Good morning anglers this is Artificial Lure with your Monday April 21st Lake Erie Detroit area fishing report. Sunrise today was at 6 39 AM and sunset hits around 8 22 PM giving us a long window to get on the water and put some fish in the box.

Weather is shaping up nicely with spring in full swing and temps starting cool but warming to the upper 50s by afternoon. Expect a light chop and mixed sun and clouds making for pretty ideal spring fishing conditions. No tides here on the Great Lakes but wind direction can still move that water around and impact your drift. Always keep an eye out for local wind warnings on open water.

Walleye remain the main attraction right now. The early pre-spawn deep bite is fading and fish are working into shallower water as temperatures rise. Recent outings from Detroit down toward Monroe show improving catches of walleye as they finish their spawn and get back on the feed. Boats have reported excellent numbers and a good shot at trophy-sized fish especially near the mouth of the Detroit River and around Brest Bay and Sterling State Park. Limit catches of eater-sized walleye are coming steadily with some big females still being caught deep out of Monroe. If you’re after perch, they are starting to push toward shore with some limits landed including fish over 12 and 13 inches reported by several crews lately.

For lures, trolling with deep-diving crankbaits like Flicker Minnows and Bandits in bright colors is still a go-to. As the water warms, moving to shallower-running stickbaits and even harnesses tipped with nightcrawlers will pick up more fish. If fishing Detroit or Trenton channels, vertical jigging with bright 3/8 to 5/8 ounce jigs tipped with minnow or plastics is deadly and produces both numbers and quality. Don’t sleep on snap weights to get your crankbaits down to the deeper marks—adjusting your weights has been putting more big walleye in the boat lately.

Best baits for perch are emerald shiners fished on traditional perch rigs or drop shot. For walleyes, minnows and nightcrawlers both work well depending on your technique and water clarity.

Hot spots to check today include the mouth of the Detroit River near Grosse Ile, the humps outside Bolles Harbor by Monroe, and the shallow flats around Sterling State Park and Brest Bay. If you’re looking for a peaceful bank spot, Wyandotte shoreline has been producing for shore anglers especially early and late.

In summary, Lake Erie walleye and perch fishing is on fire right now around Detroit and Monroe. Bring your favorite crankbaits and jigs and get after it. The bite is solid, the fish are moving shallow, and there’s no better time to put a trophy in the net. Tight lines and good luck out there.

Artificial Lure, signing off for April 21st. See you on the water.

This is Artificial Lure with your Lake Erie and Detroit area fishing report for Sunday April 20th 2025. We started the day cool and crisp with a light breeze coming off the lake. Sunrise was at 6:44 am and sunset tonight will be at 8:20 pm, giving you plenty of daylight to get in on the action. No tides to worry about here, but lake conditions can change fast with the wind so always check before heading out.

The walleye bite has slowed a little since last week but is still solid, especially east of Stony Point in about 18 feet of water. Anglers trolling artificial swim baits continue to do well, and if you add a little scent to your lure it can make the difference. Troll around 1.5 miles per hour and keep your presentation in that mid-water column. If you’re closer to Turtle Island or southeast of Luna Pier, a few yellow perch have been showing up on blade baits while folks are targeting walleye. Brest Bay is another good area, with spring walleye still hitting in 16 feet of water on a slow troll between 1.3 and 1.6 miles per hour.

If you’re looking to launch in Detroit and work the river, most walleye are moving into post-spawn now and shifting toward deeper holes, but you’ll still find them in the channels. Stick with jigging soft plastics or hair jigs tipped with minnows. In the late morning and early afternoon, smallmouth bass are starting to turn on in about 6 to 9 feet between Memorial Park and 9 Mile. Crankbaits and paddle-tail swimbaits worked slow are the ticket.

Best baits and lures this week are purple and chartreuse swim baits for walleye, blade baits for perch, and natural-colored crankbaits for bass. Don’t forget to have some scented soft plastics in your box.

Hot spots worth checking out include the drop-offs east of Stony Point for walleye, Brest Bay for steady action, and Turtle Island for a shot at mixed bag catches. For bass, the shorelines from Memorial Park toward 9 Mile can produce if you time it with warming sun and calm waters.

Overall fishing has been steady, but weather changes can move the bite quickly. Stay flexible, and good luck on the water today. This is Artificial Lure, wishing you tight lines out on Lake Erie and the Detroit River.

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 is Artificial Lure checking in with your Friday, April 18, 2025, fishing report for Lake Erie and the Detroit River.

