Sandusky River Walleye Telemetry Project

From 2005 to 2010, the Lake Erie Fisheries Unit in Sandusky conducted an evaluation of walleye in the Sandusky River and Bay.  A total of 61 walleye were implanted with radio telemetry transmitters prior to spawning, and were subsequently relocated during the spawn to examine spawning behavior and timing, habitat selection, and spawning locations in the river and the bay.  In addition, researchers from the OSU Aquatic Ecology Lab attached an additional 200 walleye with external transmitters in 2008 for an intense, one season evalutation of spawning habitat use.  The information gathered during these projects has provided managers with vital information about the Sandusky walleye spawning stock, insight into the impact of the Ballville Dam on walleye spawning, and tools necessary to protect and enhance this important stock.

Annual updates on this project are available in past copies of the Lake Erie Status Report (2006-2009).  The project completion report is also available here.  For further information, please contact the Sandusky Lake Erie Fisheries Unit at #(419)625-8062, or email at eric.weimer@dnr.state.oh.us.

ODNR-DOW Transmitter (Internal attachment, exposed antennae)

OSU Transmitter (External mount)