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"WALLEYE RUN" SET TO BEGIN ALONG SANDUSKY AND MAUMEE RIVERS COLUMBUS, OH - One of Ohio's most unique fishing opportunities is
about to occur as the 2003 Maumee and Sandusky rivers' walleye runs are
about to begin, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR)
Division of Wildlife.
Each spring, as water temperatures warm and days grow longer, a
small portion of Lake Erie's walleye population make their way up the two
northwestern Ohio streams to spawn. And although they represent a small
portion of all Lake Erie walleyes, the run brings hundreds of thousands of
the tasty fish within casting distance of eager anglers.
During last year's three to four-week run, approximately 40,000
walleyes were caught in the Maumee and Sandusky rivers.
Walleye spawning normally occurs in these rivers anytime from
mid-March through mid-April, but frequently the peak activity occurs the
first week of April when the water temperatures range from 40 to 50 degrees.
High, fast-moving water also increases the number of walleye in the rivers,
especially if river temperatures are warmer than lake temperatures.
Most of the river walleyes taken this spring will measure 18-22
inches, though some fish in both rivers will be much larger.
The best fishing areas in the Maumee River will be from Conant
Street Bridge in the City of Maumee upstream to the end of Jerome Road in
Lucas County. Sandusky River anglers will find greater success from Brady's
Island to Roger Young Park in the City of Fremont.
Though most anglers wade these rivers while fishing for walleyes,
some choose to fish from boats. The ODNR advises boat anglers to always
properly wear a life jacket, take precautions against overloading their boat
and capsizing, be well dressed to avoid the onset of hypothermia, and be
prepared to handle an emergency should one occur.
Legal fishing hours from March 1 through May 1 are sunrise to sunset
and the daily walleye bag limit is four. Only fish that are hooked inside
the mouth may legally be taken and any snagged fish must be immediately
released.
Source: ODNR
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