How to Fish Detroit River: Best Patterns & Techniques

Detroit River

Published: Nov 1, 2018

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Detroit River

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Transitioning from winter deep water areas to shallower pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Most active during mid-morning to afternoon when water temperatures peak, following daily temperature fluctuations	Rock piles and current breaks in 8-15 foot depth range adjacent to spawning flats Main lake points with mixed rock and gravel structure Channel edges near shallow spawning bays	Blade Baits worked slowly along rock transitions Ned Rigs worked methodically on rock piles Tubes dragged through current breaks	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small perch in rocky areas Baitfish schools congregating near current breaks	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	36-47	Pre-spawn walleye are staging in deep water adjacent to spawning flats, with movement patterns influenced by water temperature and light conditions Fish showing selective aggression, requiring methodical presentations with varied jigging cadence Most active during low-light periods, but will feed throughout day in stained water conditions	Flats adjacent to deep cuts and channels (20-30 foot range) Current breaks near bridges, pilings, and seawalls Deep river channels with defined ledges	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with slow, methodical presentation Blade Baits worked with alternating drop and lift technique Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) with subtle movements	Shad concentrating in deep water areas Perch along transitional areas Various minnow species near structure	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	50-60	Bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding on baitfish as water temperatures rise into the 50s Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior in the backs of bays where water warms first, particularly around matted grass areas	Protected bays with matted grass, especially areas warming faster than main lake Grass lines adjacent to deeper water serving as transition routes Secondary points with vegetation leading into spawning bays	Swim Jigs worked steadily through and around grass Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish Bladed Jigs around grass edges where baitfish are present	Minnows gathering in warming bays Bluegill beginning to become more active in grass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	52-62	Pre-spawn white bass staging near river channel entrances and moving into tributaries for spawning run Aggressive feeding behavior in preparation for spawn, especially during warming trends Schooling activity increases as fish group up for spawning migration	River channel entrances and connecting tributaries Rock piles and riprap areas near spawning routes Shallow flats adjacent to deeper staging areas	Blade Baits worked along channel edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near staging areas	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas Perch in shallow staging areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	52-62	Spotted bass transitioning from winter to pre-spawn patterns, moving from deeper wintering areas to staging areas near spawning flats Fish becoming more active and aggressive as water temperatures rise, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Primarily relating to transition areas where deep water meets potential spawning flats, especially near rocky structure	Rock piles and ledges adjacent to spawning flats in 8-15 foot depth range Current-swept points with rocky structure River channel bends near potential spawning areas	Shakey Heads worked slowly along rocky transitions Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') parallel to rock ledges Bladed Jigs around current breaks and points	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Shad schools in transition areas Small perch in rocky areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	38-48	Yellow perch are beginning their pre-spawn movements, transitioning from deeper wintering areas to shallower staging areas, often moving in large schools Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, with increased activity during warmer parts of the day	Rock piles and boulder areas in 8-15 foot depths where perch stage before spawning Transitional areas between deep wintering holes and shallow spawning zones Areas where submerged vegetation meets hard bottom structure	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Ice Fishing Jigs	Small invertebrates and zooplankton becoming active in warming waters Young-of-year bluegill and small baitfish Crayfish emerging from winter dormancy	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass actively moving into spawning areas, particularly around hard bottom and grassy areas in shallow water Males aggressively guarding nests, making them territorial and more likely to strike defensively Fish staging in pre-spawn areas near spawning flats during cooler periods	Matted grass areas with hard bottom nearby, particularly in 2-6 foot depths Rocky areas adjacent to spawning flats Current breaks near spawning areas, especially where rock and grass meet	Wacky Rigs worked slowly through spawning areas Ned Rigs for pressured fish and clear water situations Tubes dragged along bottom near spawning areas	Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation Small panfish in grass edges Juvenile baitfish around spawning areas	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	36-47	Walleye are in spawning mode, actively moving between staging areas and spawning locations, with increased feeding activity during low-light periods Fish are utilizing mid-depth structure (10-19 feet) near spawning areas, showing particular preference for boulder and hump areas as evidenced by recent catches	Boulder