TOLEDO, Ohio — It's “o-fish-ial": the annual walleye run is now underway for many fishers to come out and enjoy some fishing on the Maumee. But due to one of the warmest winters in Toledo history, this year may look a little different.
Since February, northwest Ohio has seen four heavy rainfall events that have changed the way local anglers will approach the fishing season. After a winter with near-record low amounts of snowfall and heavy rain, many are wondering how many walleye will be swimming in the Maumee River this season.
"With that milder winter we actually saw fish start to be brought in in late February, which is pretty rare," Serena Yerg, operations manager for Maumee Tackle Fishing Outfitters in Maumee said. "We saw them starting at the end of February, and then with that high water, it kind of pushed off for a minute. But for it being so early in the run, we're seeing really good numbers brought in."
Anglers are already excited to get out on the water. Yerg said the business is already receiving numerous calls each day.
Yerg stressed the importance of safety and knowledge when fishing. Before going out on the river, check out the walleye run website and Maumee Tackle Fishing Outfitters' website for fishing tips and current water conditions, respectively.
As the walleye season is just beginning, there is still plenty of time to get out onto the water and do some fishing. The last week of March and the first week of April is the typical peak, but exact peak depends on conditions like water level and temperature. Regardless, the Maumee River will be lined with busy fishers for the next six to eight weeks.
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