Let’s start with the weather. Today expect mostly cloudy skies, with a high around 46 degrees and a steady north wind at 10 to 12 knots. Waves on Lake Erie and the Detroit River should stay less than a foot, so it’ll be plenty comfortable for most boats, but pack your layers since it’s cool and the water temp is hovering right around 42–48 degrees depending on where you’re at[6][10]. Sunrise is at 6:51 AM and sunset will hit at 8:18 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to hit the water.

Fishing action is peaking — we’re at the heart of the walleye run. Roughly 14 million walleye are pushing up the Detroit River right now, making this one of the best runs in years. Anglers are reporting easy limits if you get there early, especially in the stretch from Belle Isle down to Fighting Island[7]. East of Stony Point on Lake Erie in about 18 feet of water, walleye are still on the bite with consistent catches on artificial swim baits and crankbaits[2].

Jigging is still the go-to technique on the Detroit River. Use a medium-heavy rod and pair braided line with a half to one ounce jig, adjusting size for water depth. Some of the best color combos right now are gold, silver-and-blue, and natural goby patterns. The Wand Dot minnow on a gold jig, silver-blue Lunker City baits, and worm-style soft plastics are all getting hit. With the invasion of goby in recent years, goby-profile plastics are out-fishing many traditional baits, so don’t be afraid to try a brown or dark green goby imitation if the water’s clear. In dirtier water, go darker or more opaque. Tipping your jig with a live minnow or running a stinger hook is putting more fish in the boat, especially in the current. Troll crankbaits if you’re out toward the Erie islands, especially Husky Jerks and Reef Runners in off-colored water[1][5][8].

A couple of today’s hotspots:
- The Belle Isle Bridge area for heavy walleye concentrations, especially at first light[7].
- The mouth of the Detroit River east of Stony Point, and Turtle Island near Luna Pier are producing on Erie[2].

Besides walleye, a few perch are turning up near Turtle Island on blade baits, and look for smallmouth bass to start getting active between Memorial Park and 9 mile, especially on sunny afternoons when the water warms a degree or two[2][4].

All in all, it’s a phenomenal week to be out. The walleye run is in full swing, and the bite will stay hot as long as water temps are in the 40s. Get out there, stay safe, and let the nets fly. Good luck from Artificial Lure.

Good morning anglers, Artificial Lure here with your April 16th Lake Erie and Detroit River fishing report, straight from downriver Detroit.

We’re in the thick of spring’s walleye run, and this year is shaping up to be one for the books. Around 14 million walleye are cruising up from Lake Erie into the Detroit River, making this stretch one of the top walleye fisheries anywhere. If you’re after numbers and size, now’s the time to be out there. Regulars are reporting quick limits, with many boats getting their six-fish slot in under an hour when the bite is hot. Most fish are in that 16 to 24-inch range, but there are some real trophies in the mix[7][1].

Weather-wise, we’ve got a cool week with water temps hovering around 44 to 48 degrees, pretty much ideal for post-spawn walleye action. Winds are light and variable—generally less than 10 knots—and the lake is calm with waves less than a foot, making for easy boat control and comfortable fishing[10]. Sunrise hits at 6:51 AM with sunset at 8:15 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to work those key windows.

The bite lately has favored Brest Bay and the channels off Wyandotte and Trenton. Troll in 14 to 18 feet of water, and don’t be afraid to work both the U.S. and Windsor sides if you’ve got the paperwork sorted. The current’s moving at a good clip, so vertical jigging is your best bet in the river. Most fish are being caught right near the bottom—keep your bait bouncing.

Jigging with plastics is king right now. Local favorites include black, purple, and white 4-inch fluke or worm-style plastics on 3/4- to 1-ounce jig heads. Black’s been especially hot the past few days in the slightly dirty water, but don’t overlook more natural colors like goby when the water clears up. Add a stinger hook if you’re missing hits—it can make all the difference[3][8]. If you like trolling, chrome and electric zebra swim baits are drawing in big fish in Brest Bay, trolled 35 feet back at 1.3 to 1.6 mph[1]. For bait, emerald shiners are always reliable, and a few folks are having success tipping jigs with live minnows for a little extra scent[7][8].

Other than walleye, smallmouth are starting to wake up near Erie Metropark and Point Mouillee, mostly in 6–10 feet using swim jigs or tubes, but it’s still early for big numbers[1].

