Lake Erie News
The NYSDEC decided not to implement a reduction in the size limit for walleyes from 15″ to 12″. The sportsmen were close to 50/50 on a recent survey for approval of this possible initiative with strong opposition from some groups. Based on the fact that this was a social issue without a strong consensus, it was dropped at this time.
The total allowable commercial catch (TAC) for perch and walleye was recently determined by the binational Lake Erie Committee for 2023. It was 6.573 lbs for perch and 13.526 million lbs for walleye. This is a reduction of approximately 5-7% from 2022.
*NOTE* 2022 levels were some of the highest on record.
Teach Me to Fish
Spring is almost here and that means that the Erie County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs “Teach Me to Fish” committee is busy preparing for the 2023 fishing clinics. They recently met with DEC Fish Biologist Mike Todd to review their clinics to see what can be done to improve the 2023 season.
The general concept will be the same with a registration table and requiring learning stations which the children will go to which can vary depending on volunteers’ availability. They will have a punch card with the learning stations on it. After completing a station, it will be punched, and they can move to the next station. Be sure to turn in the fully punched card when you are finished as these will be used to draw prizes. Upon turning in the completed punch card, participants can go fishing with their tackle. The last station has bait and poles so they can fish.
Once again, our ECFSC/DEC sponsored clinics will be at Tifft Nature Preserve (June 10th) and Chestnut Ridge Park (June 24th). The Erie County Federation also participates in other organizations’ fishing events. Please visit the website and look at the EVENTS CALENDAR and the Teach Me To Fish page for more details.