- WEEKLY POLL
- Maumee Bay Tourists' Guide
Anglin’ for a good time? Drop a line at one of area’s fishing spots
What better way to spend a late-spring or early-summer day than on the shore or out on the boat angling for the catch of the day? What can you expect while angling in the Maumee Bay-area waters?
Walleye - Ohio walleye anglers can expect to catch fish mostly from the 2003 hatch, with continued contributions from 1999 and 2001 hatches. Walleye from the 2003 hatch will be 19 to 22 inches long, while fish from the earlier hatches will range from 21 to 27 inches over the course of the fishing season. Large walleye from strong hatches in the 1980s and mid-1990s still persist in the population.
The daily bag limit remains at six fish from May through February 2008. The 15-inch minimum size limit is in effect during the entire season.
Yellow Perch – Perch anglers should encounter very good numbers of 8 to 11-inch fish from the 2003 hatch this year. A strong 2001 hatch will continue to provide some 10 to13-inch jumbo perch, with Central Basin fish running larger than those in the Western Basin.
The daily bag limit has been changed to 30 fish per angler during the 2007 season, with no minimum size limit.
Smallmouth Bass - Smallmouth bass fishing is expected to be good in 2007, with contributions from hatches in the 1990s, 2001 and 2003. Fish should range in size from 14 to 21 inches and weighing 1.5 to 5 pounds. Bass fishing is best around areas with bottom structure, which is available across much of the entire Ohio near-shore area. ODNR biologists have seen several good hatches in recent years, which should contribute to good smallmouth bass fishing in the future.
A closed season remains in effect from May 1 through June 29, during which all black bass (smallmouth and largemouth) must be immediately released. Beginning June 30, the daily bag limit will remain at five fish, with a 14-inch minimum length limit.
White Bass - White bass will continue to offer seasonal fishing opportunities in both tributaries and the open lake. The catch will include many 10 to 15-inch fish from the 2005 and 2003 hatches. There is no daily bag or size limit on white bass.
Updates:
During the season, ODNR provides an updated Lake Erie fishing report online at ohiodnr.com/wildlife and by calling 1-888-HOOKFISH and online at www.dnr.state.oh.us Division of Wildlife staff members are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at Sandusky (419-625-8062) for Western Basin information. For additional information on lodging, charter boat services and local launch ramps, contact one of the following lakeshore visitor’s bureaus:
Lake County Visitors Bureau 800-368-5253
Sandusky/Erie County Visitors Bureau 800-255-8070
Ottawa County Visitors Bureau 800-441-1271
Greater Toledo Convention & Visitors Bureau 800-243-4667
Ohio Division of Travel & Tourism 800-BUCKEYE
Public fishing access sites
The following are public access sites to Lake Erie in order of location, east to west. Other sites are also available, but be sure that you aren’t fishing on private property without permission.
Bayshore Access: Bayshore Road, Bayshore and Wynn roads, (one mile north of Cedar Point Road and Maumee Bay State Park). Call 419-424-5000.
Maumee Bay State Park: 1400 Park Rd. #1, Oregon. 419-836-7758.
Cooley Canal Public Access: Anchor Point Rd., Curtice. 419-419-836-9185.
Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area: SR 2 at Bono curve, Curtice. 419-424-5000.
Crane Creek State Park: 13531 SR 2, Oak Harbor. 419-898-0960.
Crane Creek Research Station/Magee Marsh: 13229 W. SR 2, Oak Harbor. 419-898-0960.
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge: 14000 W. SR 2, Oak Harbor. 419-898-0014.
Turtle Creek Fishing Access SR 2 at Turtle Creek near Oak Harbor. 419-424-5000.
Toussaint Creek Wildlife Area: SR 19 two miles south of SR 2, Oak Harbor. 419-424-5000.
Note: Several marinas also provide boat ramps for the public.
Marinas
Anchor Pointe Marina, 10905 Corduroy Rd., Curtice. 419-836-2455.
Brenner Marine, 1 Main St., Toledo. 419-691-4663.
Meinke Marina West, 10955 Corduroy Rd., Curtice. 419-836-7774.
Meinke Marina East, 12805 Bono Rd., Curtice. 419-836-8610.
Fenwick Marina, 10195 W. SR 2, Oak Harbor. 419-898-7009.
Inland Marina. 10655 W. SR 2, Oak Harbor. 419-898-5071.
Lamberjack’s Marina, 10221 W. Locust Point Road, Oak Harbor. 419-898-1974.
Maumee Bay Resort Marina, 1750 Park Rd. #2, Oregon. 419-836-1466.
Toussaint River Marina, 4685 North Toussaint South Road, Oak Harbor, 419-898-7020.
Turtle Creek Marina, 6338 10041 W SR 2, Oak Harbor, 419-898-7745.
Turtle Point Marina, 10275 Lake View, Oak Harbor. 419-898-2003.
Wild Wings Marina, 9055 W. SR 2, Oak Harbor. 419-898-3398.
Emergency Assistance
Emergency assistance is available by calling:
U.S. Coast Guard Emergency Search and Rescue Station at 419-729-2020.
Toledo Harbor Patrol at 419-936-3076.
Lucas County Sheriff’s Dept. Marine Patrol at 419-266-1667
Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department Underwater Rescue at 419-734-4404.
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