fields in 10-19 foot depth range, particularly near spawning areas Humps adjacent to deeper water, especially those with rock or gravel composition Current breaks near bridge structures where fish stage between spawning runs	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Blade Baits	Crawfish, as indicated by recent successful catches Small baitfish and minnows transitioning to spring patterns	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	53-68	Bass are transitioning to spawning areas, with males preparing beds in protected areas while females stage nearby in slightly deeper water Feeding activity is increasing with water temperatures rising, though fish may be more focused on spawning than feeding during peak spawn	Protected shallow bays with matted grass and vegetation Secondary points leading into spawning bays Dock areas with adjacent vegetation in 2-6 feet of water	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around vegetation and spawning areas Soft Jerkbaits for pre-spawn females staging near drops Swim Jigs through sparse vegetation Wacky Rigs for sight fishing bedding bass	Bluegill beginning to move shallow Minnows in staging areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	55-65	White bass are actively moving into river channels and connected waterways for spawning, forming large schools Males arrive first at spawning areas, followed by females, with aggressive feeding before and after spawning activities Fish are highly responsive to current breaks and structure during pre and post-spawn staging	River channel entrances and current breaks near spawning areas Rocky points and riprap areas adjacent to spawning grounds Shallow flats (2-6 feet) with gravel or rock substrate for spawning	Blade Baits worked along channel edges and current breaks Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for active schools Inline Spinners cast parallel to shoreline structure	Small shad schools congregating near spawning areas Young perch in shallow water areas Various minnow species in current breaks	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	52-65	Spotted bass staging in pre-spawn areas, moving between winter deep water and spawning flats Males actively preparing and guarding nests in protected areas, while females move between deeper staging areas and spawning sites Increased feeding activity during warming trends, particularly during early morning and late afternoon periods	Protected rocky pockets and coves with gravel or rock bottom, typically in 3-8 feet of water Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning flats Current breaks near river channel intersections with spawning areas	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover and spawning areas Shakey Heads worked slowly along transition areas Soft Jerkbaits for suspended fish moving between depths	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish congregating in pre-spawn areas Juvenile perch in shallow rocky areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	42-52	Yellow perch congregating in shallow, warmer areas near shorelines and vegetated flats for spawning Males arrive first at spawning grounds, followed by egg-laden females moving in during prime spawning conditions Post-spawn fish gradually transition to slightly deeper water, maintaining proximity to vegetation and structure	Shallow vegetated flats in 3-8 feet of water with matted grass Protected areas near rock piles in 5-12 feet of water Channel edges adjacent to spawning flats	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small invertebrates and insects near vegetation Juvenile bluegill in shallow areas Small crayfish around rock structures	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-72	Post-spawn smallmouth bass are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting crawfish and baitfish around rocky structures in 8-15 foot depths Fish are establishing predictable daily patterns, moving shallower during morning/evening feeding periods and shifting deeper during bright midday hours	Rocky points and rock piles adjacent to deeper water, especially those with current influence Current breaks near river channel edges in 8-15 foot depths Dock areas with rocky bottom composition, particularly on points or near deeper water	Ned Rigs worked slowly along rock transitions Tubes dragged and hopped through rocky areas Drop Shot with small profile baits for suspended fish Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked parallel to structure	Crawfish emerging and active on rocky structures Small perch relating to rock/sand transitions Juvenile baitfish beginning to school in open water adjacent to structure	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	47-58	Post-spawn walleye are actively recovering and beginning to feed heavily, transitioning from spawning areas to early summer feeding locations Fish are most active during low-light periods, especially the first 2-3 hours of daylight, and are utilizing current breaks and structure as ambush points Movement patterns show fish staging on flats adjacent to deep water cuts, allowing for quick depth changes based on light conditions and forage location	Flats adjacent to deep water cuts in 10-15 foot range Current breaks near bridge pilings and seawalls River channel edges where they transition to feeding flats	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Perch gathering in post-spawn areas Shad schools in transition areas Various minnow species along structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	53-68	Post-spawn Largemouth Bass are actively feeding to recover energy, utilizing grass lines and river channels as primary feeding zones Fish are establishing summer patterns, moving between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper resting areas near structure	River channels with adjacent vegetation Grass lines and matted grass areas Docks and seawalls with nearby vegetation	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) Texas