Detroit River
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Detroit River Fishing Reports
Stay up to date with the latest fishing reports from Detroit River. Reports are submitted by local anglers, fishing guides, and our team of fishing experts.
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- Species
Largemouth BassTechniqueGrass JigsSeasonFallStructureSubmerged VegetationAs the water temps begin to cool in early to mid fall flipping a grass jig in and around grass lines adjacent to boulder patches can be very productive. The islands in and around the lower Detroit river provide a vast amount of habitat for this pattern. A black and blue jig 3/8oz - 3/4oz with a green pumpkin chunk and just a little chartreuse die on the tips can get the big green fish really fired up. Covering lots of water is key as is fishing the jig fast to not let them get a great look at it as most bites come in the fall.
- SpeciesLargemouth BassTechniqueHard JerkbaitsSeasonFallStructureBaitfish
The back waters along the Detroit River provide excellent Largemouth Bass fishing as the water temps begin to cool in mid fall. It’s important to dial in your jerkbait to suspend perfectly and/or actually sink very very slowly. On Cloudy days I prefer a bigger bait like the Smithwick perfect 10 rogue in a opaque colour. Worked slowly close to deep water can lead to some very memorable days.
- Species
Smallmouth BassTechniqueBlade BaitsSeasonWinterStructureRock PileThe smallmouth have moved deep which eliminates a lot of water. Find deep rock piles in the outer realm of 20' or more. Caught a lot of big males on the metal. Enjoy
- SpeciesSmallmouth BassTechniqueBlade BaitsSeasonWinterStructureRock Pile
Finding rock piles loaded with Smallmouth this time of year can be loads of fun in the first 2-3 hours of the day. Catching the early morning bite is the key. Fish are definitely hugging the bottom and are hard to find via standard electronics/2d sonar. Fish how they should be staged by current and run spots until fish are located. Once located, proceed to t-off on them and have a blast.
- SpeciesSmallmouth BassTechniqueBlade BaitsSeasonFallStructureRock Pile
Finding bass has been difficult on the River lately. However, once you do find them, they are plentiful. Various Techniques can be used, but nothing quite beats a blade bait this time of year. As the water temp continues to fall, it will only get better.
Omnia Community MemberBronze AmbassadorSpecies
White BassTechniqueVertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')SeasonSummerStructureDocksThat was June 2018, before the pandemic, we caught some white bass at Elizabeth Park by Detroit River.
- SpeciesSmallmouth BassTechniqueSoft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)SeasonSummerStructureOpen Water/Basin
As fish scatter in late august the bite can become a bit more difficult. An excellent way to search is with an A-Rig. It’s drawing power can tip you off to areas holding more and better fish, you can then slow down and pick off. The odd quick turn of the handle, twitch or brief pause can get followers to commit. It’s an excellent tactic to both find and catch numbers and size on Lake St-Clair.
- SpeciesSmallmouth BassTechniqueLipless CrankbaitsSeasonFallStructureRock Pile
Started the day by using Crankbaits to locate smallmouth bass in an area that has been known to be productive. Using a Rapala DT14 and a Strike King 5XD we casted and located very big Smallmouth Bass. After a few fish catches we switched to a Tube and Drop Shot. The tube was easily the biggest producer and caught 2:1 in comparison to the drop shot. Isolated rock with grass still present was the key to victory here. We drifted back and forth on this area with a best 5 of 24.30. Easily threw back 2-3 - 20lb Bags. The main river was the not on fire, but if you found them; it was beyond good.
