Spring may show up some day! Until then, fishing may be interesting. I was down on the lake today. Things to note the lake level is low, they are right at the draw down target level. Meaning most places you’re going to have to fish in the channel to find any water. There are no roads open after the last snow, It doesn’t appear anyone is going to open any more roads. There was a few people out fishing today. I would say the lake is back to tracks only at this point. Access appears to be tough at the 2nd crossing. Also note that the Hungry Pelican at the crossing is closed due to a fire. March/April tends to be pretty decent fishing on the lake. If you can get out to the channel the perch are still very willing to bite. Minnow profile baits and wax worms work well on them. Don’t forget to keep the males and release the big females. Bluegills have also started to school up and have become a little more hungry over the past few weeks. Small baits tipped with wax worms are your ebst best there. If you are looking for something fun to catch, the small mouth are really schooled up off the breaks and they are very willing to bite. Small tungsten baits like the Kenders D style are working best for them. Set the hook hard to get a solid hook set and then hold on. The tungsten shrimp also work well on them.
Walleyes will be pushing shallower as we speak. Look for them along shallower flats and edges pushing north. Rock piles and gravel edges are a great spot to check out too. One of the biggest mistakes guys have during late ice walleyes is fishing too deep. Don’t be afraid to fish shallow and use large rattle baits or jigging raps.
Fish Lake Ashtabula 