Rigs (Worming) Spinnerbaits	Minnows Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	58-68	Post-spawn white bass are actively feeding and schooling, transitioning from spawning areas back to main lake areas Fish are aggressively chasing shad and perch schools in the upper water column, especially during morning and evening periods	Rock piles and river channel edges in 8-15 foot depths Points and shallow flats adjacent to deeper water Near-shore structure like docks where baitfish gather	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at varying speeds to match baitfish movement Inline Spinners retrieved steadily through schools of actively feeding fish Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') when fish are holding tight to structure	Shad schools beginning their post-winter recovery Young perch in shallow to mid-depth ranges Various minnow species around structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-68	Post-spawn spotted bass are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning between shallow spawning areas and summer haunts Fish are utilizing current breaks and rocky structure as ambush points for feeding on crawfish and baitfish	Rocky points and ledges in 8-15 foot depth range Current-swept structure near river channel edges Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper summer holding areas	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly along rock transitions Drop Shot with finesse presentations for pressured fish Shakey Heads worked around rocky structure	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish (shad and minnows) Juvenile perch	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	48-62	Post-spawn yellow perch are actively feeding to recover energy, forming loose schools in slightly deeper water adjacent to spawning areas Fish are primarily feeding during dawn and dusk periods, with increased activity on overcast days Schools are relating to structure and showing vertical movement patterns based on light conditions and forage location	Rock piles and boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range Edges of submerged vegetation where it meets harder bottom Current breaks near river channel edges in 12-20 foot depths	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small baitfish (particularly young-of-year shad) Juvenile bluegills near vegetation Crayfish emerging from winter dormancy	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	68-75	Actively feeding around current breaks and rock piles, with increased activity during early morning hours Suspending near structure in 16-24 foot depths during midday heat Utilizing current seams and breaks as ambush points, especially near man-made structures	Rock piles with current influence in 16-24 foot depths Seawalls and dock areas with current breaks Boulder fields and humps near deeper water	Drop Shot with slow presentations in deeper water Tubes dragged slowly through rocky areas Ned Rigs worked around boulders and structure Soft Body Swimbaits for searching open water and current breaks	Crawfish Perch Minnows	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Walleye	65-78	Walleye are primarily holding in deeper water (15-30 feet) during daylight hours, moving shallower to feed during low light periods Fish are relating strongly to current breaks and structure, actively feeding on baitfish near ledges and channel edges	Deep ledges and river channel edges with current breaks (18-30 feet) Bridge pilings and seawalls with adjacent deep water access Flats adjacent to deep cuts, especially those with scattered structure	Trolling Deep (20'+) Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) Live Bait Rigs	Shad schools suspending near structure Yellow Perch relating to bottom structure Various minnow species around current breaks	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-85	Largemouth Bass are establishing summer patterns, actively feeding in and around thick vegetation and man-made structures Fish are moving between shallow and deeper areas throughout the day, with most active feeding during early morning and evening hours	Thick grass lines and matted vegetation, especially near deeper water access Dock structures with nearby vegetation Protected coves with vegetation and structure combinations	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around heavy cover and vegetation Frogs/Toads over matted vegetation during morning and evening Swim Jigs through grass lines and along dock edges	Bluegill in and around vegetation Minnows relating to dock structures and grass edges	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Summer	White Bass	68-75	White bass are actively schooling in shallow water (0-9 feet), targeting perch and shad near structure during summer feeding periods Most aggressive feeding occurs during low light periods due to moderately stained water conditions Fish are utilizing dock areas and nearby structure as ambush points for baitfish	Docks and adjacent areas in 0-9 foot depth range Rock piles near river channel edges Shallow flats where baitfish schools are present	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) Inline Spinners	Perch Shad	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	68-75	Spotted bass are actively feeding on baitfish and crawfish during summer, primarily during early morning and late evening hours, with a shift to deeper water during midday heat Fish are relating strongly to current breaks and structure in 16-24 foot depth range, using rock piles and ledges as primary staging areas	Rock piles and ledges in 16-24 foot depth range, especially those near river channel edges Current breaks near deep structure, particularly where rocky substrate meets channel edges Secondary points with access to deeper water, especially those with scattered rock	Drop Shot worked slowly along rock piles and ledges in 16-24 foot range Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) targeting