ODNR Fishing Report 10/05/2004: OH

Article Posted: October 05, 2004

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** The 15" walleye minimum size limit remains in effect for the entire
season. Anglers are reminded that the daily bag limit for trout and salmon
on Lake Erie and its tributaries is 2, beginning September 1 through May 15,
2005. The minimum size limit is 12 inches.**

Surface temperatures range from 60 to 66 degrees.

Western Basin

Recent winds have greatly reduced water clarity in the western basin of Lake
Erie. Angling effort was very low over the past week.

Walleye
Most walleye fishing effort has shifted to the sandbar area between Huron
and Avon. As water temperatures drop shallow nearshore areas and reefs
around the Bass Islands and Kelleys Island will produce walleye. Troll
crankbaits or spoons during low light periods for best results.

Yellow Perch
The best fishing has been from W of Rattlesnake Island N to the US/Canada
border, near the Marblehead lighthouse, E of Kelleys Island, and near "C"
can of the US/Canada border NE of Kelleys Island. Fish just off the bottom
using perch spreaders tipped with shiners.

Smallmouth Bass
The best smallmouth bass fishing has been on the reefs of the Camp Perry
firing range, around the Bass Islands, Kelleys Island and Sandusky Bay. Use
tube jigs, drop shot rigs with goby imitations, soft craws or shiners for
best results.

Central Basin

Walleye
The best walleye fishing has been N of the sandbar, W of the N end of the
sandbar, around Ruggles reef between Huron and Vermilion, and 6 to 7 miles N
of Ashtabula in 68 feet of water. Trolling spoons or worm harnesses using
divers or downriggers and also trolling crankbaits have produced the best
catches.

Yellow Perch
Yellow perch fishing has been best 2 miles NE of Lorain, E of the middle of
the sandbar, 1 to 2 miles N of Vermilion, 3 miles NW of Fairport Harbor in
50 to 55 feet of water, 4 to 5 miles N of Cleveland and Eastlake in 42 to 56
feet of water, and 4 to 5 miles N of Ashtabula in 60 to 65 feet of water. A
perch spreader tipped with shiners is the most popular set-up.

Smallmouth Bass
The best smallmouth bass fishing has been around Ruggles reef and Avon. Use
tube jigs, drop shot rigs with goby imitations, soft craws or shiners for
best results.

Steelhead
Steelhead are present in most of the Lake Erie tributaries. Low water
levels in the rivers could make fishing conditions tough. Concentrate on
areas with the deepest water and fish during low light periods. Spawn bags
or jigs tipped with maggots will produce the best results.



Source: ODNR






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