05-03-2003, 10:20 AM
River Walleye Fishing Heats Up
Many people look forward to March as the end of winter, with the promise of warmer weather just around the corner. However, anglers throughout Ohio and around the Midwest know that the real fun in March begins with the runs of walleye up the Maumee and Sandusky rivers. One of the most anticipated fishing events of the year, the runs occur when hundreds of thousands of walleye make their way out of Lake Erie to spawn in the rivers. This gives anglers a chance to tangle with Lake Erie's most prized sportfish on a completely different playing field than they would experience while fishing in the lake.
Walleye typically begin moving into the rivers in early March. Many factors, such as water temperature, river flow, and photoperiod (hours of daylight), interact to trigger the runs. Walleye spawning occurs in these rivers anytime from mid-March through mid-April, but frequently the peak activity occurs the first week of April. Walleye spawn when water temperatures range from 40-50 degrees F. High river flows will also increase the number of walleye in the river, especially if river temperatures are warmer than Lake Erie temperatures.
Anglers sometimes question if fishing for spawning walleye in the rivers could hurt the overall population in Lake Erie. This is unlikely for several reasons. Because the rivers contain much less spawning habitat than is available in the open-lake reefs, likely only a small proportion of walleye in Lake Erie actually move into the rivers to spawn. Further, of those that do head upstream, relatively few are caught by anglers. Because the majority of walleye movement and activity takes place at night, when fishing is not allowed, most are able to spawn successfully and return to the lake.
Ultimately, weather conditions and habitat are far more important than the number of spawning adults in determining how many young walleye are produced each year. To put it another way, a small number of spawning walleye and good weather conditions likely would produce more young than a large number of spawning walleye could in bad weather conditions. As such, Division of Wildlife biologists closely monitor the Lake Erie walleye population and adjust regulations as needed to address changes in spawning success.
Predictions for 2003
The walleye runs should again be very good this year. Strong year-classes in 1996, 1999, and 2001 have produced a large walleye population in Lake Erie, which will be reflected by tremendous numbers of fish heading into the rivers. Most of these walleye will be 18-22 inches long, although many will be even larger. Walleye measuring 23-28 inches should be common, and some lucky anglers might even hook up with 30+ inch trophies weighing over 14 pounds! Like most past years, many of the larger walleye are expected to be caught in the Maumee River.
Check here for fishing reports on the walleye runs. The reports are updated on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of each week.
After March 10, you also can call 1-800-BUCKEYE or 1-888-HOOKFISH for current fishing information.
Fishing Tips
The most productive areas to fish are shallow riffles where walleye gather to spawn. In the Maumee River, this is the stretch from Conant Street Bridge upstream to the end of Jerome Road between the towns of Maumee and Perrysburg. The best action in the Sandusky River comes from the section between Brady's Island upstream to Roger Young Park in Fremont.
Because walleye congregate in riffle areas, most fishing in the rivers is done by wading or fishing from shore. Caution is strongly recommended in both rivers while wading as they are often high in the early spring and quite treacherous. Move carefully in fast-flowing water and use a wading stick to avoid stepping into deep holes. For additional wading tips click here.
Fishing from boats is another option. Some anglers use cartop boats capable of running in shallow waters. Others use larger boats in the lower, deeper portions of both rivers, trying to intercept walleye before they reach the riffles. Boat ramps are located on the Maumee River on Maple Street in Perrysburg and at Orleans Park also in Perrysburg, and on the Sandusky River just north of the State Street Bridge in Fremont.
Best baits for walleyes at this time are 1/4-3/4 ounce lead-head jigs tipped with white, yellow or fluorescent colored twister tails or minnows. Choosing the right weight depends mostly on how fast the rivers are flowing. It is important to keep the lure moving along the riverbed because walleye tend to stay near the bottom, so use a jig-head that is heavy enough not to be swept off the bottom by the current.
Another effective rig is a floating jig-head with an egg sinker tied onto the line 6-12 inches ahead of the jig. This set-up allows the jig to stay near the bottom while not actually falling into the rocks and other debris, which reduces snags (and the amount of time spent tying on new jigs!).
Special Regulations for the Walleye Runs
The following regulations are in effect from March 1 to May 1 in the specific areas listed below:
Maumee River: special regulations apply from the Ohio Turnpike Bridge to the Old Waterville Interurban Bridge at the end of Forest Road in Wood County and from the State Route 578 Bridge to the Grand Rapids-Providence Dam.
Sandusky River: special regulations apply from where the "Toledo Edison" power line, Old Ballville and Fifth Street line, crosses the Sandusky River at the southeast corner of Roger Young Park, City of Fremont, Sandusky County, to the northern tip of Brady's Island.
Fishing is allowed from sunrise to sunset only.
No fishing with more than a single hook. The line may not have a hook larger than one-half inch from shank to point, or a lure having more than a single hook larger than one-half inch from shank to point.
Treble hooks are prohibited.
Please note that only walleye hooked in the mouth may be kept. Any snagged or foul-hooked fish must be released immediately!
Bag Limits
From March 1, thru April 30, 2003, anglers may take a daily limit of only four (4) (singly or in combination) walleye, saugeye and sauger in Lake Erie and its tributaries upstream to the dam. From May 1, 2003 thru February 28, 2004, the daily bag limit will be six (6) (singly or in combination) walleye, saugeye and sauger within the Lake Erie district.
See all the 2003-2004 Ohio Fishing Regulations.
