Maumee Spring Walleye

I've heard a lot of horror stories about the Maumee walleye runs, namely large numbers of tickets being issued, not to mention huge crowds. Exaggerated? Maybe, but this is what I hear the most when the subject comes up.

If you're wading, you'll have to find a place to stand. Just imagine Walnut Creek on the worst day, only bigger and more people.   Most of the best spots will have a few hundred guys already.  You have to learn to cast in rythm with your line of guys, so you don't cross lines too bad.  You'll snag more if you wade, since you're casting across the current and reeling back.  If you're in a boat, it's way better.  You can't use a big boat - even a little one might whack a rock now and then.  It's a small and shallow river, a little bigger than the Yough at West Newton.  From a boat, you can cast straight down the current and you won't snag as many.  If you do something wrong, you will be ticketed, because they have lots of undercover wardens, plus more up in the woods with spotting scopes.  The guy beside you maight be a warden.  The pic shows a not-so-crowded weekday.  Way more folks on weekends.  If there weren't a lot of fish, there wouldn't be 5000 people there.  Ditto on going in late April or May.  The limit is higher starting May 1, the males (jacks) are actually biting, and you'll catch white bass too.  Only down side is the big females are mostly gone.
 
 

Check out the SW board under "EYES", from last week.
 

ORIGINAL: porter64

Gonna head over to maumee this spring any advice?

All good questions.  I do not boat it and really have no desire to do so.  From what I have seen, the boats are every bit as crowded as on the shore.  I have seen some very bad behavior (boats ramming each other, and tempers flaring) out of the boaters.  If you try to run the rapids in front of the shore anglers, they will normally let you pass, but you risk tearing up your lower unit to rocks and countless miles of fishing line strung across the bottom.  As for permits, I am not sure what the regs are and would suggest looking up Maumee Tackle.  They should be able to help more than I in that area.

Like I mentioned in another post, it is not for everyone.  I have buddies that I would never think of inviting.  However, if you are a good angler with the ability to fish amongst crowds and read big muddy water effectively... this can be a great trip and one you will never forget.  The biggest key is to go with an open mind and be willing to learn.  It is a different style of fishing from anything I have ever seen or experienced.  Everyone catches a few fish, no doubt.  but the guys who slay them have mastered a technique that is truly unique.  My experience there has definitely made me a more versatile fisherman on rivers and gives me one more tool in the bag.

Maumee

looks like fun. i think i will give it a try. no worse than the salmon river
at peak run. i have a load of vacation time in early april. is that a good time to give it a try?

the equvivelant is Trout Run, but we fine swine!