PORT CLINTON, Ohio (AP) - Ohio wildlife officials say Lake Erie's walleye and perch hatches were below average last year, but that shouldn't impact fishing this year.
The News-Herald of Port Clinton reports that tests run last August in the lake helped the Division of Wildlife figure out that the hatches were below average.
Fish biologist Jeff Tyson says it takes two years for walleye and perch to grow into the fishery, so anglers won't start catching and keeping those new fish until 2014.
Strong walleye and perch hatches from earlier years should help make up for the down year.
Wildlife officials say they are continuing to study what creates a good hatch, and that there's not one single factor.
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