Maumee River Report 25 Feb 2017

The eyes are important indicators of walleye behavior. These peculiar, opaque-appearing eyes from which the walleye derives its name, lend the impression walleyes are blind. In reality, walleyes see quite well. Their eyes are adaptations for a life spent in dark areas. Walleyes avoid bright light and are most active at night. Thus the nightime fishing restriction during spawn season.This doesn’t mean walleyes can’t be caught during daytime. In deeper water, where only moderate light penetrates, walleyes strike readily between dawn and dusk. They are more active on overcast days than bright ones, often feeding in shallower water under a cloudy sky. If wind disturbs the water’s surface, diffusing light rays, that improves daytime fishing conditions as well. Most successful walleye anglers therefore usually fish on cloudy, windy days, during low-light periods or after dark.The type of bottom over which an angler fishes is also important. Walleyes seldom are found over mud or in areas of dense vegetation, preferring areas of open bottom covered with rocks, gravel or, outside the spawning season, firm sand. Spawning walleyes avoid sand because it might suffocate their eggs.Walleyes also are attracted to current, which brings food to the fish. In streams, narrow stretches where the current quickens are walleye attractors,especially in early spring when walleyes use them as both feeding areas and spawning sites. Dam tailwaters also attract walleyes. These fish are bottom dwellers, too, usually caught with lures or bait worked on or near the substrate. They’re schooling fish as well. When you catch one, others are usually nearby, especially during spring spawning when huge concentrations can be found. Where one is caught, keep fishing until you get no more strikes