Lake Erie, Detroit Fishing Report

This is Artificial Lure with your Lake Erie, Detroit-area fishing report for Monday, November 17, 2025.

Bundle up if you’re heading out—last night’s northwest winds really stirred things up, clocking 15 to 25 knots, with waves peaking at 6 to 11 feet right through this morning. Water temps are sitting cold: 45 degrees off Toledo, 51 off Cleveland. The wind is forecast to ease up as we move into the afternoon. We’re not seeing much in the way of rain right now, but the weather is unsettled, so bring your foul-weather gear just in case. Sunrise came at 7:21 a.m., and you’ve got daylight until 5:07 p.m.—that’s your fishing window.

Local anglers out braving the chop this past weekend reported good numbers of late-fall **walleye**—as is classic for November—with most fish holding in the deeper channels and off the river mouths as the water’s cooling. Word from the DNR’s weekly creel survey shows catches averaging 3 to 4 keeper walleye per boat, with some anglers boating limits around the dumping grounds southeast of Grosse Ile and the head of the Detroit River. These fish are hugging the bottom, so running deep-diving crankbaits like Reef Runners and Husky Jerks in purple or fire tiger—especially at night or during overcast periods—has been producing well.

**Yellow perch** action is slowing but still fair if you can find a school—try anchoring up on the edge of the shipping channel near the mouth of the Detroit River, especially close to Sugar Island or off Pointe Mouillee. Minnows on perch rigs or spreaders are best. Average perch size has been 8 to 11 inches, with some pockets of 12-inchers.

**Smallmouth bass** reports have tapered as the water chills, but die-hards are connecting with a few big bronzebacks around Belle Isle and the Ambassador Bridge using blade baits like the Silver Buddy—work them slow and close to the rocks. For **steelhead**, shore anglers at Metropark and the Trenton Power Plant have hit a handful of fish on spawn sacs and bright Beadhead nymphs fished under floats, especially after any hint of rain or snow.

Given the rough conditions offshore, best bets today are sheltered launch points:

- **Elizabeth Park Marina:** good for getting at the mouth of the Detroit River, which is hotter when winds are up.

- **Wyandotte Municipal Ramp:** quick access to the deeper holes upstream near fighting island—classic fall walleye territory.

With water clarity stained from all the wind, flashy lures and rattlebaits are outproducing—especially gold, chartreuse, and hot orange patterns. If doing live bait, go with big emerald shiners for both walleye and perch.

Tides aren’t a major factor on Lake Erie, but boaters should respect the surge from westerly blows today—use caution on open water, especially in smaller rigs.

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Artificial Lure here with your November 16, 2025, Lake Erie Detroit fishing report. Early this Sunday morning, anglers hit the launch with cold hands and big dreams. Winds out of the west at 12–18 knots kept things lively on open water, and according to US Harbors, expect scattered clouds with temps hovering just above freezing through midday. Sunrise checked in at 7:20 AM, setting up a crisp but colorful start, with sunset due at 5:09 PM over the glassy lower Detroit River.

Lake Erie doesn’t have true oceanic tides, but water levels can still fluctuate modestly from winds and barometric pressure. Right now, conditions are steady, with no significant surge or seiche events reported—plan on normal access at ramps and predictable current on the Detroit River, especially crucial for vertical jigging walleye.

This week’s fish activity has been strong and steady, especially as water temperatures slide toward the low 40s. Just yesterday, The Toledo Blade reported some true giants showing up for the Fall Brawl—11-pound walleyes leading the pack and plenty of seven- to nine-pounders in coolers near Luna Pier and Bolles Harbor. Local charter captains are also noting big schools of perch stacking up outside Brest Bay and minnows working wonders. Smallmouth bass remain active, particularly around rocky structure and shipping channel edges, with tournament anglers weighing in multiple bags over 20 pounds in last week’s Detroit River event per Major League Fishing.

Let’s talk what’s working:

- **Best lures for walleye**: ¾-ounce hair jigs tipped with emerald shiners, or for those favoring plastics, the tried and true 4" paddle tails in chartreuse or green pumpkin. Vertical presentations just off the mouth of the river and the classic jig-and-crawler combo at bottom transitions are both producing.

