Lake Erie anglers can expect the 2025 fishing season to offer continued world-class catches, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. As walleye from Lake Erie’s recent large hatches continue to grow, anglers can expect a breadth of sizes and increased trophy potential in the Walleye Capital of the World. Additionally, a stable yellow perch population in Lake Erie’s west zone will provide good fishing in 2025, while lower catch rates are expected to continue in the central and east zones.

Lake Erie walleye and yellow perch fisheries are managed through an interagency quota system. Each jurisdiction regulates its catches with annually determined harvest levels that ensure sustainability. The most recent quotas were announced by the Lake Erie Committee on Thursday, March 20. While most daily harvest limits remain unchanged in 2025, the yellow perch daily limit in Ohio’s east zone, from Fairport Harbor to Conneaut, will decrease from 30 fish to 20 fish beginning on May 1, 2025. Fishing limits are enforced by the Division of Wildlife to prevent overfishing and protect the fishery for sustainable use, ensuring future generations may enjoy Ohio’s outdoors.

Walleye

Lake Erie, The Walleye Capital of the World, continues to offer exceptional fishing. Read more

Fishing the Muskegon River this spring? Be on the lookout for Michigan Department of Natural Resources personnel collecting walleye eggs below Croton Dam. Egg collections with electrofishing boats will start as early as the week of March 24 and conclude by April 12.

Four days of egg collections are planned this spring. The date those collections will begin depends on water temperatures and the presence of ripe fish (fish that are ready to spawn), and the schedule may change based on conditions.

The egg-take zone runs from Croton Dam downstream to the Pine Street Access Site, so anglers who wish to avoid the walleye collection activities should fish downstream from the Pine Street Access Site. Anyone fishing near the egg-collection zone should use caution when fishing near the electrofishing boats. For safety, anyone wading will be asked to exit the water when electrofishing boats approach.

Electrofishing usually begins at Croton Dam each day at 8 a.m. and proceeds downstream to the Pine Street Access Site. If more eggs are needed, additional collections may occur downstream to the Thornapple Avenue (High Rollway) Access Site. Read more

Over the past week, the Trump Administration has taken several actions related to trade that will impact the sportfishing industry. These include new tariffs on critical components used in the manufacturing of sportfishing tackle and accessories.

Citing failures to adequately address fentanyl shipments, President Donald Trump announced that the February 1 previously announced, and subsequently delayed, 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico will come into effect on March 4, 2025. He also stated that the 10% additional tariff on Chinese imports that went into effect on February 4 would be increased to 20% on March 4, 2025. Read more

With Michigan’s new fishing license and regulation season beginning Tuesday, April 1, anglers wanting to hit the water will need to purchase a new fishing license. The 2025 fishing licenses are available for purchase now and are valid through March 31, 2026.

All anglers ages 17 and older are required to purchase a fishing license to fish in Michigan; these licenses are good for all species, though additional reporting requirements apply to some species and fishing methods. Anglers can purchase:

• • An annual fishing license at $26 for Michigan residents or $76 for nonresidents (both carry an additional $1 surcharge).
  • A daily fishing license for $10 per day.
  • An optional youth fishing license, which is available for only $2 for anglers ages 16 and younger.

Read more

Today’s anglers are more cognizant than ever before of the harmful damage the sun can cause, from not just skin cancers but even just a nasty sunburn at the end of a long and otherwise enjoyable day on the water. Of critical importance is protecting the sensitive skin of the face, neck and ears, areas which are most susceptible to sun damage from prolonged exposure. For years, fishermen have turned to face guards, but most are just a simple tube of fabric left over from performance shirts. They don’t breathe well and also promote fogging when wearing sunglasses.

Fish Monkey turned the corner with a uniquely designed Performance Face Guard to eliminate these issues. First is the flared design which greatly improves the comfort. After all, we’re a brand built around all-day wearability, so our face guards are designed to offer that same level of performance as our gloves. This new design is worlds apart from the traditional tube in terms of comfort. And there are also some hot new colors and patterns. Read more