Learn Detroit River Fishing with Local Captain (7AM Start)
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fivehour morning charter starts at 7:00 AM dailyBeginnerfocused instruction targets Walleye and local speciesAll fishing gear included for up to three guests
Looking to learn the ropes without breaking the bank or feeling overwhelmed? This five-hour morning charter with Big EZ Charters is built from the ground up for beginners who want to experience what Detroit River fishing is all about. Starting at 7:00 AM when the fish are most active, you'll spend quality time on the water with an experienced captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. At $475 for up to three people, it's a solid deal that includes all your gear, so you can show up empty-handed and still walk away with new skills and hopefully some dinner.
The Detroit River isn't your typical lazy weekend fishing spot – it's a working river with current, structure, and some serious fish moving through. Your captain will meet you bright and early, and after a quick safety chat and gear rundown, you're off to the productive spots. This isn't a "throw your line in and hope" kind of trip. You'll learn how to read the water, understand why certain areas hold fish, and pick up techniques that'll serve you well long after this charter ends. The boat's equipped with everything you need – rods, reels, tackle, and a fish finder that'll show you what's swimming below. Don't worry about making rookie mistakes; that's exactly what this trip is for. Your captain has seen it all and knows how to turn complete beginners into confident anglers by the time you head back to shore.
Detroit River fishing means adapting to current and structure, so you'll be using techniques that work in moving water. Most of the time, you'll be bottom bouncing with weight to keep your bait in the strike zone, or trolling to cover water and find active fish. The captain provides medium-heavy rods that can handle the river's current and the fish that call it home. You'll learn to feel the difference between your sinker bouncing on rocks versus a fish picking up your bait – and trust me, once you feel that first tap, you'll understand why people get hooked on this sport. Live bait like nightcrawlers and minnows are usually the go-to here, but your captain might switch things up based on what the fish are hitting that morning. The key is keeping your bait moving naturally with the current while maintaining bottom contact.
Walleye are the bread and butter of Detroit River fishing, and for good reason. These golden beauties are some of the best eating fish you'll find in fresh water, with firm white meat that tastes nothing like the "muddy" fish some people complain about. They're typically 15-24 inches long here, though the river holds some real monsters that'll bend your rod in half. Walleye like structure – dropoffs, rocky areas, and current breaks where they can ambush baitfish. They're most active in low light, which is why that early morning start time isn't just for show. Spring and fall are prime time, but summer mornings can produce some fantastic action. What makes walleye so appealing to new anglers is their fighting style – they don't jump around like a bass, but they make strong, steady runs that'll get your heart pumping without being too overwhelming to handle.
Lake Sturgeon are the river's true giants and catching one is like hooking into a piece of Detroit River history. These prehistoric fish can live over 100 years and reach massive sizes – we're talking 40+ inches and weights that'll make your arms ache. They're bottom feeders with a prehistoric look that includes bony plates instead of scales and a shark-like tail. Sturgeon fishing requires patience since they don't bite constantly, but when one takes your bait, you'll know it immediately. They're incredibly strong and will take long, powerful runs that'll test your drag and your endurance. The best part? They're catch-and-release only, so you're participating in conservation while experiencing one of the most unique fights in freshwater fishing. Your captain will help you land and safely release these amazing fish while snapping photos you'll be showing off for years.
This charter fills up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons, so don't wait around if you're serious about getting on the water. At under $160 per person for a full five hours of guided instruction, gear, and prime fishing time, it's tough to beat the value. Remember to contact Big EZ Charters before booking to confirm availability and get the latest report on what's biting. Weather can change plans quickly on the river, so having that direct communication with your captain ensures you'll have the best possible experience. Whether you're looking to start a new hobby, planning a unique outing with friends, or just want to see what all the fuss is about, this beginner-friendly charter delivers exactly what it promises – a real fishing experience without the intimidation factor.
Step aboard Big EZ Charters' reliable 2002 Lund 2075 Pro V Magnum, perfectly rigged for your Detroit River fishing adventure. This well-maintained 20-footer handles the river's currents with ease, powered by dual Mercury 225 engines that'll get you to the best fishing spots quickly. The trolling motor gives your captain precise boat control when you're working those productive walleye structures. Built for serious angling, this Lund features ample deck space for up to three guests to fish comfortably without tangling lines. The deep V-hull cuts through choppy water smoothly, keeping you steady while you're learning proper casting techniques and fish-fighting skills. Rod holders, livewells, and fish boxes are strategically placed so everything stays organized during the action. Whether you're drifting with the current or anchored over a honey hole, this boat's stability makes it ideal for beginners getting their first taste of Detroit River fishing.
Acipenser FulvescensLake Sturgeon are living dinosaurs - we're talking about fish that have been around for 200 million years. In the Detroit River, you might hook into anything from a 20-pound juvenile to a massive 100+ pound female. These bottom-feeders cruise the deeper holes and rocky areas, using their whiskers to hunt for crayfish and worms. What makes sturgeon fishing special is the sheer power when one takes your bait. They don't jump or run like other fish, but they'll test every ounce of your drag with their bulldozer strength. The meat is excellent eating too - firm and mild. Best action happens during warmer months when they're more active. My local tip: use a heavy sinker to get your nightcrawlers right on bottom in those deep current seams. Once a big sturgeon picks up your bait, give it time to really take it before setting the hook.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the bread and butter of Detroit River fishing. These golden-colored fish with their signature glassy eyes typically run 2-4 pounds here, though we see some nice 6-8 pounders too. They hang around rocky bottoms and drop-offs during the day, then move shallow to feed at dawn and dusk - perfect timing for our morning charters. What makes walleye special is they're both fun to catch and amazing on the dinner table. Their white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find in freshwater. The bite can be subtle, so I teach beginners to watch for that light tap-tap on the rod tip. My go-to trick on the Detroit River is dragging a jig tipped with a minnow along those current breaks where the main flow meets slower water. That's where they ambush baitfish, and where we'll find our breakfast.
Detroit River