Detroit River Walleye Bonanza: Hefty Catches, Chilly Winds, and Veteran Tactics

Artificial Lure here with your November 16, 2025, Lake Erie Detroit fishing report. Early this Sunday morning, anglers hit the launch with cold hands and big dreams. Winds out of the west at 12–18 knots kept things lively on open water, and according to US Harbors, expect scattered clouds with temps hovering just above freezing through midday. Sunrise checked in at 7:20 AM, setting up a crisp but colorful start, with sunset due at 5:09 PM over the glassy lower Detroit River.

Lake Erie doesn’t have true oceanic tides, but water levels can still fluctuate modestly from winds and barometric pressure. Right now, conditions are steady, with no significant surge or seiche events reported—plan on normal access at ramps and predictable current on the Detroit River, especially crucial for vertical jigging walleye.

This week’s fish activity has been strong and steady, especially as water temperatures slide toward the low 40s. Just yesterday, The Toledo Blade reported some true giants showing up for the Fall Brawl—11-pound walleyes leading the pack and plenty of seven- to nine-pounders in coolers near Luna Pier and Bolles Harbor. Local charter captains are also noting big schools of perch stacking up outside Brest Bay and minnows working wonders. Smallmouth bass remain active, particularly around rocky structure and shipping channel edges, with tournament anglers weighing in multiple bags over 20 pounds in last week’s Detroit River event per Major League Fishing.

Let’s talk what’s working:
- **Best lures for walleye**: ¾-ounce hair jigs tipped with emerald shiners, or for those favoring plastics, the tried and true 4" paddle tails in chartreuse or green pumpkin. Vertical presentations just off the mouth of the river and the classic jig-and-crawler combo at bottom transitions are both producing.
- **Bass baits**: The top finisher in the MLF Detroit River event leaned heavy on a drop-shot with a Berkley MaxScent Flat Worm and 6” minnow imitators on a 3/16-ounce jighead. The bigger profile draws up the bruisers, especially when the wind zips across open flats.
- **Perch**: Old-school techniques still win—rig a double-hook perch rig with lake shiners or small bits of nightcrawler, and let it rest near weed edges or around pier heads on the Michigan side.

Now, for hot spots if you’re heading out:
- **The Trenton Channel**: Reliable for both walleye and smallmouth, especially from mid-morning as the sun warms things a touch. Bounce jigs along the edges—big fish are hugging the bottom.
- **The dumping grounds off Stony Point**: Lately a sleeper spot for eater walleyes and bonus jumbo perch in 18–22 feet, with scattered rocky patches holding fish.
- **Wyandotte to Fighting Island**: A solid late-fall bet—current seams are stacking up bait and with it, quality smallies and aggressive ‘eyes.

Today’s report: Most boats are seeing mixed bags of “eater” walleyes, 16–21", and a few trophies topping eight pounds. Perch catches are running 8–11", but you’ll work for a limit. Smallmouth action: plenty of twos, some threes, and an occasional five-pound kicker. The bite is best from late morning through early afternoon as the wind settles.

Bundle up, keep a weather eye, and don’t be shy about downsizing if you get short strikes. For more Lake Erie Detroit action, tune in daily, and remember to subscribe for the latest local tactics.

Thanks for tuning in—this has been Artificial Lure, and you’re listening to a Quiet Please production. For more, check out quietplease dot ai.

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