maumee river report- 5 feb 25

The river level is up bout foot and a half over the last week with that rain and warm up that came through. Most of the river is still iced up , however after that warm up last weekend it might not take much for it to break loose.

Our winter is coming to a close, and preparation for open-water fishing is in full swing here at the shop. After ice-out, walleyes begin to make some movements shallow, checking out spawning areas and feeding on baitfish that also move shallow at this time of year. They eventually begin to spawn as the water temperature pushes past about 43F. This gives an anglers a block of time to fish for prespawn walleye just about a week or two , depending on rain and weather temps.   We call them “early runners” and its fun to head out early ad try and and catch one of those bone white beasts fresh from the lake.

Now these two pictures are from early last year but note the color of the fish – that bright white color is ususly indicator of a fish fresh from that lake . As they stay in the warmer river water they darken up.

Still seeing and hearing some good ice fishing reports in the area from the ponds and small lakes.  We have plenty of minnows , spikes and waxworms for bait. Remember ” no ice is safe ice” .

Have fun be safe and good luck fishing.