The annual walleye run on the Maumee River remains one of Ohio’s premier fishing opportunities, drawing thousands each year.
Located about 134 miles northwest of Knox County, Maumee is roughly a 2-hour, 20-minute drive via Interstate 75, making it a realistic day trip when conditions line up.
The walleye run typically stretches from early March through early May, with peak action from mid-March to mid-April. Triggered by melting ice and rising water temperatures, more than 500,000 walleye migrate from Lake Erie to spawning grounds in Perrysburg and surrounding river stretches.
A “historic” season is expected according to ABC 13 Toledo.
Extensive ice coverage on Lake Erie this winter is expected to fuel a potentially historic walleye run on the Maumee River.
“Anytime there is good ice, it’s better for the walleye to spawn in the spring,” Brian Miller, founder of the Maumee River Walleye Run Group on Facebook told ABC 13 Toledo.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the lake reached near-record levels at about 96% ice coverage. Strong ice slows warming water temperatures, often leading to a shorter, more concentrated run that can produce intense fishing action. With several recent strong spawning years already boosting fish populations, anglers are anticipating an exceptional season.
Anglers generally look for water temperatures between 40 and 50 degrees and improving river conditions as signals the fish have arrived.
In its first river report of the year on Feb. 12, the Maumee River Walleye Run Facebook page outlined early-season conditions favorable but not yet prime for spawning activity.
Water levels were reported at 578 to 579 feet above sea level, averaging 2.5 to 3 feet deep in areas including Waterville and the Buttonwood and Bluegrass stretches. Discharge measured 450 to 500 cubic feet per second, creating limited current.
“So not much of a current!” the post read.
Water temperatures registered 34.6 degrees and were climbing 1 to 2 degrees daily, still below the preferred 50- to 55-degree range. Water clarity was estimated at 12 to 18 inches in open areas and about 6 inches below whitewater tailouts, with organizers saying weekly updates will continue as conditions change.
The Maumee River Walleye Run Facebook page also shared a flyer outlining site-specific fishing regulations for several northwest Ohio rivers.
The rules, in effect from March 1 through April 30, 2026, prohibit fishing with more than a single hook and lines or lures may not have hooks larger than ½ inch from shank to point. Double and treble hooks are also prohibited.
The regulations apply to the Maumee River from the Grand Rapids Providence Dam to Maumee Bay, the Sandusky River from the Waterworks Dam in Tiffin to Sandusky Bay, the Portage River from State Route 19 to the dam at Elmore and the Mahoning River from the dam at Berlin Reservoir to Lake Milton.
Fishing is allowed only from sunrise to sunset in designated sections, including the Maumee River from the Ohio Turnpike bridge to Missionary Island and from the State Route 295 bridge to the Grand Rapids Providence Dam, the Sandusky River from the Waterworks Dam to Brady’s Island in Fremont, the Portage River from State Route 19 to the dam at Elmore and the Mahoning River from the dam at Berlin Reservoir to Lake Milton.
The annual walleye run also features community events. One of those, the James R. McAllister “MAC” Memorial Fishing Tournament and fundraiser, is scheduled for April 11 at Side Cut Metropark, Riverview Area, with proceeds benefiting Clay High School seniors.
The website for the Maumee River walleye run (www.maumeeriverwalleyerun.com) bills itself as a “Complete Guide to Fishing the Maumee River Walleye Run,” offering resources for anglers preparing for the annual spring spawn.
Among its featured resources is a detailed book described as “a complete guide to ‘Fishing the Maumee River Walleye Run’,” along with gear recommendations.
The site emphasizes real-time river data, noting that “Fishing on the Maumee River requires knowledge of the river height” and that water-level data is pulled every 30 minutes to help anglers track trends. It adds that “air temperature has no effect on the fish, it's all about water temperature!” underscoring the importance of monitoring river conditions.
The website also promotes a weekly videocast and podcast featuring “top-rated walleye fishing advice,” strategy discussions and expert interviews.
Anglers display full stringers of walleye during the a past Maumee River walleye run, part of Ohio’s premier spring fishing event drawing thousands to Lake Erie’s spawning grounds. (Facebook / Fish and Fowl Adventures)
