Anglers will soon be pulling walleye from Mosquito

March 8, 2008 at 12:35a.m.

Jack Wollitz

It’s official. Authorities have confirmed that as we gain years, our winters grow longer.

So, it is as we anglers have been claiming, this winter is the longest on record. Excruciatingly long.

But the light at the other end of the tunnel is getting brighter. I’ve heard reports about a few small lakes producing bluegills and crappies. The ice is breaking up after last week’s warm spell and rain, and soon the walleyes will be on the move at Mosquito and other local reservoirs.

First up typically is Mosquito. The big lake north of Warren begins to produce walleyes and crappies as soon as anglers can find open water.

By mid-March during most years, Mosquito has started to heat up. We may be a few days late in 2008, but the fishing will be good in another week or so.

The best early spots usually are the Ohio 88 causeway in the reservoir’s midsection and the dam. Anglers also catch early spring walleye around the state park on the south end.

Boaters will soon hook up with jig fish on Mosquito’s numerous humps and bars, where the walleye move up with hopes of finding suitable spawning sites. Wading anglers also work the waist-deep portions of the bars and hard-bottom flats to score on spring walleyes.

Crappies are Mosquito’s other spring bonus, and it is one of the best places in Ohio to catch nice strings of slab-sized fish.

The venerable float-and-minnow set-up is hard to beat. Adjust the float to keep the bait just off the bottom, or to suspend at the depth the fish are holding in.

With spring walleyes and crappies just around the corner, the winter of 2007-08 will soon be just a memory — albeit the longest in history, of course.

ODNR wants to know

You probably have your own thoughts about Ohio’s fishing rules and regulations. Now you can sound off.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife is conducting an on-line survey among anglers to gain knowledge about their thoughts regarding fishing regulations.

The survey solicits opinions on length and harvest limits for species such as walleyes, crappies, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and saugeyes.

“This survey is an opportunity for anglers to let us know how they feel about regulations governing the size and harvest limits for Ohio’s popular sportfish in inland lakes and reservoirs,” said Keith Page, fisheries biologist with the Division of Wildlife.

Angler opinions will be weighed as part of the evaluation of Ohio’s inland waters fishing regulations. Biologists will use the survey results, along with data collected in traditional creel checks and fish population assessments, to determine whether fishing can be improved by adjusting the regulations.

To participate, go to ohiodnr.com/creel. The survey runs through Oct. 1.

It’s a great idea, and provides the perfect opportunity for all who think they’ve got ideas that will help Ohio’s fishing.

jwwollitz@aol.com