BY MARK CAHLIK

Lake Erie veterans know that it has been typical fishing for the month of April, with lots of spawning walleye on the Western Basin reefs and in the rivers, but with the challenge of battling winds that are normal for this time of year.

Casting lead-head jigs is a traditional style of fishing going on right now around the Western Basin of Lake Erie, and the best overall spots seems to be on the inside reefs and West Reef. The average depths of 10 to 16 feet of water are attracting walleye and anglers, who are still using hairs jigs.

Deep water casting is not quite there yet, but once Lake Erie warms up a bit more the great spring fishing should be taking off.

Trollers have been battling winds, as well, trying to keep lures in the zone to catch walleye suspended in deeper water.  The best trolling success has been west of the Lake Erie Islands.

There have been a lot of walleye caught around Middle Bass Island and North Bass Island. The trolling fishermen have been running Dead-Eye and Bandit lures 45 to 75 ft feet behind the boat. Lure speeds that tempt walleye to strike can vary this time of year, but the average has been 1.6 to 2.0 miles per hour.

Fishermen having a little bit of a tough time catching walleye, try slowing your trolling speed to 1.5 to 1.6 mph.

Once the spring weather cooperates, the walleye fishing is going to be phenomenal. Have a good week of fishing and stay safe out there.