COLUMBUS, OH - The 2003 walleye and yellow perch hatches in the western and central basins of Lake Erie look very promising and could be the strongest in more than a decade, according to fisheries biologists with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

"The young walleye and yellow perch caught in our survey nets give every indication that anglers can anticipate outstanding recreational fishing opportunities in the next several years," said Jeff Tyson, fisheries biologist supervisor at the division's Sandusky Fisheries Research Unit.

After poor walleye hatches in 2000 and 2002, the 2003 walleye hatch appears to be the strongest recorded since the mid-1980s, when Lake Erie emerged as a world-class fishery. Fisheries biologists believe this year's strong hatch, combined with continuing cautious walleye harvest reductions seen in recent years, should counter poor recent hatches. This will boost the fishable population of walleye in several years throughout Lake Erie.

The annual Lake Erie yellow perch survey conducted in August also revealed high catches of young yellow perch. The surveys were conducted from Toledo to Conneaut and north to the Ontario line.

"This year's survey numbers of yellow perch were similar to the exceptional hatch surveyed in 1996," said Tyson. "That year, the number of young yellow perch caught in the survey translated into approximately 140 million two-year old fish lakewide in 1998."

"While preliminary estimates of the 2003 hatch for walleye and yellow perch are encouraging, anglers should remember that many variables can impact the fish before they are large enough to harvest," said Tyson. "Young fish are susceptible to harsh winters, inadequate food sources, the effects of invasive species, and other factors that can contribute to premature mortality."

Lake Erie anglers, particularly those fishing for yellow perch, can do their part to assist the walleye population by using correct handling techniques when releasing juvenile walleye. Removing hooks quickly and minimizing handling time can help juvenile walleyes survive to spawning size.