Maumee river report 3 march 2025

SUNRISE/ FIRST CAST-7:06 AM

SUNSET/ LAST CAST-6:268 PM

WEIGHT: 3/4 – water has dropped some

BLUEGRASS ISLAND:   Today the water level is at 582 feet above sea level. This is the level that we consider normal/safety across the bluegrass Island. Typically there is a sign at the crossing along river Road that basically says safe to cross, or do not cross. The sign is not there so I’ll try and get in touch with the Metro Parks to see if they can get it in place for the season. We haven’t seen any walleye caught in the river as of yet, the water is still too cold. So it’s not like Bluegrass is any kind of hotspot right now. 

All that being said the water is at that particular level if you decide to cross do so at your own risk.  

The warmer water going out into a colder Lake Erie triggers a spawning instinct and the fish begin their trip up river.  The walleye love the gravel beds and rocky /brushy areas to spawn. What will happen is a female will get into one of those holes and deposit her eggs. As she is depositing her eggs several males will swarm her to fertilize, those are the spots you’re looking for.

As soon as the ice melts, plan on fishing for some Northern Pike. Like now. Pike spawn right after ice-out and they do so in very shallow water . Creek Mouths-this is about as sure of a thing as their can be targeting pre- spawn pike this time of year. Soft plastic swim baits with the paddle tail style, such as the larger “Big Joshy “lures. Easy to fish with: Rig them on a simple lead head jig with an exposed hook.

The weedless spoon is a good bait for pike. A regular old Daredevil type spoon works well too. I also use a lot of spinner baits and inline spinners (single hook only  til May 1st) when fishing for pike. Pike are generally pretty aggressive, so something with some flash. I’ve also found that brighter color baits work well, like yellows, oranges and whites.

Have fun, be safe and good luck fishing.