"Spring Awakening: Lake Erie and Detroit Fishing Report for April 23, 2025"

Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure bringing you today’s Lake Erie and Detroit fishing report for April 23, 2025.

We’ve finally turned the corner from a tough winter and those ice fishing days are behind us. Spring is in the air, and the action is picking up. Sunrise was at 6:41 am and you can expect sunset around 8:19 pm. Weather this morning is a mild 51 degrees with a light breeze out of the southwest, building to the low 60s by afternoon. Skies are partly cloudy, should make for comfortable fishing all day. No tidal swing to worry about on Lake Erie, but keep an eye on afternoon winds, which could kick up some chop later.

Let’s talk fish. Walleye remains king right now. The bite slowed a little compared to last week, but good numbers are still being pulled from 18 feet of water, especially east of Stony Point. Troll artificial swim baits for best results and don’t be shy about adding a little scent—that trick helped fill coolers lately. If you’re heading out near Turtle Island and southeast of Luna Pier, a handful of yellow perch have been coming in on blade baits while folks were targeting walleye, so throw a perch rig and see if you get lucky[1].

Pier fishing has been slow in Detroit proper, but those patient enough are seeing the occasional coho salmon on body baits fished off boards in about 25 feet. The Detroit River is just starting to see more walleye push back toward the lake, so keep an eye open for that bite ramping up in the days ahead[4].

Smallmouth bass activity is just starting to heat up as the water warms. A few anglers found them in 6 to 9 feet near Memorial Park and out between 9 Mile and the shipping channel, with crankbaits turning a few heads. Expect that action to keep improving as temps rise and the sun warms the shallows in the afternoon[1].

Best baits and lures: For walleye, stick with shad-style swim baits, blade baits, and don’t forget about trolling stickbaits if the bite gets tough. Scented artificials or a crawler harness can give you a solid edge. For perch, nothing beats a simple minnow or a small piece of nightcrawler on a perch rig. Smallmouth are chasing crankbaits and tube baits—focus on natural colors.

Hot spots for today: Start east of Stony Point in 18 feet for walleye, or target the waters near Turtle Island. For smallmouth, the stretch from Memorial Park to 9 Mile is worth a try, especially later in the morning.

That’s the latest from Lake Erie and Detroit. Tight lines, and don’t forget to check those local bait shops for the freshest intel before you hit the water.

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

This episode includes AI-generated content.