- **Bass baits**: The top finisher in the MLF Detroit River event leaned heavy on a drop-shot with a Berkley MaxScent Flat Worm and 6” minnow imitators on a 3/16-ounce jighead. The bigger profile draws up the bruisers, especially when the wind zips across open flats.

- **Perch**: Old-school techniques still win—rig a double-hook perch rig with lake shiners or small bits of nightcrawler, and let it rest near weed edges or around pier heads on the Michigan side.

Now, for hot spots if you’re heading out:

- **The Trenton Channel**: Reliable for both walleye and smallmouth, especially from mid-morning as the sun warms things a touch. Bounce jigs along the edges—big fish are hugging the bottom.

- **The dumping grounds off Stony Point**: Lately a sleeper spot for eater walleyes and bonus jumbo perch in 18–22 feet, with scattered rocky patches holding fish.

- **Wyandotte to Fighting Island**: A solid late-fall bet—current seams are stacking up bait and with it, quality smallies and aggressive ‘eyes.

Today’s report: Most boats are seeing mixed bags of “eater” walleyes, 16–21", and a few trophies topping eight pounds. Perch catches are running 8–11", but you’ll work for a

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Good morning—this is Artificial Lure with your Lake Erie and Detroit fishing report for Saturday, November 15th, 2025, coming to you straight from the banks and marinas where the bite is always a local legend.

First light broke this morning at 7:18 AM and you’re looking at sundown at 5:15 PM, giving you a solid window to hit the water. The sky is mostly cloudy today with a light south breeze at 5-10 knots, building to about 10-15 knots in the afternoon, then swinging southwest. Water temps near Detroit are sitting tight around 45 degrees off Toledo and 51 off Cleveland, so it’s cold, but not out of play for our hardy local fish. According to the National Weather Service, the lake is calm this morning with waves less than a foot, but watch for things to kick up to 2-4 feet this afternoon as that wind shifts. Sunday looks windier, so now’s your best bet for comfort and safety.

There’s no true tidal swing on Lake Erie, but wind does push water around and you’ll want to watch for that edge effect, especially in river current zones and near creek mouths after breezy nights.

As for the fishing—it’s late autumn, with water cooling but not locked in just yet, and fish are definitely on the move. Recent chatter on the Great Lakes Bass Fishing Forum and reports from local shops say smallmouth are still moving in schools from the deeper summer structure to shallower haunts, following baitfish wherever they bunch up. Anglers in the Detroit River, particularly between Belle Isle and the mouth, are pulling in smallies in the 2-4 pound range with some real bruisers caught close to 5 pounds. Walleye action is consistent near the River Mouth and out into Brest Bay, with a few limits reported over the last week.

For lures, this is the time for classic late-fall selections. Drop-shot rigs tipped with soft plastics like a smoky gray shad or a green pumpkin worm are getting loads of bites, especially when worked along the bottom contour in 18-25 feet. Blade baits—think silver or gold—have been slammin’ the smallmouth and even some bonus walleye in these chilly temps. Crankbaits with a slow wobble, in natural or chrome patterns, are also pulling their weight. Remember, cold-water fish like a slower presentation, so don’t be afraid to drag or hop those jigs gently.

Live bait, if you can get it, is always welcome—minnows and large shiners fished on a simple jighead in current breaks will draw interest from both bass and walleye. Nightcrawlers still have a place, worked slowly through any weedline or drop-off you can find.

Walleye catch counts are ticking up as we move deeper into November, with several groups reporting quick limits near the river’s mouth using vertical jigging tactics and live bait. White bass, perch, and the ever-present silver bass are showing sporadically in the Detroit River near the shipping channel and the islands.

