Western Basin Reefs

[gregnwtf]

The firing range zone 1 cuts right through the middle of several of the main reefs I fish. There are a few reefs just outside that area that are still very good. You dont have to just fish the reefs during April, shoreline areas are loaded with walleye early and mid month. Crane Creek to Wild Wings area close to shore is rocky bottom with zebra muscles and a mix of sand. Early April you can start as shallow as 6-9 ft. 13 ft is good almost the whole month. The reefs hold alot of fish nearly all year as I fish them at different times. Early May you can still haul in some huge eyes that are still around, so its not just spawn and head deep. I have done real well on the reefs late July and into August. As the water slowly warms, the fish slowing move to deeper water.
A marine radio is very important as you can get weather info and Camp Perry info. There have been times that they will shoot at night also. Study a map of the area, get familiar with a few reefs and the depths around them and go for it. Some of the local bait shops post a few tips when you get bait. Some of the reefs get very shallow and hitting a rock up top is possible. Crib reef is a skinny water reef. Safety First !

[3 Z's]

My Hot Spots map indicates Crib, Toussaint, Flat Rock, etc. are in Danger Zone II. Is area open for fishing most days?

[Sweet_Dreams]

My Hot Spots map indicates Crib, Toussaint, Flat Rock, etc. are in Danger Zone II. Is area open for fishing most days?

You will ok on them reefs, I will NOT fish Crib reef to shallow. If you go out of Wild Wings you dont have to go far.

[walleye2go]

They very seldom choose the big zone... usually only the very close zone. It wouldn't be of concern to me. And like Greg said, most of April you can slam the Jack's within a mile or so of shore in front of turtle creek.