One of the most amazing spectacles in fishing is the world famous Maumee River Walleye run that happens every year near Lake Erie. 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 famous tributary run is the Maumee river. 1000'S of walleye will migrate up the river starting in March. The date is determined by when the the water temperature reaches near the 40deg mark.The walleye will head up river to their favorite spawning beds and will stage there until the water warms between 42deg - 52deg Fahrenheit and then the females will spawn.Normally the ave date is late march into early april when this all happens.

The 2009 predictions for the Maumee Walleye run have been released by the Ohio Department Of Natural Resources and the size and numbers look excellent! 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. There will also be some bigger fish in the 22inch to 30 inch range. A 22 to 30inch walleye is a good size fish. These fish are excellent for eating and make for some nice size fillets. 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.

If you are wondering where to go so you can fish the annual Maumee walleye run , head to the Conant Street bridge between Perrysburg and Maumee. If you are wading you need to be very careful of the swift current. If you fall in the water is very cold and hazardous. So being safe is a key factor.
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 strech 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.