I spy a walleye!

We’re talking about walleye today, and this episode has a BINGO theme.

 

Background: Some people like to live in or visit Perrysburg because they like to fish the Spring Walleye Run. If you’re not from around here, the term “walleye run” refers to the annual migration of walleye, which is a tasty game fish. Walleye migrate up the Maumee River to spawn (or lay eggs) every Spring. Walleye are well-known throughout NW Ohio, especially in Toledo. (Their minor league hockey team is called The Walleye, and one of their mascots is a yellow walleye named “Spike.”)

 

Every March and April, walleye fishing is very popular in Perrysburg. I don’t fish at this time, but I’m definitely a spectator. I like to see people out there doing their thing and having a good time every Spring. 

 

Whether you’re a fishermen or a spectator, today’s episode is meant to describe my Walleye BINGO card and raise awareness about things you’ll see every Spring in and around Perrysburg during the Spring Walleye Run. That’s why the title of the episode is, “I spy a walleye.”

 

My BINGO card has 25 spots. The middle spot is a FREE space. If you subscribe to The Perrysburg Podcast Newsletter, I put my homemade BINGO card in the newsletter on April 4, 2025. Big thanks to my sister (Kelly) for the BINGO card idea! 

 

1. Spot a stringer with at least 2 walleye on it.
2. Spot an ODNR Vehicle (boat or car) or ODNR Wildlife Officer.
3. Stand on the Perrysburg Maumee Bridge, look down, and watch someone catch a walleye.
4. Find a fishing line recycling tube.
5. Visit Buttonwood Park, and watch someone catch a walleye.
6. Visit Maumee Tackle, buy gear if you need it, and get your picture with their sign if you want to.
7. Visit the Perrysburg Riverwalk, and watch someone catch a walleye.
8. “Like” Maumee Tackle’s Facebook Page.
9. Find a roadside tackle business.
10. Watch a fisherman load fish into a cooler. 
11. Visit the Davis Overlook, and watch people fish.
12. Read Brian Miller’s Book, Fishing the Maumee River Walleye Run.
13. FREE 
14. Watch two fishermen work together to “net” a fish. (One person has a rod. The other holds a net.)
15. Listen to Episode 32 of The Perrysburg Podcast, featuring Brian Miller from MaumeeRiverWalleyeRun.com.
16. Watch someone catch a walleye while standing in the river wearing hip waders.
17. Look at today’s river report on maumeetackle.net.
18. “Like” the Maumee River Walleye Run Facebook page.
19. Visit Orleans Park, and watch someone catch a walleye.
20. Watch a water rescue.
21. Watch a roadside fish cutter in action.
22. Visit the Maple street Boat Launch, and watch the outgoing and incoming fishermen.
23. Watch a fisherman in a boat catch a walleye (Kayak, canoes, or motorboat)
24. Look at the water level markers under the I-475 Bridge on the Maumee Side of the river.
25. If you see a fisherman getting a parking ticket, mark this last spot on your BINGO card. 

 

I saw a policeman ticketing a fisherman for illegal parking as I drove past the Davis Overlook this year. There aren’t enough parking spots near the river for fishermen in March and April. If you’re a City of Maumee or City of Perrysburg Official who can create more parking spaces near the river to help the fishermen (even just in March and April), please do so. I’d rather see a fisherman pay for parking up-front, like we all have to for July 4th fireworks at the Ft. Meigs Battlefield, rather than have to pay a parking ticket. Fisher