Lake Erie Walleye Report

The spawn is over and the walleye have begun to disperse throughout the western basin. Walleye are being caught at Kelly’s Shoal, Gull, West Reef, Green Island, King George and the Wheel. Lake Erie walleye reports have been showing consistent limit catches in these areas. The warm weather in March had many of us worried that this would be a season where the eastward migration began early. Fortunately the weather has stabilized and temperatures are in the normal range. It seems that after the initial flurry of activity in March the fish have settled into their normal patterns.

Lake Erie walleye reports are much the same now as in previous years. This is good news for walleye fisherman. We know where the fish should be and how to fish for them. Pooh Bear Charters has been producing a lot of fish by trolling in the areas mentioned. Coe Vanna Charters have been producing a lot of fish by drifting and casting spinner baits, bottom bouncers and jigs in those same areas. Both large 4 year old walleye and younger walleye are being taken. There were some dire predictions last winter and the early spring about a bad year of walleye fishing. I guess no one told the walleye.

The weather for the last month has been typical for this time of year. We’ve had a hard blow for a few days followed by a period of calmer weather. This makes for ideal walleye fishing. The weather hasn’t been so bad as to stir up the water and make it unfishable. The marinas, bait stores and local retailers are geared up for a great walleye fishing season. The Bass Islands are in full swing with the ferry services on a full time schedule now.

The marine biologists are saying that we will have an algae bloom this year but that it won’t be nearly as bad as last year. I hope they are right because a bad algae bloom could put a damper on all fishing in the western basin. Spring walleye fishing was the best it has been in many years. If we get a break with the weather for the remainder of the season 2012 promises to be an awesome year for walleye fishermen on Lake Erie. A good year of walleye fishing on Lake Erie will be a big boost for the local economies. The fishermen will be happy as will the marinas, bait stores, motels and Mom and Pop retailers.