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2017 walleye run

54K views 362 replies 80 participants last post by  ngski 
#1 ·
Really considering giving the walleye run a try this year. This would be my first time up there for this and by the looks of pictures online and the crowds seem to be nothing I have ever experienced before. I fish the white bass run on Sandusky river but the spot I go to is nothing close to this. Anyone have any do's and dont's before I head up and piss some people off.
 
#227 ·
My nephew and I may give it a go this year too. But after chatting with some buddies that go every year, I think I'm taking my smaller boat. I'm not sure of boat traffic and such so it will be a learning curve I'm sure. Still I think it will (maybe?) be better than the shoulder to shoulder event they have shared photos of. I sure would be open to ideas from any boaters. Am I better off in a small boat? Maybe not?
Small Boat for sure. Make sure you have enough anchor weight to anchor in the current. Orleans park is a good spot to launch and fish. Parking can get tricky so get there early. You can launch your boat and tie it off but cant fish till it's legal time. The stretch of water from Orleans back west to the bridge produces limits and fun fishing when the run is in full swing. Have fun and be safe.
 
#231 ·
Thanks a bunch all info I gather from folks is much appreciated. If nothing else my maiden voyage will be a new learning curve. I'm a long time boater but my small boat doesn't have all the bells an whistles. My main concern is not to screw all the natives grief with under power and not enough anchor. After reading a lot on here I think my 9.9 two stroke can handle it. I'm still considering anchor choices.
 
#228 ·
LOL the campground has been there for around 30 years now, as has the boat ramp and horsetrail (path to the fort)...your blame is misdirected.
We refuse to raise our rates, and absorb all of the price increases we have incurred and maintenance. (And trust me, every single expense has gone up). Unfortunatly, ice and flooding really takes it toll on the property and new gravel every year isn't an option. But we were able to bring in some gravel to at least level out the really bad areas in the lane.
Hey Anglermama, any areas up there that disabled veterans can fish for Walleye with success?
Several cannot wade but can fish just can't get out in the water except close to the bank
 
#233 ·
I think the 9.9 will be ok if you pick your days and don't venture too far, which you shouldn't have to, but you're going to want more anchor than you think. Most guys that I know up there make their own because they can't find a factory model that is adequate.

You definitely want one that will hold you in one spot and not move. 25 boats all in line work just fine. If one moves a few feet , it screws everyone.
 
#235 ·
I think the 9.9 will be ok if you pick your days and don't venture too far, which you shouldn't have to, but you're going to want more anchor than you think. Most guys that I know up there make their own because they can't find a factory model that is adequate.

You definitely want one that will hold you in one spot and not move. 25 boats all in line work just fine. If one moves a few feet , it screws everyone.
My buddy is bringing me some railroad track that I hope to attach a Y type connection from some chain. I'm hoping that they catch on something.
 
#249 ·
Hey everyone, so I'm making my way up to the Maumee Saturday for the first time in a few years.
Could I get some recommendations on weights for trolling sinkers? I suppose floating jig heads with a sinker above them is still the popular way to fish?

Looks like the river is going to stay somewhere between 570-580 or even lower around rossford and south from there. Figured the lighter the better but wanted to check with you guys and your opinions. Thanks!!
 
#250 ·
Hey everyone, so I'm making my way up to the Maumee Saturday for the first time in a few years.
Could I get some recommendations on weights for trolling sinkers? I suppose floating jig heads with a sinker above them is still the popular way to fish?

Looks like the river is going to stay somewhere between 570-580 or even lower around rossford and south from there. Figured the lighter the better but wanted to check with you guys and your opinions. Thanks!!
Yes a floating jig head with a trolling sinker a few feet above it is still the way to go. As far as water level I'm sure that was a typo. Typical summer pool is around 579-580. If it were to go down to 570 there wouldn't be any water to fish.
 
#254 ·
LOL the campground has been there for around 30 years now, as has the boat ramp and horsetrail (path to the fort)...your blame is misdirected.
We refuse to raise our rates, and absorb all of the price increases we have incurred and maintenance. (And trust me, every single expense has gone up). Unfortunatly, ice and flooding really takes it toll on the property and new gravel every year isn't an option. But we were able to bring in some gravel to at least level out the really bad areas in the lane.
What is the name of the camp ground there and can we tent it there or do they have little cabins to rent while there walleye fishing
 
#258 ·
It is on W. River Rd in Perrysburg. Closest street address that I found is 26957. It is just north of Hull Prairie Rd. where Buttonwood Park is located. It is not really a campground just a field they let people camp in.
 
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#260 ·
Yes, the launch is in a cut out of the current. It is also in deeper water. Currently the river is low, we do need a good rain. That being said, at this time I suggest that if you want to fish in front of the campground, you use the campgrounds launch, as it could be difficult to navigate down river with no experience. You are more than welcome to stop down and take a look and talk to whom ever is in the shack. We are more than happy to help you out. And yes, we are a privately owned rustic campground. So if you do require a picnic table, Buttonwood offers them in their rustic campground.
 
#262 ·
Looking to head up and try the walleye run for the first time with my soon to be brother in law. We will be traveling a couple hours to get there. Any recommendations on where to try/avoid while there? We both have a pair of waders as I've heard they are a must when fishing the run.
 
#266 ·
when the fish get good and goin' in the river...(which they will be by this weekend)... fishing on the weekends is very crazy, lots n lots of people... and you need to get there before sun up just to find a good parking spot usually. I am usually standing in the river in my waders, fishing pole in hand, waiting for legal time to start fishing . ...fishing during the week is still extremely busy but it seems to be a little easier to find parking.
however you do it, I think you should just plan on getting there very early, and plan on committing to a day of slingin' lead. you never know how it's going to go, last year I got there at sunrise and I had my limit before 9 AM . but I have also had many days where it took me seven hours to get a limit of fish .
 
#267 ·
Here's another suggestion. Sometimes I don't start fishing until 2:00 pm or later. By then many of the early bird fisherman have limited out or are too tired. I also try to fish away from the massive crowds and, from afternoon to early evening, it's much easier to avoid the insanity. I haven't noticed a difference in catch rate between early morning and afternoon either.
 
#268 ·
I used to make the trip from Columbus up to the Maumee a handful of years ago - This was back when I believe the limit was 10 - Then it went to three and that is when I stopped. If memory serves me correctly just down from Fort Meigs there is a big field on the left - That is where we used to park and fish. Those were some fun times.
 
#269 ·
Those where the good days. I have a hard time wanting to go to Maumee now because I have to drive 4 hours the fish for 3 walleyes and at least stay 2-3 days to possibly get 9 fish and in another month go out and try for 6 a day limit. I think the limit should be 6 in the Maumee just like the normal season
 
#272 ·
I fished the perrysburg side yesterday 3-27 from 5:30 till sundown and left with two walleyes. Snagged 3 more and also caught 4 sucker fish. No color was better than the other, was throwing 1/2 oz. This weekend should heat up. Oh yeah, yesterday was the busiest I've seen it down there yet, and it was a Monday. I'll be fishing the same area tonight from 5:30 until sundown or i get 4 legal fish.
 
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