Lake Erie Detroit Fishing Report - Walleye Bite Strong, Smallies Turning On

This is Artificial Lure with your Lake Erie Detroit fishing report for Saturday April 19th 2025

We’re kicking things off this morning in classic southeast Michigan spring style. The sunrise popped at 6 48 AM and we’ll see the sun set tonight at 8 16 PM giving us a long day to chase that next big catch. Winds are light from the southwest and we’re looking at temps in the mid 50s early, pushing up near 60 by mid-afternoon. Skies are mostly clear, and the water clarity is decent with just a little spring stain left behind from recent rain. Tides are a non-factor here on Lake Erie, but current speeds can pick up near river mouths and channels.

The story this week—walleye continue to headline the catch out on Lake Erie. Action slowed just a notch compared to last weekend, but folks are still doing well especially east of Stony Point in about 18 feet of water. Most anglers trolling artificial swimbaits are finding steady bites, and a few are adding scent to their lures for an extra edge. Around Turtle Island and southeast of Luna Pier, a handful of yellow perch are mixed in with the walleyes, often hitting blade baits meant for their bigger cousins. Pier fishing has been slower but worth a try with minnows or small crankbaits, especially as water temps edge up.

Up the Detroit River, the bite at the mouth has been slower for walleye, but don't count it out. The smallmouth bass action is just starting to turn on around Memorial Park and up to 9 Mile. Midday after the sun hits the shallows has been best. Try crankbaits or tube jigs in 6 to 9 feet, and don’t be afraid to move out to 15 or 16 feet and troll channels if things get quiet.

Best lures right now are swimbaits and blade baits for walleye, with a growing number of folks scoring on shallow-diving crankbaits or classic jigs tipped with minnows. For smallmouth, tubes and paddle tails pitched along rocky breaks are starting to draw strikes.

For a shot at numbers and size, your hot spots today are east of Stony Point in Erie for walleyes and between Memorial Park and 9 Mile for early smallmouth bass. Elsewhere, try Turtle Island and Luna Pier edges for a chance at a mixed bag.

Fish activity should pick up as the sun warms the shallows through midday. If you’re out, bring a selection of swimbaits, a couple scented jigs, and a handful of blade baits. Stay alert for short flurries of action, especially after noon.

That’s the scoop from your local—tight lines and see you on the water!

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

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