Lake Erie Fishery Newsletter 2016

Walleye

Walleye fishing charters in the Western Basin of Lake Erie where we are located. We begin each year in late March / early April and continue through mid-August. On Lake Erie in Ohio and Canadian waters there is a 15-inch minimum size limit for Walleye. The daily bag limit is 4 walleyes per person per day from March 1, through April 30, 2016 and 6 walleyes per person per day beginning May 1, 2016 through February 28, 2017.

Those seeking trophy class walleye should consider booking there fishing charters beginning April 1, through May. Often the best methods are trolling tactics in the deeper waters off the edge of the many reefs that are located in the western basin of Lake Erie, this often produces larger walleyes; 9 to 12 lb. fish are not uncommon during this time of the year.
Those seeking numbers of quality eating-size walleye (17 to 23 inches and often larger should plan there fishing charter day(s) from mid-May through mid-August, fishing tactics are trolling or drift casting.  Best all around time to fish for walleyes is mid-May through July.

Perch

Yellow Perch fishing charters, we begin each year in early April and continue through October. Yellow Perch are most active during the daylight hours.  There is no minimum size limit on Lake Erie for Yellow Perch both in Ohio or Canadian waters. The daily bag limit is 30 fish per person per day year around.

Although Yellow Perch may be caught throughout the season the best time to fish are the months of April / May and August through October these periods produce predicatively larger fish year-after-year. Yellow Perch are prized by anglers of all ages; from the novice to the seasoned angler, young or old everyone can enjoy this charter, its agreed by all that fishing for Yellow Perch on Lake Erie is a very enjoyable & memorable charter experience for all. No experience necessary!

Bass

The best time to fish for Smallmouth Bass in the Western Basin of Lake Erie including the Canadian waters around Pelee Island is mid-August through October, 3 to 5 lb. fish is very common.

Spring fishing opportunities (April / May) are available and can be very productive but are not encouraged due to the disturbance of nesting fish.

Each year around the middle of May when water temperatures reach the low 50’s the smallmouth bass begin to spawn. This varies a bit from year-to-year depending on water temperatures which will depend greatly on the winter that Western Lake Erie has had prior, (ice off the lake ect).  At this time the bass fishing opportunities for Lake Erie anglers begins to heat up around the islands and the many reef and rocky shoreline areas in the western basin of Lake Erie. This is a catch and release only time of year, May 1, 2016 through June 27, 2016 for smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and spotted bass.  Note: Canada does not permit fishing for smallmouth bass or (black bass) during the spring months.

The Ohio and Canadian season for smallmouth bass permitting anglers to keep the fish they’ve caught including largemouth bass and spotted bass, opens June 28, 2016. There is a 14-inch minimum size limit, and the daily bag limit for both species is 5 fish per person per day. Canadian regulations are the same. Best fishing methods are casting live bait (soft craws).

Steelhead

For those thinking about a Steelhead trip in 2016, I would suggest a Steelhead / Walleye combination package during July through mid- August period. Steelhead is commonly found in the deeper, cooler water of the central and eastern basins of Lake Erie. (Getting there requires some travel, but the distance is not prohibitive.) Walleye normally also inhabit this same area. Thus, a combination charter targeting both species usually makes for a more productive outing.

Steelhead size ranging 20 to 31 inches is common. Daily bag limit May 16, 2016 through August 31 is 5 fish singly or in combination with a minimum size limit of 12 inches.  September 1, 2016 through May 15, 2017 the daily bag limit is 2 fish singly or in combination.  Minimum size limit is 12 inches. Best time to fish is latter July through August.

Hopefully, this summary will assist you in selecting date(s) for your Lake Erie fishing charter(s) so that your fishing day(s) will be a very enjoyable, exciting and memorable outing for all.

Lake Erie Fishery Newsletter

The Lake Erie fishery biologist reports, There’s some good news when it comes to the fishing industry on Lake Erie.
This year’s walleye hatch is one of the largest in recent history, according to fisheries biologists with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. In fact, the 2016 hatch index is the highest since 2003. The hatch should start to show up as catchable fish in the next three years.