current breaks and channel edges Football Jigs dragged through rocky areas and along depth transitions	Crawfish in rocky areas Shad and other baitfish suspended near structure Perch relating to rock piles	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Yellow Perch	65-75	Yellow perch forming loose schools in moderate depths (8-15 feet) near structure, actively feeding during morning and evening hours Suspending near weedlines and rock-to-sand transitions during midday, moving shallower during low light periods	Rock piles and boulder fields adjacent to deeper water, especially in 8-15 foot range Edges of submerged vegetation where it meets harder bottom Current breaks near river channel transitions Deep weedlines adjacent to main lake basin	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Drop Shot Live Bait Rigs Tubes	Small baitfish (particularly young-of-year shad) Crayfish near rock structures Small bluegills in and around vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Detroit River

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	55-68	Actively feeding on baitfish and crawfish around current breaks and rock piles, with increased activity during stable weather patterns Transitioning between shallow and mid-depth zones, following baitfish schools and utilizing current breaks as ambush points	Rock piles adjacent to river channels with current breaks Channel edges with mixed rock and grass Deeper rock structure near shallow feeding flats	Deep diving crankbaits (DT14-20) burned through current breaks Tubes worked slowly on rocky structure Drop shot with finesse baits for suspended fish Blade baits for actively feeding fish in current areas	Crawfish on rocky structure Shad schools in current breaks Minnows relating to channel edges	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Walleye	48-62	Walleye are actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and utilizing current breaks and structure as ambush points Fish are typically more active during low-light periods but will feed throughout the day in the moderate water clarity Movement patterns show fish transitioning between deep holding areas and feeding zones on adjacent flats	Deep river channel edges adjacent to feeding flats (15-25 feet) Bridge pilings and current breaks in 10-20 foot depths Transitional areas between flats and deep cuts where baitfish school	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Shad schools congregating in deeper water Yellow Perch along structure edges Various minnow species relating to current breaks	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Actively feeding as water temperatures cool, with increased activity around grass lines and structure during early/mid fall Moving between deep and shallow water, utilizing protected backwaters and dock areas as staging points	Grass lines adjacent to boulder patches, particularly near islands Protected backwaters with dock structures and seawalls Deep water transitions near vegetation	Grass Jigs worked quickly through vegetation (3/8-3/4 oz) Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly near deep water transitions Tubes around dock pilings and seawalls	Bluegill in and around vegetation Minnows suspended near structure	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	White Bass	55-68	Actively schooling and chasing shad schools in the upper water column, especially during dawn and dusk periods Moving from summer dock patterns to main lake areas following baitfish migrations Becoming more aggressive in feeding as water temperatures cool, creating feeding frenzies when bait is located	Main lake points and rock piles where baitfish schools congregate River channel edges where shad migrate Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water where white bass corner bait	Blade Baits worked vertically through bait schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved at varying speeds Lipless Crankbaits burned through schooling fish	Shad schools migrating to deeper water Perch along structure transitions Small baitfish in upper water column	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	58-72	Spotted bass actively chasing baitfish schools in the mid-depth range (8-16 feet), with increased feeding activity during overcast conditions Fish transitioning between summer deep water patterns to shallower feeding zones, following baitfish movements Showing aggressive behavior around current breaks and rock structures, especially during prime feeding periods	Main lake points with rock piles adjacent to deeper water Current-swept ledges near river channel intersections Secondary points with scattered rock in 12-18 foot depth range	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked parallel to rocky transitions Spinnerbaits worked around current breaks and points Drop Shot with finesse presentations for pressured fish on deeper structure	Shad schools migrating to creek arms and coves Crawfish active on rocky structure Small perch relating to rock piles	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Yellow Perch	48-62	Schooling activity increases as perch group up for fall feeding, actively pursuing baitfish in deeper water columns Feeding windows extend during daylight hours as fish prepare for winter, with most aggressive feeding during morning and evening periods	Deep rock piles adjacent to river channel edges where baitfish concentrate Transitional areas between vegetation and hard bottom in 15-25 foot range Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Small/Medium Soft Body Swimbaits	Young-of-year baitfish schools (shad and small bluegill) Crayfish on hard bottom areas Smaller yellow perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	36-47	Walleye are suspending near deep river channels and ledges, following schools of baitfish and using current breaks for ambush points Fish are most active during low-light periods, particularly early morning hours, moving between