For hot spots, launch at Elizabeth Park for easy access to the Trenton Channel or head south to Sterling State Park for a Lake Erie launch—both are producing. Work around the mouth of the river and focus on mudlines or areas where the water color changes for active feeders[2][5].

That’s your report for today. The walleye bite is world-class—get out while it’s on fire, stay safe, and I’ll see you on the water.

Fishing conditions around Lake Erie near Detroit on April 14, 2025, are shaping up well for anglers aiming to take advantage of the seasonal walleye boom. Here’s the breakdown of what to expect and where to cast your lines.

The weather today is mild but breezy, with temperatures reaching the mid-60s by the afternoon, with steady winds from the south-southeast at 10–20 mph and gusts up to 35 mph. A partly cloudy sky with spotty rain showers in the afternoon might impact visibility, but it shouldn’t hinder the determined fisher. Sunrise today was at 6:58 AM, with sunset expected at 8:09 PM, leaving plenty of daylight for fishing sessions.

The water conditions in the Detroit River and Lake Erie are beginning to warm, with current temperatures hovering in the 40°F range, ideal for the ongoing walleye spawn. Experts predict that spawning and post-spawning activity will peak shortly, so anglers can rely on strong fish movement. The walleye population is particularly robust this year, with millions of fish migrating through the Detroit River waterways, making it one of the best seasons for fishing in recent memory. Many anglers have reported catching their daily limit of six walleye in as little as an hour during peak times.

Recent catches have included large spring walleyes, primarily concentrated in 16 feet of water around Brest Bay on Lake Erie. The best results have been achieved by trolling at speeds of 1.3–1.6 mph using artificial swim baits in colors like chrome and electric zebra. On the Detroit River, vertical jigging with fluke or worm-style plastic baits in combination with a sturdy jig head (ranging from ½ ounce to 1 ounce depending on depth) continues to be highly successful. Goby-based lures, which mimic a common prey species, have proven effective, especially in clean or slightly cloudy waters. Additionally, Husky Jerks and Td9 Tail Dancers have been excellent for trolling, particularly in slightly discolored greenish water.

For anglers seeking hotspots, Brest Bay in Lake Erie and the stretch of the Detroit River south of Belle Isle rank among the best. In Brest Bay, it’s worth pulling lures back 35 feet to find success. On the Detroit River, jigging around 20 feet of water near bridge structures is likely to be highly productive. During this transitional period, keeping an eye out for fluctuations in water clarity and adjusting lure colors accordingly will make a significant difference.

As for bait, live minnows paired with jigs are classics that perform exceptionally well. For artificial setups, fluke or worm-style plastics in natural and darker tones help adapt to varying conditions. Many anglers have also experimented with innovative goby-style baits, which have gained popularity in recent years due to their realistic appearance and effectiveness.

With ideal water temperatures, a booming walleye population, and multiple hotspots to explore, today is an excellent opportunity for fishing on Lake Erie and the Detroit River. Just be prepared for the breezy weather and changing conditions, and you’re set for a memorable fishing trip!

The Detroit River and Lake Erie are abuzz with fishing activity this April 12, 2025. Here's what's happening on the water today:

Sunrise was at 6:51 AM, and sunset will be at 8:08 PM, giving anglers a full day of fishing opportunities. The weather is expected to stay cool, with temperatures hovering in the 30s, and moderate winds. The water temperature is around 39°F, and while there are no major tidal changes in the Detroit River, water clarity ranges from murky on the Canadian side to clearer, fishable conditions on the U.S. side.

The renowned walleye run is in full swing, making this one of the best times of the year to fish the area. Around 14 million walleye are migrating from Lake Erie through the Detroit River this season, creating an exceptional fishing opportunity. Reports from anglers suggest many are catching their daily limit of six walleye within just an hour on the water. Fish sizes average 4–8 lbs, with some trophy catches exceeding 10 lbs.

For today's fishing, jigging is the key technique. Anglers are having success with 4" worm-style baits and flukes rigged on 3/4 oz to 1 oz jig heads in darker colors such as black and natural tones like Motor City minnow. Plastic goby baits have also been particularly effective, capitalizing on the walleye's feeding habits. Live minnows paired with artificial lures are another favored combination among many anglers.

Top hotspots to target include the areas near Belle Isle Bridge for jigging and the waters south of Zug Island for productive drifting. Additionally, Luna Pier and Brest Bay on Lake Erie are great options for casting and trolling, especially in stained water where walleye are actively feeding.

