These young fish should come off the winter season with large appetites and be feeding heavily from mid- to late May through June. The current state record walleye was caught off Cleveland in November 1999 and weighed 16.19 pounds. Lake Erie fishing success is tied to clean water in between periods of high winds, which are common across the lake this time of year. Anglers are currently trolling crankbaits, vertically jigging with jigs tipped with minnows, and working worm harnesses tipped with night crawlers. Most recent catches have been reported on Maumee Bay, from Maumee Bay to the Davis Besse Power Plant, the reef complex off Port Clinton, and between Kelleys Island and Middle Island.
Electronic devices are especially helpful in locating fish.
Fishing should continue to improve as temperatures increase. The upcoming weekend forecast calls for temperatures in the 70s with sunny skies and moderate winds. Anglers should note changes in the walleye bag limit effective this year as part of management efforts to increase the walleye population. The daily bag limit for walleye on Lake Erie and its tributaries is four from March 1 through April 30 and six the reminder of the year. Despite the low water level trend on Lake Erie, All state fishing access facilities across the lakeshore are open and fully operational.