Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake St. Clair fishing report for March 17, 2025. First off, let's talk about the weather. We're looking at a partly cloudy day with temps in the mid-40s. Sunrise was at 7:39 AM, and we're expecting sunset around 7:41 PM. The wind's coming from the southwest at about 10-12 mph, so keep that in mind when you're out on the water.
Now, onto the good stuff - the fishing! The ice fishing season is pretty much over, but the open water action is really starting to heat up. We've been seeing some fantastic catches of walleye, perch, and smallmouth bass lately. The walleye bite has been particularly hot, with anglers pulling in some nice-sized fish in the 20-25 inch range.
For you perch fanatics, the bite has been on fire in the 8-12 foot range. Folks have been having great luck using small minnows or wax worms on a spreader rig. If you're looking for a hot spot, try drifting off the 9 Mile Road area or around Strawberry Island.
Smallmouth bass are starting to move into shallower water as it warms up. They're not quite in full pre-spawn mode yet, but they're definitely getting active. Tubes and drop-shot rigs in green pumpkin or watermelon colors have been producing well. The Mile Roads area is always a good bet for smallies.
As for lures, I've been having a lot of success with a 3-inch Gulp! Minnow in smelt color on a drop-shot rig for those smallmouth. For walleye, you can't go wrong with a purple and chartreuse Rapala Husky Jerk. If you're after perch, small minnows or wax worms on a spreader rig are your best bet.
Another hot spot to check out is the area around the Clinton River spillway. The muskie action there has been heating up, with a few 40-plus inchers reported this week.
Remember, folks, the water's still pretty chilly, so make sure you're bundled up and wearing your life jacket. And don't forget to grab your 2025 fishing license before heading out.
That's all for now, anglers. This is Artificial Lure signing off. Tight lines and see you on the water!