"Weeds" floating in Lake

Fisherman have been complaining lately about the "weeds" hampering their fishing by clinging to line and lures, especially out in the North of West Sister Island area (the current hot fishing spot). Was told these "weeds" come from the Detroit River. I decided to check it out.

Just got off the phone with the ODW Sandusky Fisheries unit. It's true, the floating vegetation being seen out in the far west part of the Western Basin is mostly coming into Lake Erie from Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River, both of which have large aquatic plant populations (especially Lake St. Clair).

It's a natural process for the most part. The vegetation will naturally sluff off or be pulled up by the roots by currents or heavy wave action. Boats will also cut off and dig up the vegetation, and some dock and marina owners pull or remove the "weeds" from their docks. Much of these displaced "weeds" end up out in Lake Erie.

This might be a pain for fishing this time of year, but it's a good sign ecologically. ODW has seen an increase in aquatic vegatation preferring fish species the last few years, such as Muskie, due to the increase of Macro vegatation now growing in the Lake. The clearer water has allowed deeper sunlight penetration, allowing for these plants to spread. Lower water levels have also helped increase available plant habitat.

I've personally seen these plants growing out in the open waters of the Lake while scuba diving, in places where there weren't any a few years ago.

SO, Lake Erie once again shows us how dynamic a system it is, ever changing, and the first fishermen who figure out a better way to fish this time of year (deal with the floating vegetaion) will reap the benefits.

West Basin