03-07-2003, 12:31 AM
[cool] A lot has been argued this winter about the state of Lake Erie walleye. But in a few weeks, when the ice is gone, we'll find out. I expect the spring action around the islands will be topnotch as usual. Most of the eyes in the Western and Central basins (two-thirds of the lake) spawn in the Western Basin. It will be crowded around the reefs.
So if you are going to try out Erie, do it in April and May before the walleyes spread out. Once they move into Canadian water many will fall prey to the commercial fishermen.
Yes, Ontario still allows commercial fishing for walleyes. Why is beyond all reasoning. If Ontario banned netting, Lake Erie would soon grow to the best fishing lake in the world and Ontario would benefit more from sportfishing and tourism than commercial fishing.
When ice-out occurs I'll be out there jigging with minnows at first then switch to crankbaits when the fish are in shallow up on the reefs. That gets really good, sometimes a fish on every cast. Later I switch to drifting with a worm harness as the eyes drop off to deeper water.
Just how slow the walleye action will be this season won't really show until around June 1. Think early!
Capt. Tony Denslow
Mega Bites Charters
[signature]
So if you are going to try out Erie, do it in April and May before the walleyes spread out. Once they move into Canadian water many will fall prey to the commercial fishermen.
Yes, Ontario still allows commercial fishing for walleyes. Why is beyond all reasoning. If Ontario banned netting, Lake Erie would soon grow to the best fishing lake in the world and Ontario would benefit more from sportfishing and tourism than commercial fishing.
When ice-out occurs I'll be out there jigging with minnows at first then switch to crankbaits when the fish are in shallow up on the reefs. That gets really good, sometimes a fish on every cast. Later I switch to drifting with a worm harness as the eyes drop off to deeper water.
Just how slow the walleye action will be this season won't really show until around June 1. Think early!
Capt. Tony Denslow
Mega Bites Charters
[signature]