"Overall, the walleye fishing has been very good this year, beginning with some excellent ice fishing last winter and pre-spawn fishing on the reefs and in Maumee Bay. Fishing in the western basin has really heated up since mid-June, especially along the Toledo Shipping Channel," said Roger Knight, supervisor of ODNR’s Lake Erie Fisheries Unit in Sandusky. "Fishing success is affected by many factors and this year, many of the right factors are coming together."

Disappointing walleye fishing for many Lake Erie anglers for the past two summers was attributed to poor weather, an abundance of bait fish in the lake and lack of a large spawning class entering the fishery. This year, walleyes from an excellent spawn in 1999, now measuring 14 to 16 inches, are adding significantly to the fishery. Anglers are filling coolers with a mixed bag of walleyes ranging in length from 14 to 30 inches.

Fishing from private boats, charter boats and "walk-on" charters (larger boats that can accommodate up to 50 people) have all been successful, with many reporting limit catches, often in just two or three hours of fishing. The hot spots are concentrated west of the islands to the Michigan state line.

"Lake Erie gained its national reputation throughout the 1980s due largely to reef fishing in June and July. The lake was ideal walleye habitat, with moderately turbid waters that allowed walleyes to be active throughout the day. Moreover, record numbers of fish were present in the walleye population. Yet, walleye fishing was generally over for most anglers by mid-August." Knight said. "But since the 1980s, water clarity has increased, walleye abundance has declined to a moderate level, and walleye feeding behavior has changed. Walleye schools tend to be distributed in patches and anglers often have to search for these schools to be successful."

To compensate for these changes, walleye anglers have adopted new tackle and fishing methods. Weight-forward spinners that were once the rage of Lake Erie anglers are now just another lure in the walleye angler’s tackle box. Worm harnesses, mayfly rigs, small spoons, and crankbaits are now equally popular baits.

"While casting is preferred by many anglers, our data clearly show that trolling produces more fish per hour expended, probably because trollers cover more water and are more likely to encounter an active school of fish. Walleye anglers should not give up on late summer and fall fishing, as we have observed high catch rates in late-August through October in recent years."

Some of the recent hot spots include the area between the Toledo Shipping Channel and the Michigan state line, West Sister Island area, south of Middle Sister Island in Ohio waters, C and B Cans, the Reef Complex and north of Niagara Reef.

The legal bag limit for walleyes on the Ohio waters of Lake Erie is six from May through February, and four during March and April.

Most anglers are fishing for walleyes, but Lake Erie also provides excellent fishing for yellow perch, smallmouth bass and white bass.

A fishing report is available by calling 1-888-HOOK FISH (1-888-466-5347). Callers in the local Sandusky exchange should call 625-3187.

Despite the current trend in lower-than-average water levels on Lake Erie, all ODNR fishing and boat access facilities are open and fully operational at this time. However, boat anglers are reminded to follow navigational charts.

Populations of double-crested cormorants have exploded in the eastern half of the United States due to improved water quality in the Great Lakes and catfish fanning in the south, which allows for greater winter survival of the birds. But this federally- protected, deep-diving water bird is wearing out its welcome with sportfishing groups across the Great Lakes that fear cormorants are depleting key sport fish stocks.