Important Phone Numbers
ODNR Walleye Report: 1-800-BUCKEYE
TIP (reporting violations):1-800-POACHER
Wildlife District Two Office: 419-424-5000
Perrysburg Chamber of Commerce: 419-874-9147
Sandusky County Visitors Bureau: 419-332-4470
Emergencies: 911
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/wildlife/1new...alleye.htm
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Many people look forward to March as the end of winter, with the promise of warmer weather just around the corner. However, anglers throughout Ohio and around the Midwest know that the real fun in March begins with the runs of walleye up the Maumee and Sandusky rivers. One of the most anticipated fishing events of the year, the runs occur when hundreds of thousands of walleye make their way out of Lake Erie to spawn in the rivers. This gives anglers a chance to tangle with Lake Erie's most prized sportfish on a completely different playing field than they would experience while fishing in the lake.
Walleye typically begin moving into the rivers in early March. Many factors, such as water temperature, river flow, and photoperiod (hours of daylight), interact to trigger the runs. Walleye spawning occurs in these rivers anytime from mid-March through mid-April, but frequently the peak activity occurs the first week of April. Walleye spawn when water temperatures range from 40-50 degrees F. High river flows will also increase the number of walleye in the river, especially if river temperatures are warmer than Lake Erie temperatures.
Anglers sometimes question if fishing for spawning walleye in the rivers could hurt the overall population in Lake Erie. This is unlikely for several reasons. Because the rivers contain much less spawning habitat than is available in the open-lake reefs, likely only a small proportion of walleye in Lake Erie actually move into the rivers to spawn. Further, of those that do head upstream, relatively few are caught by anglers. Because the majority of walleye movement and activity takes place at night, when fishing is not allowed, most are able to spawn successfully and return to the lake.
Ultimately, weather conditions and habitat are far more important than the number of spawning adults in determining how many young walleye are produced each year. To put it another way, a small number of spawning walleye and good weather conditions likely would produce more young than a large number of spawning walleye could in bad weather conditions. As such, Division of Wildlife biologists closely monitor the Lake Erie walleye population and adjust regulations as needed to address changes in spawning success.
Predictions for 2003
The walleye runs should again be very good this year. Strong year-classes in 1996, 1999, and 2001 have produced a large walleye population in Lake Erie, which will be reflected by tremendous numbers of fish heading into the rivers. Most of these walleye will be 18-22 inches long, although many will be even larger. Walleye measuring 23-28 inches should be common, and some lucky anglers might even hook up with 30+ inch trophies weighing over 14 pounds! Like most past years, many of the larger walleye are expected to be caught in the Maumee River.
Check here for fishing reports on the walleye runs. The reports are updated on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of each week.
After March 10, you also can call 1-800-BUCKEYE or 1-888-HOOKFISH for current fishing information.
Fishing Tips
The most productive areas to fish are shallow riffles where walleye gather to spawn. In the Maumee River, this is the stretch from Conant Street Bridge upstream to the end of Jerome Road between the towns of Maumee and Perrysburg. The best action in the Sandusky River comes from the section between Brady's Island upstream to Roger Young Park in Fremont.
Because walleye congregate in riffle areas, most fishing in the rivers is done by wading or fishing from shore. Caution is strongly recommended in both rivers while wading as they are often high in the early spring and quite treacherous. Move carefully in fast-flowing water and use a wading stick to avoid stepping into deep holes. For additional wading tips click here.
Fishing from boats is another option. Some anglers use cartop boats capable of running in shallow waters. Others use larger boats in the lower, deeper portions of both rivers, trying to intercept walleye before they reach the riffles. Boat ramps are located on the Maumee River on Maple Street in Perrysburg and at Orleans Park also in Perrysburg, and on the Sandusky River just north of the State Street Bridge in Fremont.
Best baits for walleyes at this time are 1/4-3/4 ounce lead-head jigs tipped with white, yellow or fluorescent colored twister tails or minnows. Choosing the right weight depends mostly on how fast the rivers are flowing. It is important to keep the lure moving along the riverbed because walleye tend to stay near the bottom, so use a jig-head that is heavy enough not to be swept off the bottom by the current.
Another effective rig is a floating jig-head with an egg sinker tied onto the line 6-12 inches ahead of the jig. This set-up allows the jig to stay near the bottom while not actually falling into the rocks and other debris, which reduces snags (and the amount of time spent tying on new jigs!).
Special Regulations for the Walleye Runs
The following regulations are in effect from March 1 to May 1 in the specific areas listed below:
Maumee River: special regulations apply from the Ohio Turnpike Bridge to the Old Waterville Interurban Bridge at the end of Forest Road in Wood County and from the State Route 578 Bridge to the Grand Rapids-Providence Dam.
Sandusky River: special regulations apply from where the "Toledo Edison" power line, Old Ballville and Fifth Street line, crosses the Sandusky River at the southeast corner of Roger Young Park, City of Fremont, Sandusky County, to the northern tip of Brady's Island.
Fishing is allowed from sunrise to sunset only.
No fishing with more than a single hook. The line may not have a hook larger than one-half inch from shank to point, or a lure having more than a single hook larger than one-half inch from shank to point.
Treble hooks are prohibited.
Please note that only walleye hooked in the mouth may be kept. Any snagged or foul-hooked fish must be released immediately!
Bag Limits
From March 1, thru April 30, 2003, anglers may take a daily limit of only four (4) (singly or in combination) walleye, saugeye and sauger in Lake Erie and its tributaries upstream to the dam. From May 1, 2003 thru February 28, 2004, the daily bag limit will be six (6) (singly or in combination) walleye, saugeye and sauger within the Lake Erie district.
See all the 2003-2004 Ohio Fishing Regulations.
Important Phone Numbers
ODNR Walleye Report: 1-800-BUCKEYE
TIP (reporting violations):1-800-POACHER
Wildlife District Two Office: 419-424-5000
Perrysburg Chamber of Commerce: 419-874-9147
Sandusky County Visitors Bureau: 419-332-4470
Emergencies: 911
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/wildlife/1new...alleye.htm
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