*Most of the western basin of Lake Erie has ice cover. Use extreme caution when ice fishing. Currents and windy weather conditions cause areas of unsafe ice.*The rain earlier this week (week of 2/2/04) melted snow that had been covering the ice, but did not significantly damage the ice. The best fishing has been west of South Bass Island between Green and Rattlesnake Islands. Results have been variable, but limits of walleye and occasional trophies have been landed. The best fishing has appeared to occur just before weather fronts move through. Dangerous areas of thin ice, open water and severe cracks still remain between Catawba Island and South Bass Island. Shifting winds and variable currents can change the severity of ice cracks on an hourly basis. Contact guides to reach the area by air boat or fly to South Bass Island if you choose to fish the area west of South Bass. Nearshore areas west of Catawba were fished over the past weekend (1/31/04 and 2/1/04) with limited results. Most anglers reported catching a few walleye or yellow perch. Camp Perry is now allowing access to the lake from the base's beach. No shanties or vehicles are allowed overnight, and any all-terrain vehicles or snowmobiles must be brought in by trailer and unloaded on the beach. The opening of the base does not necessarily signify safe ice, but the access is offered as a courtesy. Nearshore mainland ice fishing opportunities also exist in protected areas such as harbors and marinas. Sandusky Bay anglers have been fishing for yellow perch and bullhead on the following areas: White's Landing, Crystal Rock and around the old route 2 dike. Steelhead: Lake Erie's tributaries have for the most part become ice locked. Steelhead fishing is likely over until later this spring.
Source: ODNR
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