Detroit River Walleye & Perch Charter
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Afternoon walleye and perch fishing on Detroit River and Lake St ClairCaptain Billy Howe provides 20 years of local fishing expertiseAll tackle and equipment included for two-person fishing trips
Captain Billy Howe has been working these waters for over two decades, and he knows exactly where the fish are biting. This afternoon charter on the Detroit River and Lake St Clair puts you right in the heart of some of Michigan's most productive fishing grounds. Whether you're a weekend warrior or just getting started with a rod and reel, Billy's got the local knowledge to put you on fish. The PM departure timing hits these waters at prime time when walleye start moving and perch schools are active. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped boat with all the gear you need, so just grab your license and get ready to bend some rods.
This isn't your typical lake fishing trip. The Detroit River system connects Lake Huron to Lake Erie, creating a unique fishery that holds everything from chunky perch to trophy walleye. Captain Billy runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed – perfect for couples, friends, or anyone looking to learn from a pro. The afternoon departure gives you plenty of time to sleep in and grab lunch before meeting at the dock. You'll spend your time moving between productive spots, from river channels where walleye stack up to lake flats where perch roam in huge schools. The boat comes loaded with quality rods, reels, and tackle boxes full of proven baits. All you need is your Michigan fishing license, polarized sunglasses, and some non-spray sunscreen. Feel free to bring a cooler with drinks – just keep it in cans or plastic bottles.
Billy's approach changes with the conditions and what's biting best. For walleye, expect to work structure with jigs tipped with minnows or crawlers, or troll crankbaits along drop-offs and current breaks. The Detroit River's moving water creates perfect ambush spots where walleye wait for an easy meal. When targeting perch, you'll likely anchor up over productive humps and reefs, dropping rigs with small hooks and live bait. These perch schools can be massive – when you find them, the action gets fast. Blue catfish require a different game plan entirely, often involving heavier tackle and cut bait fished near the bottom in deeper holes. White bass tend to show up in aggressive feeding schools, especially during their spring and fall runs. Captain Billy reads the water like a book, adjusting techniques based on wind, current, and fish behavior. His local knowledge includes secret spots that don't show up on any fishing app – places he's been hitting for years with consistent results.
American Yellow Perch are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These chunky panfish run thick through Lake St Clair and the connecting waters, often schooling in massive numbers over rocky humps and weed edges. Fall brings the best perch fishing when they're fattening up for winter – expect fish in the 8-12 inch range with some real slabs mixed in. They're aggressive biters and fantastic table fare, making them perfect for families and anyone who loves fresh fish dinners. The bite often stays steady once you locate a school.
Walleye are the crown jewel of Great Lakes fishing, and this system produces some beauties. These golden-flanked predators love structure and current, making the Detroit River perfect habitat. Spring and fall see the best action, but summer evenings can be phenomenal. Walleye here average 15-20 inches with plenty of keepers in the mix. They're notorious for light bites and fighting dirty near the boat, so having an experienced captain like Billy makes all the difference. The eating quality is unmatched – firm, white, flaky meat that's perfect for any preparation.
Blue Catfish bring serious muscle to the fight. These river residents can push 20+ pounds and will test your drag system. They're most active during warmer months and love deeper holes with current flow. Don't expect finesse fishing – blue cats hit hard and pull harder. They're excellent eating despite what some anglers think, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
White Bass show up in explosive schools during their seasonal runs, creating some of the most action-packed fishing you'll find anywhere. When they're feeding, you can catch them on everything from small jigs to inline spinners. They typically run smaller than their striped cousins but make up for it with sheer numbers and aggressive strikes.
Muskellunge represent the apex predator in these waters. While not the primary target, hooking into one of these freshwater monsters is always possible. These fish of 10,000 casts can exceed 40 inches and provide heart-stopping action when they decide to eat. Captain Billy knows the structure and weed edges where muskies lurk, and he's always ready when one decides to crash the party.