“With these hatch index results, we are expecting the walleye fishing in Lake Erie in the next three to five years to be exceptional,” said ODNR Director James Zehringer. “This is outstanding news for Ohio anglers and out-of-state anglers who enjoy fishing on Lake Erie, the Walleye Capital of the World”.

The 2016 yellow perch hatch also appears to have been successful in both Ohio and Ontario waters in the western basin. It’s the fifth-best yellow perch hatch in the area since the inter-agency survey began in 1987. “Three good yellow perch hatches in a row should help the perch population in the western basin rebuild and lead to quality yellow perch fishing over the next couple of years,” said Jeff Tyson, head of Lake Erie Fisheries Program for the ODNR Division-of-Wildlife.

Each year in August, wildlife agencies from around the western basin of Lake Erie sample the waters using bottom trawls in search of young of the year walleye and yellow perch. Data from the bottom trawls are combined into a basin-wide index and compared to previous years to estimate the success of the walleye and yellow perch hatches. The process provides biologists with an estimate on how many young fish will enter the fishable population two years later.

Report from our Wheelhouse, Walleyes, this past season was very good for once again starting ice out on, many big fish we captured, the largest fish caught were slightly over 32” Anglers also caught a real good number of fish in the 30 + inch category. In latter July the normal size of fish that our boats harvested was 16 to 22 inches, and that’s pretty normal for the fishery in the western Lake Erie.

Casting charter improved this past season as well, our walleye casting groups saw good numbers to limits on many charters indicating that walleye school sizes have grown. Another positive for the Lake Erie fishery. The early August period fishery wasn’t as good for walleyes this year as last fish seemed to migrate east a bit sooner this year, I attribute this to weather, water temperatures, water clarity, and food supply.

Alga Bloom, The alga bloom didn’t last as long as once predicted this year, it was very prevalent around the islands to and beyond the Michigan / Canadian boundaries west and in the Canadian waters both east and west of Pelee Island in Mid-July through August the period, but with this seasons winds and changing temperatures it lasted only a few weeks and slowly disappeared.

Perch, was real for our boats in early August then seemed to be a bit spotty during the mid-month period but it all came back together latter August throughout September through mid-October. No real big fish were caught, of course a few 13” + were caught and that’s very normal but the average size of fish harvested was 8 to 10 inches. And as usual many smaller throw back 5 / 6 inch fish were caught along the way. This was a noticeable improvement over the 2014 poor season; I’d predict 2016 going back to the normal perch fishery we’ve all enjoyed in years past.

Smallmouth bass Canadian charters were super from the start; anglers that fished latter August through early October creeled limit plus of quality fish on every charter. However by the mid-October period I can recall 3 days that were so-so and I attribute those days to bait, bad weather, or both.

The smallmouth bass fishery in US waters was very productive many days as well, starting in early July on. We’ve developed some areas that have been highly successful over the last 3 years in US waters and they’ve been improving each year it seems.

Fisheries Projection for 2016 thru 2018, For walleyes in 2016 I expect to see pretty much a repeat of the 2015 fishery or creel harvest with one exception, there will be many fish caught in the 12 to 14 inch category, I say this based on two findings, 1 is the huge number of 7 /8 inch walleyes we’d caught perch fishing this past fall and the recent report from area biologist that indicate creel surveys reveal near record hatch numbers of walleyes and yellow perch in 2015, these fish will be 15 to 17 inches in 2017, so expect banner years to come, 2017 through 2018 and quite possibility through 2019 as well.

Yellow perch, I’d expect the perch fishery in 2016 to pretty normal in comparison to our higher yield years past, the fish are out there I predict another good year ahead once again and much better yet in 2017 & 2018.

Smallmouth bass, I have no concerns with this fishery in US. or Canadian waters, most of the charters we’ve ran over the last 3 years has yielded reasonable numbers of small fish throughout the day, that alone tells us that the reproduction of the bass is normal to the area and numbers of fish are average to slightly above. So in 2016 anglers should expect to experience the same great fishing they’ve became accustom to the last 3 years.

