Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake St. Clair fishing report for this beautiful Wednesday morning, April 30th, 2025.

The smallmouth bass action has really picked up in recent days with some decent catch rates being reported across the lake. Ford Cove near 9-mile has been particularly hot, so you might want to point your boat that way if you're looking to land some smallies today.

Weather-wise, we're looking at typical late April conditions for the area, so dress in layers as mornings can still be a bit chilly on the water. Sunrise was just before 6:30 this morning, and we'll have daylight until about 8:30 tonight, giving you plenty of time to get your lines wet.

For those chasing walleye, reports have been mixed. Earlier in the month, fishing was painfully slow at the mouth of the Detroit River, but some anglers have been having better luck recently. If you're targeting walleye, try using jig heads tipped with minnows or blade baits – these have been producing fish in the lower Saginaw River area, so they might work for you here too.

Hot spots to check out today include Muskamoot Bay and the south channel mouth where anglers have been catching smallmouth in 6 to 9 feet of water. The canals near Harley Ensign have been producing bluegill for those using minnow-looking plastics.

For bass fishing, try working the areas around 9-mile, particularly Ford Cove. Local success has been coming on typical spring bass presentations, though specific lure recommendations haven't been mentioned in recent reports.

If you're shore fishing, Smith Park has been yielding freshwater drum and white bass, while Finn Road has produced some crappies and bluegill for anglers using slip bobbers with minnows.

A quick reminder that we're still in the spring pattern, so fish locations can change daily as water temps slowly rise. The Crocker cleanup efforts continue, so consider donating or participating if you love keeping our special lake beautiful.

Remember to send your latest catches to the local bait shops or post them on social media – we all love seeing what's being caught out there!

This is Artificial Lure saying tight lines, and I'll see you on the water! Don't forget your license and remember to release what you don't plan to eat. Lake St. Clair is fishing better every day as we head into May, so get out there while the bite is on!

Lake St. Clair Fishing Report for April 23, 2025

Good morning, Lake St. Clair anglers, this is Artificial Lure bringing you today’s conditions and a review of what’s biting around our local waters.

Let’s start with the conditions. We’ve had a week of gradually warming temps, and water temperature at Belle Isle was sitting at about 45 degrees in the morning and likely a bit higher by the afternoon, thanks to those sunny skies lately. Up north, near Algonac, it’s a little cooler, but still trending upward. Sunrise today was at 6:36 AM and sunset is around 8:21 PM, giving us a full day to take advantage of the bite.

Fishing overall has been slow, but fish are starting to wake up as spring settles in. Walleye anglers at the mouth of the Detroit River and further out have struggled, with only a handful of reports of success. Most pier and river fishermen are also finding it tough, but a few are getting lucky with the right approach[1].

Bass anglers are seeing scattered results. If you’re targeting smallmouth, the action has been best in the late morning to early afternoon, working 6 to 9 feet of water, especially from Memorial Park down to Nine Mile. Those trolling crankbaits in the channel around 15 to 16 feet are picking up the odd smallmouth. Reports from Muscamoot Bay and the mouth of the South Channel say some smallies are being caught in similar depths[1][3].

Best tactics right now are to cover a lot of water and to fish low and slow with larger baits or lures, since the fish aren’t overly aggressive in the colder water. For artificial options, Clouser Minnows and Kinky Muddlers in olive or brown, size 6 or 8, have been producing. If you’re going with traditional tackle, crankbaits and swimbaits trolled slowly are your best bet. Try scenting your lures for that little extra edge[1][5].

For live bait, if you can find shiners or fathead minnows, those are always a solid choice for both walleye and bass early in the season.

White bass, muskellunge, northern pike, and panfish are all possible catches, but most anglers this week are reporting mainly bass and the odd walleye[5].

A couple of hot spots to try include:
- Between Memorial Park and Nine Mile, especially in 6 to 9 feet of water, for smallmouth bass late morning and early afternoon
- Muscamoot Bay, focusing on the 7 to 10 foot range, where a slow presentation can pick up pre-spawn bass

That’s the report for today. Be patient, keep an eye on the warming water, and adjust your tactics to match the cold conditions. Good luck out there, and tight lines from Artificial Lure![1][3][4][5]

Good morning anglers this is Artificial Lure with your April 21 Lake St. Clair fishing report. It’s been a slow start to spring on the lake but warmer weather and rising water temperatures are starting to shake things up. Sunrise today is at 6:42 AM with sunset around 8:18 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to chase fish.