deep holding areas and adjacent feeding flats	Deep river channels and ledges in 20'+ depths, especially near bridge pilings and seawalls Transition areas between deep cuts and adjacent flats in 10-30 foot range Current breaks near man-made structures where baitfish congregate	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Trolling Deep (20'+)	Shad schools congregating in deeper water Yellow Perch along deeper edges Various minnow species near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Yellow Perch	36-42	Yellow perch form tight schools in deeper, main basin areas near structure during open water winter periods Fish actively feed during low-light periods, with brief feeding windows during mid-day Schools suspend near bottom structure but will move up in the water column to chase forage	Deep main basin areas with rock piles and boulders (15-25 feet) River channel edges where current meets structure Transitional areas between deep basin and shallower flats	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Ice Fishing Jigs	Small baitfish (shad and young-of-year perch) Bluegill Bottom-dwelling invertebrates	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Walleye	34-39	Walleye will be concentrated in deeper basins and channel edges, actively feeding during low-light periods and responding to jigging presentations Fish typically suspend 1-3 feet off bottom, moving up in the water column during prime feeding windows	Deep basin areas adjacent to channel edges in 20-30 foot range River channel bends with current breaks near bridge pilings Transitional flats adjacent to deep cuts where forage concentrates	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with aggressive jigging followed by pause Ice Fishing Spoons with erratic action to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to intercept active fish	Perch schooling in deeper basins Shad concentrating near channel edges Minnows suspending near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Yellow Perch	36-42	Yellow perch form tight schools during ice season, typically holding near bottom structure and transitioning between feeding zones based on light conditions Most active feeding periods occur during early morning and late afternoon, with a secondary peak during mid-day in areas with good light penetration	Rock piles and boulder fields in 15-25 foot depth range Edges of river channels where they transition to basin areas Areas where submerged vegetation meets hard bottom structure	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just off bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging to attract schools Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to pattern active fish	Small minnows and juvenile bluegill Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and small crayfish Aquatic insect larvae	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Detroit River

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and current breaks in 8-15 foot depth range adjacent to spawning flats	Main lake points with mixed rock and gravel structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Flats adjacent to deep cuts and channels (20-30 foot range)	Current breaks near bridges, pilings, and seawalls
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected bays with matted grass, especially areas warming faster than main lake	Grass lines adjacent to deeper water serving as transition routes
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	River channel entrances and connecting tributaries	Rock piles and riprap areas near spawning routes
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Rock piles and ledges adjacent to spawning flats in 8-15 foot depth range	Current-swept points with rocky structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Rock piles and boulder areas in 8-15 foot depths where perch stage before spawning	Transitional areas between deep wintering holes and shallow spawning zones
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Matted grass areas with hard bottom nearby, particularly in 2-6 foot depths	Rocky areas adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Boulder fields in 10-19 foot depth range, particularly near spawning areas	Humps adjacent to deeper water, especially those with rock or gravel composition
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow bays with matted grass and vegetation	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	River channel entrances and current breaks near spawning areas	Rocky points and riprap areas adjacent to spawning grounds
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Protected rocky pockets and coves with gravel or rock bottom, typically in 3-8 feet of water	Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Shallow vegetated flats in 3-8 feet of water with matted grass	Protected areas near rock piles in 5-12 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and rock piles adjacent to deeper water, especially those with current influence	Current breaks near river channel edges in 8-15 foot depths
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Flats adjacent to deep water cuts in 10-15 foot range	Current breaks near bridge pilings and seawalls
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	River channels with adjacent vegetation	Grass lines and matted grass areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Rock piles and river channel edges in 8-15 foot depths	Points and shallow flats adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Rocky points and ledges in 8-15 foot depth range	Current-swept structure near river channel edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Rock piles and boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range	Edges of submerged vegetation where it meets harder bottom
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles with current influence in 16-24 foot depths	Seawalls and dock areas with current breaks
