ODNR Fishing Report 08/17/2004: OH

Walleye
The best walleye fishing has been in the area near the US/Canada border
where "F" can was, around Kelleys Island shoal, and near the Toledo shipping
channel harbor light. Drifting mayfly rigs and trolling spoons or worm
harnesses produce the most fish. Walleye hatched in 2003 (ranging in size
from 6 to 10 inches) are already being caught. Please handle these
sub-legal fish as gently as possible and quickly return them to the water.

Yellow Perch
Yellow perch fishing has been best from Ballast Island to Gull Island Shoal,
and around "C" can of the Camp Perry firing range. Fish just off the bottom
using perch spreaders tipped with shiners.

Smallmouth Bass
The best smallmouth bass fishing has been around the Bass Islands, Kelleys
Island and Sandusky Bay.

Central Basin

Walleye
The best walleye fishing has been N of Lorain along the east side of the
sandbar, 10 to 12 miles N-NE of Ashtabula in 69 to 72 feet of water, and 8
to 10 miles NW of Conneaut in 70 to 72 feet of water. Trolling spoons or
worm harnesses using divers or downriggers has produced the best catches.

Yellow Perch
Yellow perch fishing has been best 1 to 2 miles N of Vermilion, 3 to 5 miles
NE of Cleveland in 40 to 50 feet of water, 3 miles NE of Fairport Harbor in
45 to 50 feet of water, and 3 miles N of Conneaut in 50 feet of water. A
perch spreader tipped with shiners is the most popular set-up.

Smallmouth Bass
The best smallmouth bass fishing has been around Ruggles Reef and Avon
Point. Tube jigs have been the most productive lures.

Steelhead
Steelhead have been caught by anglers trolling spoons 10 to 12 miles N-NE of
Ashtabula in 69 to 72 feet of water and 12 to 15 miles N of the Chagrin
River in 70 to 76 feet of water. Target areas with schools of baitfish
where walleye are also being caught.

White Bass
White bass have been caught by anglers using shiners at Edgewater and the
Cleveland lakefront in 15 to 30 feet of water, and 4 to 5 miles N of
Cleveland in 48 to 57 feet of water.

Source: ODNR