Detroit River Walleye Fishing Charter (AM)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Target world-class walleye with 20-year local expert Captain Billy HoweFish Detroit River and Lake St Clair with professional gear includedAll skill levels welcome on USCG licensed charter service
Get ready to fish some of the best walleye waters in the Great Lakes with Captain Billy Howe, a 20-year veteran who knows every drop-off, current break, and honey hole between the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair. This morning charter puts you right in the heart of world-class walleye fishing, where these golden beauties stack up during their legendary runs. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod, Billy's got the local knowledge and patience to put fish in the boat. Plus, you might luck into some bonus species like muskie, perch, catfish, or white bass depending on what's biting that day.
Your morning starts early on some of the most productive walleye water in North America. The Detroit River system connects Lake Huron to Lake Erie, creating a natural fish highway that walleye use during their spring and fall migrations. Captain Billy's been working these waters for two decades, so he knows exactly where to position the boat based on weather, water temperature, and seasonal patterns. You'll fish from a well-equipped charter boat that handles the river current and lake chop with ease, giving you a stable platform to work from. The base rate covers two anglers, but Billy can accommodate additional passengers for an extra fee. Don't worry about bringing gear – all the rods, reels, and tackle are provided, along with the local expertise to use them effectively.
Captain Billy runs a variety of proven walleye techniques depending on conditions and fish behavior. Trolling with bottom bouncers and spinner rigs is a go-to method, especially when covering water to locate active schools. You'll also work with jigs tipped with nightcrawlers or leeches, particularly effective when fishing structure like the river's deep holes and drop-offs. The Detroit River's current requires specific weight and presentation techniques that Billy has dialed in over the years. All the professional-grade equipment is included – from sensitive graphite rods that telegraph every subtle walleye bite to quality reels with smooth drags. The tackle box is stocked with local favorites: Reef Runner lures, Erie Dearie spinners, and an assortment of jigs in colors that consistently produce in these waters.
Walleye are the star attraction here, and for good reason. Detroit River and Lake St. Clair walleye are known for their size and fight, with fish commonly running 2-5 pounds and occasional giants pushing 8-10 pounds. These are chunky, healthy fish that feed heavily on the abundant forage base. Spring brings the spawning run when walleye move shallow and bite aggressively, while fall fishing can be even better as they fatten up for winter. The walleye here have that classic golden color and are excellent table fare – firm white meat that's perfect for the frying pan. What makes this fishery special is the sheer numbers. When you hit an active school, it's not uncommon to boat 20-30 fish in a morning session.
White bass provide fast action when they're schooled up, especially during their spring run. These scrappy fighters might be smaller than walleye, but they make up for it with aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. You'll often find them busting baitfish on the surface, creating a feeding frenzy that's pure excitement. Muskellunge are the wildcard species – these apex predators can show up anywhere and turn a routine walleye trip into an adventure. Lake St. Clair muskie are known for their size, with 40-50 inch fish caught regularly. Yellow perch are another bonus species, particularly popular with families since they're easy to catch and delicious to eat. Blue catfish round out the mix, offering strong fights and growing to impressive sizes in these fertile waters.
American yellow perch are a customer favorite, especially when targeting them specifically during their fall spawning movements. These beautifully marked fish school heavily and provide non-stop action once you locate them. They're perfect for beginners since they bite readily and aren't difficult to handle. The perch in this system grow fat and healthy, with jumbo specimens reaching 12-14 inches. Blue catfish have been expanding their range in the Great Lakes, and the Detroit River system now holds some impressive specimens. These powerful fish provide a different kind of fight – long, bulldogging runs that test your tackle and technique.
