Do you want to catch walleye from shore? Right here in Ohio, there are places you can go to catch walleye from shore during their spawning runs. The Maumee River Walleye Run and Sandusky River Walleye Run are both great opportunities to catch fish from shore!
Every spring thousands of walleye make their way to the western basin of Lake Erie for the Maumee River walleye run and Sandusky River walleye run. There they will spawn on the reefs, basins, and rivers. River fishing for spawning walleye has become quite popular and a pastime for a lot of anglers.
Maumee River Walleye Run Tackle
| Fishing Gear | Description | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Floating Jig Heads | Buoyant jig heads that keep the bait suspended above the bottom. | Walleye fishing in rivers and lakes. |
| Curly Tail Grubs | Soft plastic lures with a wavy tail for added movement. | Jigging or casting for walleye. |
| Walleye Rod | Medium-light to medium-action fishing rod designed for walleye. These can double as jigging rods. | Jigging, trolling, or casting. |
| Walleye Spinning Reel | Smooth drag system with a lightweight design for walleye fishing. | Pairing with a walleye rod for finesse techniques. |
| Landing Net | A net with a deep basket to safely land fish. | Ensuring easy catch-and-release and landing walleye. |
The Maumee River Walleye Run
The Maumee River walleye run is the more popular river to target spawning walleye. Walleye come into the river and spawn on the gravel in the fast water. Anglers use floating jigs to catch the fish. Braid fishing line to a fluorocarbon leader is what most use. The light invisible leader is needed not only to catch more fish but to break off easily and not snag other lines. You can always use only mono, but there is a lot of stretch in mono and sometimes it is hard to detect bites.
Some popular places to catch walleye include Buttonwood Park and the surrounding areas. Sometimes the water is too high to wade to the islands, but if you can get there it is good fishing. If you are unsure where to fish, local bait shops in the area will give you directions. Remember, some areas fish better than others during high water or low water. Make sure you have ample time to check out the river in multiple spots to maximize your chances of hooking a walleye.
The Sandusky River Walleye Run
The Sandusky River located in Sandusky, OH, and Fremont, OH is a good alternative to the Maumee River. It gets less pressure but can be just as productive at times. There are a lot of walleye that move through the bay to get to the river. Some stay and spawn in the bay, but most move on to the river. The same Ohio laws apply to the Sandusky River that apply to the Maumee River. Some of the more popular areas are in Fremont below the main bridge. There is nice parking and plenty of room.
Check the Water Level and Temp Report
It is important to check the water level and temperature of each river before going. The water level may be too high to cross and wade certain sections. Some of the areas holding fish on the Maumee River are only accessible by wading. Also, during high water times, the turbidity goes up. This causes visibility to decline. Below is the flow chart for the Maumee River.
Maumee River Flow Chart
Walleye River Fishing Tackle
Be sure to check the table at the beginning of the article for suggestions on fishing tackle for the Maumee River Walleye Run. Fishing for walleye in a river can be challenging for a beginner. A floating jig is the primary bait being used. Rig the floating jig with a 1/2 – 1 ounce slip sinker about 12″ – 24″ above the jig using a swivel. This will ensure the jig maintains bottom contact while drifting.
How to Fish Rivers During the Walleye Run
The object is to drift your bait with the river current while making bottom contact. You can let the bait drift, or add jigging action to trigger a bite. The water conditions are mostly stained in the spring, so bright or dark-colored baits work best. Some days the fish will bite a natural drift and other days they want more action. If elevated, let the bait drift with the current while mending the line. This will ensure a good hook set after the bite. Remember, walleye caught outside of the mouth have to be released, that is considered snagging.
Tips Before Fishing the Rivers
We suggest before you just dive in, to do research with Google Maps. This is a great way to check the river and parking where you will be fishing. After looking for a place to fish, be sure to check the special regulations in place. ODNR has these posted in their newest handbook for fishing in Ohio. Also, check the USGS river flows regularly. There is nothing worse than showing up and the river being high and muddy. You will be wasting your time. The time to start fishing is from mid-February into the middle of April. Also, get a nice set of waders, if you show up in sneakers you will be turning around and going home. Most importantly have fun.