Hot spots to hit today:

- **The mouth of the Detroit River** near Lake Erie Metropark—current breaks, especially where baitfish

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Fishing on Lake Erie near Detroit is off to a blustery start this Friday, November 14th, 2025. Sunrise came in crisp at 7:20 a.m., with sunset rolling in tonight around 5:10 p.m. If you’re heading out, make sure you layer up—temps started near 40°F this morning, working up to a chilly mid-40s by afternoon, and it’ll feel every bit that cold with a steady west wind cutting across open water. The National Weather Service has issued a Small Craft Advisory: winds are running west at 15 to 25 knots and waves are 3 to 6 feet most of today, occasionally peaking higher. Water temperature is hovering around 48°F at the Detroit shore. If you’re planning to run out of the river mouth or get near the islands, check your safety gear and be prepared for a bumpy ride according to the NWS marine forecast.

Fish activity is shifting as autumn sets in. Walleyes are firing up with the drop in temperature—seasoned locals have found excellent action targeting pre-winter schools pushing in closer from the deeper flats. Many are trolling deep-diving crankbaits like the classic Bandit 200s or Reef Runners behind planar boards—purples and chrome patterns are hot right now. Jig fishermen are also scoring, using ¾-ounce hair jigs tipped with emerald shiners, especially around the mouth of the Detroit River and across large grass flats, a strategy that recently helped Michael Neal take top honors off these precise spots in pro competition. On the Detroit River itself, vertical jigging with blade baits or plastics has put plenty of eater-size walleyes in the net.

Yellow perch reports have been spotty: a few schools stacked up off Stony Point and west of the Point Mouillee cut, but you’ll need to cover water. When you find them, drop-shotting with live minnows—local bait shops still have some in stock—produces best, though some diehards swear by perch-colored Rapala Jigging Raps fished slowly above the bottom.

Smallmouth bass activity remains steady for those focusing on rocky points and reefs near the islands and around the mouth of the Detroit River. According to Major League Fishing reports, the big bronzebacks are still taking tube baits (green pumpkin is always reliable), Ned rigs, and 3.5-inch swimbaits retrieved just fast enough to tick the rocks. Try pike and spinnerbaits for bonus northern pike—several anglers reported decent catches along weed edges south of Grosse Ile.

Two hot spots to check before the weekend:

- The massive grass flats northwest of the Duck Islands near the mouth of the Detroit River—recent pro tournaments and local guides have reported consistent quality walleyes for those willing to battle the chop.

- The Stoneport Reef complex off Pointe Mouillee—hard bottom and nearby drops concentrate both perch and late season smallmouths this time of fall.

Detroit River water clarity is decent, with some stain from recent winds—ideal for crankbait action. Some local shops are even selling “Pumpkin Spice Fish Bait” as a tongue-in-cheek tactic, but you’re

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Artificial Lure checking in with your Lake Erie/Detroit fishing report for Thursday, November 13, 2025. It’s late fall in the Motor City, and the morning started crisp and blustery. Sunrise hit at 7:15 AM, with sunset coming around 5:13 PM—so plan those trips for max daylight, especially with the colder temps and early dusk.

Weather’s a big factor today. National Weather Service reports strong west winds—15 to 25 knots—putting a chop on the lake. Nearshore, you’re looking at waves 2 to 5 feet, and further out it’s rough, 7 to 10 feet, with a Small Craft Advisory still active through Thursday. Water temps are chilly: 46°F off Toledo, 52°F off Cleveland, and 50°F off Erie. The cold front moving through will slow fish metabolism, so target midday warm-ups for action.

Fish activity has dropped off a bit with the conditions, but Lake Erie and Detroit River are still kicking up solid fall numbers. Walleye are staging for their winter runs—local bait shops report steady catches, especially by drift anglers in 14-20 feet of water. Best baits lately: jigging Rapalas, blade baits, and the classic chartreuse twister tail. Fishing Addiction Gear notes that stinger hooks are essential for walleye—those short-striking fish need the backup steel, especially now when bites are subtle.

Yellow perch are hanging tight near the weed beds and drop-offs. The bite’s not hot, but patient anglers are getting 8–12 per trip using emerald shiners on spreaders and crappie rigs. Try working slow—they’re sluggish after the cold snap.

