Spring is almost here, which means temperatures and warming, and Walleye are returning. With our 49 fishing line recycling bins, we’ve seen a lot of the Maumee River, so we’re sharing our secret: The BEST Fishing Spot in the Maumee River for the Walleye Run!!
Okay, that was total clickbait… sorry. But, it’s funny, right? Because it’s bait, like fishing bait? And we’re talking about fishing here… Anywho, moving on!
The Great Lakes offer one of the world’s most valuable freshwater resources, and right here in Northwest Ohio, we’re lucky to have the Maumee River teeming with life. As early spring approaches, the walleye run signals the return of action in the river after a cold winter. The run reaches its peak in April when water temperatures hit the sweet spot of 42–54°F, marking the start of spawning season. Walleye typically spawn at 3-4 years old, and as thousands of them head to their spawning grounds, anglers from near and far flock to the Maumee River to reel in this local delicacy.
But as exciting as the walleye run is, it’s not without challenges. With so many anglers casting their lines, there’s an unfortunate amount of fishing line lost or improperly discarded. This stray line can become a dangerous hazard for the wildlife that depend on the river. Birds, fish, and other creatures can become entangled, leading to injury or death.
If you’re planning to fish this year, please help keep the Maumee River safe for its wildlife by properly disposing of your fishing line. You can easily find designated disposal bins throughout the area. Want to do even more? Consider sponsoring, hosting, or adopting a fishing line bin. Just visit our Reel In and Recycle page and scroll to the bottom of the page for Volunteer Resources. Check out our interactive map to locate bins near you on this page too!
Improperly discarded fishing line can have a lasting negative impact on our streams. By using the designated fishing line bins, you’re helping reduce that risk and supporting a healthier ecosystem. All fishing line collected through this program is sent to the Berkley Conservation Institute, where it’s recycled into helpful items like fish habitat structures, park benches, and more!
Join us in protecting the Maumee River and its wildlife while you enjoy the walleye run. Stay up-to-date on the latest news on the Facebook page!