FREMONT — They catch a lot of spawning run walleye in the Sandusky River here each spring, and the waterway has a solid reputation for producing big catfish in certain stretches, and respectable smallmouth bass in its more stream-like flow above the city.
But when it comes to the blockbuster species that brings the anglers to the Sandusky from all points on the regional map, including Cleveland, Akron, Columbus, and Pittsburgh, the drawing card is the white bass.
When these fish surge into the river from Lake Erie and Sandusky Bay, they are known for slamming any bait that passes their field of vision. And they are known for arriving in massive numbers.
Since there is no daily bag limit, it is not out of the ordinary to see fishermen struggle to drag coolers full of white bass up the banks of the river. When the white bass spawning run is at its peak, you can expect to see fishermen take 50, 75, or 100 fish in an outing. The numbers are stunning.
For anglers interested in getting in on this top-notch action, which is best enjoyed on lightweight tackle, the Ohio Division of Wildlife is offering a workshop on white bass fishing on Saturday at the River Cliff Park Lodge, which is located on Tiffin Street upstream from downtown.
The session runs from noon to 4 p.m. and you must register at apps.ohiodnr.gov/wildlife/educationregistration/ by Friday to take part.
During a classroom portion of the workshop Division of Wildlife staff will cover the biology of the white bass run, tactics and techniques, the best baits and lures to use, and the prime fishing spots. Following that session, it is off to the river to experience the white bass run firsthand.
Fishing equipment will be available, and a filleting demonstration will follow the fishing, with a fish fry on the spot. Participants are reminded they will need a fishing license if age 16 or older. Younger participants will need to be accompanied by an adult. Bringing along sunscreen, a cooler with ice, and a landing net is recommended.
Lake Erie: Anglers are throwing everything in the box at spring walleye, with jig fishermen still taking fish around the reef complex, blade baits in a variety of colors working in Maumee Bay and around Turtle Island, weight forward die-hards finding cooperative walleye in the open water east of West Sister Island and north of Crib Reef, and the trolling aficionados using Bandits with purple or green to fill the box while fishing north of the reef complex and northeast of Kelleys Island. The wind has stirred the pot often in recent days, so finding water with just the right amount of stain appears to be a key to success.
Maumee River: River watcher and the unofficial mayor of the waterway Joe Roecklein reports that a couple of fair weather days and warming temperatures have brought out the anglers, just as the white bass fishing is starting to pick up on the river. Some anglers are taking fish while using minnows fished under a float or tipped on a spinner, while others have worked well with Twister tails in a variety of colors. Roecklein reports near ideal river conditions, and he expects the white bass could move en masse this weekend. One warning to anglers fishing the White Street access — the descent to the river is steep and loaded with sharp rocks so proceed with caution.
Sandusky River: When the white bass spawning run turns on here, a lot of fishermen start calling in sick to work. And it is on. Bernie Whitt at Angler's Supplies in Fremont reports that fish are being taken up and down the corridor that stretches from downtown through the parks and upstream to the old dam site. Anglers are taking coolers full of the feisty, aggressive fish on minnows fished under bobbers and on iig heads tipped with brightly-colored tails.
First Published May 10, 2023, 2:41 p.m.
