Early Bite Bonanza: Lake Erie and Detroit River Fishing Report

Artificial Lure here with your Sunday, June 22, 2025, Lake Erie and Detroit fishing report.

We’re rolling into summer, and Lake Erie plus the Detroit River are serving up prime action for anglers willing to chase the early bite. Folks hit the water before sunrise, which was at 5:56 AM today, to catch the cool, calm wind and low light—ideal for walleye and smallmouth. Expect sunset tonight around 9:15 PM, giving you a long day on the water.

Weather-wise, we started off with mild temps in the low 60s at dawn and a light westerly breeze, building quickly to the mid-70s by midmorning. Skies are mostly clear, meaning you’ll want to break out your sun protection and keep an eye on midday heat slowing down the bite.

Walleye are the talk of the boat launches this week. According to a fresh report from Net Dreams, limits have been easy to come by out of Bolles Harbor and around the Ohio Dumping Grounds—trolling in 24-26 feet of water has been hot. The go-to tactic: pulling spoons in green, gold, and pink, running 50-70 feet behind your boards at 2.3-2.4 mph. Hangry Brand Spoons have been real producers.

The action isn’t limited to walleye. Perch are starting to push in closer to shore—look toward Monroe and shallow weed edges where they’re stacking up. Smallmouth bass are on fire in the river and around Anchor Bay near Selfridge, according to the Michigan DNR. Swimbaits, drop-shot rigs, and casting natural patterns near rocky breaks or around beds are doing best. Drifting leeches or minnows can also help fill the livewell.

The Detroit River is still giving up a few post-spawn walleyes with the better action near Zug Island and Fighting Island. A few steelhead are hanging in the last of the gravel beds, but that fishery’s tapering off. If you’re after variety, Lake Erie’s nutrient-rich waters by Luna Pier and Brest Bay are holding quality walleye all summer long.

Hotspots for the day:
- Ohio Dumping Grounds (get there early for the bite)
- Luna Pier and Brest Bay (consistent walleye)
- Selfridge and Anchor Bay (surface smallmouth and emerging perch)

For lures, stick with bright-colored spoons for trollers, and mix in natural or translucent plastics for bass. Don’t forget some leeches or live minnows—still hard to beat, especially for smallmouth or perch.

Fish activity slows around midday with the bright sun, so your best bet is to hit it hard at first light or work the evening bite as things cool off toward sunset.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe for daily updates and local insights. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

This episode includes AI-generated content.