Steelhead Trout: The Steelhead Trout fishery is very good and continues to get better each year. Steelhead prefer the deeper, cooler water east of Kelly’s Island stretching toward Lorain. June through August is a good time to begin the search. Canadian waters around Pelee Point and eastward can also be very productive from late July through August. Steelhead Trout range in size with fish exceeding 30 inches a common occurrence. Trolling is a must when targeting Steelhead on Lake Erie. Leaping high out of the water and tail walking on top of the water from hook-set to net, a Steelhead Trout is a fun fish to catch and a very worthy adversary for any angler. For those who prefer to employ different tactics such as casting or flipping flies, take a good look at the Rocky River area near Cleveland. Good lure colors are white, hot pink and chartreuse. For information on how the bite is going at the Rocky River and other tributaries, consult the Division of Wildlife’s web site at www.wildohio.com or check the Cleveland Metro Parks web site at www.clemetparks.com.

Our base of operations at Catawba Island (Marblehead, Ohio) made adding Steelhead charters a logical choice, so Char-Tom Charters began offering Steelhead trips to our customers two years ago. I encourage customers who are thinking about a Steelhead charter to consider choosing a Walleye/Steelhead combination package. Walleye are often caught when targeting Steelhead and considered a bonus fish. As of this writing the daily limit per angler for Lake Erie Trout and Salmon (singly or in combination) is 5 fish from May 16 – August 31 and 2 fish from September 1 – May 15. A minimum size limit of 12 inches also applies.

Pan Fish (Crappie/Bluegill): Char-Tom Charters does not offer pan fishing trips. But anglers with the mobility of smaller boats should not overlook the great Crappie fishery that Lake Erie has to offer. With a little effort looking for the right spots, Sandusky Bay can prove to be an excellent area for big spring Crappies. Other areas to consider are marinas. Most marinas do not permit fishing from their docks. However, by boat many marinas can be fished without difficulties. Additional areas to consider for some really good fishing opportunities in the spring and fall months include West Harbor and East Harbor as well as shorelines offering a lot of underwater structure.

Invasive Species: Zebra Mussel, Alewife, White Perch and Round Goby are perhaps the most well known of several invasive species that were all introduced into the Great Lakes through the discharge of ballast water from ships. As a whole the threats from these invasive species of marine life are not at intolerable levels at this time. However, local marine biologists are keeping all under close observation annually. And measures are currently underway to establish national regulations for the treatment of ballast water in ships operating on the Great Lakes. Zebra Mussels (whose numbers have declined over the last few years) contributed greatly to the cleaner water in Lake Erie but are now thought to be a factor in record-setting algae blooms. The biggest threat to Lake Erie from Alewife and White Perch is that they compete for the same food as young Walleye and Yellow Perch. The Round Goby is a serious threat to the reproduction of all fish because they consume innumerable unhatched eggs at spawning time. Conversely, Gobies have proven to be a good food source for Lake Erie’s Walleye, Yellow Perch and especially Smallmouth Bass. Another invasive species, the Asian Carp, has not yet been found in Lake Erie. Continuing large scale efforts are being made to control these fish in rivers where they are known to exist and to stop any migration into Lake Erie.

Captain Charlie & Wendy Crum & Staff

Char-Tom Charters

Lake Erie Charter Service

Char-Tom Charters

Lake Erie Fishery News 2014

Walleye: Although the overall number of Walleye in Lake Erie remains lower than fishery biologists would like to see, there is still a healthy number of fish throughout Lake Erie’s three basins. The western basin provides spring spawning grounds and hatching areas for most of Lake Erie’s Walleye. The central basin offers deeper and cooler water where Walleye are found during mid-summer. The eastern basin contains the deepest water and is home to mature Walleye during late summer and also the final destination for fish making their annual migration. This year as we begin our charter fishing season in late March, anglers aboard the Tommy C boats should expect to see good creel numbers of Walleye from the 2007 hatch. Fish ranging in size from 19 to 22 inches will be most common with occasional larger fish from previous hatch years dating back to the late 1990s. Many of these larger fish will be from the enormous 2003 hatch and will range in size from 27 to 31 inches.

