 Maumee State Scenic and Recreational River
Ohio’s 9th longest river measures 105 miles long and is formed by the confluence of the St. Marys and St. Josephs rivers in nearby Indiana. The river enters northwest Ohio in Paulding County near Antwerp and flows in a northeasterly direction where it empties into Maumee Bay and Lake Erie at Toledo. Map
The Maumee River Valley is rich in history and is one of eleven rivers and streams in Ohio that have received Scenic River designation. The 43-mile portion of the Maumee River extending between the Indiana/Ohio state line to the Ohio Route 24 bridge near Defiance is designated as a State Scenic River and a 53-miles section between the Ohio Route 24 bridge to Perrysburg is designated as a State Recreational River.
Most boaters recognize the lower portion of the Maumee River as the area for the annual spring spawning run of walleye -- one of Ohio’s favorite gamefish. Boaters and anglers show up in large numbers each March and April to take advantage of this great early spring sport fishery. There are six boat ramps located in Lucas County along the Maumee River. The Bayshore boat ramp is located on Maumee Bay a short distance from the river.
More than a dozen boat launch ramps and small boat accesses are located upriver from Lucas County along the Maumee River toward the Indiana state line.
Much of the Maumee River flows slowly through a series of large pools and is a favorite among paddlers. River dams are located at Grand Rapids in Wood County and Independence in Defiance County. The long, gentle river pools are mixed with swifter flowing waters that include rocky riffles, faster runs and small rapids.
The average gradient of the Maumee River is 1.3 feet per mile and average water flows measure 5,040 cubic feet per second. While often the river is gentle, seasonal conditions and high water levels sometimes can make the Maumee River hazardous to all but the most experienced boaters. One of Ohio’s truly remarkable rivers, the Maumee River continues to provides recreation and boating fun for thousands of its visitors. |