an occasional 18 to 22” male being taken. Both river levels were low,
but should increase as the snow melts off. The most popular technique on the rivers is usually to fish a
Carolina rigged floating jighead tipped with a soft plastic twister tail. Popular colors include chartreuse,
fluorescent pink, orange and yellow.

Check the Division of Wildlife River Report for recent updates:
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/wildlife/fishing/freport/walleyerun.htm

Steelhead:

Most rivers and streams are muddy from the rain and snow. Fish are well-distributed in the small waters and
upper reaches; fresh fish are moving into the lower sections of the rivers. Upper stretches and small
tributaries will clear first. Fish should also be moving into shallow water with the general spring warming
trend.

Rocky River: Fish from the Emerald Necklace marina up past the Nature Center.
Cuyahoga River: Fish from the Rt. 82 dam up through the CVNRA.
Chagrin River: Fish from the soccer fields to North Chagrin Reservation and also Eastlake CEI.
Grand River: Fish from the Fairport pier up to Harpersfield Dam. Also try Big, Kellogg, and Paine creeks.
Arcola Creek: Fish in the estuary pond area. Also try Cowles and Wheeler creeks.
Ashtabula River: Fish the harbor up through Indian Trails Park.
Conneaut Creek: Fish the harbor up through the PA line.
Vermilion River: Fish from the boat ramp up past the Rt. 2 bridge to Kipton and Wakeman dams.

Find a map of your favorite steelhead river or stream.

http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/wildlife/Fishing/freport/lakeerieweekly.htm