Do you live in Michigan or Northern Ohio? Did you know some of the best walleye fisheries around Detroit are Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River? Check out these top 4 places to catch Detroit Walleye!
Summary of The Top 4 Places to Catch Walleye in Detroit
| Location | Best Time to Fish | Top Techniques | Key Spots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit River | Spring (March-May), Fall (Sept-Nov) | Vertical jigging, dragging jigs, night fishing | Ambassador Bridge, Belle Isle, Wyandotte |
| Lake St. Clair | Year-round (Spring & Fall best) | Trolling crankbaits, casting blade baits, drifting crawler harnesses | Metro Beach, St. Clair River Delta, Anchor Bay |
| Western Lake Erie | Spring (March-May), Fall (Sept-Nov) | Drifting bottom bouncers, trolling with planer boards, casting jigs | Brest Bay, Banana Dike, Sterling State Park |
| Trenton Channel | Spring (March-June), Fall (Sept-Nov) | Jigging with hair jigs, casting crankbaits, slip bobber fishing | Elizabeth Park Marina, Grosse Ile Shoreline, Downriver Channels |
Best Places to Catch Detroit Walleye
Detroit offers world-class walleye fishing thanks to its location between Lake Erie, the Detroit River, and Lake St. Clair. These waters create an ideal environment for walleye migration and feeding. In the spring, walleye migrate from both lakes to the river in order to spawn. The Detroit river hosts one of the best walleye spawning places in the North. Likewise, in the summer, walleye are still hanging around the river because of the current.
1. Detroit River – Spring Walleye Run Hotspot
The Detroit River is famous for its spring walleye run, attracting thousands of anglers each year. This narrow, fast-moving river connects Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie, creating the perfect conditions for walleye to migrate, spawn, and feed aggressively.
Best Time to Fish the Detroit River
- Spring (March-May) – Peak migration period when millions of walleye move upriver to spawn.
- Fall (September-November) – Big walleye return to deeper areas, offering a great jigging bite.
- Winter (December-February) – Slower bite but still productive for those who brave the cold.
Top Techniques for Detroit River Walleye
- Vertical Jigging – The go-to technique for Detroit River walleye. Use 3/8 to 3/4 oz jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics.
- Dragging Jigs – Slowly bouncing a jig along the river bottom mimics natural prey and triggers strikes. This is a great strategy since the current is so strong in the river.
- Night Fishing – Trophy-sized walleye are more active at night. Use crankbaits or blade baits.
Best Spots on the Detroit River
| Location | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| Ambassador Bridge | Deep holes where big walleye hold before migrating upstream. |
| Belle Isle Shoreline | Great shore fishing opportunities with strong current edges. |
| Wyandotte Area | Known for high walleye concentrations during peak run times. |
2. Lake St. Clair – Year-Round Walleye Action
Lake St. Clair is great for walleye fishing in Detroit. Unlike the river, where fishing is seasonal, Lake St. Clair provides walleye action all year. Its weedy structure and deep channels hold fish throughout different seasons. You can find walleye roaming in the basins, or shallow on rocky bottoms.
Seasonal Breakdown of Walleye Fishing
- Spring & Fall – Walleye move to shallow waters near shorelines and reefs.
- Summer – Fish move deeper, requiring trolling techniques.
- Winter – Ice fishing season begins, with fish stacking up under frozen waters.
Best Techniques for Lake St. Clair Walleye
- Trolling Crankbaits – Use deep-diving crankbaits to cover large areas and locate schools.
- Casting Blade Baits – Great for targeting active walleye near weeds and drop-offs.
- Drifting Crawler Harnesses – A slow and deadly method in warmer months.
Best Locations on Lake St. Clair
| Location | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Metro Beach Area | Shallow flats where walleye ambush baitfish. |
| St. Clair River Delta | Deep cuts and channels hold walleye year-round. |
| Anchor Bay | Excellent for trolling and night fishing. |
3. Erie Metropark & Western Lake Erie
Western Lake Erie walleye fishing is the best in the world, with populations booming thanks to strong natural reproduction. This area provides fantastic fishing opportunities year-round. In the spring, walleye will congregate toward the Detroit River and around the mouth to spawn. In the summer and fall, walleye can be found wandering in the Western basin of Lake Erie in search of food.
Best Time to Fish Western Lake Erie
- Spring (March-May) – Shallow water jigging produces big fish.
- Summer (June-August) – Deep trolling becomes the most effective method.
- Fall (September-November) – Large schools of walleye feed heavily before winter.
Top Walleye Fishing Techniques for Western Lake Erie
- Drifting Bottom Bouncers – Attach a nightcrawler rig and drift over rocky structure.
- Trolling with Planer Boards – Spread out crankbaits or harnesses for maximum coverage.
- Casting Jigs – Effective around reefs, drop-offs, and points.
Best Fishing Spots in Western Lake Erie
| Location | Why It’s a Hotspot |
|---|---|
| Brest Bay | Holds early spring and late fall walleye. |
| Banana Dike | Shallow reef perfect for jigging and drifting. |
| Sterling State Park Waters | Easy shore access with great walleye numbers. |
4. Trenton Channel – A Hidden Gem for Detroit Walleye
Trenton Channel is an overlooked yet highly productive walleye spot. It offers less fishing pressure than the main Detroit River but still produces great catches.
When to Fish Trenton Channel
- March-June – Pre-spawn and post-spawn walleye feed aggressively.
- September-November – Cooler water brings larger walleye back to shallows.
Most Effective Fishing Techniques
- Jigging with Hair Jigs – A local favorite for targeting aggressive walleye.
- Casting Crankbaits – Works well along current seams and structure.
- Slip Bobber Fishing – Ideal near rocky areas where walleye wait to ambush prey.
Key Spots Along Trenton Channel
| Location | What Makes It Special |
|---|---|
| Elizabeth Park Marina | Deep holes and rocky structure attract walleye. |
| Grosse Ile Shoreline | Calm waters perfect for casting. |
| Downriver Industrial Channels | Less pressure, but holds big fish. |
Best Gear & Tackle for Detroit Walleye
Having the right gear can make a big difference when targeting walleye in Detroit.
Recommended Rod & Reel Setups
- Spinning Rods (6’6″ to 7′ medium action) – Ideal for jigging and casting.
- Baitcasting Rods (7’ medium-heavy) – Best for trolling and handling bigger fish.
Best Baits & Lures
| Bait Type | When to Use |
|---|---|
| Minnows | Early spring, late fall |
| Nightcrawlers | Summer trolling, drifting |
| Crankbaits | Fall and deep-water trolling |
| Blade Baits | Cold water periods |
Regulations & Licensing for Walleye Fishing in Detroit
Before heading out, be sure to check the latest fishing regulations:
- Michigan & Ontario Fishing License – Required depending on where you fish.
- Daily Walleye Limit – Detroit River & Lake Erie: 6 fish per person (as of latest regulations).
- Minimum Size Limit – Usually 15 inches, but check local rules.
Final Tips for Catching More Walleye in Detroit
- Adjust techniques based on water clarity & conditions.
- Understand walleye feeding behavior – Focus on low-light periods for better success.
- Hire a local guide if new to the area. Detroit’s waters can be tricky for beginners.
After choosing one of these locations to walleye fish, you will not be disapointed. Every fishing spot listed has its own characteristics. Choose one that fits your style of fishing!