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Lake Erie Fishery News 2008 Dear Fellow Anglers, Walleye: As you probably know, 2007 was a banner year--the fourth year in a row--for walleyes on Lake Erie. Fish from the enormous 2003 hatch ranging in size from 19 to 22 inches were most common. Larger fish from previous hatches dating back to 1996 were also caught, some in the 32 inch range. As we began our charter season in early April, Purple hair jigs tipped with minnows seemed to be the best and most productive method for tempting walleyes strikes most days. Around early May as in previous years, anglers were able to catch limit numbers of walleyes on many days by casting night crawler harnesses. Blade colors varied; however, gold #4 Colorado was a favorite as always. Trolling tactics also produced limit numbers of fish consistently. Spoons colors of gold and orange with copper backs were among the favorites. The walleye flurry on Lake Erie continued through September. Mid summer walleyes were frequently found close to shore in the Western Basin many days. Often anglers achieved their limits in as little as two hours. Fall anglers found fish in the Central Basin of Lake Erie. Deeper water trolling tactics produced the best numbers of fish. An occasional bonus steelhead was also caught while trolling for walleyes last fall. Those interested in steelhead charters should contact us by phone to discuss dates and best time to fish. Recent creel surveys reveal slightly over 36 million walleyes in the Western and Central Basins of Lake Erie. Yellow Perch: As is usually with Lake Erie perch fishing, the 2007 harvest was very good. Spring anglers found perch to be consistently deeper than in past years. Fish were found in depths around 40 feet. However, as the water temperatures began to rise, the perch returned to normal areas. 8 to 11 inch fish were most common; many fish exceeding 14 inches were boated. Fall fishing for yellow perch on Lake Erie-- I must say I can't recall a better year ever! each charter achieved a limit catch. Many anglers weighed in coolers of yellow perch in the high 70s to 80 pounds. Be sure and take advantage of this fishery in 2008! Recent creel surveys reveal over 120 million Yellow Perch in the Western and Central Basins of Lake Erie. Smallmouth Bass: In 2007 Smallmouth Bass charters found the numbers of fish (boated or confirmed) up greatly over past years. Many anglers handled over 50 fish in a single day. Most were in the 3 to 5 pound class and ranged from 16 to 20 inches long. Larger fish were occasionally caught. Another noticeable change is the number of anglers releasing bass. Many charter boat operators including myself are witnessing more and more bass fishermen practicing catch and release tactics to help protect the bass population. Smallmouth Bass populations are doing very well in both U.S. and Canadian waters. More good news: while entertaining customers on smallmouth bass charters in U.S. waters, fish were found on shallow water rocky areas from which they had seemingly vanished in years past. Lake Erie holds the very best smallmouth bass fishing in the U.S. Although vast as it may be, don't look towards the horizon. Some of the very best fishing for smallmouth bass on Lake Erie may be much closer than you think. For tips on inland smallmouth bass fishing you may contact me Captain Charles Crum (Chuck) at (614) 419-8265 or Pro Staff member Bob Speakman at (740) 701-3615. We'll be happy to hear from you. Recent creel surveys reveal hatches of Smallmouth Bass on a definite rise over the past 5 years. Also; Largemouth Bass are currently being found on and around the many reef and rock structures throughout Western Lake Erie. Based on my observation and reports of O.D.N.R. research biologists, the upcoming 2008 fishing season looks to be a repeat of the great fishing we all enjoyed last year. Lake Erie is healthy and teeming with fish. If your thinking about fishing Lake Erie this year please give us consideration. Crappie: Lake Erie crappie fishing! Doesn't sound right, but it's true. The Sandusky Bay area of Lake Erie, thought of as the "Walleye, Yellow Perch or Smallmouth Bass Capital of the World" offers some of the very best spring crappie fishing found in the U.S. waters today. Anglers that fish the Sandusky Bay area of Lake Erie catch large numbers of slab crappie each year. Although Char-Tom Charters does not offer guided fishing trips for crappie on Lake Erie or Sandusky Bay. You can contact my friend Jeff Tyson for tips on the "big ones." Jeff is the fisheries biologist supervisor for the Sandusky Fish Research Unit. Jeff can be reached at (419) 625-8062 or e-mail at Jeff.Tyson@dnr.state.oh.us Jeff is a avid Lake Erie fisherman and will be happy to provide with all the information about where to fish for crappie on Sandusky Bay. Sincerely, Captain Charles A. Crum
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