I fish Detroit at least once every spring. The fishing is outstanding right after ice out. Typically in March or early April is the best time to target walleye in Detroit. I will give you the exact locations to help you catch walleye in Detroit.
Detroit Walleye Fishing Locations
| 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 |
| 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 gets an influx of fisherman in the spring to target walleye. Walleye come from Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie to the river to spawn in the spring. Let’s take a look at some exact locations to catch walleye.
Detroit River – Spring Walleye
Best Time to Fish the Detroit River
- Spring (March-May) – Peak migration period when millions of walleye move upriver to spawn.
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. I switch my weight depending on the current and depth I am fishing.
- 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. If you are drifting, this technique can be productive.
- Night Fishing – Trophy-sized walleye are more active at night. Use crankbaits or blade baits. Fishing off the piers at night is the best!
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. |
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 stack in the Detroit River and around the mouth to spawn.
Best Time to Fish Western Lake Erie
- Spring (March-May) – Shallow water jigging produces big fish.
Top Walleye Fishing Techniques for Western Lake Erie
- Trolling with Planer Boards – Spread out crankbaits or harnesses for maximum coverage. Slow trolling in the spring is best. Target .8-1.5 MPH.
- Casting Jigs – Effective around reefs, drop-offs, and points. The rocky areas just outside the Detroit river is a hot spot for jigging.
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.\ |
Trenton Channel – Detroit Walleye
I personally fish the Trenton Channel when I head to the river. This area has a mix of spawning and roaming fish. It gives me a better chance to catch a large female.
When to Fish Trenton Channel
- March-June – Pre-spawn and post-spawn walleye feed aggressively.
Most Effective Fishing Techniques
- Jigging with Hair Jigs – A local favorite for targeting aggressive walleye.
Fishing Tackle for Detroit Walleye
Having the right gear can make a big difference when targeting walleye in Detroit. If you are only fishing the river, jigs is all you need. If you are venturing out to the mouth, then trolling gear will help you catch more fish.
Recommended Rod & Reel Setups
- Spinning Rods: (6’6″ to 7′ medium action) – Ideal for jigging and casting.
- Trolling: Any line counter combo will do. 12 lb. mainline or braid with a leader works too.
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 |
