Walleye
Ohio walleye anglers can expect to catch fish mostly from the 2003 hatch, with continued contributions from 1999 and 2001 hatches. Walleye from the 2003 hatch will be 19 to 22 inches long, while fish from the earlier hatches will range from 21 to 27 inches over the course of the fishing season. Large walleye from strong hatches in the 1980s and mid- 1990s still persist in the population, providing "Fish Ohio" trophy (more than 28 inches) opportunities.
"The walleye fishery in 2006 was the best we have had in many years, with superb fishing across all of Ohio's Lake Erie waters," said Knight. "Weather permitting, we expect to have another year of excellent walleye fishing, dominated by that strong 2003 hatch."
The daily bag limit remains four fish per person during March and April, and six fish from May through February 2008. The 15-inch minimum size limit is in effect during the entire season.
Yellow Perch
Perch anglers should encounter very good numbers of 8 to 11-inch fish from the 2003 hatch this year. A strong 2001 hatch will continue to provide some 10 to13-inch jumbo perch, with Central Basin fish running larger than those in the Western Basin.
"We expect to see better perch fishing than a year ago, with catches dominated by the 2003 hatch," said Knight. The daily bag limit remains at 40 fish per angler during the 2007 season, with no minimum size limit.
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass fishing is expected to be good in 2007, with contributions from hatches in the 1990s, 2001 and 2003. Fish should range in size from 14 to 21 inches and weighing 1.5 to 5 pounds. Bass fishing is best around areas with bottom structure, which is available across much of the entire Ohio near-shore area. ODNR biologists have seen several good hatches in recent years, which should contribute to good smallmouth bass fishing in the future.
A closed season remains in effect from May 1 through June 29, during which all black bass (smallmouth and largemouth) must be immediately released. Beginning June 30, the daily bag limit will remain at five fish, with a 14-inch minimum length limit.
Steelhead
Steelhead anglers should enjoy another year of great fishing in Ohio's Lake Erie tributaries throughout the fall, winter and spring months. Good fishing opportunities will also exist on the open lake, when schools of fish can be located. Peak steelhead action on Lake Erie can be found offshore from June through August between Vermilion and Conneaut, with catches measuring 17 to 29 inches.
Most Lake Erie anglers trolling for steelhead in deep waters use spoons with dipsy divers or downriggers. The daily bag limit remains at five fish per person from May 16 to August 31 and two fish between September 1 and May 15, with a 12-inch minimum size limit throughout the year.
White Bass
White bass will continue to offer seasonal fishing opportunities in both tributaries and the open lake. The catch will include many 10 to 15-inch fish from the 2005 and 2003 hatches. Anglers should focus on major Western Basin tributaries during May and June and near-shore areas of the open lake during summer months. There is no daily bag or size limit on white bass.