As the Walleye slow down... it's               time

                                                                        WHITE BASS

The world famous Walleye Run

MAUMEE & SANDUSKY RIVERS

Every Spring, thousands of anglers descend on Northwest Ohio to fish the waters of the Maumee & Sandusky Rivers for a spawning run of Walleye followed by White Bass. Popular spots include the downtown of Fremont, Ohio (Sandusky River) and Sidecut Park of Toledo, Ohio (Maumee River). While I wont get too specific on the science of the run, I will give a basic overview. The fish that enter these tributaries are a small portion of the resident Walleye from the Western Basin of Lake Erie and some from Lake St.Clair. Fish usually start showing up in early March and continue to be present through mid to late April. The White Bass that follow the Walleye will often continue several weeks past this. Most people consider the water temperature hitting 40 degrees as the start of the run. At this point, the anglers start to show up and the fishing pressure can be intense. Many people do not like fishing the run due to the 'elbow to elbow' crowded fishing conditions. If you avoid the weekends and are willing to try spots a bit tougher for fish you can avoid the crowds somewhat. Also, it tends to get blown out of proportion about everyone's behavior, most folks get along fine. I've made a lot of friends for the day with my nearby anglers. My best advice is just to tell everyone to anticipate that you will have anglers fish very close to you, and coach yourself into a good attitude about it. If you go into it prepared for this, you will have a lot more fun with the run.

The Ohio DNR has a strong presence at the Walleye Run, both visibly and undercover efforts. Their main goal is to make sure people are not illegally snagging fish. Many people feel the DNR tends to be a bit too militant at this time, however, I have never had anything but positive firsthand experiences. I will say it is a good idea if you walk by any trash or debris to pick it up, whether it was yours or not. This is a good sportsman quality to have at all times and is especially smart during the run.  Overall, just follow the law and you will not have a problem.  (Click the sign in the photo for this year's regulations)

There are a few stereotypes and misinformation that always seem to surface about the run that completely make me angry. One is that the fish aren't biting and that they are all snagged. Simply put, this just isn't true. When you fish for them, you will feel the strike often no different than a bass, and the obvious strike is verified when you net a fish that is clearly mouth hooked. At times you will inadvertantly snag a fish, usually you can tell it is a snag and not a bite immediately. When this happens, just release the fish and no harm. I was motivated a few years ago to call the ODNR after reading on some of the fishing web communities people's opinions and thoughts about the run. An Ohio DNR fish biologist from the Cleveland office was nice enough to give me about an hour of their time. Thank you Andy! The first question I asked was regarding a claim that the DNR had done a study that showed the fish aren't biting. Needless to say, that was quickly discarded as non factual. The DNR has

never done any study to quantify or qualify the way, reason, or any other aspect of the feeding of the 'run' fish. They just simply operate with the complete understanding the fish do bite and are legally taken, with the enforcement division actively seeking those anglers taking fish when this does not occur. We had a lengthy discussion over how the river fish were considered snagged by unethical angling rifraf yet the boaters fishing the same spawning fish in the lake was perceived as 'sporting'. This leads right into the next aspect that we talked about concerning the run. Why is the run open to fishing at all if the fish are spawning? It was explained to me that the number of fish entering the rivers to spawn is only a very small portion of the total Walleye population. The Walleye entering into the river also have a much more statistically tough time to have a successful spawn verses the much larger population in the lake. This isn't from angling pressure but rather the specific conditions needed in the river to make the spawn successful. Anyone familiar with NW Ohio weather knows how often our weather is sporadic and inconsistent. The proposed data expressed in the phonecall was that even with perfect conditions in the river, that successful spawn would likely represent 15% or less of the total Walleye population. More commonly the river fish represent 4 to 8% of the total population. If anything, to me, this would indicate closer regulations for the lake fish as they make up the larger portion of the fish population and also are more likely to successfully spawn. I am playing 'devil's advocate' of course, and I do think the river fish should also have some regulation to be assured they are successful enough to keep creating a fresh crop of fish that will return. Overall, the argument really shoudn't be over the run it should be whether people believe in fishing during the spawn at all. The debate over that is something well known to bass fisherman and will always be going on, it surely won't be decided anytime soon, especially on a small site like this.

