2011 Lake Erie Sport Fishing Outlook - ODNR

2011 Lake Erie Sport Fishing Outlook

Lake Erie anglers should experience another year of diverse fishing opportunities during 2011, according to biologists with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife. Lake Erie walleye and yellow perch fisheries are managed through an interagency quota system that involves Ontario, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio jurisdictions. Each jurisdiction regulates their catches to comply with their quotas and minimize the risk of over-fishing. Quotas for the upcoming season are determined through consensus agreement by these jurisdictions through the Lake Erie Committee of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, which will announce quotas for each jurisdiction in March, 2011.

Walleye

Ohio walleye anglers will catch fish mostly from the 2007 and 2003 hatches, with some contributions from the 2001, 2005, and 1999 hatches. Walleye from the moderate 2007 hatch will range from 16-22 inches in length, and will complement the larger 20- to 28iinch fish from the strong 2003 hatch. Fish from the fair 2005 hatch should be in the 19- to 25-inch range. Large walleye from strong hatches in the mid-1990s still persist in the population, providing “Fish Ohio” opportunities. Size distribution of the population should be relatively large, with fish harvested in the mid-summer in 2010 averaging 5-pounds. This trend should continue into 2011. Fish from the moderate hatch in 2010 will be present, but will not contribute to the fishery as the majority will be less than the 15” minimum size limit.

Yellow Perch

Perch anglers should encounter fish ranging from 7- to 13-inches from the 2007, 2008, 2005, and 2003 hatches in this year’s fishery. Lakewide, perch populations should be similar to those seen in 2010. Small fish from the 2009 hatch may show up in the fishery. Overall, we should have decent perch fishing in 2011. Fish from the weak 2010 hatch will not contribute to the fishery in 2011.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass fishing in 2011 is expected to be fair. Although bass abundance remains below desired levels, those caught should be of excellent size (15- to 22-inches). Recent hatches of bass have been average or better, and these fish are expected to recruit to the fishery in future years.

White Bass

White bass will continue to provide excellent seasonal fishing opportunities in the tributaries and the open lake. The catch will be dominated by hatches from 2003 and 2005, which will include many 13- to 16-inch fish. The 2006 and 2007 hatches were moderate and should contribution 10- to 14-inch fish to the fishery.

Other Species

There are also numerous other angling opportunities in the bays and harbors along the Ohio shoreline. These inlets offer excellent fishing for panfish, including crappie and bluegill, as well as largemouth bass. In early spring, anglers may also catch an occasional northern pike or muskellunge in vegetated areas or in the open lake.

(borrowed from OGF)



Ironhed

Thanks Ironhed!