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Lake Erie perch and walleye hatches down last year
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PORT CLINTON, Ohio (AP) – Ohio wildlife officials say Lake Erie’s perch and walleye hatches were below average last year — but fishing should still be plenty good this year.
It takes two years for walleye and perch to grow big enough to be caught and kept by fishermen, officials say — and there are still plenty of good-sized fish out there from better years.
Walleye and perch are among the most popular sport fish in Lake Erie, drawing thousands of anglers. Fishing in Ohio brings in about $1.1 billion annually.
Officials found last year’s average after conducting checks for juvenile fish in Lake Erie’s western and central basins in August.
The Columbus Dispatch says this year’s fishing outlook in the lake is helped by strong walleye and perch hatches from previous years.