Lake Erie and her tributaries are world famous for their walleye fishing, and to kick every walleye season off there is a fishing spectacle that is rarely seen, and it's called the annual Maumee River walleye run. If you catch the river at it's best when the walleye are going up river to there spawning grounds full speed you can catch your limit of walleye very quickly. There are some key things you need to know if you want to have a successful fishing trip on the Maumee.

March of every year normally earmarks the start of the annual spawning migration of the walleye from lake erie up her tributaries. The most well know tributary is the Maumee river. The date thousands of walleye will start there migration up river is determined by good old mother natures The Temperature of the water will determine when the run will start. Once the water warms to near 40 degs Fahrenheit the walleye run will start. The actual spawning by the female walleye will not occur until the temperature is between 42deg -52deg Fahrenheit.Typically, the date the walleye spawn normally occurs is late March or Early April

The Ohio Department of natural resources has released their predictions for 2009 and the numbers and size are going to be good. The 2003 class looks to be the leader for walleye that will be caught. It is estimated they will range in size from 18 to 26 inches. If you are looking for that trophy, there also will be some 22 to 30 inch monsters probably caught this year. If you know anything about walleye fishing these are some very nice size fish and excellent fillet size. There is no better eating then walleye fillets in the skillet. The larger walleye will be from hatches from 1996,1998,1999,and 2001. There has been walleye caught on this run dating back to the 1980's These are extremely large fish and also extremely rare.

head to The best place to fish at in the annual Maumee Walleye run are From the Conant Street bridge between Perrysburg and Maumee. Wading is the most popular type of fishing the run. Safety is key here, you must be very careful when wading the swift current. The water is extremely cold, and makes it hazardous.
Before you make a decision to fish the walleye run make sure you take note of the following basic walleye fishing equipment you will need.

#1 If you are going to be wading you need to have a good set of chest waders that are insulated. Make sure you also have a belt of some kind around your waist you will need this to mount basic tools.

#2 You will need a good graphite walleye spinning rod 6ft to 7ft in length that is rated Medium lite to medium action.

#3 You will need your spinning reel to match the rod. This is determined by the lure size.

#4 You will need to spool your reel with "fire line" This line is designed not to stretch and you can feel even the smallest of nibbles.

#5 You will need a net (remember if you are wading this should be small in size.

#6 You will need a stringer for your fish.

#7 You will need to have floating walleye fishing jig heads tipped with brightly colored plastic tails, fished about 18 to 24-inches below a weight is generally the most successful lure. The amount of weight depends on the amount of current; at low river stages use about 3/8 oz. weight and at high river flow you may need heavier ¾ oz. weight.