The ice broke up on the Maumee River in late February, and by the last day of the month the waterway was ice free.
The customary big flush of debris followed, and at that time the river remained very cold for spawning run walleye (35 degrees) despite the efforts of those first anglers of spring.
In the two weeks since then, the water has warmed a bit and is now flirting with 40 degrees, but the flow is high, swift, and muddy, less than ideal for fishing. As the week progresses and we see warmer days and a drop in the water level, the flood gates of fishermen likely will open, on both the Maumee and Sandusky rivers.
With the winter doldrums and cabin fever playing a big role, the fishermen customarily arrive before most of the walleye migrate up the rivers from Lake Erie. The early-arriving anglers on the Maumee have taken a few fish, likely resident walleye, but the iconic “walleye run” on that waterway — the largest such migration in the Great Lakes region — will do nothing but heat up over the coming weeks.
As they prepare to take on the chilly waters and the potential throngs of other anglers that can pack into some of the more popular fishing locations, anglers should take heed of some very important reminders.
Veterans of the spring river runs recommend wearing quality insulated chest waders, checking for leaks before that first outing of the season. This week's warm weather won't do much to significantly change the chill in the water that surrounds a wading fisherman. The best approach for dress includes layers of warm clothing and protection for the neck, head, and face when the late winter wind decides to again become an unwelcome guest along the waterway.
Also, be aware that this type of fishing is not for the weak of heart or those unsure about their balance and dexterity. Besides the sometimes powerful current, anglers must also contend with that constant cold water and even insulated waders can't hold off the big chill for very long. Regular breaks to rest and warm up are recommended. Then there is the river bottom, often irregular in contour and sprinkled with large, slick rocks, boulders, and shifting gravel. A walking stick to steady your movements is a smart investment.
The gear is specialized for the current, rough submerged terrain, and the tendency of spawning run walleye to haunt the bottom of the water column where snags abound. Bob Barnhart, owner of Maumee-based tackle supplier Netcraft where many river run anglers find the gear they need to fish the run, said success fishing the run has its foundation in using the right equipment, some of which is unique to this springtime fishery.
The lead-headed jigs that were the staple of this fishery for decades are no longer the preferred or wise choice. They tend to find any possible snag, and also push the bait tight to the bottom and out of the optimal field of view for the fish.
Barnhart said the overwhelming majority of the Maumee run anglers now use some variation of the Carolina rig, with a floating jig head tipped with a soft plastic tail and attached to a fluorocarbon leader.
“In my mind, it has completely revolutionized the river run fishing,” he said. “That change in tackle has created a leap that made a lot of guys into successful fishermen. They catch more fish, and they catch them in the mouth.”
Spring run anglers on the Maumee River do best with medium action spinning rods in six-and-a-half or seven-foot lengths, equipped with a 2500 size spinning reel that has been filled with braided line that is rated at a minimum of 10-pound test.
Braid allows the angler to use a smaller diameter line and one that will slice through the current more efficiently than monofilament line of the same test strength. Barnhart recommends attaching an in-line weight to the braided line, and then using a fluorocarbon leader in six to 10-pound test below the weight. A floating jig head dressed with a plastic swirl tail grub completes the rig.
A long-handled landing net is another essential tool, along with a chain stringer that keeps the fish alive and easy to count. The wise river run angler also uses a wader belt to keep their boots from filling up with water in the event of a stumble.
“A belt can keep your waders from filling up if you happen to slip, and that does happen because it is treacherous walking out there,” said Mike Wilkerson, fisheries management supervisor in this part of the state for the Ohio Division of Wildlife. “I'd also hope to see anglers using common courtesy and staying somewhat spaced apart. It is safer that way, plus there will be a lot fewer issues with lines getting crossed or tangled with each other.”
On the Sandusky River, Bernie Whitt at Anglers Supplies in downtown Fremont reported more fishermen than fish on Sunday when the river was at a frosty 36 degrees. He said very few walleye have been taken so far, but he expects the fishing to quickly trend in a positive direction.
“The bite isn't real strong yet, but the river tends to warm up pretty quickly and that can turn things on,” Whitt said. “With these warmer days coming and if we get a little rain later this week, that should get the fishing going. I think there are some of the early, smaller walleye in there now, but the water is just a bit too cold for them to be really active.”
The Rules: From March 1 through April 30, special walleye spawning run regulations are in place on the Maumee, Sandusky, Portage, and Mahoning rivers. Snagging fish is illegal – fish must be hooked in the mouth in order to be a legal catch. Fishing is permitted only from sunrise to sunset on the Maumee from the Ohio Turnpike bridge to the Old Waterville interurban bridge, and from the State Route 295 bridge to Providence Dam. On the Sandusky River, those hours are strictly enforced from the Waterworks Dam in Tiffin downstream to the northern tip of Brady’s Island in Fremont. On the Portage, the rules apply from State Route 19 to the dam at Elmore, and on the Mahoning from the dam at Berlin Reservoir to Lake Milton. Anglers can use only a single hook — double and treble hooks are prohibited. The daily limit is six fish, with a minimum size of 15 inches.
Rossford Walleye Roundup: The tournament returns April 15-16 and continues to grow in popularity with Great Lakes anglers. The waters of Ohio, Michigan, and Canada are open to the anglers who will compete for likely $20,000 in first-place cash, and also be eligible for bonus money. The take-off point has been moved to Cullen Park to get the fishermen on the lake quickly, with the weigh-ins taking place at Bass Pro both days. Information and registration are available at the RossfordWalleyeRoundup.com website.
First Published March 14, 2022, 3:41 p.m.