We don’t deal with real tides on Lake St. Clair but water levels do fluctuate with wind and rain. The latest report from Belle Isle puts surface temps at 45 degrees and creeping higher each day, so things are finally on the upswing after sitting near 42 for a while. Sunny skies and warm air last week have helped speed up the progression and the fish are starting to notice.

Fishing overall has been tough this week. Walleye action at the mouth of the Detroit River and beyond has been slow and most anglers aren’t finding much luck. Smallmouth anglers are also grinding it out with scattered success. The late morning and early afternoon has seen a few smallmouth bass caught in 6 to 9 feet of water between Memorial Park and 9 Mile. Trolling crankbaits in the channel out in 15 to 16 feet has also produced a handful of smallmouth – but definitely not hot and heavy yet. As that water keeps rising above 45, expect the smallmouth bite to improve quickly, especially if we keep the sunshine going for a few more days.

For baits and lures, your best bet right now is to work slowly. Suspending jerkbaits, small paddle-tail swimbaits, and tube jigs are good picks for smallmouth. Stick with natural colors in the clear water. For walleye, jigging with minnows or casting blade baits on the drop-offs and channel edges remains the play, but patience is required. If you’re chasing perch, occasional fish have been picked up on small blade baits and minnows near the mouth of the river, but catches have been sparse.

A couple hot spots worth trying today: the stretch between Memorial Park and Nine Mile for smallmouth, and the old shipping channel out past the mouth of the Detroit River for your shot at early walleye. Muscamoot Bay and the mouth of the South Channel have coughed up some smallmouth too, especially once the shallows get a little warmer in the afternoon.

Overall, you may need to cover some water and keep an eye on that thermometer. Expect the fishing to get better by the day as the lake warms. Good luck out there and tight lines.

Lake St. Clair anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your local fishing report for Sunday, April 20th, 2025.

The spring chill continues to hang around, with clear mornings starting in the low 40s and highs pushing just north of 50 by midday. Sunrise today hit at 6:44 AM and you’ll have daylight until about 8:16 PM, so there’s a good window to get lines wet. Water temps have been slowly climbing, now steady at 44 to 45 degrees in most shallows. That rise has the fish waking up and starting to move in, especially for those targeting bass and perch.

Fishing activity overall is still somewhat slow, but things are picking up for the determined crowd. Smallmouth bass are the most active target lately. Reports from Muskamoot Bay and at the mouth of the South Channel show smallmouth coming up in 6 to 9 feet of water. Anglers drifting and casting tubes in goby patterns or smaller soft swimbaits are having the most luck. Some folks are finding them deeper—up to 15 or 16 feet—by slow trolling crankbaits through the channel edges. The afternoon hours, when the sun has warmed the flats, have been best for bites.

Walleye are a tougher ticket right now. The bite is slow but improving at the mouth of the Detroit River and out into deeper water. A handful have been taken by those jigging with bright blade baits and minnows, but you’ll have to work for them. Perch action is still behind schedule too, but a few have been found in the weedy pockets off Metro Beach and up the north shore near Fair Haven.

For bait, stick with the basics. Medium fathead minnows on a jig head work well for both perch and walleye. For bass, tubes and Ned rigs are getting hit, along with jerkbaits—something with a little flash to catch their eye in that cold, clear water. Hot lure colors are still green pumpkin, chartreuse, and natural shad patterns.

If you’re deciding where to go, here are a couple hot spots to try today: Muskamoot Bay is your best bet for smallmouth, especially in the 6 to 9 foot range, and the mouth of the South Channel is producing for both bass and the occasional walleye. Don’t overlook the weed edges around Metro Beach for late perch, and if the wind’s calm, the deeper breaks off 9 Mile Road launch can surprise you.

In summary, the fishing is still coming alive, but patient anglers working slow presentations are landing some nice smallmouth and the occasional walleye. Bundle up, keep an eye on the water temp, and don’t be afraid to move around to find the fish that are ready to bite.

Tight lines from Artificial Lure—see you on the water.

Good morning anglers, Artificial Lure here with your Lake St. Clair fishing report for April 19th, 2025. The spring bite is heating up as the water temperatures are finally on the rise. At Belle Isle, the water temp started at 45 degrees and with the recent sunny days, it’s climbing just a bit more each afternoon. Up around Algonac, you’ll find similar temps in the low to mid 40s, so the whole system is waking up after a long, chilly stretch[1][4].

