Maumee River Update

[West Basin]

Jiginitis69 is correct, a lot of crazy things happen on the river during the spring walleye and white bass runs. Usually it’s bad because someone did something stupid.
I grew up in Perrysburg and fished the spring runs every year. Best advantage a boat gets you is the ability to get away from the wader fisherfolk. You can get to areas they can’t, especially down river from the Maumee / Perrysburg Bridge and around the upriver end of Ewing Island (the big island just down from the bridge). There are some real good spots in that area only accessible from a boat. If you want to take a boat on the upstream side of the bridge be very cautious. Do not go there when the water is anywhere near high. I’ve personally watched two boats go down out there, one of which both fellows drowned. It was horrible to watch and know you could do nothing (before cell phones). We tried to warn them but they couldn’t hear us and didn’t heed our arm signals not to try and anchor. Jiginitis69 is right, trying to anchor a small boat in that current is difficult and dangerous even at lower water levels. HAVE ALL YOUR SAFTEY GEAR AND WEAR THE CORRECT APPROVED PFD (life vest). If you do go in that cold water and current you won’t last long and rescue may take 30 minutes or longer.
Wading is much easier than using a boat and it gives you access to more places. You can do fine wading but you’ll have to learn the system and protocol as you will most likely be fishing in a line with others. It’s often not as bad as many make it out to be. Be courteous and cooperative, talk with the others fishing. You will often find they will work together so everyone (within reason) can fish. Get your "river legs" before you venture out into a group. If you have time scout the river and you can find places with less fishing pressure. Walk the shoreline (be careful, you need to stay in the water to be “legal”, and I say that not as a lawyer. Some property owners are very vigilant on watching their property during the runs and they will run you off). Access through private property is hard to come by but if you start early (October – January) you have a decent chance of getting permission somewhere. Asking now is usually a waste of time but you may get lucky.

As for fishing method floating jigs are the usual method instead of the lead head jigs of the past. I haven’t fished the run in years so I don’t have that knowledge. Someone else can explain that. First thing in the morning is usually best as fish move in overnight. Good fishing!