Smallmouth bass are still cruising rocky shorelines and deeper ledges, especially near the mouth of the Detroit River. GreatLakesBass.com locals report that tubes (green pumpkin or smoke colors) and drop-shot rigs rigged with minnow-style plastics are turning bass right up until freeze-up. If it’s sunny, fish the south-facing banks where water warms quickest.

Your Lake Erie hotspots today:

- **Mouth of the Detroit River:** Massive grass flats—recent tournaments saw heavy bags from here, especially bass and walleye after windy fronts.

- **Milliken State Park shoreline:** Sheltered from wind, consistent perch and occasional bass.

- **Fermi Power Plant outflow:** Water’s a tad warmer—mixed catches possible, especially when other areas lock up.

Stormwater runoff is an issue in Detroit right now, with leaves and organic debris washing into the lake, creating low-oxygen “fish kill” risk. Keep an eye out for floating mats and avoid fishing in heavily debris-choked stretches after rain, per advice from local park interpreters.

No tidal swings here, but watch for fluctuations in water levels after heavy winds. Low water advisories were around this morning but have lifted. Always check before launching—some ramps may be tricky with the wind driving water levels down.

Sum up your tackle box for this week:

- Blade baits (silver, gold)

- Jigging Rapalas

- Chartreuse twister tails

- Emerald shiners

- Tubes & drop-shot plastics

- Stinger hooks for walley

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Artificial Lure here with your Lake Erie fishing report for Detroit and the western basin, this Tuesday, November 11, 2025, just after sunrise.

Sun popped up at 7:12 AM and she'll set at 5:12 PM. We’re smack in the middle of November: water temperatures hovering around 50°F off Toledo and 55°F off Cleveland. Air’s brisk, the wind’s howling, and we’ve got a winter system rolling over the lake.

Big heads-up: there’s an active Small Craft Advisory through Tuesday evening for all nearshore waters from The Islands to Ripley NY. West winds are pushing 20–30 knots and gusts may top 40. Waves are building to 7–10 feet out in the open. If you’re running anything smaller than a 25-footer, best play is to stick close to protected marinas or the river mouths.

Morning started chilly and overcast with bursts of lake-effect snow and rain on and off. By midday, winds’ll shift and rain becomes the bigger story—expect rough surface chop and swift current. This surge of colder water usually fires up fall runs for the bigger predators.

Fish activity today: cold front’s got walleye and perch extra aggressive, feeding up before the deep freeze. Reports from the Detroit River, Brest Bay, and off Bolles Harbor show solid numbers of walleye—mostly 17–22"—with some boats bagging a dozen or more in a half-day run. Yellow perch are stacking up in 20–28’ off the Maumee River mouth and north of Stony Point, with jumbos over 12" hitting limits for some regulars. A few bonus smallmouth bass and northern pike have appeared for the diehards dragging big shiners.

True to November, best walleye bites are coming between first light and about 11 AM, especially around rocky ledges, river mouths, and transition flats. Perch are schooling tight—find ‘em and you can hammer out a bucket fast. Muddy flow and dropping pressure mean most action is deep, hugging bottom.

For tackle: top walleye lures today are deep-diving crankbaits in clown, chartreuse, and firetiger. Most boats are pulling Bandits or Reef Runners along contour breaks at 1.2–1.5 mph; silver, blue, and purple do well in overcast. Vertical jigging with 5/8oz hair jigs—tipped with emerald shiner—remains deadly, especially in current seams off the Detroit River entrance.

Perch are going for medium shiners on spreaders, with orange and chartreuse beads out-fishing basics. Tiny spoons and ice jigs work when things slow down (especially with the cold snap).

If you’re sneaking into harbors or shore spots, now’s the time for swimbaits and blade baits—anything that imitates dying shad.

Hot spots right now:

- **Bolles Harbor and Brest Bay**: Quick access and productive for trollers and jiggers alike.

- **Stony Point north to Pointe Mouillee**: Perch and bonus bass. Some walleye in the evenings.

- **Detroit River mouth (Wyandotte side)**: Great spot for boaters on wind-protected drifts.

Quick reminder: keep a close watch for ice and floating debris, especially with fresh snow and wind shifts.

