TAC FOR WALLEYE REDUCED FOR 2004
The lake Erie Committee of the Great lakes Fishery Commission has reduced the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for walleye and increased the TAC for yellow perch for 2004, according to reports from Ohio Department of Natural Resource's Wildlife
Division.
The TAC for walleye was reduced by 30 percent and set at 2.4 million fish for the coming sport fishing season. The reduction in the walleye quota reaffirms 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.
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.
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.
