Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel shows off his catch during the 45th annual Governor’s Lake Erie Fish Ohio Day on Wednesday.

PORT CLINTON, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel celebrated the 45th annual Governor’s Lake Erie Fish Ohio Day alongside Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz, ODNR Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker, and other leaders from the conservation and tourism communities.

This annual event highlights the importance of protecting and improving Lake Erie and its fishery.

“Lake Erie is one of the most productive fishing destinations in the country, and Fish Ohio Day celebrates the amazing resource we have here in the Buckeye State,” DeWine said. “We are grateful for the strong partnerships and sound conservation practices that keep our great lake healthy and bountiful.”

The event is co-sponsored by ODNR’s Division of Wildlife, Lake Erie Charter Boat Association, and Shores & Islands Ohio. Participants in the day’s festivities enjoyed walleye fishing on Lake Erie thanks to 18 licensed charter boat captains who donated their boats for use during the event.

“Lake Erie offers plenty of space to get out and enjoy a day on the water,” Tressel said. “The world-class fishery keeps anglers coming back year after year to cast a line in the Walleye Capital of the World.”

Ohio has a legion of 1.7 million anglers who fish on Lake Erie and contribute considerably to Ohio’s economy. In 2022, anglers spent $5.5 billion and supported 34,000 jobs in the Buckeye State.

Anglers can expect exceptional Lake Erie walleye fishing for many years to come. Each year, the Division of Wildlife monitors Lake Erie’s walleye population to guide management decisions. Walleye hatch success has been well above average for seven of the last 10 years, including the three largest hatches ever surveyed. Anglers will mostly catch abundant 2- to 6-year-old fish ranging from 15 to 24 inches. Larger fish from 2015 and earlier hatches will provide chances to reel in a Fish Ohio qualifying walleye (minimum 28 inches).

The health of Lake Erie is a top priority for DeWine’s administration through the H2Ohio initiative, which aims to develop long-term, sustainable solutions to improve water quality in Lake Erie and its tributaries.

Fish Ohio Day was started in 1979 by Gov. James A. Rhodes. The event’s focus has remained on the conservation and management of the Lake Erie fishery. More information about Lake Erie fishing is available at wildohio.gov.