How will we catch them this year? In late March/early April we will begin fishing on the many reefs and hard bottom shallow water structured areas of the western basin casting hair jigs tipped with minnows. We will fish these areas until late April/early May. Then the Walleye action will move to the areas around the Bass Islands with the fish still responding to jig fishing tactics and now also to casting night crawler harnesses as the water slowly warms. By mid-May the ever warming water will permit trolling which has gained in popularity with Walleye charter groups as it can be a very productive method for harvesting good–often limit–numbers of fish. We will use this method (as well as casting for anglers who prefer that method) through mid-August.

Overall I expect to see another good year for Walleye anglers on Lake Erie. The prime times for harvesting Walleye in the western and central basins of Lake Erie including Canadian waters are late March just after the ice has melted through late April (jig fishing) and late May through July (casting and trolling). Trolling will likely remain the best method for limit catches on a day-to-day basis. Lake Erie Walleye daily limits will be set on May 1 each year. Prior to that time, regulations from the previous season will apply. As of this writing the daily limit per angler for Lake Erie Walleye is 4 fish from March 1 – April 30 and 6 fish from May 1 – last day in February. A minimum size limit of 15 inches also applies.

Yellow Perch: The forecast for Yellow Perch in all three basins of Lake Erie is very good again this year. The western and central basins of Lake Erie and Canadian waters will offer the best fishing opportunities for Yellow Perch anglers. At Char-Tom Charters we will begin fishing for Yellow Perch in April and continue offering charters for these tasty fish until the close of our season. The prime times for Yellow Perch are early May and late August through September. Some of the best Yellow Perch fishing of the season on Lake Erie takes place during the first two weeks of May. Although fish range in all sizes, 9 to 13 inch fish are very common and in abundance many days. The late August through September period is another excellent time for large fish and large numbers in the cooler. As owner of Char-Tom Charters, I must say Yellow Perch is my favorite on the dinner plate when I’m choosing a Lake Erie platter! Lake Erie Yellow Perch daily limits will be set on May 1 each year. Prior to that time, regulations from the previous season will apply. As of this writing the daily limit per angler for Lake Erie Yellow Perch is 30 fish. There is no minimum size limit.

Smallmouth Bass: The outlook for Smallmouth Bass at Lake Erie for 2014 is good. Although Smallmouth population numbers are still below desired levels, creel surveys indicate a lake-wide increase in the number of Smallmouth Bass. Assessment surveys also show the Smallmouth Bass population is increasing. Last season was a very productive year for our customers aboard the Tommy C boats. Several Smallmouth weighing nearly 5 pounds were boated, and some over 6 pounds were taken as well. I can’t recall a single day when those few anglers who kept fish failed to take a limit. We enjoyed several great days when more than 60 Smallmouth were brought aboard before being released. Overall my best observation was Smallmouth Bass are reproducing well as evidenced by the amount of 6 to 8 inch fish caught and released.

The worst enemy for Smallmouth Bass in Lake Erie is the Round Goby that was introduced several years ago into all of the Great Lakes through the discharge of ballast water from ships. Other enemies quite possibly are Bass anglers themselves even though many now practice catch and release. As fish that make nests at spawning time, Smallmouth Bass deposit their eggs and remain on the nests until fry are hatched. Round Gobies surround these nests picking at the eggs at every opportunity. When spring anglers catch nesting Smallmouth, the waiting Gobies rush in to eat the now unguarded eggs. Even if Bass are released quickly, by the time fish return to their nests the eggs have often been consumed.

Overall I do predict another really good year for Smallmouth Bass anglers. The prime time is late August through September, and the Canadian waters surrounding Pelee Island are absolutely the best areas western Lake Erie has to offer. As of this writing the daily limit per angler for Lake Erie Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted singly or in combination) is 5 fish from the last Saturday in June – April 30. A minimum size limit of 14 inches also applies. Bass are illegal to possess from May 1 – last Friday in June.

