Fall Walleye, Perch, and Bass Feeding Up on Lake Erie and Detroit River

Artificial Lure here with your Lake Erie and Detroit fishing report for Monday, November 3rd, 2025.

We started out early under clear Midwest skies, with sunrise coming up at 7:08 AM and sunset set for 5:25 PM. Temperatures this morning hovered in the low 40s, climbing into the mid-50s by afternoon, with just a light northwest wind. No major fronts, no heavy rain, just that chilly, crisp air setting up a classic November bite.

Lake Erie’s water has cooled, sitting right around 53°F, near perfect for walleye and perch migrations. Tidal activity matters little given the lake’s lack of ocean tides, but wind-driven current can get baitfish moving, so pay attention to shifts throughout the day. Captain Billy Howe noted from his recent Detroit River trip that fishing picked up as the sun hit the water, though action was slow, persistence rewarded those putting in hours.

The river and the main lake have both produced decent fish in recent days—mostly walleye, with a steady sprinkle of smallmouth bass. Recent catches include limits of eater-sized walleye, most between 15 and 22 inches, with boats occasionally landing double digits on productive drifts. Perch action is still good, especially around deeper transitions and near rocky structure. Anglers have also reported the odd steelhead and freshwater drum mixed in—always fun on lighter gear.

Best lures right now are ½ ounce jig heads tipped with emerald shiners or soft plastics in pumpkinseed and chartreuse, which mimic Lake Erie’s forage well. Blade baits in silver or gold are also getting smashed, especially as the water gets colder and fish hug the bottom. In stained water or deeper channels, swap to larger profile baits, something with vibration that stands out—think Rapala Jigging Raps or similar vertical jigging baits.

Live bait always produces: minnows rigged under slip bobbers are deadly for perch and walleye. Don’t overlook large nightcrawlers—especially when the bite is slow. Trolling remains productive, too. Use deep-diving crankbaits in natural shad or perch patterns. A lead-core setup dragging bandit cranks along contours can put big fish in the boat, and colors like fire tiger, purple, and lemon drop are hot right now.

Hot spots to hit today:
- The mouth of the Detroit River, especially near Belle Isle, is hanging onto schools of active walleye.
- Lake Erie’s western basin “Fingers” and the area near Stony Point are holding perch and the occasional bass.

If you’re hitting Saginaw Bay east toward “The Steeples,” don’t forget those rocky humps can snag your gear, but they’re prime for aggressive fall walleye—just troll slowly across structure with lures bouncing through the depth changes.

With colder air, fish are feeding up. Expect bites to improve in late morning as sun warms the shallows, and pick up again dusk through sunset. Stay flexible—if one tactic slows, switch colors or move to fresher water. Locals swear by adapting throughout the day.

That’s it for your Lake Erie and Detroit area fishing report. Thanks for tuning in—be sure to subscribe for your next update.

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