Detroit River
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Detroit River Fishing Reports
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Reports from all past years within a 60-day time frame
Species
Smallmouth BassSeason
Summer
Technique
Soft Swimbaits (Sm/Md)
Structure
Open Water/Basin
Forage
Minnows
Species
White BassSeason
Summer
Technique
Vertical Jigging 0-9'
Structure
Docks
Forage
Perch
That was June 2018, before the pandemic, we caught some white bass at Elizabeth Park by Detroit River.
Species
Largemouth BassSeason
Fall
Technique
Grass Jigs
Structure
Submerged Vegetation
Forage
Bluegill
As the water temps begin to cool in early to mid fall flipping a grass jig in and around grass lines adjacent to boulder patches can be very productive. The islands in and around the lower Detroit river provide a vast amount of habitat for this pattern. A black and blue jig 3/8oz - 3/4oz with a green pumpkin chunk and just a little chartreuse die on the tips can get the big green fish really fired up. Covering lots of water is key as is fishing the jig fast to not let them get a great look at it as most bites come in the fall.
Species
Largemouth BassSeason
Fall
Technique
Hard Jerkbaits
Structure
Baitfish
Forage
Minnows
The back waters along the Detroit River provide excellent Largemouth Bass fishing as the water temps begin to cool in mid fall. It’s important to dial in your jerkbait to suspend perfectly and/or actually sink very very slowly. On Cloudy days I prefer a bigger bait like the Smithwick perfect 10 rogue in a opaque colour. Worked slowly close to deep water can lead to some very memorable days.
Species
Smallmouth BassSeason
Winter
Technique
Blade Baits
Structure
Rock Pile
The smallmouth have moved deep which eliminates a lot of water. Find deep rock piles in the outer realm of 20' or more. Caught a lot of big males on the metal. Enjoy
Species
WalleyeSeason
Spring (Pre-Spawn)
Technique
Vertical Jigging 10-19'
Structure
Shad
Vertical jigging flats and edges of flats adjacent to deep water yield the biggest walleye of the year in late March in the Detroit River. Varying your jigging cadence, height and intensity is key to getting these big early spawners dialed in.
Species
WalleyeSeason
Spring (Pre-Spawn)
Technique
Vertical Jigging 20'+
Structure
Ledges
Forage
Perch
Water Temperature
36°
Fishing is still hit or miss on the river. Spent most of the day around the bell isle bridge had 5 bites and landed 2 fish. Water is still around the 36-38 degree with a slight stain. They were smacking the hair jig just couldn’t seem to keep them pinned. Darker fluke on a dark 1oz jig head also seem to work.. marked a ton of fish mid to upper river just not aggressive yet.. also ran some spot on the Canadian side water was 38-39 but muddy had a few short strikes but that was about it.
Species
Smallmouth BassSeason
Winter
Technique
Blade Baits
Structure
Rock Pile
Finding rock piles loaded with Smallmouth this time of year can be loads of fun in the first 2-3 hours of the day. Catching the early morning bite is the key. Fish are definitely hugging the bottom and are hard to find via standard electronics/2d sonar. Fish how they should be staged by current and run spots until fish are located. Once located, proceed to t-off on them and have a blast.
Species
Smallmouth BassSeason
Fall
Technique
Blade Baits
Structure
Rock Pile
Finding bass has been difficult on the River lately. However, once you do find them, they are plentiful. Various Techniques can be used, but nothing quite beats a blade bait this time of year. As the water temp continues to fall, it will only get better.