Captain Billy Howe's Detroit River walleye charters book up fast, especially during peak spring and fall runs. With 20 years of local experience and a USCG license, you're getting top-rated guide service on world-class walleye water. Remember to bring your valid Michigan fishing license, polarized sunglasses, and non-spray sunblock. Moderate alcohol is welcome (no glass containers), and Billy encourages you to bring a cooler for your catch. Whether you're looking to put some quality fish in the freezer or just want to experience what many consider the best walleye fishing in the Great Lakes, this morning charter delivers the goods. The combination of Captain Billy's expertise, professional equipment, and these productive waters makes for a fishing trip that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Our 18' Lund aluminum fishing boat is your ticket to prime walleye action on the Detroit River and Lake St Clair. This solid 2005 skiff handles the waters beautifully with its 50HP Mercury engine, cruising at 25 knots to get you on the fish fast. Built for three passengers but capped at two for optimal fishing space, the boat's stable aluminum hull keeps you steady while working lines for those prized walleye. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into productive spots without spooking fish, while the GPS and fish finder help Captain Billy pinpoint exactly where the walleye are holding. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the morning bite. The boat is wheelchair accessible, making it easy for all anglers to get aboard and fish comfortably. Whether you're casting for walleye or working deeper structure for muskie and perch, this well-equipped charter boat puts you in position for success on Michigan's legendary fishery.
Perca FlavescensYellow perch are the perfect family fish - easy to catch, great to eat, and fun for all ages. These golden fish with dark vertical bars typically run 6-10 inches and travel in schools of dozens, sometimes hundreds. You'll find them around weed beds, docks, and structure in 8-15 feet of water. Spring through fall offers steady action, but they bite year-round. What makes them popular is the consistent action and sweet, mild meat that's perfect for a fish fry. Kids especially love them because they bite readily and aren't too big to handle. The trick is finding the school - once you do, you can catch them one after another. Small jigs tipped with minnows or worms work best. Keep your presentation simple and fish near bottom. When the bite slows, move 50 yards and try again. They're constantly roaming, so staying mobile is key to steady action.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue catfish are the heavyweights of the river system, growing massive - we're talking 25-40 inches and 20+ pounds regularly. These slate-blue bruisers love deep holes and muddy channels, especially near current breaks and drop-offs. They're opportunistic feeders that'll hit cut bait, chicken liver, or fresh herring. Summer nights are prime time when they move shallow to feed. What gets people hooked is the power - these fish will test your drag and your arms. They're also excellent eating with firm, mild meat. The fight alone makes the trip worthwhile. Here's the key: let your bait sit on bottom and be patient. Blue cats don't rush their meals. Use a slip sinker rig with 20-30 pound line and give them time to fully take the bait. When they do commit, hang on tight - they'll make long, powerful runs that'll get your heart pumping.
Esox MasquinongyMuskies are the ultimate trophy fish - the "fish of 10,000 casts." These apex predators can stretch 4-5 feet and top 40 pounds, with razor-sharp teeth and attitude to match. They ambush prey from weed edges, rocky shoals, and drop-offs in 15-30 feet of water. Late summer through fall is prime time when they're most active and feeding heavily before winter. What draws anglers is the challenge and the trophy potential - landing a muskie is a lifetime memory. They're called "follows" fish because they'll track your lure without striking, testing your patience and skill. Use heavy tackle with 50-pound test and barbless hooks. Large bucktails, jerkbaits, and crankbaits work best. Here's the secret: always do a figure-8 at boatside - half the strikes happen when you think the cast is over. Keep that lure moving right up to the net.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the crown jewel of our waters, running 15-25 inches with those signature glowing eyes. These golden-olive fish love structure - rocky points, drop-offs, and weed edges in 10-20 feet of water. They're most active during low-light conditions, feeding heavily at dawn and dusk. Spring and fall offer the best action, especially during the famous Detroit River run. What makes walleye special is their combination of challenging fight and incredible taste - firm, white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're particular about presentation, so patience pays off. My go-to tip: fish live nightcrawlers or minnows on a slow drift along the current breaks. Keep your bait near bottom and watch for that subtle tap-tap bite. The key is feeling the difference between your sinker hitting rocks and a walleye picking up your bait.
Morone ChrysopsWhite bass are scrappy fighters that run 10-12 inches and up to a couple pounds. These silver-sided fish with their distinctive dark stripes love to school up in open water, making for fast action when you find them. They're visual feeders that hit small jigs and spinners hard, especially during low-light periods. You'll find them suspended over deeper structure or chasing baitfish near the surface. Spring and fall are prime times when they're most active and aggressive. What makes them popular is the steady action - when you hook one, there's usually more nearby. They're also excellent table fare with firm, flaky white meat. Pro tip: when you see birds diving, get there quick - white bass are likely feeding underneath, and you can have a field day with small marabou jigs in white or black.
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