Right now, crappie fishing is the ticket. And it’s just as much fun to catch crappies from the bank as it is from a boat. Recently, people were fishing from the banks on an Indian Lake channel almost shoulder to shoulder, catching crappies. “People have been catching their limits in 20 minutes,” an Indian Lake bait dealer told me. (The limit on crappies is 30 and fish must measure 9 inches or more.)
Crappie fishing is just as popular at Grand Lake St. Marys, Paint Creek Lake and Lake Loramie. In fact, it’s pretty darn good at just about every lake in southwest Ohio.
Crappies like minnows, so in addition to that cane pole, a minnow bucket is suggested. I realize not many people fish with cane poles these days, so light tackle is the norm. If you don’t want to mess with minnows, waxworms tipped on a small jig is almost as appetizing. If you don’t want to mess with live bait at all, plenty of anglers catch crappies using small twisters and tube jigs. Chartreuse is usually a good color
Walleye time: Another popular type of spring fishing in Ohio takes place on the Maumee and Sandusky rivers in what's called the "Annual Walleye Run." There are good spots on both rivers to fish from boats, wading and bank fishing. The Maumee has the best access of the two, I believe. Both rivers are very dependent on the weather. If the water level is high, fishing is curtailed in many spots.
At this time of year, the walleye bag limit is four. It changes to six on May 1, but it is at four during the spawning months of March and April. It’s best to check on river conditions before taking the trip north. Check out wildohio.com or maumeetackle.net to get the latest info on the walleye run.
Youth fishing: Three "Passport to Fishing" workshops for boys and girls ages 4-17 will be offered by the Ohio Division of Wildlife at its District 5 headquarters in Xenia. The workshops are free and will take place June 11 (9-11 a.m.), July 16 and August 6 (8-10 a.m.).
All fishing supplies will be provided. Fundamentals are taught, including casting, knots and rigging, habitat and handling.
Space is limited and interested individuals must pre-register. All participants must be accompanied by an adult. To sign up, call Brant Fulks at (937) 347-0929 or email brant.fulks@dnr.state.oh.us.
District Five headquarters is located at 1076 Old Springfield Pike, Xenia, Youth are welcome to stay and fish after training is completed.
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