PORT CLINTON — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine celebrated the 46th annual Governor’s Lake Erie Fish Ohio Day with Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz, Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker, and other leaders from the conservation and tourism industries.
“Walleye fishing on Lake Erie is one of the many reasons Ohio is extraordinary,” DeWine said. “Fish Ohio Day is a chance to celebrate clean water, experience Lake Erie’s incredible fishery, and strengthen partnerships that will keep our great lake healthy for generations.”
The event is co-sponsored by the Ohio Division of Wildlife, Lake Erie Charter Boat Association, and Shores & Islands Ohio. Participants in the day’s festivities enjoyed walleye fishing on Ohio’s Great Lake thanks to 21 licensed charter boat captains who donated their boats for use during the event.
“Lake Erie is one of Ohio’s greatest treasures,” said Lt. Governor Jim Tressel. “The tradition of FishOhio reminds us how fortunate we are to have this natural resource in our backyard and the responsibility we share to protect it for families to enjoy far into the future.”
Lake Erie is renowned as the Walleye Capital of the World and is a premier recreation destination. Ohio’s portion of the lake boasts the best walleye fishing in the country. Ohio has a legion of 1.7 million anglers who contribute considerably to Ohio’s economy.
In 2022, anglers spent $5.5 billion and supported 34,000 jobs in the Buckeye State.
Anglers can expect exceptional walleye fishing for many years to come. Each year, the Division of Wildlife monitors Lake Erie’s walleye population to guide management decisions.
Walleye hatch success has been well above average for seven of the last 10 years, including the three largest hatches ever surveyed. Anglers will mostly catch abundant 2- to 6-year-old fish ranging from 15 to 24 inches.
Larger fish from 2015 and earlier hatches will provide chances to reel in a Fish Ohio qualifying walleye (minimum 28 inches).
The health of Lake Erie is a top priority for Governor DeWine’s administration through the H2Ohio initiative, which is improving water quality in Lake Erie and its tributaries.
Fish Ohio Day was started in 1979 by Governor James A. Rhodes to focus on conservation and management of the Lake Erie fishery. More information about Lake Erie fishing is available at wildohio.gov.