Detroit River Walleye Fishing
Lake St. Clair & Detroit River Walleye Fishing with Wolfpack Fishing Charters
If you’re looking to hook into some serious walleye action, Lake St. Clair, and especially the Detroit River, is a prime destination. Known for its world-class walleye fishery, this lake and its connecting waterways offer incredible opportunities for both seasoned anglers and newcomers alike. We run springtime trips for walleye in the Detroit River and can follow the walleye out into Lake St. Clair as the season moves on.
At Wolfpack Fishing Charters & Guide Service, we’re here to help you get the best Detroit River walleye fishing experience possible. Go fishing with Captain Zach Gaza!
Detroit River Walleye Migration & Seasonal Patterns
Walleye fishing on Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River follows a predictable seasonal pattern, giving anglers great opportunities throughout much of the year. As ice begins to break up in March, walleye migrate from the western basin of Lake Erie into the Detroit River system to spawn. At the same time, walleye from Lake Huron and Lake St. Clair move into the St. Clair River system to do the same.
Spring Walleye Fishing (March – May)
Early spring walleye fishing is all about targeting big pre-spawn females. These larger fish move into shallow areas along structural points in the rivers to spawn once the water temperatures reach 42-48°F. During this period, jigging is highly effective, and trolling near river mouths can also produce excellent results. While numbers may be lower early in the season, the size of the fish can be impressive.
As the season transitions into late April and May, walleye move from shallow waters back into deeper, cooler zones. Numbers of fish caught per trip tend to rise dramatically at this time, with many solid “eater-sized” walleye available. Jigging remains a top technique in early spring, while crawler harnesses gain popularity as June approaches.
Summer and Fall Walleye Fishing (June – October)
While summer & fall sees Wolfpack Fishing Charters in full swing chasing musky, we still offer dedicated walleye trips on request. During these warmer months, walleye fishing on Lake St. Clair shifts to trolling open-water areas. Productive spots include drop-offs, deep reefs, and cooler sections of the lake where walleye school up. Running body baits behind planer boards is a go-to method for covering water and finding active fish.
How To Catch Walleye In The Detroit River
Trolling for Walleye
Trolling is a versatile method that works well from early spring through ice-up. When targeting walleye in river mouths or open water, we typically run a spread of 4 to 12 rods, depending on the number of anglers and whether we’re in U.S. or Canadian waters.
- U.S. Waters: Up to 3 rods per angler
- Canadian Waters: Up to 2 rods per angler
Effective trolling setups often include crawler harnesses with bottom bouncers, stick baits, and diving crankbaits. Trolling speeds between 0.9 – 2 MPH tend to produce the best results. Slower presentations often prove most effective for finicky walleye.
Jigging for Walleye
During the spring walleye run in the Detroit and St. Clair River systems, jigging is incredibly productive. A typical jigging setup includes:
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Reel: 1000-2500 series spinning reel spooled with 8-12 lb test braid
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Rod: 5’9” to 6’3” medium to medium-heavy power, fast action
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Leader: 1-3 ft of 8-12 lb fluorocarbon leader connected to the mainline with a barrel swivel
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Jigs: 5/8 to 1.5 oz jig heads with 4” soft plastic minnows or worms, often tipped with live emerald shiners for added attraction
Adding a stinger hook can increase hookups when fish are short-striking. Vertical jigging in strong currents is highly effective, and trips often produce bonus catches like musky, pike, smallmouth bass, catfish, and even sturgeon.
Conservation & Responsible Fishing
Lake St. Clair & the Detroit River boast an abundant walleye population, making it a great spot for anglers looking to take home fresh fish for dinner. At Wolfpack Fishing Charters, we encourage responsible harvesting by promoting the release of larger female walleye to sustain the fishery. These big spawners are critical for maintaining healthy walleye numbers for future generations.
Anglers are welcome to keep fish within legal limits, and there are always plenty of “eater-sized” walleye available to enjoy. Taking a quick photo with a trophy-sized walleye before releasing it is a great way to preserve the fishery while still celebrating your catch.
Ready To Plan Your Lake St Clair Or Detroit River Walleye Charter?
Whether you’re looking to jig the rivers in early spring or troll the open waters later in the season, Wolfpack Fishing Charters & Guide Service is ready to put you on the fish. Our experienced guides know the best spots, techniques, and gear to ensure a successful day on the water.
Contact us today to book your Detroit River walleye adventure and get ready for a trip packed with action, fun, and plenty of fish in the cooler!
“Had one of the best Walleye fishing days on the Detroit River with my Dad. Captain Zach put us on the fish early. Top notch boat and equipment, knowledgeable guide with a perfect game plan. If you are looking for a guide that will go above and beyond to find you fish and have a great time Captain Zach at Wolfpack Fishing is your guy.“
– Susie Regalia
Book A Trip Today
Reserve your Detroit River walleye charter with Captain Zachary Gaza! Book online, use the form to ask questions or call/text us directly at the number below. We appreciate your interest in fishing with us!
CALL/TEXT: (269) 861-6069
