Full Day Bass Fishing Trip in Detroit River
Private Trip
River Fishing
Full day guided bass fishing on Detroit River watersExpert instruction targeting largemouth and smallmouth bass speciesPrivate charter accommodates up to 2 guests maximum
The Detroit River isn't just another fishing spot — it's a bass angler's playground where smallmouth and largemouth bass thrive in diverse structure and current breaks. Captain Timothy Gill knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish during an action-packed 8-hour adventure. This private charter accommodates up to 2 guests aboard his Ranger Z21 Comanche, giving you plenty of room to work and learn without feeling crowded. Whether you're looking to dial in your technique or just want to spend a solid day catching bass, this trip delivers the kind of hands-on experience that separates good fishing days from great ones.
Starting from Auburn, you'll launch into prime bass territory where Captain Gill has been guiding anglers for years. The Detroit River system offers everything from rocky drop-offs perfect for smallmouth to weedy flats where largemouth love to ambush prey. This isn't a rushed half-day trip — you've got 8 full hours to work different spots, adjust techniques, and really get dialed in on what the fish want. Captain Gill provides expert instruction throughout the day, helping you read the water, understand seasonal patterns, and improve your presentation. The Ranger Z21 Comanche gives you a stable platform to fish from, with plenty of storage for gear and room to move around when fighting fish. You'll cover water efficiently between spots while staying comfortable, which means more time with lines in the water and better chances at landing trophy bass.
The Detroit River demands versatility, and Captain Gill will have you working multiple techniques depending on conditions and fish behavior. Expect to throw everything from jigs around rocky structure to soft plastics along weed edges. The river's current creates natural feeding zones where bass stack up, and knowing how to present baits in moving water makes all the difference. You'll learn to work crankbaits over submerged points, flip heavy cover where big largemouth hide, and finesse smallmouth in deeper water. Captain Gill provides rods, reels, and tackle suited for the conditions, but he's always happy to work with your favorite gear if you prefer. The key here is adapting to what the fish are telling you — some days they want reaction baits, other days require a more subtle approach. By the end of 8 hours, you'll have a much better understanding of how to read bass behavior and adjust your tactics accordingly.
Smallmouth bass in the Detroit River are absolute fighters that'll test your drag and your patience. These bronze-backed beauties typically run 2-4 pounds, with plenty of opportunities for fish pushing 5 pounds or better. They love rocky structure, drop-offs, and current breaks where they can ambush crayfish and baitfish. Spring and fall are prime times when smallmouth feed aggressively, but summer fishing can be fantastic early and late in the day. What makes Detroit River smallmouth special is their attitude — they hit hard, jump high, and never give up easy. You'll find them in 8-15 feet of water most of the time, though they'll move shallow during spawning periods. The fight these fish put up is legendary among bass anglers, and once you hook into a chunky Detroit River smallmouth, you'll understand why people travel from all over to fish these waters.
Largemouth bass bring a different kind of excitement to your day on the Detroit River. These green-sided giants prefer weedy bays, fallen timber, and slower-moving sections where they can set up ambush points. Detroit River largemouth average 3-5 pounds, with real potential for fish over 6 pounds if you work the right spots with proper technique. Unlike their smallmouth cousins, largemouth are more likely to stay deep in cover, requiring precise presentations and strong hooksets to pull them out. Summer fishing can be excellent around vegetation, while spring pre-spawn periods offer some of the year's best action. Captain Gill knows where these fish stage during different seasons and will put you on productive water. The key with Detroit River largemouth is patience and persistence — they might not be as aggressive as smallmouth, but when a big largemouth decides to eat, it's game on.
This full-day bass fishing experience gives you everything needed for a top-rated day on Michigan waters — expert guidance, quality equipment, and access to some of the best bass fishing the Detroit River has to offer. Captain Timothy Gill's hands-on instruction helps anglers of all skill levels improve their game while putting more fish in the boat. The 8-hour format means you're not rushed, giving you time to really learn the water and develop confidence with different techniques. Whether you're a local angler looking to up your bass game or visiting Michigan for some world-class fishing, this trip delivers the kind of memorable day that keeps customers coming back. The Detroit River's reputation for quality bass fishing is well-earned, and with Captain Gill's expertise, you'll experience it at its finest. Don't wait — prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak bass season.
The Ranger Z21 Comanche is your ticket to serious bass action on the Detroit River. This 21-foot fishing machine packs a 250 HP Evinrude that'll get you to the hottest largemouth and smallmouth spots without wasting time. Built specifically for bass and walleye fishing, she handles Michigan waters like a dream and cruises comfortably at 35 mph between productive areas. The boat seats up to 4 anglers total, giving you and a buddy plenty of room to work lures along structure and fight fish without getting tangled up. Captain Timothy knows exactly where this rig shines - from rocky drop-offs to weed edges where the big ones lurk. The Comanche's design lets you fish efficiently all day, whether you're flipping jigs into cover or casting spinnerbaits along the current breaks that hold Detroit River bass.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass are the Detroit River's heavyweight champions, running 2-6 pounds with some real tanks pushing double digits. These green machines love weedy bays, fallen timber, and slower water along the shorelines. Unlike their smallmouth cousins, largemouths prefer cover over current - think downed trees, weed lines, and shallow flats with vegetation. Peak action happens spring through fall, especially during low-light periods when they're hunting in the shallows. What gets anglers hooked is that explosive strike when a big largemouth crushes your bait. They're ambush predators with serious attitude, and landing a 5-pounder is something you'll remember forever. They eat well too - mild, flaky meat that's perfect on the grill. Pro tip for the Detroit: work those protected bays on the Michigan side with spinnerbaits. The current wash creates perfect ambush points.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are scrappy fighters that'll test your skills on the Detroit River. These bronze-backed beauties average 12-18 inches and love rocky structure and current breaks. You'll find them around drop-offs, boulder piles, and bridge pilings in 8-25 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when they're aggressive and shallow, though summer fishing stays hot if you target deeper ledges. What makes smallmouths special is their fight - pound for pound, they're the strongest bass you'll hook. They jump, run, and never give up easy. The meat's firm and tasty too, with a clean flavor that beats largemouth every time. Here's a local tip: throw a tube jig along those concrete retaining walls on the Canadian side. Let it fall on slack line and watch for the slightest tick - that's your fish.
Detroit River