Enough about the politics, onto catching these fine fish! Most people wade, there are a few shorefishing spots, and some use small boats. This is one of the few times that I really don't think the boaters have the upperhand. Between navigating the heavy current and the extremely shallow water, I just assume wade. Most use spinning gear, and a pole between 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 feet long with either 8 or 10 pound mono. If you use braid, it will often start freying on all the rocks. The standard rig is a simple lead head and single tail grub. Weight varies and commonly it is thought to use the lightest weight you can that will still get you on the bottom. Tails vary in size also, 3" to 4" is standard. As for colors, every person you ask will have a different opinion. I will say this, there have been days where it really seems not to matter at all and there have been days where one specific combination seems to work. Whether it's fact or fiction, take a few different combos, but more importantly, pay attention to technique. The most important thing is to make sure you get low enough, let the jig hit the bottom, then retrieve making contact with the bottom rather frequently to make sure your presentation is as close to the bottom as possible. It's almost like a jigging retrieve. Another completely different setup is the carolina rig. With this, just use a floating head with your grub, make a leader about a foot to a foot and a half, barrel swivel and egg sinker. This has grown in popularity over recent years and I have had success with it. I cannot say that I prefer one over the other as both produce legal fish.

The fish you catch will largely be jacks (males), they are the first to show up and throughout the run they seem to feed more. Most of these fish will be 16 to 22 inches, however, you can catch some huge males. As for the females, they don't seem to bite much pre spawn or during spawn, but post spawn they seem to feed a bit. Those individuals lucky enough to catch a female are often treated to a real trophy of a specimen. Many people will release the females and larger fish as they want to protect the fishery as well as prefer the smaller fish as table fare. I tend to agree with releasing the females, however, keeping a trophy fish is more then understandable. I will say I completely disagree with keeping multiple big fish, especially prespawn.

When the Walleye bite starts to slow down, you might find yourself missing what feels like very good strikes.  This is often the sign that the White Bass have arrived.  While you will get some inadvertantly on what you are targeting the Walleye with, try downsizing the jig/grub if you want to specifically start catching them.  If you downsize your jig/grub size, these fish will have an easier time getting the lure further into their mouth as to find your hook.  It is tough to predict the spring weather, so each year is different as to the length of time the Walleye are present, the time they are taken together, and when the fish leave the rivers.  I also want to note that the Maumee River does have some year round Walleye, and both rivers will hold some White Bass well after the run is over.  The numbers are simply reduced by a huge amount along with quality.

The White Bass run is not as popular as the Walleye but does have a rather strong following.  You will find a whole new crop of anglers along with some of the folks that enjoy fishing for both.  When the regs are still in place to protect the Walleye, many people fish for the White Bass with a single hook & minnow under a bobber.  I also often use a 1/32 oz jig tipped with a minnow and cast & retrieve for them.  Once the regs are lifted (a specific calendar date) you can diversify your approach quite a bit.  This includes using spinners, small cranks, two staggered smaller grub combos, or a host of other options and creativity.  Anything looking like a minnow or an actual minnow will work.  When you find these fish they feed aggressively and are in huge schools. It is not unrealistic to catch several hundred fish in rather quick time. Do use some good judgment as to how many you keep, ask yourself if it is sporting to keep hundreds of fish, just because you can.  It really is that easy at times.

Bonus fish...

Although the run is referred to for these two fish species, there are a number of other species you may encounter.  Catching these 'bonus fish' requires no additional strategy, just do what you are inclined to for the Walleye and White Bass.  While some folks are annoyed with the inadvertant catches as they are wanting table fare, I always enjoy whatever I bring in.  Spring is a darn good time to be outside fishing regardless of what you catch, don't lose sight of that! Some of the species I encounter include, Common Carp, Buffalo, Quillback, White Perch, Channel Catfish, Longnose Gar... and others I'm surely forgetting.  On the Maumee River, it is quite common to catch Smallmouth Bass.  Some of my favorite days during the run are when I catch a variety of species.  

This is a typical scene on the Maumee River during the run.  With a bit of courtesy, even crowded conditions can be enjoyable by all.

The ODNR is watching you, and likely fishing near you.  Be sure you follow the law and know the specific regulations that are in place.

The author is all smiles with a limit taken from the Maumee River.  A big jack highlighted this stringer on a great day of fishing.

The color combinations to the left are some of my most used offerings.  I prefer the grub to face away from the hook so that the tail does not get the hook through it while fishing.

Basic Floating Rig

MAIN LINE

EGG SINKER

BEAD

BARREL

SWIVEL

LEADER

FLOATING JIG

The author displaying a pair of huge White Bass.  While the number of fish is astounding, the quality of fish is equally impressive.

If you are the type to enjoy constant fish action, the White Bass will often provide this experience. Looking to introduce a non fisherman or youngster to the sport?, this could be one of the most outstanding options we have available in our area.

While I do not offer a guide service, you can always email to see if I will be fishing on any particular date to meet up.

If you want a guide type experience, I prefer doing some type of 'trade a trip'.

Maumee Tackle the #1 resource for a successful trip

To the right, you can access Maumee Tackle's up to the date information for the Maumee River.  Gary & Janice Lowry have helped countless thousands of anglers over the years and supporting a small business is the right thing to do.  Make sure you stop by the store to make some purchases!