Maumee and Sandusky River Spawning Runs: Walleye Fishing Forecast for 2011

River Spawning of Walleye

 Walleye are present all year long in the MAUMEE and SANDUSKY RIVERS in relatively low numbers; however, the number of walleye dramatically increases during annual spawning runs up these tributaries from Lake Erie.

 A variety of factors trigger the spawning run including: water temperature, river flow, and photoperiod (hours of daylight). Walleye spawning occurs anytime from mid-March through mid-April, but frequently the peak activity occurs the last week of March through the second week of April. Walleye spawn when water temperatures range from 42°F  to 52° F. High river flows will also increase the number of walleye in the river, especially if river temperatures are warmer than Lake Erie temperatures.

Predictions for 2011
This should be an excellent year to catch walleye from the Maumee and Sandusky Rivers.  Fishing in 2010 was exceptional with the Maumee River providing its best walleye fishing since 1990 along with the Sandusky River having its best year since 2004.
In the Maumee River, walleye from the strong 2003 year class will continue to dominate harvest again this year with contributions from the 2007 year class. They will range from 19 to 28 inches with most of the male walleye being around 21 inches, and the female walleye will be in the mid-20 inch range. Smaller walleye in the harvest will most likely come from the 2007 and 2008 year classes.  Some large walleye in the 22 to 30-inch range will be caught this spring.  Those large walleye are from the 1996, 1999, and 2001 year classes. Walleye over 30 inches may date back to good year classes from 1993 and 1994 or even year classes from the late 1980's. Walleye caught in past years have been as old as 26 years.

The 2003 year class is also the most abundant year class in the Sandusky River, but fish from 2004, 2001, 2005, 2007 and 2006 all contributed at least 8% or more of the 2010 harvest (ordered from most abundant to least abundant).  Older fish in the Sandusky River harvest came formt he 1998, 1997, and 1994 year classes. 

Anglers are reminded that there is a 15-inch minimum size limit the entire season for walleye.

Fishing Tips
On the Maumee River the best area to fish for walleye is from the Conant Street Bridge upstream to the end of Jerome Road, in Lucas County.  On the Sandusky River the best area to fish for walleye is from Brady's Island to Rodger Young Park.

Most anglers fish the rivers by wading, or fishing from shore. Car-top boats are sometimes used in both rivers. Trailered boats are used in the lower portions of both rivers. Boat ramps are available on the Sandusky River just north of the State Street Bridge in Fremont, and on the Maumee River at the foot of Maple Street in Perrysburg and at Orleans Park also in Perrysburg. Caution is strongly recommended in both rivers as they are often high in the early spring and quite treacherous. The best baits for walleye are floating jigs tipped with white, yellow or fluorescent colored twister tails.  Lures are available at bait stands set up along the Maumee River.