Fishing this week has seen some mixed results. Smallmouth bass are becoming more active, especially in Muscamoot Bay and near the mouth of the South Channel. Target these fish in that 6 to 9 feet depth with jerkbaits, tube jigs, or a finesse drop-shot rig. The brown and green tube jigs have been hot lately, especially fished slow on the bottom. If you’re tossing crankbaits, go with natural colors matching the baitfish[3][4][5].

Walleye anglers have reported a slower bite near the Detroit River mouth and adjoining channels, but the action is starting to pick up. If you’re chasing eyes, stick with blade baits and jigging raps—chartreuse and gold have put a few in the box. Early morning and dusk are best, and with clear water, lighter fluorocarbon leaders can make a difference[2][4].

Perch have been quiet, with few reports of any big slabs, so most anglers are sticking to bass and walleye for now. If you’re set on perch, try smaller minnows and keep moving until you find them[3].

Today’s weather calls for continued mild temps and some sun, a welcome change. Sunrise is at 6:44 a.m. and sunset at 8:17 p.m.—plenty of daylight to get after it. Winds are light out of the southwest, so both the north and south shores should be fishable. No tidal swings to worry about on the lake.

As for hot spots, focus your efforts on Muscamoot Bay and the Mile Roads out of St. Clair Shores for smallmouth. Walleye seekers should give the mouth of the Detroit River a shot, especially where the current meets the lake. Shallow bays in the afternoon are also worth a look as the water warms fastest there.

That’s your rundown for today. The water’s finally warming, the fish are getting hungry, and the bite is only going to keep getting better. Tight lines and good luck out there from Artificial Lure[1][2][3][4][5].

Good morning from Lake St. Clair, this is Artificial Lure bringing you your April 18th, 2025 fishing report straight from the heart of Michigan waters.

It’s been a chilly start to spring, with air temps hovering around 40 in the morning and topping out at about 50 by midday. The sun rose today at 6:44 AM and will set at 8:16 PM, giving anglers a nice long window, though fishing has been a grind for most. Water temperature near shore is now up to 44 degrees, a noticeable jump from last week, and that’s helping fish activity finally pick up a bit out there.

Let’s get to the action. Overall, fishing has been slow across the board, but the ones putting in the hours are finding some success, especially on smallmouth bass. These pre-spawn bronzebacks have been showing in small numbers in 6 to 9 feet of water, especially in Muskamoot Bay, the south channel mouth, and the stretch between Memorial Park and 9 Mile. A few are being picked up in 15 to 16 feet of water while trolling crankbaits in the deeper channel. Most bites are coming late morning to early afternoon, as shallow flats warm up under the sun. Tubes, smaller soft swimbaits, and jerkbaits have been top producers, and dragging a coffee tube or working a bladed jig slowly over boulders is a solid bet. If you’re after bluegill, check the canals around Harley Ensign with minnow-style plastics.

Walleye anglers: it’s still tough going. The mouth of the Detroit River and beyond has seen little action, with most reporting more casting than catching. The bite should pick up as river temps continue to climb, but for now, patience and persistence are key.

Perch and panfish hunters should look toward the corners near the Selfridge boat launch and along Black Creek in the Metropark area, where early season weeds are attracting bigger fish. Perch are also hit-or-miss at the mouth of the Clinton River and around the barracks near the National Guard base. Shore anglers should spread out and cover water, using drop shots or slip bobbers to dial in a bite before settling on a spot.

Hot spots to try today: Anchor Bay for smallmouth, especially around sandy flats and submerged rock, and Lake St. Clair Metropark for panfish and the chance at a few roaming bass. Another good bet is the mouth of the Clinton River, especially in slightly deeper, clearer water now that some of the spring runoff has started to settle. If the wind lets you, the Mile Roads corridor from 9 to 12 Mile is always worth a troll for spring bass and the occasional walleye.

Best baits right now are natural-colored tubes, soft swimbaits in perch patterns, jerkbaits in chrome or shad, and spinnerbaits if the water gets choppy. For panfish and perch, stick to small jigs tipped with plastics or minnows.

No tides to speak of, but keep an eye on weather shifts and afternoon sun for your best shot at active fish. That’s your Friday Lake St. Clair report from Artificial Lure. Tight lines and good luck out there today.

Good morning from Lake St. Clair, this is Artificial Lure checking in with your April 16th fishing report.

Spring’s finally making its presence known around the lake, though we’re still working with chilly water temperatures, sitting mostly in the low to mid 40s. Sunrise was at 6:51 a.m., with sunset expected at 8:13 p.m. Winds are light out of the northwest and we’ve had steady weather lately, with highs creeping into the 50s, though we could use a stretch of warmer, sunny days to really spark up the bite. As always, there’s no meaningful tide on Lake St. Clair, but wind-driven water movement can make a difference, especially along the southern shore.