Summer	Walleye	Deep ledges and river channel edges with current breaks (18-30 feet)	Bridge pilings and seawalls with adjacent deep water access
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Thick grass lines and matted vegetation, especially near deeper water access	Dock structures with nearby vegetation
Summer	White Bass	Docks and adjacent areas in 0-9 foot depth range	Rock piles near river channel edges
Summer	Spotted Bass	Rock piles and ledges in 16-24 foot depth range, especially those near river channel edges	Current breaks near deep structure, particularly where rocky substrate meets channel edges
Summer	Yellow Perch	Rock piles and boulder fields adjacent to deeper water, especially in 8-15 foot range	Edges of submerged vegetation where it meets harder bottom
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles adjacent to river channels with current breaks	Channel edges with mixed rock and grass
Fall	Walleye	Deep river channel edges adjacent to feeding flats (15-25 feet)	Bridge pilings and current breaks in 10-20 foot depths
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Grass lines adjacent to boulder patches, particularly near islands	Protected backwaters with dock structures and seawalls
Fall	White Bass	Main lake points and rock piles where baitfish schools congregate	River channel edges where shad migrate
Fall	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with rock piles adjacent to deeper water	Current-swept ledges near river channel intersections
Fall	Yellow Perch	Deep rock piles adjacent to river channel edges where baitfish concentrate	Transitional areas between vegetation and hard bottom in 15-25 foot range
Winter	Walleye	Deep river channels and ledges in 20'+ depths, especially near bridge pilings and seawalls	Transition areas between deep cuts and adjacent flats in 10-30 foot range
Winter	Yellow Perch	Deep main basin areas with rock piles and boulders (15-25 feet)	River channel edges where current meets structure
Ice	Walleye	Deep basin areas adjacent to channel edges in 20-30 foot range	River channel bends with current breaks near bridge pilings
Ice	Yellow Perch	Rock piles and boulder fields in 15-25 foot depth range	Edges of river channels where they transition to basin areas

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small perch in rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad concentrating in deep water areas	Perch along transitional areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Minnows gathering in warming bays	Bluegill beginning to become more active in grass
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas	Perch in shallow staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Shad schools in transition areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small invertebrates and zooplankton becoming active in warming waters	Young-of-year bluegill and small baitfish
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation	Small panfish in grass edges
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Crawfish, as indicated by recent successful catches	Small baitfish and minnows transitioning to spring patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to move shallow	Minnows in staging areas
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Small shad schools congregating near spawning areas	Young perch in shallow water areas
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish congregating in pre-spawn areas
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small invertebrates and insects near vegetation	Juvenile bluegill in shallow areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging and active on rocky structures	Small perch relating to rock/sand transitions
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Perch gathering in post-spawn areas	Shad schools in transition areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Minnows	Bluegill
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools beginning their post-winter recovery	Young perch in shallow to mid-depth ranges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish (shad and minnows)
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small baitfish (particularly young-of-year shad)	Juvenile bluegills near vegetation
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish	Perch
Summer	Walleye	Shad schools suspending near structure	Yellow Perch relating to bottom structure
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in and around vegetation	Minnows relating to dock structures and grass edges
Summer	White Bass	Perch	Shad
Summer	Spotted Bass	Crawfish in rocky areas	Shad and other baitfish suspended near structure
Summer	Yellow Perch	Small baitfish (particularly young-of-year shad)	Crayfish near rock structures
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish on rocky structure	Shad schools in current breaks
Fall	Walleye	Shad schools congregating in deeper water	Yellow Perch along structure edges
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in and around vegetation	Minnows suspended near structure
Fall	White Bass	Shad schools migrating to deeper water	Perch along structure transitions
Fall	Spotted Bass	Shad schools migrating to creek arms and coves	Crawfish active on rocky structure
Fall	Yellow Perch	Young-of-year baitfish schools (shad and small bluegill)	Crayfish on hard bottom areas
Winter	Walleye	Shad schools congregating in deeper water	Yellow Perch along deeper edges
Winter	Yellow Perch	Small baitfish (shad and young-of-year perch)	Bluegill
Ice	Walleye	Perch schooling in deeper basins	Shad concentrating near channel edges
Ice	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and juvenile bluegill	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and small crayfish

Bait Colors by Season for Detroit River

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Summer	White Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors
Winter	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors