Lake Erie and the Detroit River are living up to their June reputation, and the bite is still hot for those getting out early. Sunrise today is at 5:56 AM, and sunset clocks in at 9:14 PM—plenty of daylight for anglers to put in work on the water. While there’s no meaningful tidal swing here, keep an eye on the wind out of the west at 10–15 mph today, with mild chop expected on open water. Morning temps are coming in cool in the lower 60s, climbing into the upper 70s by mid-afternoon with mostly sunny skies.

Walleye action remains excellent, especially on the Detroit River and the western basin of Lake Erie. The Detroit River is putting out eater-sized walleye, with a good mix of larger fish still hanging around. Most are being caught on spinners tipped with nightcrawlers, but harness rigs and brightly colored blades are also working wonders. Trollers are finding success in 18–26 feet of water, especially around the mouth of the river and out from Bolles Harbor, where reports of four-man limits on walleye have been common the past week, courtesy of Captain Experiences and Bigwater Fishing.

Lake Erie’s perch bite is picking up as water temps rise. Look for them to move inshore to weed lines and rocky breaks. Dropping emerald shiners on spreaders right on the bottom remains the go-to technique. The occasional jumbo perch is being hauled in off the piers and marinas east of the Detroit River mouth.

Smallmouth bass are hot in the rocky shallows and around the islands, especially near Grosse Ile and the edge of the shipping lanes. Tubes and drop-shot rigs with goby-imitating plastics are taking the most fish, but don’t overlook jerkbaits or spinnerbaits when there’s a little wind puttin’ a chop on the water.

Musky anglers are reporting some solid action upriver and along weed edges, especially for those casting large bulldawgs or trolling 8–10 inch crankbaits. The best results have come at sunrise and just after sunset.

For the most bites right now, here are a couple of reliable hotspots:
- The Trenton Channel off Elizabeth Park for walleye and smallmouth early and late in the day.
- The area just east of the Detroit River mouth out from Bolles Harbor, where the walleye have been stacked up.

Just remember, water clarity can fluctuate after storms, so if visibility drops, go for brighter colors and increase your lure vibration. Whether you’re trolling, jigging, or soaking bait, Lake Erie and the Detroit River are putting on a show for anglers willing to adjust their tactics.

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