Late Season Sizzle - Walleye, Perch, and Trout on Lake Erie and the Detroit River

This is Artificial Lure with your November 8, 2025, fishing report for Lake Erie and the Detroit River. Tough, gray start to the day out there, but local die-hards know that November can bring some of the hottest late-season action—if you bundle up and play the weather right.

Let’s talk conditions first. According to the National Weather Service, wave heights are calming from 3 to 6 feet down to 1 to 3 feet as Saturday progresses, with winds dropping off from 15-25 knots northwest to a brisk but manageable 5-10 knots north by midday. Water temps are dipping—Toledo is sitting at 51°F, Cleveland around 56°F—so dress accordingly and expect the bite to be on as fish sense winter's approach. There's on and off light rain today, especially late afternoon, so bring the wet gear and keep an eye west for moving rain bands.

Daylight’s tight now: sunrise hit at 7:13 AM, sunset will tuck away at 5:17 PM. Short window, but make those golden hours count—especially for walleye.

Speaking of action, November means **walleye**. Reports coming in from City Limits Sportfishing and recent footage up on YouTube show Detroit River jigging in full fall swing. Walleye are running thick and deep in the channels and on breaklines. Anglers are pulling 3- to 6-pounders, with some heavier hens mixed in for the lucky ones. Detroit locals recommend vertical jigging 3/8 to 5/8 oz. blade baits or large, bright chartreuse jigs tipped with minnows or a scented soft plastic, especially as the water muddies after wind and rain. Target the classic deep holes off the Wyandotte Boat Ramp and the Ren Cen Trench—those are today's hot spots.

Don’t sleep on **yellow perch** either—decent numbers reported east of Point Mouillee in 16-22 feet, with some jumbos coming boat-side. Tight-line with emerald shiners on perch rigs or small drop-shot rigs for best results, keeping bait just off bottom.

Some surprise brown trout news: Great Lakes Daily News says around 1,500 brown trout just arrived at SONS of Lake Erie hatchery, and though most are for future stocking, a few bigger ones are starting to show in cooler near-river stretches and marinas—try small spoons or tan/gold in-line spinners for a shot at these bonus fish.

Keep an eye out for wildlife too—a rare brown pelican’s been swooping along the Erie shoreline near Cleveland, spotted this week by folks with cameras and big grins. Not your everyday bird sighting and a sign that sometimes, with the right wind, wild things drift north!

To wrap up:
- **Walleye**: Prime time—vertical jig blade baits, chartreuse or purple jigs, tip with minnows.
- **Perch**: Live emerald shiners, 16-22 feet deep off Point Mouillee; use drop-shot or spreader rigs.
- **Trout**: Try cooled-down river mouths and marinas with small gold spinners or spoons.
- **Safety**: Cold water kills fast—wear your PFD, be cautious of increasing afternoon winds and chop, and respect any small craft advisories.

Fish early, fish safe, and enjoy the last of open-water bounty before real winter locks it up. Thanks for tuning in! Be sure to **subscribe** for more up-to-the-minute reports and pro tips.

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