Private Detroit River Walleye Charter
Private Trip
River Fishing
Private 5hour afternoon charter targeting Walleye on Detroit RiverAccommodates up to 3 guests with gear and expert instruction includedSuitable for all skill levels on Michigan's productive waterway
The Detroit River delivers some of the best walleye fishing in the Great Lakes region, and Big EZ Charters knows exactly where to find them. This private 5-hour afternoon charter starts at 2:00 PM and puts you right in the heart of the action on one of Michigan's most productive waterways. With space for up to three anglers at $475 (additional guests welcome at $100 each), you'll have the boat to yourselves and a captain who's spent years learning every drop-off, current break, and honey hole along this legendary river system.
Your afternoon on the Detroit River kicks off when the conditions are prime - that 2:00 PM start time isn't random. The captain knows these waters shift throughout the day, and afternoon sessions often produce the most consistent action as walleye start their evening feeding patterns. You'll be fishing aboard a well-equipped charter boat with all the gear you need provided, from rods and reels to terminal tackle and bait. The beauty of this trip is that it works for everyone - seasoned anglers can dial in their techniques while beginners get hands-on instruction from a guide who genuinely wants to see you succeed. The Detroit River connects Lake Huron to Lake Erie, creating a natural funnel that concentrates fish and makes for world-class angling opportunities. Don't worry about showing up with a tackle box - the captain has everything dialed in for current conditions and knows exactly what the fish are hitting.
Fishing the Detroit River is all about reading the current and structure. Your guide will likely start with vertical jigging presentations, working jigs tipped with minnows or crawlers along the river's famous drop-offs and ledges. The river's steady flow creates perfect ambush points where walleye stack up to feed, and experienced guides know how to position the boat to keep your bait in the strike zone. Depending on conditions, you might also try trolling crankbaits along weed edges or casting jigs to visible structure. The Detroit River's relatively shallow depths mean you're often fishing in 15-25 feet of water, making it easy to feel every bump and tap on your line. Live bait is king here - nightcrawlers, emerald shiners, and leeches all produce, and your captain will have the right combination based on what's been working. The key is keeping your bait near the bottom where walleye spend most of their time, and learning to detect those subtle bites that walleye are famous for.
Walleye are the stars of the Detroit River show, and for good reason. These golden-sided fighters typically run 2-4 pounds in the river system, with plenty of bigger fish mixed in to keep things interesting. Spring through fall offers excellent walleye action, but many guides consider late summer and early fall to be prime time when fish are actively feeding before winter. Walleye have excellent night vision thanks to their reflective eyes, which is why they often bite best during low-light periods - perfect for your afternoon charter as it stretches into evening. When you hook one, expect a solid fight with head shakes and runs that'll test your drag system. What makes walleye special isn't just the fight though - they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in freshwater, with firm white fillets that taste amazing however you cook them.
Lake sturgeon represent the Detroit River's prehistoric side and catching one is like hooking into a piece of living history. These ancient fish can live over 100 years and grow massive - we're talking fish that can easily hit 50+ pounds and stretch 4-5 feet long. Sturgeon are bottom feeders with sensitive barbels that help them locate food in murky water, and when they take your bait, you'll know it immediately. The fight is unlike anything else in freshwater - pure power and endurance that can last 20-30 minutes. Michigan has strict regulations on sturgeon to protect the population, so most fish must be released, but the experience of battling one of these river giants is something you'll never forget. Your guide knows the specific regulations and will help ensure proper handling for a safe release.
The Detroit River's reputation as a top-rated walleye destination keeps drawing anglers back season after season, and this private charter format gives you the personalized experience that makes all the difference. At $475 for up to three guests, you're getting exclusive access to prime fishing grounds with a captain who knows how to put you on fish. The flexibility to add extra anglers means you can bring the whole crew if needed. Remember to contact Big EZ Charters before booking to confirm availability and get the latest report on fishing conditions - these local insights can make or break your trip. With all gear provided and expert instruction included, all you need to bring is your fishing license and anticipation for what could be your best day on the water this year. The Detroit River is waiting, and those walleye aren't going to catch themselves.
Cast your line from Big EZ Charters' reliable 2002 Lund 2075 Pro V Magnum, a fishing-focused boat built to handle the Detroit River's productive waters. Twin Mercury 225 engines deliver solid performance for covering water quickly, while the trolling motor lets you work structure and hold position when targeting walleye hotspots. The spacious layout comfortably accommodates up to three anglers with room to fight fish and handle gear. This setup handles river conditions well, from navigating current breaks to anchoring over drop-offs where walleye and other species feed. The boat's design provides stable casting platforms and easy access to productive fishing zones throughout the Detroit River system, making it suitable for both experienced anglers and newcomers learning the ropes on these fish-rich waters.
Acipenser FulvescensLake Sturgeon are living dinosaurs - these prehistoric giants have been swimming the Detroit River for millions of years. Most fish we encounter run 3-5 feet and 30-80 pounds, but don't be surprised if something much bigger grabs your line. They're bottom feeders that cruise deep holes and current seams, using their whisker-like barbels to hunt crawfish, worms, and small fish along the gravel and sand. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps are right. What makes sturgeon fishing special is the sheer power - they'll take you on a ride you won't forget, and their ancient appearance is something to see. My go-to setup uses heavy tackle with a glob of nightcrawlers on bottom. Pro tip: when you feel that slow, steady pull, don't set the hook hard - just lift into them and hold on tight.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the bread and butter of Detroit River fishing, and for good reason. These golden-colored fish with their distinctive glassy eyes typically run 14-20 inches here, though we regularly see some pushing the 25-inch mark. They're smart fish that hang around rock piles, drop-offs, and current breaks during the day, then move shallow to feed at dawn and dusk. That's prime time for us - late afternoon trips hit them right as they start getting active. What makes walleye special is they fight clean but strong, and the table fare is absolutely top-notch - flaky white meat that tastes amazing. Here's a local trick: when we're working those deeper holes along the Canadian side, I like to tip jigs with a small piece of nightcrawler. The scent draws them in when the bite gets tough.
Detroit River