GENEVA, Ohio —Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz joined members of Ohio’s conservation community today to celebrate the second Fall Fish Ohio Day on Lake Erie’s central basin in Ashtabula County.
“Lake Erie fishing is like nothing else in the world,” said Governor DeWine. “Protecting this lake is a top priority for my administration, and I’m honored today to be here celebrating all that the central basin of Lake Erie and this region have to offer Ohio.”
Fall Fish Ohio Day showcases the many walleye fishing opportunities in the region. The event is co-sponsored by the Ashtabula County Visitors Bureau, Ashtabula County Wildlife Conservation League, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, and local charter boat captains.
The 2019 walleye population is estimated to be 45 million fish ages two years and older. Strong walleye population trends are likely to continue over the next several years, according to Division of Wildlife hatch surveys in the western basin of Lake Erie. The results for the central basin hatch survey will be available before the end of the year.
“Lake Erie is known as the ‘Walleye Capital of the World,’ and for good reason,” said Director Mertz. “Although less well-known than the western basin, the central basin of Lake Erie provides excellent walleye fishing, especially from mid-summer through fall.”
Fall Fish Ohio Day started in 2018 to promote the central basin of Lake Erie’s world-class fishing. Ten licensed charter boat captains donated their boats and time for Saturday’s event.
Governor DeWine also signed a proclamation recognizing today as National Hunting and Fishing Day to celebrate and recognize hunters and anglers for their contributions to fish and wildlife conservation in Ohio.