Steelhead Trout: The Steelhead Trout fishery is very good and continues to get better each year. Steelhead prefer the deeper, cooler water east of Kelly’s Island stretching toward Lorain. June through August is a good time to begin the search. Canadian waters around Pelee Point and eastward can also be very productive from late July through August. Steelhead Trout range in size with fish exceeding 30 inches a common occurrence. Trolling is a must when targeting Steelhead on Lake Erie. Leaping high out of the water and tail walking on top of the water from hook-set to net, a Steelhead Trout is a fun fish to catch and a very worthy adversary for any angler. For those who prefer to employ different tactics such as casting or flipping flies, take a good look at the Rocky River area near Cleveland. Good lure colors are white, hot pink and chartreuse. For information on how the bite is going at the Rocky River and other tributaries, consult the Division of Wildlife’s web site at www.wildohio.com or check the Cleveland Metro Parks web site at www.clemetparks.com.

Our base of operations at Catawba Island (Marblehead, Ohio) made adding Steelhead charters a logical choice, so Char-Tom Charters began offering Steelhead trips to our customers two years ago. I encourage customers who are thinking about a Steelhead charter to consider choosing a Walleye/Steelhead combination package. Walleye are often caught when targeting Steelhead and considered a bonus fish. As of this writing the daily limit per angler for Lake Erie Trout and Salmon (singly or in combination) is 5 fish from May 16 – August 31 and 2 fish from September 1 – May 15. A minimum size limit of 12 inches also applies.

Pan Fish (Crappie/Bluegill): Char-Tom Charters does not offer pan fishing trips. But anglers with the mobility of smaller boats should not overlook the great Crappie fishery that Lake Erie has to offer. With a little effort looking for the right spots, Sandusky Bay can prove to be an excellent area for big spring Crappies. Other areas to consider are marinas. Most marinas do not permit fishing from their docks. However, by boat many marinas can be fished without difficulties. Additional areas to consider for some really good fishing opportunities in the spring and fall months include West Harbor and East Harbor as well as shorelines offering a lot of underwater structure.

Invasive Species: Zebra Mussel, Alewife, White Perch and Round Goby are perhaps the most well known of several invasive species that were all introduced into the Great Lakes through the discharge of ballast water from ships. As a whole the threats from these invasive species of marine life are not at intolerable levels at this time. However, local marine biologists are keeping all under close observation annually. And measures are currently underway to establish national regulations for the treatment of ballast water in ships operating on the Great Lakes. Zebra Mussels (whose numbers have declined over the last few years) contributed greatly to the cleaner water in Lake Erie but are now thought to be a factor in record-setting algae blooms. The biggest threat to Lake Erie from Alewife and White Perch is that they compete for the same food as young Walleye and Yellow Perch. The Round Goby is a serious threat to the reproduction of all fish because they consume innumerable unhatched eggs at spawning time. Conversely, Gobies have proven to be a good food source for Lake Erie’s Walleye, Yellow Perch and especially Smallmouth Bass. Another invasive species, the Asian Carp, has not yet been found in Lake Erie. Continuing large scale efforts are being made to control these fish in rivers where they are known to exist and to stop any migration into Lake Erie.

Algae: Algae is a growing problem on Lake Erie. Last summer the algae bloom may have been the worst in recorded history. The algae bloom has increased each year over the last few years. Researchers seem to have a grip on the sources causing the algae bloom and know why it has grown larger over the years. The question is how and where to begin resolving the problems contributing to record blooms.

Some known contributing reasons for larger blooms are the run-off of phosphorus found in fertilizers that makes its way from agricultural areas to tributaries that feed into Lake Erie and the run-off from sewer treatment plants. A report released by the National Wildlife Federation last October blamed invasive mussels as another cause of excessive algae blooms in Lake Erie.

Currently state and national leaders are being urged to move ahead politically to enforce regulations to eliminate combined sanitary and storm sewer systems, regulate the discharge of industrial treatment water, establish practices to minimize nutrient run-off from fertilizer, eliminate discharge of untreated wastewater and establish national regulations for ballast water treatment for all ships operating on the Great Lakes. These regulations and others pertaining to the Great Lakes and their fisheries are now before Ohio’s legislature and the governor.