Lake Erie Fishing Forecast 2009
Lake Erie anglers should enjoy another year of exceptional
fishing in 2009, according to biologists with the Ohio Department of Natural
Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
"Lake Erie remains one of the greatest natural resources in our country,"
said Roger Knight, Lake Erie fisheries program manager at ODNR.
"Where else but Lake Erie can an angler find such diversity of fish species
and sizes? We can anticipate great fishing opportunities once again this
year for walleye and yellow perch, as well as strong fisheries for other
species like smallmouth bass, steelhead and white bass."
Knight noted that anglers should have access to good fishing in the western
and central basins due to the numerous public boat ramps, private marinas
and shoreline areas. The large number of charter boats stationed along the
Ohio shore is also an asset.
Walleye
Ohio walleye anglers will catch fish mostly from the 2003 hatch, with
contributions from the 2001 and 2005 hatches, as well as some fish from the
1999 and 2007 hatches. Walleye from the 2003 hatch will be 19 to 26 inches
long, while fish from the earlier hatches will range from 23 to 28 inches
over the course of the fishing season. Fish from the 2005 hatch should be in
the 17 to 20 inch range. Large walleye from strong hatches in the 1980s and
mid-1990s still persist in the population, providing "Fish Ohio" trophy
(more than 28 inches) opportunities. Anglers will also catch walleyes from
the moderate 2007 hatch; however, most of these fish will be under the legal
size of 15 inches until fall.
"Walleye abundance and the sport catch have been declining over recent years
in Lake Erie due to below-average hatches since 2003," said Knight.
"However, the average size of fish caught in the 2009 fishery should be
exceptional."
The daily bag limit remains four fish per person during March and April
2009, and six fish from May 2009 through February 2010. A 15-inch minimum
size limit is in effect during the entire season.
Yellow Perch
Perch anglers should encounter fish ranging from 7 to 13 inches from the
2007, 2005 and 2003 hatches in this year's fishery. Perch numbers should be
similar to levels observed in 2008 in the Western Basin, but down just
slightly in the Central Basin. A moderate hatch from 2008 should boost the
fishery beginning late next year.
"Overall, we expect to have good perch fishing in 2009, with the largest
fish coming from the Central Basin," said Knight.
The daily bag limit is 25 yellow perch per angler in the waters west of
Huron, and 30 perch per angler from Huron eastward to the Pennsylvania
border. There is no minimum size limit on yellow perch.
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass fishing in 2009 is expected to be fair. Although bass
abundance remains below desired levels, those caught should be of excellent
size (15 to 22 inches, weighing 2 to 6 pounds). Bass fishing is best in
areas with good bottom structure, which is available across much of the
entire Ohio near shore area.
A closed season remains in effect from May 1 through June 26, 2009, during
which all black bass (smallmouth and largemouth) must be immediately
released. Beginning June 27, 2009, the daily bag limit for bass will remain
at five fish, with a 14-inch minimum length limit.
-Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Division of Wildlife
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Thank You to all who fished with me last season. I hope to see
you back this spring.
Hope to See you at the dock!
Captain Frank Drudi
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REMEMBER
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