Lure maker Tommy Harris hooks up with a trophy Lake Erie walleye.

BY MARK CAHLIK

It has been a great week to catch walleye.

When I put together the Lake Erie fishing report every week, I always want to talk about casting for my favorite fish. All along the Ohio shoreline of Lake Erie, we certainly have what I would say is the best lake in the world for catching walleye, and it does not matter if you are casting or trolling.

Of course, for those who are casting, it would be outstanding to have wind on the lake to enhance our style of fishing. This week there was not much wind at all, but for drift-and-cast anglers the success rate was pretty darned good. This just goes to show the abundance of walleye in our lake.

Casting has been best this week for fishermen keeping their lures in the upper 10 feet of the water column. Most of the walleye have been near the surface in order to feed on the multiple bug hatches we have had lately. The ticket to nabbing some walleye was casting 3/4-ounce worm harnesses and letting them sink for a five to seven count.

As a result, party fishing boats and drifting and casting captains did well in recent days.

The best spots for casting have been about one mile north of F Can, southeast about a mile of F Can and north of Clinton Reef. I really just want to keep an emphasis on giving casting a try. It is always a fun way to stay connected with the feisty walleye and a very satisfying way to round up a limit of nice fish.

Now, on to the trollers.

Most fishermen who are trolling have switched over to Tru-Trip diving planers and spoons. For those fisherman who are new to the technique, Tru-Trips look like little rocket ships that we attach leaders to that trailing a wide variety of spoons. It is best to position the spoons 30 to 60 feet behind the boat.

While out trolling you are going to want to keep your speeds between 1.8 and 2.0 miles per hour. West of Rattlesnake Island and from the Marblehead Lighthouse to the Huron dumping grounds have been prime fishing waters for trollers.

As the weather continues to warm up and the bug hatches subside, the report will be more expanded for you all. Trollers must remember to be courteous to anglers who are slowly drifting in the current and casting. The lake is big and there are a lot of boats out there, but there is still enough room to enjoy both casting and trolling.

Until next week, have fun and take a kid fishing!