Walleye spawn from late March to early May.  Spawning occurs near exposed reefs and shoals along most of the shoreline.  Walleye spawn over rock, rubble and gravel in areas free of mud or silt, usually near vegetation.  The western basin of Lake Erie is the major spawning area for walleye in the Great Lakes. Perch begin spawning in early April and occurs in shallow water along shorelines and in tributaries.  Perch deposit their eggs randomly over submerged objects, usually near vegetation.  The western basin is the major spawning ground for Lake Erie yellow perch. Native lake trout were once abundant in the eastern Lake Erie. The population became extinct by the 1930s due to over exploitation and environmental degradation. Lake trout have been planted in Lake Erie since the 1960s.  Lake trout typically spawn in late fall.  Lake trout begin moving to spawn on off shore reefs in late August.  Spawning may take place at depths up to 600 feet. Smallmouth bass spawn inshore on shallow, rock reefs from April to July, in Lake Erie. Smallmouth build nests near boulders, docks or other structures in clear water.  Males typically guard the nests until the eggs hatch.  Smallmouth bass spawning areas have been degraded due to dams and siltation. Largemouth bass spawn inshore on shallow, rock reefs from April to July, in Lake Erie.  Largemouth build nests near boulders, docks or other structures in clear water.  Males typically guard the nests until the eggs hatch. Largemouth bass spawning areas have been degraded due to dams and siltation.            White crappie spawn in marshy areas during May and June in Lake Erie.  White crappie build nests in gravel in sheltered areas with cover.  Males guard the nest.            Black crappie spawn in marshy areas during May and June in Lake Erie. Black crappie build nests in gravel in sheltered areas with cover.  Males guard the nest.   Pike spawn from March through April. Pike may begin to congregate near spawning areas in February.  Spawning is limited to shallow areas with vegetation. Pike spawn along vegetated shore in weed beds and marshy areas.  Dredging has eliminated much of the pike's spawning habitat. The bulk of northern pike are western basin residents. Muskellunge spawn in early spring after ice out in vegetated shallows or flooded terrestrial vegetation.  Spawning also occurs near the edge of current swept areas, in  bays and harbors.  Spawning usually occurs in water less than 3 feet deep.  Dredging has eliminated much of the muskellunge spawning habitat.