Captain Billy Howe's Detroit River and Lake St Clair charter delivers exactly what serious anglers want – productive fishing with a knowledgeable guide who knows these waters inside and out. The afternoon timing hits prime feeding windows, the gear is top-notch, and the species diversity means something's always biting. Whether you're after a mess of perch for the dinner table, hoping to land your personal best walleye, or just want to spend a few hours on the water learning from a pro, this charter delivers. The base rate covers two anglers with room to add more guests, making it perfect for small groups who want personalized attention. Don't sleep on this opportunity – productive afternoon charters with experienced captains book up fast, especially during peak seasons. Grab your license, pack light, and get ready to see why anglers keep coming back to fish with Captain Billy on these world-class Michigan waters.
Captain Billy's 18-foot Lund aluminum boat is your ticket to prime walleye and perch waters on the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair. This sturdy 2005 skiff handles Michigan's changing conditions with ease, powered by a reliable 50HP Mercury that cruises at 25 knots to get you on the fish fast. Built for serious angling, she's equipped with a fish finder to locate schools, GPS for precise navigation, and a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches when the bite gets finicky. The spacious cockpit comfortably fishes two anglers with room to work your lines, plus an icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot afternoon sessions. Wheelchair accessible design means everyone can enjoy these productive waters, whether you're after fat spring perch or those golden walleye that make these waters famous.
Perca FlavescensYellow perch are the bread and butter of our local fishing - consistent action and fantastic eating at 7-9 inches. These golden fish with dark vertical bars school up in big numbers around weed beds, docks, and rocky areas in 10-20 feet of water. Spring through fall they're active, and our afternoon trips hit them during their feeding times. Kids and adults love them because they bite readily and taste sweet when filleted. Small jigs tipped with worms or minnows work best, along with simple spreader rigs. What's great is once you locate a school, you can often catch a dozen or more. Best advice: use light tackle and small baits - perch have small mouths but big appetites.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue catfish are the bruisers of our local waters, averaging 15-25 pounds but capable of hitting 40-plus. These slate-blue giants patrol the deeper holes and channels of the Detroit River, especially around 15-30 feet near muddy bottoms. They're most active during warmer months and bite well into the evening. What draws anglers is the raw power - these fish will test your drag and give you a workout. They'll eat cut bait, chicken liver, or fresh herring. The meat is excellent too - firm and mild when prepared right. Key tip: let your bait sit still on the bottom and wait for that steady pull. Blue cats don't nibble - when they take it, they mean business and you'll know it.
Esox MasquinongyMuskies are the apex predator and ultimate trophy fish - these tiger-striped monsters can reach 40-50 inches and put up legendary fights. They lurk around weed edges, rocky shoals, and drop-offs, often sunning in shallow areas during warmer weather. Fall is prime time when they're most aggressive, but summer afternoons can produce follows and strikes. What makes them special is the challenge - they're called "the fish of 10,000 casts" for good reason. When you do hook one, the explosive power and acrobatics are unforgettable. Large bucktails, crankbaits, and swimbaits work best. Critical tip: always do a figure-8 at the boat - muskies often follow your lure and will strike right at your feet if you work it properly.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the prize fish of these waters, running 15-25 inches with those trademark glassy eyes. They're structure-oriented fish that hang around rocky reefs, weed edges, and drop-offs in 12-25 feet during the day. Our afternoon trips work great because they start moving up to feed as light fades. What makes them special is that incredible fight combined with being hands-down the best eating fish in the lakes - firm, flaky white meat that's perfect any way you cook it. They can be picky, but when conditions are right, they'll hammer a jig and minnow or crawler harness. Local trick: work your bait slow and steady right along the bottom - walleye rarely chase, so bring it to them.
Morone ChrysopsWhite bass are scrappy silver fighters that run 10-12 inches and travel in schools around the Detroit River system. You'll spot them by their dark horizontal stripes and that distinctive hump behind their head. These fish love current breaks and rocky areas, usually hanging in 8-20 feet of water near structure. Spring and fall are prime times when they're actively feeding, but our afternoon trips catch them well during summer too. They hit small jigs, spinners, and live minnows hard - once you find a school, you can often catch several quickly. What guests love most is their aggressive strike and how good they taste fried up. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your lure in the water because the rest of the school is probably still there.
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