ODNR Fishing Report for 02/04/2004: OH

Article Posted: February 04, 2004

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*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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