Put-in-Bay (Putinbay) Chamber Fishing Seasons Page

		IMPROVING LAKE ERIE FISHERY WILL PROVIDE INCREASED OPPORTUNITIES FOR ANGLERS Increase in bag limits will be proposed for 2006 season (taken from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Website) Lake Erie anglers may enjoy an increased bag limit next year for walleye and yellow perch if a proposal by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is approved. “Due to the success we’ve had in rebuilding Lake Erie’s walleye and yellow perch stocks, we are now able to increase the bag limits for these two popular sport fish,” said Gary Isbell, fish management administrator for the Division of Wildlife. “Over the past several seasons we have set bag limits carefully in order to rebuild populations, and we are now seeing the benefits of that strategy. We will remain cautious with this resource, but feel we can now provide anglers the chance to enjoy the increased fishing opportunities.” WALLEYE The division will propose an increase in the daily bag limit on walleye from three to four fish between March 1 and April 30. The existing 15-inch size limit would remain in effect, as would the six-fish limit in place for the remainder of the year. Additionally, a minor modification in the spring use of treble hooks in the Sandusky Bay area will be brought up for consideration. YELLOW PERCH Yellow perch anglers will benefit also. Perch numbers, which have been low since the mid-1990s, have rebounded to healthier levels since the bag limit was reduced in 1995. As such, the division will propose an increase from the current 30-fish daily bag limit to 40 fish. The division will continue to monitor the walleye and perch populations and work with state and provincial partners to insure the continued vitality of the fishery. The proposed changes will be presented to the Ohio Wildlife Council in the fall. The Lake Erie Committee of the Great lakes Fishery Commission reduced the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for walleye and increased the TAC for yellow perch for 2004. The TAC for walleye was reduced by 30 percent that year and set at 2.4 million fish for the coming sport fishing season. The reduction in the walleye quota was done, according to ODNR, to reaffirm the commitment by Ohio, several other states and Ontario, Canada to rebuild the walleye stocks. Poor reproduction in 2000 and 2002 prompted the lowering of TAC. It takes about 10 years to realize the overall affects of a hatch. Anglers will continue to benefit from strong hatches in 1999, 2001 and again in 2003. Ohio's share of the TAC is about 51 percent or 1.2 million fish in 2004. In anticipation of the new quotas, Ohio reduced the daily limit in March and April to 3 fish per person with a minimum size of 15 inches all year round. Yellow perch populations have responded so well to conservation efforts instituted in the 1990s that the TAC was increased by 11 percent over last year to 11 million pounds. The TAC is set in number of fish for walleye, but in number of pounds for perch. The daily limit for yellow perch is still 30 fish per person. The Lake Erie Committee has allocated 4 million pounds of yellow perch in the Western Basin where South Bass Island (Put-in-Bay) is located. Ohio will share in 5.1 million pounds between the Western and Central basins. Fishing around the islands continues to produce amazing results for sports anglers. Ice fishing this past winter was incredible and reeling in perch and walleye seemed almost effortless. For best results we always suggest consulting a Licensed Fishing Guide any time of the year. Click on the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Weekly Lake Erie Fishing Report for the most current information about fishing conditions.
		SPRING From early April to late May perch, crappie, rock bass and smallmouth bass can be taken along the island's shoreline using minnows. Cold water and unstable weather may affect your catch, but the spring always offers periods of excellent fishing. Perch and crappie move in first. In late April, the smallmouth bass tend to linger in the reefs and rocky shoreline of the island. Bass stay near the bottom despite location. White bass also begin hitting in the same areas in May as temperatures begin to warm. Schools of walleye scatter along the reefs surrounding the island and can also be found in deep water to the east and west. In late May and June, you'll find plenty of these trophy fish in the areas north and west of Green Island. Local anglers recommend the area between South Bass and Kelleys islands for walleye. BACK
		SUMMER Catfish are plentiful in late June. Lantern lights dot the darkness along the seawall at Perry's Victory, at Oak Point Park and at South Bass Island State Park during cat fishing season. Walleye move into the reef areas in July and August and some of the best fishing areas are within a mile of Put-in-Bay. Other prime spots are just off Middle and North Bass islands. Hundreds of small watercraft cover Lake Erie during the summer fishing season. Anglers are wise to keep a wary eye on the weather as sudden changes can quickly whip up a storm and heavy chop in the lake's shallow western basin. BACK
		AUTUMN September and October find the walleye remaining in shallow waters while smallmouth bass move to 15 to 20 feet of water. Good size perch can be hooked along the east side of the monument in the fall, from Perry's Memorial to the green buoy between South Bass and Ballast islands. BACK
		WINTER Fishing doesn't stop when the lake freezes over during the winter, it just poses a challenge in bringing up larger size walleye and perch through a 12-inch hole in the ice. While you may find it more convenient to find your own fish during the spring, summer and fall, an experienced ice fishing guide should be hired to help you locate them during the winter. Put-in-Bay is home to several licensed ice fishing guides. There are also charter captains who call the island their home during the spring, summer and fall. Ohio law requires that any fish taken without proper licensing or under legal size must be released immediately with as little handling of the fish as possible.
		BACK

All content copyright © 2004-2005, Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce.
See Terms of Use. Use of graphics, photos, copy and
any other content is prohibited without written permission of the
Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456.
Website Design copyright © 2004 by Island Business Solutions,
a Division of Island Queen, Inc. Put-in-Bay, OH 43456.