Fishing Detroit River Walleyes
We have waited months for this. Most die hard anglers have been dreaming of sticking a big walleye on a real fishing pole for months. While a few snuck out during the January thaw, most kept the boat tucked under the old canvas or shrink-wrap until spring slowly starts to warm the Great Lakes Region. Steelheaders have a little jump start on everyone, but they are a different breed. They seem to accept ice on the rod guides like duck hunters enjoy a good Nor’eastor. If you are one that has waited several long months to get back on the water, here are some tips on a fantastic fishery you may want to get to know a little better.
The Detroit River offers a smorgasbord in April and May. Actually all year long, but the month of April offers the best opportunities for anglers as millions of walleye, steelhead, and perch move up the system for the annual spawn. The current takes some getting used to, so anglers have learned the need to use large jigs in the 5/8 to ¾ ounce range. I would advise anglers learn small areas of the river rather than running the entire length to Lake St Clair. There are two major launch ramps within two miles of each other, Lake Erie Metro Park, located at 32481 W. Jefferson in Brownstown, MI, and Elizabeth Park located at 200 Gross Isle Parkway in Trenton.
A great place to start is right at Lake Erie Metro Park. Follow the fleet of boats as they move east towards Celeron Island, and as the boats all go up on plane to head up the Trenton Channel, put your electric trolling motor down and start jigging. It’s one of the best spots on the entire river. Big walleyes stage here as they get a feel of what is happening up river. It is long known that fish stage before they swim up stream, and many a tournament leader has fished this area. To know you are in the right spot, look to the north and you should be within a stones throw of the old pilings sticking up about 15 feet. You should be about 100 yards southeast of Humbug Island.
The second spot to check while fishing in walleye heaven is about a quarter mile away, in front of the entrance of Humbug Marina. This is the start of some major structure that extends all the way up to the Edison Plant which is one of the most well-known areas on the river. Keep your jig and minnow off the bottom here as you will certainly end up being a donator to the mass-o-tackle that must be down there. The slag from the dredging was dumped all through this area and grabs jigs seemingly just like the big walleyes do. I make sure my trolling motor is in high gear before dropping my jig.
The Edison plant has several areas that offer anglers a chance at the walleye of a lifetime. There are several things to keep in mind. Water temp and depth. Keep an eye where the warm water discharge flows from the Edison plant. There will be fish in this flow. Sometimes the flow drops right along the bank, while sometimes it moves off shore and out into the deeper water. Fish may be in the flow 50 yards off the bank. The other issue is depth. Check the 7 foot, 10 foot, 12 foot, 15 foot, and 21 feet depths. Each days weather and fishing pressure and warm water flow will dictate where the majority of fish are holding.
The Grosse Isle Bridge pilings also offer current breaks and few anglers stop there on the way up river. Hitting every piling eddy will certainly put a few eyes in the box as they need to rest on their way up stream as well.
Bait is available at several shops in the area. Downriver Bait is located right at the gates of Erie Metro Park. For a blast from the past, travel up to Andy’s Tackle Box in Melvindale. They have been around almost as long as handline reels, and can give you some great tips if you would like to learn how to handline or need your old reels repaired. Of course Trenton Lighthouse has also been a must stop for over 20 years.
A couple of safety tips. Be aware of the Detroit Rowing Club in the Trenton Channel. They usually have a spotter boat but need plenty of room. It is important to slow down and give them the space. There are several no-wake areas on the river that boaters will receive a ticket for blowing through. Marinas and launches such as Elizabeth Park, and other zones are not marked well but still need caution. A ticket can also ruin a good day on the water but an accident can ruin a life. Also watch for anglers who have anchored. Many who don’t have an electric will anchor in key spots. The current moves very quickly and can easily be misjudged. Hitting someone who has anchored could sink them, so stay on your toes and your trolling motor.
Finally, put a few of those big hens back and keep those great-eating males. This will ensure you come back next year to increase your knowledge of this awesome river system.
