Your browser (Internet Explorer 7 or lower) is out of date. It has known security flaws and may not display all features of this and other websites. Learn how to update your browser.

X

Ohio.gov / search

The Fish Ohio Report

 

Last Updated: June 14, 2017

 

  • The daily bag limit for walleye in Ohio waters of Lake Erie is 6 fish per angler. The minimum size limit for walleye is 15 inches.
  • The daily bag limit for yellow perch is 30 fish per angler in all Ohio waters of Lake Erie.
  • The trout and salmon daily bag limit is 5 fish per angler. The minimum size limit is 12 inches.
  • Black bass (largemouth and smallmouth bass): May 1 through June 23 is closed to possession (no harvest) with legal catch-and-release.  On June 24 the daily bag limit returns to 5 fish per angler with a minimum size limit of 14 inches.

  • Lake Erie

    Western Basin

    Walleye 
    Where: Fishing has been good northwest of West Sister Island, near Cone Reef and Crib Reef in the Camp Perry firing range, east of Lucy’s Point of Middle Bass Island, between Kelleys Island and South Bass Island, and around Kelleys Island Shoal.
    How: Walleye have been caught by casting mayfly rigs tipped with worms, or by trolling with crankbaits, worm harnesses, or divers and spoons.

    Yellow Perch  
    Where:  Yellow perch fishing has been good within a mile of shore near Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area and west of Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area.
    How: Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

    Smallmouth Bass  
    Where:  Fishing has been good nearshore around the Bass Islands.
    How: Anglers are casting tube jigs or using drop shot rigs.

    Central Basin

    Walleye 
    Where: Fishing has been good nearshore from Vermilion to Lorain. Excellent fishing was reported in 20 to 25 feet of water northwest of Cleveland Edgewater Park (Gold Coast), in 40 to 44 feet of water north-northeast of Wildwood Park, in 40 to 55 feet of water northwest of Geneva and in 30 to 45 feet of water northwest of Conneaut.
    How: Walleye have been caught by trolling planer boards with crankbaits, spoons and worm harnesses. The best colors have been purple, yellow, chartreuse, pink and green and orange.

    Yellow Perch  
    Where: Yellow perch fishing has been slow recently. The best areas have been in 28 to 30 feet of water northwest of Wildwood Park and in 31 feet of water northwest of Fairport.
    How: Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

    Smallmouth Bass  
    Where: Fishing has been excellent in 10 to 30 feet of water around the harbor areas in Cleveland off Gordon Park, Fairport Harbor, and Ashtabula.
    How: Anglers are using drop shot rigs, tube jigs, and crankbaits.

    More information is available on our Lake Erie steelhead page:
  • Lake Erie Steelhead Fishing Report


  • The Lake Erie water temperature is 70 off Toledo and 65 off Cleveland according to the nearshore marine forecast.


    Sandusky River and Maumee River

     

    For the most recent river walleye reports please visit: 
  • Sandusky River and Maumee River walleye fishing update
  •  

    Anglers are encouraged to always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while on the water.

 

Additional Information