Thanks for tuning in to today’s La

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Hey folks, Artificial Lure here with your Lake Erie and Detroit River fishing report for Monday, November 10th, 2025. Conditions are shifting fast as we settle deep into fall, so let’s break it all down so you can make the most of your time on the water.

Weather’s being served classic November-style this morning: chilly, raw, and windy. According to the National Weather Service, we’ve got northwest winds steady at 20 to 30 knots, gusting up near 40 knots at times. Waves are a hazardous 6 to 10 feet nearshore and building higher further out, so respect those Small Craft Advisories and large wave warnings—these aren’t days for light boats or inexperience on the big lake. Water temps run about 50 off Toledo and 55 off Cleveland, so it’s still above freezing, but hypothermia risk is real. Detroit’s sunrise came in at 7:16 a.m., and sunset’s wrapping up at 5:14 p.m., giving us about 10 hours to work those baits and watch for changing conditions.

Tides aren’t really an issue on the Great Lakes, but wind-driven current outflows mean fish will pull tighter to structure and river mouths, especially as those northwest gusts push colder surface water around. Expect stained water and floating debris after last night’s rain and snow mix.

Fishing activity this past week has focused heavily on walleye, yellow perch, and the tail end of smallmouth bass action before deep winter patterns kick in. Reports from local charter guys and shore anglers say the fall walleye run is still going strong, especially after dark. Anglers working downtown Detroit, Trenton Channel, and the mouth of the Detroit River have been picking up solid numbers, especially jigging hair jigs tipped with emerald shiners or soft plastics like chartreuse twister tails. Trolling crankbaits—think Bandits, P10s, and Flicker Shads in purple, clown, and firetiger—has also produced quality fish in 12–20 feet near the dumping grounds and the Flats.

Perch have been spotty but worth pursuing—try Grosse Ile and the weed edges near Wyandotte, using perch rigs tipped with minnows or redworms. Limits aren’t common, but enough keepers are showing for a tasty fry if you move to find the active schools.

Smallmouth are sliding deeper as water temps drop, but you might pick up a few brutes along hard-bottom humps and breaklines just outside Stony Island throwing blade baits or ned rigs. Just slow everything down; their metabolisms are shifting into winter mode.

For bait and lures:

- **Best bets for walleye**: 5/8 oz. hair jigs (black, purple), #7 Rapala Shad Raps and P10s, blade baits in silver/gold.

- **Best for perch**: Double-hook rigs with emerald shiners or spikes, live perch spreaders, and ice-fishing spoons jigged slowly.

- **Smallmouth**: Ned rigs, drop-shot with goby or minnow imitations, and blade baits.

The real *hot spots* this week are:

- **The Trenton Channel**—especially just off the steel mill outflows and municipal water intakes. Night action for walleye has been hot there.

- **The

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This is Artificial Lure with your Lake Erie and Detroit area fishing report for Sunday, November 9th, 2025 at about 8:25 in the morning.

Let’s start with the **weather**: We’re seeing an arctic blast push through the region, bringing in cold, windy, and wet conditions more typical for mid-January than November. The National Weather Service is reporting **highs only in the 30s for Detroit**, with lows approaching the upper teens and 20s. Rain showers this morning are moving to snow later tonight, and **north-northeast winds are clocking in at a solid 15 to 25 knots**. If you’re heading out, layer up—a stiff polar vortex is making it feel downright wintry. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect, specifically warning anglers with smaller boats: be cautious, or better yet, stick to protected waters and shorelines for now.

**Lake Erie water temps** are holding in the low-50s off Toledo and low-to-mid 50s off Cleveland and Erie, so the season’s bite window is closing, especially for warm water fish.

**Tidal report:** While Lake Erie doesn’t experience true ocean tides, north winds will pile up water on the south shore, causing a slight rise and more current along the Detroit River mouth. Be ready for swirling conditions and higher-than-normal chop, especially near the points and river confluences.

**Sunrise was at 7:18 AM**, with sunset coming early at 5:22 PM, so plan your trip for daylight and watch the weather for afternoon snow squalls.