Fishing activity is picking up but remains a bit spotty, especially on the smallmouth bass front. Most folks out this past week found the best smallmouth bite in 6 to 9 feet of water, especially around Muskamoot Bay and down near the mouth of the South Channel. The numbers aren’t huge just yet, but a few chunky bronzebacks are being caught, mostly by anglers covering water with moving baits[1][5]. For smallmouth, tubes in natural colors, hard jerkbaits, and medium-sized swimbaits have all been producing, particularly when the midday sun warms things up a touch[6][9].

Bluegill action has actually been a pleasant surprise, with nice fish coming from the canals near Harley Ensign and throughout the backwaters in the Metropark area. Anglers are doing well on tiny minnow-imitating plastics, 1-inch Gulp! minnows, ice fishing jigs tipped with wax worms, and pieces of nightcrawler. It’s a great time to bring the ultralight and get in on some panfish before the bass move shallow in bigger numbers[2][5].

Walleye fishing out on the lake itself has been slow, with most anglers heading down toward the mouth and into the Detroit River for better action. If you’re targeting walleye, focus on the river systems or plan to troll deep diving crankbaits off the main channels, but don’t expect hot action just yet[1][5].

If it’s largemouth you’re after, target the warm, shallow canals and cuts off the main lake or around Metro Beach. Largemouths are staging and will get more active with every warm day. Spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and Texas-rigged creature baits worked slowly around cover are your best bet for a few good fish[2][9].

Top hotspots this week are Muskamoot Bay for smallmouth bass and the Harley Ensign canals for bluegill. Anchor Bay is also worth a look, especially as we get those first truly warm, sunny afternoons[1][9].

Best baits right now: natural-colored tubes, jerkbaits, and small swimbaits for bass; small plastics, wax worms, and Gulp! minnows for bluegill and panfish. Don’t forget to move around and cover water—finding the warmest patch can often be the ticket this time of year.

Whether you’re in it for the panfish, bass, or just a peaceful day on the water, Lake St. Clair is waking up. Tight lines, and see you out there!

The fishing scene on Lake St. Clair this morning, April 14, 2025, is shaping up nicely for anglers. The sunrise was at 6:47 AM and the weather is cooperative, with temperatures expected to rise from the mid-40s to around 50°F as the day progresses. Winds are moderate at 5-8 mph, and water temperatures have climbed to about 44°F, which has noticeably improved fish activity.

Smallmouth bass are currently the highlight of the catch around Lake St. Clair. They are being found in 6-14 feet of water near rocky flats and shallow grass areas, with Muskamoot Bay and the south channel being particularly active spots. Anglers are successfully using soft swimbaits, jerkbaits, tubes, and drop-shot rigs. The jerkbait bite has been particularly effective late morning into the early afternoon. Slow retrieval using swimbaits along the bottom in rocky areas is also yielding consistent results.

For those targeting other fish, walleye action remains somewhat slower but still rewarding for patient anglers, especially around the southern areas and the mouth of the river. Perch are active in the lush weed beds near Selfridge and along the Black Creek area within Lake St. Clair Metro Park. Use live emerald shiners or artificial minnows to entice these fish. Perch catches have been of good size, with fewer throwbacks reported recently.

Hot spots today include:
1. **Muskamoot Bay**: Ideal for smallmouth bass using soft plastics or jerkbaits.
2. **Black Creek area (Lake St. Clair Metro Park)**: Great for perch near weed beds and deeper channels.
3. **Clinton River mouth (Harley Ensign)**: Good for mixed species, including walleye and perch.

For muskie anglers, while this is not the peak season, early reports suggest slow trolling with crankbaits or casting bucktails in shallow, weedy areas may still produce some results. Trolling speeds of 3.8 mph have been effective for larger fish.

Today’s conditions offer a great opportunity to cover a variety of fishing styles and species. Whether you're drop-shotting for bass, trolling for muskie, or using live bait for perch, Lake St. Clair is providing excellent spring fishing opportunities. Tight lines!

Today, April 13, 2025, marks another exciting day for anglers around Lake St. Clair, Michigan. The spring season is in full swing, and despite chilly mornings, fish activity is ramping up as water temperatures gradually rise. Here’s a detailed rundown of what you can expect on the water today.

