"Walleye Fishing Heats Up on Detroit River and Lake Erie"

April 9, 2025

Fishing conditions around Lake Erie and the Detroit River have been energizing anglers as the spring season begins to heat up. Today, the weather has been brisk, with southwest winds reaching up to 30 knots in the evening and waves rolling between 2 to 5 feet, creating cautious conditions for smaller vessels. It’s currently 46°F, with the sunrise at 6:48 AM and sunset at 8:01 PM. The water temperatures remain in the mid-to-high 30s, ideal for walleye activity but still chilly enough to keep those layers on.

The walleye fishing around the Detroit River is hitting its stride. An estimated 14 million fish are making their way upriver from Lake Erie to spawn, setting the stage for one of the best fisheries in the world. While peak spawning activity (usually at water temperatures between 44°F and 48°F) is still a few days away, anglers have already reported excellent catches. Fish ranging from 20 to 24 inches have been the common haul, particularly in the western basin of Lake Erie and near Belle Isle on the Detroit River. On a great day, you might hit your six-walleye limit within an hour.

For tactics, vertical jigging has been the star technique. Successful setups include fluke-style or worm-style soft plastics paired with 3/4 oz jig heads. These work well, especially in natural colors like green pumpkin or goby-patterned designs to mimic the invasive round goby, a primary food source for walleye. Darker baits are performing best in murkier waters, while lighter, natural hues are ideal in clearer areas. Hardbaits like the Husky Jerk and the TD9 Tail Dancer Scatter are also producing results near the bottom in deeper pockets.

Hot spots today include the areas south of Belle Isle and around Trenton Channel. For Lake Erie anglers, focus your efforts near Monroe or Port Clinton, particularly in waters ranging from 15 to 25 feet deep. Adjust your spread and depth based on water clarity, targeting stained or greenish areas for better action.

For bait, premium live minnows are proving irresistible, while plastic goby baits from companies like Grumpy Bait Co. have been an angler favorite, especially in clean water conditions. If you’re in need of gear, the expanded bait shop in Waterford is fully stocked with essentials tailored for the Detroit River fishery.

Finally, be mindful of the small craft advisory in effect until tomorrow morning as wind and wave conditions can be challenging. If you’re heading out, stay safe, and tight lines!

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

This episode includes AI-generated content.