Anglers are advised to exercise caution due to floating debris from recent heavy rains, such as logs and branches, especially when navigating. The water clarity can shift depending on the location, so adjusting lure color accordingly is crucial—darker colors for murky water and natural hues for clearer areas.

In summary, today promises excellent walleye fishing opportunities around the Detroit River and Lake Erie. Stick to proven techniques like vertical jigging and bait combinations with a focus on deeper or stained water areas. Stay safe, watch for debris, and enjoy one of the finest walleye runs anywhere!

Today, April 11, 2025, the fishing conditions around Lake Erie and the Detroit River are prime for walleye enthusiasts. Here’s what anglers can expect:

The weather today is cool but stable, with high temperatures around 46°F and a north wind at 10-12 knots. The waves are minimal, at 1 foot or less, making for calm conditions on the water. Water temperatures in the area hover near 42°F, which aligns perfectly with the walleye's peak activity during their spring migration. Sunrise was at 6:57 AM, and sunset will be at 8:05 PM, providing plenty of daylight hours for your fishing trip.

The walleye bite is heating up as an estimated 14 million fish migrate from Lake Erie into the Detroit River. Anglers are reporting excellent catches in the Detroit River and Lake Erie’s western basin. Fish are averaging between 20-24 inches, with many anglers easily reaching their daily limit of six walleye. Popular methods include jigging with fluke-style and worm-style plastic baits, as well as using goby-imitating baits in natural or dark colors. Effective jig head weights range from 3/4 oz to 1 oz, depending on water conditions and current.

With water clarity varying due to recent runoff and rain, focus your efforts on areas with slightly stained or off-colored water, which encourages walleye to feed more aggressively. Hot spots to target include the Belle Isle Bridge area, where walleye concentrate during spawning, as well as Luna Pier and Brest Bay in the western basin of Lake Erie. For those fishing the Detroit River, Zug Island and Fighting Island are also highly recommended.

For bait, live minnows paired with artificial lures, such as finesse minnows or Motor City minnows, have been exceptionally productive. Additionally, trolling crankbaits like Husky Jerks and Bandits at slow speeds (1.0-1.5 mph) near rocky structures has yielded success.

Be cautious of debris in the Detroit River caused by recent storms, including floating logs and branches. Always keep an eye out for smaller crafts and kayaks while navigating.

Enjoy your day out on the water, and tight lines!

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!

Today, April 4, 2025, fishing in and around Lake Erie near Detroit is shaping up to be fantastic as we head deeper into the spring season. The Detroit River and Lake Erie waters are buzzing with activity, especially with the famed walleye migration in full swing.

The weather today features northeast winds at 5-10 knots, becoming eastward later, with temperatures in the mid-40s to low 50s. Sunrise was at 7:06 a.m., and sunset is expected at 7:58 p.m., offering plenty of daylight for anglers. The water temperature near Belle Isle is a chilly 43°F, and wave heights are manageable at 2 feet or less, creating safe and productive conditions for experienced and novice fishers alike.

The walleye bite is exceptional right now, with approximately 14 million walleye moving up the Detroit River from Lake Erie. Many are targeting these fish with jigging setups, typically using live minnows paired with rubber lures and stinger hooks for the best results. Husky Jerks (size DHJ-12) and Tail Dancer TD9 crankbaits in gold and purple colors have been particularly effective in the slightly off-colored waters along the river. Anglers are reporting consistent catches in 15-25 feet of water, often limiting out within an hour. Average catches are around one fish per hour, with a few larger specimens over 10 pounds being reeled in.

In Lake Erie’s western basin, trolling with crawler harnesses and crankbaits is producing great results. For additional action, yellow perch and smallmouth bass are also active, though less aggressive compared to walleye. Perch can be caught using minnows or small jigs tipped with waxworms.

Hotspots to consider today include Belle Isle in the Detroit River, where early morning efforts are yielding plentiful walleye, and the Trenton Channel, known for its concentrated walleye presence during this migration. In Lake Erie, Sterling State Park near Monroe offers easy access to consistently rich fishing grounds, with opportunities to catch walleye, perch, and bass.

For bait, live shiners and leeches are highly recommended, especially for jigging. Anglers focused on trolling should also experiment with depth and speed to adapt to the varying bite activity.

The fishing season is just heating up, and with the current favorable conditions, now is a great time to get out on the water. Dress warmly, stay mindful of water clarity, and be prepared for some of the best walleye fishing in the world. Tight lines!