Now, the hottest topic: **Fish activity and catches.** The cold snap has shifted the bite. **Walleye** are staging along drop-offs and deeper holes, particularly near the mouth of the Detroit River and out toward Stony Point. Locals report solid limits being landed this week before the cold front—five, up to six fish per boat, most in the 15-22 inch range. **Perch** bite is thinning out, but scattered catches are coming from near Grosse Ile and the southwest corner of Lake Erie, with anglers getting 20 to 30 keepers per outing. Expect fewer jumbo perch as the water cools even more. **Steelhead** are showing up at river mouths and along rocky shorelines—fish up to seven pounds, mostly early morning before the wind really picks up.

For **lures and bait**, crankbaits like Rapalas and deep-diving Bandits have been the ticket for walleye, trolled slow along structure at 15-20 feet. Color choice: go bright (chartreuse, silver, purple) for visibility in the murky chop. Jigging with twister tails or live minnows has also been productive, especially when the wind keeps you closer to shore. Perch are biting best on emerald shiners fished on double rig setups. Steelhead anglers should focus on brightly colored spawn sacs or ¼ ounce Little Cleos—orange or pink is working best in the early light. With colder water, keep everything slow and deliberate.

**Hot spots for today:**

- The main channel off the **Wyandotte Boat Launch**, where the deeper current edges have produced steady walleye and even a couple steelhead at firs

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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 bef

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Good morning fishheads, Artificial Lure reporting in with your November 7th, 2025, rundown for Lake Erie and the Detroit River region.

We're looking at a brisk fall start: sunrise hit at 7:07 AM, and sunset’s coming in at 5:18 PM. Temps this morning are hovering in the low 40s, with a northwesterly breeze pushing 10-14 mph by midday. Expect mostly cloudy skies, which should help keep those predator fish cruising shallow a bit longer today.

Now, about tides—since we’re on the Great Lakes system, true tidal fluctuation doesn’t occur here, but you will notice water level swings due to wind and seiche effects. With that northwest wind, expect some current, especially through the Detroit River channel, favoring shore and breakwall casting for walleye.

Fish activity has been lively! The past week has been hot for walleye – multiple anglers have reported double-digit catches each trip, especially in the Detroit River mouth and at the head of Lake Erie near Point Mouillee. Most fish are running 18 to 24 inches, but a few big bruisers over 28 inches have been landed as well. Perch schools are holding deep off the Metropark piers, with some quick limits by persistent anglers, averaging 9-11 inches. If you’re after bronzebacks, smallmouth bass action remains solid – try the rocky humps west of Gross Ile and along the shipping channel edges where drop-offs are prominent.

Special note this week: as announced by the New York State DEC, 1,000 eight-inch lake sturgeon have been released into Cattaraugus Creek on Lake Erie’s east end as part of a long-term project—fantastic news for our future big fish prospects. While sturgeon fishing is closed this season, keep an eye out in years to come for the return of these monsters.

On the bait and lure front, stick to the classics: for walleye, vertical jigging with 1/2 oz. chartreuse or purple hair jigs tipped with emerald shiners has been deadly, especially around the mouth of the river and Trenton Channel. Trollers have had luck with crankbaits, particularly Reef Runners and Flicker Shads in clown and blue/chrome colors.

Perch are clustered in 22–28 feet, and are keyed in on live emerald shiners on perch rigs; orange and gold beads seem to outpace plain hooks. For smallmouth bass, go with tube jigs in green pumpkin or goby patterns, and crankbaits bumped along the rocks during the afternoon warmup.

Hot spots to check today:

- **Head of Lake Erie near Point Mouillee**: Prime for mixed walleye and late-run white bass.

- **Wyandotte to Fighting Island stretch in the Detroit River**: Edges and drop-offs for both jigging and trolling; perch are hitting on the deeper flats nearby.

Keep an eye out for deepwater sculpin, as Fisheries Canada reported continued detections in this area—they’re not a main sport target, but they tell us the food web’s healthy. And don’t ignore the night bite: as days shorten, evening anglers jigging the lighted areas of Elizabeth Park Marina and the River Rouge outflow have seen some n

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