Conditions for L. Erie Walleye Spawn/Hatch?

[Fish Obsessed]

With all of the rain that we have received in the past few days, will this have a serious negative effect on the success of the Walleye spawn/hatch? It has been nice and warm lately, and not much wind, but it would seem that the high water in the rivers would cause the silt & mud to damage the eggs?

Is there any ODNR information on the "variables" that affect the walley spawn, and when are they able to determine that the success of a given year?

[Airwave(OH)]

Can't give you a Scientific answer but these conditions are fairly normal this time of year every year and it hasn't hurt the spawn yet, so if I were to guess I would say it'll be OK

[Capt. Denny Bergeman]

The heavy rains we have had will effect the spawn in the rivers. However, the largest part of the spawn estimated at (80%) is done on the many different reefs in the western basin. As long as we do not have a strong cold front with heavy northeast winds we will have a good hatch. Weather conditions are the major factor. So far so good.
The next two weeks will tell. Good Fishing.

[Fish Obsessed]

Denny,

Thanks for the information. I figured that much of the walleye spawn happened on the lake reefs, but had no idea it was 80%. Let's keep our fingers crossed for this weather to hold out for the next two weeks and maybe we can have one of those "great hatches" like in the 80's.

I have fished with you and your brother around 10+ years ago with some of my co-workers and his brother. Since then my brother has purchased his own boat, and we have been fishing on his boat, learning more each year - we troll most of the time. I remember being very pleased with the "Can't Miss" Charters, and would highly recommend your Charters to anyone that is looking for a quality charter. I remember back in the 80's limiting out in a few hours on you boat one year!

Thanks again for the input, and hope to see you out on the water this spring.

Best regards,
Fish Obsessed