When I checked conditions on the more-popular Maumee last week, the water was running high with a temperature of 42 degrees. Brrr. That’s a bit brisk for most fishermen, especially if you like to fish in waders. You might want to give it a few more days.
But don’t put it off too long. It’s a good time to start planning a trip (motels fill up fast in the spring). A good place to start is Maumee Tackle in the town of Maumee. You can get tips along with the proper tackle.
If you have a boat, there are several ramps. You can wade, but most of the fishing takes place on the banks.
Here’s a tip: be sure you have a new fishing license and are using legal tackle. Keep only 15-inch or larger walleyes and the bag limit is four until May 1, when it changes to six. Wildlife officers watch anglers closely, looking for over-bagging and snagging mostly. And don’t be surprised if the guy fishing next to you is actually a game warden.
To check conditions on the Maumee, visit maumeetackle.net. For the Sandusky, call Angler’s Supply in Fremont at (419) 332-6071. Check both rivers at wildohio.gov
Talking turkey
It’s time for spring turkey hunting in Ohio, starting with the annual youth-only hunt, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Following the youth hunt, hunting will be open to all.
The state has been divided into two zones. South zone hunting will be April 23-May 20. The northeast zone season will run April 30-May 27.
Hunting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until noon from April 23-May 6 in the south zone and April 30-May 13 in the northeast zone. Hunting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset from May 7-20 in the south zone and May 14-27 in the northeast zone. Hunting hours during the two-day youth season are 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.
The limit is two bearded turkeys, one per day. You must have your new hunting license and a spring turkey permit for each one killed.
For a zone map and more information, visit wildohio.gov.
Flower power
Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy walking should be hitting the trails as soon as the weather permits if they want to take it this year’s Ohio wildflowers. In the southern part of the state some species have already come and gone, but there are still plenty to see.
Probably the best array can be seen at state parks and nature preserves, which also provide good, safe paces to walk. ODNR has a Web page to help you plan a walk. Go to naturepreserves.ohiodnr.gov for information.
Bow fishing
The Xenia office of the Division of Wildlife will host a free workshop at 6 p.m. on April 26 on the basics of bow fishing. Topics will include equipment, techniques and regulations. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Call Chris Mangen at (937) 347-0929, by April 24.
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