A Different Fishing Season

Now that the glow is off for a great start to the Lake Erie Islands fishing season, what happens next. We all know this fantastic fishing event won’t last but does it portent a different fishing season.

I think it could very well be the lead in to a season that would be far different than most. We know the spawn and migration started early. In my mind that means everything about the season will be early..

We know that once the spawn is over, the walleye hang in the deep water around the islands and move to shallower water to feed. Quite often they can be found in the deeper water next to structure or reefs. They can be caught in the deeper water by trolling but their feeding patterns are pretty dependable. When they move onto the reefs they can be taken by jigging or trolling in the shallower waters.

As the season moves on the fish begin a slow migration from west to east. Will that migration begin early. I believe it will.The reason for the migration (according to the ODNR) is water temperatures and available food. Water temperatures are already above the norm and I believe the lake turnover either has or is occurring. If it has the lake will be warming at a more rapid pace that it usually does. If that happens it will be a shortened season for the island area and those who couldn’t take advantage of the early fishing bonanza.

We know the lake warming started early so that takes care of one leg of the reason. The second leg is food supply. Apparently the bait fish move also but I believe the algae bloom is an issue that will affect both the food supply and the water temperature. The algae was like pea soup in some areas last year and the forecast is for the same or worse for this year. Did anyone else notice that the water seemed warmer in the bloom. I will make a point of taking some temperature readings this summer.

With the cost of marina fuel over $4.00 per gallon it will be too costly for most fishermen to chase the fish east. Even if they are trailering it will be expensive. I know the charter captains are considering a fuel surcharge if the gas prices stay where they are or go up.For those that like to chase the fish east at the end of the season it will most likely mean they will have to forego it or team up with other fishermen and share the costs.

This season appears to be a different one but one good thing might come out of it. It may force us into closer communication and cooperation which would be a very good thing