Private Five Hour Detroit River Fishing Charter
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fivehour private Detroit River charter targets walleye speciesAll fishing equipment provided for up to three guestsMorning departure with expert local guide and comfortable boat
Looking for a solid day of walleye fishing without the crowds? Big EZ Charters LLC runs a top-rated private charter that gets you on the Detroit River when the fish are most active. This 5-hour morning trip launches at 7:00 AM sharp, giving you and up to two buddies the entire boat to yourselves. At $475 for three anglers, it's a customer favorite among serious fishermen who want quality time on productive water. Need to bring more than three people? No problem – they'll take additional anglers for $100 each. All your tackle, rods, and gear come included, so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the boat.
The Detroit River delivers some of the most consistent walleye action in the Great Lakes system, and this charter puts you right in the sweet spots where local guides have been pulling fish for decades. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped boat with all the modern electronics needed to locate schools and track bottom structure. The guide knows every ledge, drop-off, and current break that holds fish throughout the seasons. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a fishing rod, the crew adjusts their approach to match your experience level. The early morning start time isn't just tradition – it's when walleye feed most aggressively before boat traffic picks up and water temperatures rise. Five hours gives you plenty of time to work different areas and techniques without feeling rushed.
Detroit River walleye fishing revolves around reading current and structure, and your guide uses a mix of trolling and drift fishing to stay on active fish. Depending on the season and conditions, you might be pulling crawler harnesses behind bottom bouncers, vertical jigging with minnows, or casting crankbaits along rocky shorelines. The boat comes rigged with quality rods matched to the techniques you'll be using – medium-heavy spinning setups for jigging and trolling rods for covering water. Downriggers and planer boards help spread your presentation across different depths and distances from the boat. Live bait is typically the go-to choice, with nightcrawlers, emerald shiners, and leeches producing the most consistent results. Your guide handles all the rigging and re-baiting, explaining techniques as you go so you can apply what you learn on future trips.
Walleye are the bread and butter of Detroit River fishing, and for good reason. These golden-flanked predators average 2-4 pounds in these waters, with plenty of bigger fish mixed in to keep things interesting. Peak walleye action runs from late April through October, but they bite consistently throughout the open water season. What makes Detroit River walleye special is their aggressive nature – the current keeps them active and feeding, so they hit baits hard and fight better than their lake-dwelling cousins. The meat is firm and flaky, making walleye one of the best eating fish in freshwater. You'll find them relating to rocky points, shipping channels, and current seams where baitfish get swept along.
Lake sturgeon represent the river's most prehistoric residents, and hooking one is like connecting with a living fossil. These ancient fish can live over 100 years and reach massive sizes – a 50-pound sturgeon is a real possibility on any Detroit River trip. They're bottom feeders that cruise slowly along the river bed, using their sensitive barbels to locate crayfish, insect larvae, and other food sources. Sturgeon fishing requires patience, but when one takes your bait, the fight is absolutely memorable. They're powerful, stubborn fighters that use the current to their advantage. All sturgeon must be released immediately, but getting a photo with one of these giants is a highlight that anglers talk about for years. Best action typically comes during late spring and early fall when water temperatures are moderate.
Big EZ Charters has built their reputation on putting clients on fish while providing the kind of personal attention you only get with private charters. The Detroit River offers world-class walleye fishing practically in the shadow of downtown Detroit, making it perfect for local anglers and visitors alike. With all gear provided and expert guidance included, this trip removes the guesswork and lets you focus on enjoying your time on the water. The 7:00 AM departure means you'll be back by noon with time to clean your catch and still have the rest of your day free. Remember to contact the guide before booking to confirm availability and get the latest fishing report – they'll give you the straight scoop on current conditions and what's been producing. Don't wait too long to secure your dates, especially during prime walleye season when spots fill up fast.
The 2002 Lund 2075 Pro V Magnum is your floating fishing headquarters for chasing walleye on the Detroit River. This tough aluminum hull cuts through river currents with ease, powered by dual Mercury 225 engines that get you to the hot spots fast. When it's time to work structure or drift bait, the trolling motor gives you whisper-quiet positioning so you won't spook fish holding tight to cover. At 20 feet, there's plenty of deck space for three anglers to spread out and fish comfortably without tangling lines. The deep V-hull handles choppy water like a champ while the wide beam keeps things stable when you're fighting that trophy walleye. Rod holders, livewells, and fish boxes are all built in, so your catch stays fresh until you're back at the dock. This boat knows the Detroit River's moods and puts you right where the fish are biting.
Acipenser FulvescensLake Sturgeon are living dinosaurs - we're talking fish that can live over 100 years and grow massive. In the Detroit River, most run 3-4 feet and 30-80 pounds, but giants over 100 pounds still cruise these waters. They're bottom huggers, using their whiskers to feel around sand and gravel for crayfish, worms, and small fish. Spring through fall gives you the best shot when water temps are right. What hooks people is landing a prehistoric beast that's older than their grandparents - it's humbling. They don't fight flashy but use pure weight and power. These fish are protected, so it's catch and release only. Pro tip: use heavy tackle with a glob of nightcrawlers on bottom, and wear gloves - those bony plates are sharp as razors.
Sander VitreusWalleye are what makes the Detroit River famous for fishing. These golden-colored fish with their distinctive glassy eyes typically run 14-18 inches here, though we regularly see 20+ inchers that'll make your day. They love structure - rocky drop-offs, weed edges, and deep holes where they hang during daylight hours. Early morning and evening are prime time when they move shallow to feed. What makes walleye special is they're both a blast to catch and absolutely delicious - firm, white meat with no fishy taste. They fight smart rather than hard, using their head-shaking style to try working free. My go-to tip: when you feel that subtle tap-tap bite, count to three before setting the hook. They like to mouth the bait first.
Detroit River