Riverfront Exploration: Perrysburg, Ohio’s Scenic Water Views

The Mighty Maumee provides some of the area’s most incredible views and opportunities for watersports and excursions. Its natural beauty and recreational appeal make it an excellent place to take a solo trip or enjoy a family adventure. Whether you’re interested in spending an afternoon on the water or fishing from the shore, you’ll find plenty of spots to explore on the river in Perrysburg.

Best Spots for Fishing Along the Maumee River

The Maumee River is home to a diverse array of fish, making it an ideal location for anglers and fishermen. You can purchase a fishing license online from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources or at Bass Pro Shop, Fin Feather Fur Outfitters or Maumee Tackle Fishing and Kayaking Outfitters.

If you’re fishing in Perrysburg, you’ll find smallmouth and largemouth bass, white and yellow perch, walleye, crappie, white bass, channel catfish, longnose gar, saugeye, steelhead and sheepshead.

The following spots have shallow- and deep-water fishing holes:

• Under the Route 20 bridge
• Rapids Road near Fort Meigs
• Davis Overlook
• Perrysburg Boat Club
• Maple Street Boat Launch
• Bluegrass Island
• Orleans Park

Walleye Run: A Must for Fishing Season

Every spring, thousands of walleye make their way up the Maumee River. It’s the largest walleye spawn east of the Mississippi, which makes for excellent fishing along the banks. The Walleye Run typically begins in early March once the ice melts in the river, but peak fishing begins in April. Females typically lay their eggs below the Jerome Road Rapids, so the surrounding waters are prime fishing spots. Regulations require monofilament lines, as braided and metal-core alternatives aren’t permitted.

Scenic Trails and Riverside Parks

Take a walk, have a picnic or soak up the sun along the trails, parks and green spaces on the Maumee. Here are some local favorites:

Orleans Park: Located near the heart of downtown Perrysburg, Orleans Park has picnic tables, a walking path and a bike repair station. It’s a perfect place to unwind after a day of visiting local shops and restaurants.

Riverside Park: The switchback trails at Riverside Park allow you to get close to the water so you can fish or soak in the views. There are picnic tables, benches and two porch swings for lounging.

Fort Meigs: This historical fort is situated along the banks of the Maumee River, which proved advantageous during the War of 1812. Now, it serves as an excellent outlook where you can take in the river.

W.W. Knight Nature Preserve: With 44 acres of hiking trails and boardwalks, the W.W. Knight Nature Preserve is a great place to get some fresh air. The wetlands and remnant swamp woods are home to a variety of wildlife, and the pond is open for fishing.

Boating and Kayaking on the Maumee

There are several boat launches in Perrysburg, including Orleans Park Boat Launch and Maple Street Boat Launch. Each location is open to kayaks, canoes and motorized watercraft. The city also has kayak and canoe storage rack rentals at Orleans Park and Three Meadows Park. Pop Up Paddle Adventures offers seasonal outings that are a fun way to explore the Perrysburg shoreline.

Plan Your Riverfront Excursion in Perrysburg

Whether you want to get out on the water or admire the waterway’s natural beauty from the shore, there are lots of ways to explore the Maumee River in Perrysburg. Visit Perrysburg has the inside scoop on local attractions, events and activities. Check out ou