Walleye Question

[SteelEyes]

Big Dave,
I fish out of Conneaut. The weather/conditions in the western basin play a role since the effect the spawn, and hence when the spawn completes and the walleye start moving east. For walleye we generally start trolling in June, depending upon reports. We may start further west out of Geneva and Ashtabula. Some people in the area start as early as May. I'm sure there are wallye present in the spring, as not all spawn in the western basin, but I don't think the numbers are high enough to warrant trolling. We tend to just fish inland lakes in the spring.
Another idea if you want to get some spring fishing, depending upon strain, steelhead should be coming out of the rivers. Not sure what kind of runs you get on your side of the lake, but may be an option.

[gregnwtf]

Thats true that not all walleye spawn in the western basin. I have seen them caught along shorelines like Vermillion, Lorain and even Cleveland. The shoreline is rocky and has gravel and rock mix. That is only part of the makeup of a good spawn area. Alot of other factors make for good spawn. Sandusky, Maumee and Detroit rivers get alot of action for spawning. The western end holds many large shallow reefs that is prime spawning grounds. The islands have reefs and rocky areas the walleye go in to do their thing. Water temp is also warmer in the west and is also fed by the spring runoff of warm rain waters. Water warms first in the shallows and the walleye are drawn to that. The walleye spawn in the rivers first the about 2 weeks later the lake. The very peak walleye spawn water temp is 47 degrees. Yes the walleye do start moving east depending on how fast the water heats up and where they find ample food, but the west ends always holds a great supply of fish. The Maumee river holds walleye ALL YEAR, if you know when to go and where. The large rivers are moving and hold alot of food. Walleye tend to spawn in the same area year after year. Ohio DNR has been doing studies on this to see effects on the Sandusky river and the bay. So if you catch some walleye on Round Reef on say April 16th and the water temp is 46, and wind direction stay is light west. Try that same time frame next year based on similar conditions. Spring walleye relate to depth, Example. Start a drift in 12 ft. no fish, hit 13 ft, then you get a few fish, hit 14 ft and nothing. So hold 13 ft or anchor on 13 ft spot you caught some. Jig and a minnow.
Ok, there is a short spring lesson. Good Luck

[Big Dave Long Point On]

Thanks guys. I am looking forward to exploring more of the Pennsylvania ridge this year and maybe zero in on the eyes there.

BD

[docwet]

We usually have a night bite of walleye here due to all the steelhead and brown trout smolts (6-11") being stocked. Slow(0-0.5 kt.) trolling w/ stick baits is the preferred method. Keep everything on the surface as that is where the action is.

Cheers, Docwet