Northeast Ohio Fishing Report – November 9th, 2012

Tappan Lake (Harrison County)

The hybrid cross between a female walleye and a male sauger – the saugeye – is a fish that can be caught all year round at this 2,132-acre lake. Saugeyes stocked in 1999 are expected to average over 20 inches this year. Some fish from earlier stockings may even exceed 30 inches. Casting Rat-L-Trap style lures or using crankbaits and jigs with minnows into shallow waters at sunrise and sunset should do the trick. Vertical jigging with Sonars, Cicadas, and other jigging type lures around the bridges located on U.S. 250 through mid-November can be very effective. Saugeyes are attracted to current and with the water level being drawn down at this time, the saugeyes congregate at these constriction points, where water current is most noticeable. It’s never too muddy for a saugeye since they tolerate turbid water very well, so try black jigs and Twister Tails in these conditions. The white crappie outlook is good with many crappies averaging 8.5 inches. Anglers are reminded that there is a 9-inch minimum length limit and a daily bag limit of 30 for crappies in this lake to improve fish quality. Wheelchair accessible shoreline facilities available; 299-horsepower limit.

Wingfoot Lake (Portage County)

This 444-acre lake is found three miles east of Akron, eight miles south of Kent, and one-half mile south of U.S. 224. It offers great bass, bluegill and catfishing, and anglers can even commonly catch perch, walleyes and crappie as well. While shoreline fishing access is very limited, boat anglers will see very good results. View a map of this lake at wildohio.com or call 1-800-WILDLIFE for a copy. Boat anglers should note that only outboard motors of 10-horsepower or less are permitted on the lake. Also, all catfish anglers should note the daily bag limit of six channel catfish under 28 inches.