Maumee River and Lake Erie Report 23 February 2017– Walleye caught in river for 5 days in a row

Maumee River Report:

LEVEL-580.3

TEMP- 47 degrees

Barometer: 29.69 inHg and rising

Wading to Bluegrass Island is possible

Clarity-9 inches

For the last 5 days we have seen walleye caught out of the river. we have seen walleye come out of all access areas, Bluegrass / Buttonwood, Orleans Park, Ft Meigs , The Towpath and most caught at Jerome rd Rapids. Today use  a 20-30 inch leader , and  1/2 oz to 3/4 oz  weight . Pink head /green tail, orange head / green tail  and green head with motor oil or blue metallic flake  were the predominately successful color.  The color orange sparkle tail with a white head also triggered some bites. Dont forget  Berkly Power baits are always good to use as they add appealing scent, taste and feel to this  popular grub style, creating a very effective lure. Works wonders on all fish, especially walleye, bass and panfish.

The water temp has warmed significantly in this last 5 days. The warm water flowing out of the Maumee and into lake Erie will trigger that first push of fish to come into the river. We look for bite to steadily improve over the  next few days and to be very good by the weekend.

Pay attention to immersed shorelines that feature rock or riprap along with timber. You  wants some current but not a swift whitewater rapid,and if the flow is impeded by rocks or a logjam, the resulting eddy is especially appealing to the walleye. During an exhausting breeding season, walleyes won’t journey farther than they need to. They require only some baitfish to eat and a safe place to rehabilitate. Shorelines have both.The challenge with high-water on the Maumee is its impassability. The very rocks and lumber that walleyes favor are a frustration to anglers. Use short casts  to maintain control, strikes  usually occur while the jig is on the back end of the drift . Set the hook hard and don’t relinquish much play until the fish is clear of the snags. The Maumee river also eat jigs, especially snarled shoreline cover. So be prepared to lose a few jigs, not to mention fish. If the spot produces a few fish stay on it awhile. Naturally occurring areas with holes and cover  invite a continuous string of newcomer walleyes. Patience is a virtue in these circumstances.