The weather this morning started brisk with temperatures in the low 40s, but it’s expected to rise into the 50s by midday. Winds are light from the southwest, which should make for manageable water conditions across the lake. Sunrise was at 6:52 AM, and sunset is scheduled for 8:11 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to target your favorite species.

Fishing on Lake St. Clair remains productive, especially for smallmouth bass, which are moving into shallower waters for pre-spawn activity. Anglers have reported excellent catches of smallmouth in 6 to 10 feet of water near rocky flats and shallow grass beds. Jerkbaits, such as the Megabass Ito Vision 110+1, and soft-bodied swimbaits like the Megabass Spark Shad, have been standout lures recently. Slow retrieves and long pauses on jerkbaits seem to trigger strikes, particularly during the warmer midday hours.

Musky action is quieter as the water temperature is still on the cooler side, but this is an ideal time to scout for them. For largemouth bass, canals and sheltered areas like those near Lake St. Clair Metropark are seeing increased fish activity, especially during sunny afternoons when the water warms up. Using spinnerbaits, vibrating jigs, or Ned rigs in these areas has yielded consistent results.

For those targeting other species, bluegill are active in the canals around Harley Ensign and near the Clinton River mouth, eagerly biting on small plastics resembling minnows. Walleye fishing, while slower this week, can still produce results near the Detroit River entrance, where trolling crankbaits in 16 to 18 feet of water has been effective.

Hotspots to consider today include Muskamoot Bay, known for its excellent smallmouth and perch fishing, and the "Mile Roads" area, a perennial favorite for trophy smallmouth. Anchor Bay is also a good choice for those looking to catch bass or perch around the shallow weed beds and sandy flats.

With the warming trend, fish activity should continue to improve as the day progresses. Be sure to bring a mix of lures, including drop shots, tubes, and crankbaits, to adjust to the conditions. With a bit of patience and the right approach, today could be one for the books on Lake St. Clair. Enjoy your time on the water!

Fishing Report for Lake St. Clair, Michigan - April 12, 2025

Good morning, anglers! Conditions are shaping up for an exciting day on Lake St. Clair. The water temperature in most areas is holding in the mid to upper 40s, and fish activity is steadily improving as we push deeper into spring.

**Weather and Conditions**
The day started cool, with air temperatures in the low 40s, but it’s expected to warm to around 52°F by midday. Winds are light, keeping the lake manageable for both casting and trolling. Sunrise was at 6:58 AM, and sunset will be at 8:08 PM, giving you a long window to get on the water.

**Fishing Activity**
Smallmouth bass remain the top target right now. Anglers are reporting success in Muskamoot Bay and near the South Channel, particularly in 6 to 9 feet of water. Although some catches have been sparse, persistence pays off. Largemouth bass are also active, especially near the mouths of canals, where slightly warmer waters draw them in. Meanwhile, walleye fishing at the mouth of the Detroit River remains slow but holds potential for improvement as temperatures climb.

If you’re after panfish, bluegill and crappie are biting well in the shallower canals near Harley Ensign Marina, especially using minnow-like plastics.

**Best Baits and Techniques**
- **For Smallmouth Bass**: The go-to lures this time of year include soft-body swimbaits, hard jerkbaits, and tube jigs. Ned rigs and drop shots are working particularly well along the shallow grassy flats and rocky structures.
- **For Largemouth Bass**: Slow-rolling white/chartreuse spinnerbaits or bladed jigs near reeds and brush piles has been productive, especially in 3-6 feet of water.
- **For Walleye**: Crankbaits are performing well if you’re trolling around the Detroit River mouth. Speed adjustments between 3.5 to 4 mph are key to enticing a strike.
- **For Panfish**: Tiny soft plastics or ice-fishing tackle in a minnow pattern are an effective choice.

**Hot Spots to Hit**
1. **Anchor Bay**: A bass haven, particularly for both smallmouth and largemouth. Work the shallow grass or sandy flats for active fish.
2. **Lake St. Clair Metropark**: Always a reliable spot. The shallow backwaters and canals surrounding the park are teeming with bass and panfish this time of year.
3. **Muskamoot Bay**: Smallmouth bass are feeding along the edges here—target 6-9 feet of water.

**Trolling Tip for Muskies**
Though muskie season is closed until June, now is a good time to scout for structures and prepare your arsenal. Early-season muskie lures include smaller bucktails and straight crankbaits, as they mimic baitfish in the cooler waters.

The season is still early, but activity will heat up with warmer weather. Happy fishing, and tight lines out there on Lake St. Clair!