COLUMBUS, Ohio — Anglers across Ohio have reason to be optimistic as new survey results show Lake Erie’s walleye and yellow perch populations remain strong. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife, the 2025 Lake Erie walleye hatch ranks as the sixth largest in the past 38 years, while the west zone yellow perch hatch ranks seventh largest over the same period.
The findings come from annual Lake Erie trawl surveys, which measure spawning success and survival of young fish. Biologists use this data to estimate how many fish will reach catchable size in the coming years, helping guide harvest limits set by the inter-agency Lake Erie Committee of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.
Walleye Remain a Bright Spot
Lake Erie continues to live up to its reputation as the Walleye Capital of the World, supported by above-average hatches in eight of the past 11 years.
The 2025 western basin walleye hatch index reached 128 fish per hectare, more than double the long-term average of 57 and ranking sixth highest in survey history. The central basin also produced strong numbers, with 26 young-of-year walleye per hectare, well above the historical average of eight and ranking fourth overall.
ODNR officials say walleye from the 2025 hatch are expected to reach the 15-inch minimum catch size by spring 2027, helping ensure excellent fishing opportunities for years to come.
Yellow Perch Outlook Mixed but Promising
Yellow perch results varied by region. The west zone (Toledo to Huron) recorded an above-average hatch of 733 young perch per hectare, exceeding the long-term average of 467. Biologists expect this strong hatch to contribute to solid perch fishing beginning in 2027 and continuing beyond.
In the central and east zones, hatch numbers were below average. However, ODNR noted that weather conditions limited survey efforts, and anglers still reported strong late-fall catches near harbors such as Lorain and Cleveland in 2025.
Long-Term Outlook
ODNR says variability in perch hatches is normal due to Lake Erie’s size, weather patterns, and differences between basins. Despite regional fluctuations, the overall outlook for Lake Erie fisheries remains positive.
Anglers can find fishing reports, maps, and updates at wildohio.gov or by downloading the HuntFish OH mobile app.
