Half Day Bass And Walleye Jigging On Lake St. Clair
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fivehour guided jigging charter on Lake St. Clair watersExpert targeting of trophy bass and walleye speciesAccommodates up to four anglers with morning departure
Lake St. Clair is hands down one of the Great Lakes region's premier fishing destinations, and there's no better way to experience it than with a guided jigging trip targeting bass and walleye. This isn't your average day on the water – we're talking about world-class fishing in waters that consistently produce trophy catches. Whether you're new to jigging or you've been working these techniques for years, Lake St. Clair delivers the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back season after season. The lake's unique structure, abundant forage, and healthy fish populations create perfect conditions for both largemouth and smallmouth bass, plus some of the fattest walleye you'll find anywhere in the region.
Your 5-hour charter starts bright and early at 7am when the bite is typically at its peak. Lake St. Clair covers over 430 square miles, but don't worry – we know exactly where to find the fish based on current conditions, water temperature, and seasonal patterns. The lake sits between Lake Huron and Lake Erie, creating a unique ecosystem with crystal-clear water, extensive weed beds, and varied bottom structure that bass and walleye absolutely love. You'll be fishing from a fully equipped charter boat with all the latest electronics, so we can mark fish and structure before we even drop a line. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused – perfect for groups of 3-4 people who want to learn new techniques while actually catching fish. Weather permitting, you'll experience some of the most consistent fishing in the Great Lakes system, with plenty of opportunities to land multiple species in a single trip.
Jigging is an incredibly effective technique on Lake St. Clair, especially when targeting both bass and walleye in the same trip. We primarily use vertical jigging methods, working jigs and soft plastics through different depths and structures where these fish like to hang out. For walleye, we'll focus on areas with harder bottom composition – think gravel, sand, and rocky points where they feed on gobies, perch, and emerald shiners. The key is maintaining bottom contact while imparting just enough action to trigger strikes. For bass, we'll target weed edges, drop-offs, and structure using a variety of jig styles from football heads to finesse jigs depending on conditions. All tackle and equipment is provided, including high-quality rods and reels spooled with appropriate line for the techniques we'll be using. We carry a full selection of jigs, soft plastics, and live bait options, so you can experiment with different presentations throughout the day and learn what works best in various situations.
Largemouth bass in Lake St. Clair are absolute tanks, with fish regularly pushing the 4-5 pound mark and occasional giants topping 6 pounds. These fish benefit from the lake's incredible forage base, including gobies, yellow perch, and various baitfish species. Spring through fall offers excellent largemouth action, but the peak months are typically May through September when water temperatures are optimal and the fish are most active. What makes these largemouth special is their fighting ability – the clear, open water gives them room to run, and they use every inch of it. They'll often stage along the extensive weed lines that Lake St. Clair is famous for, making them perfect targets for jigging presentations. The satisfaction of watching a big largemouth inhale your jig on the electronics, then feeling that initial head shake, is what keeps bass anglers addicted to this fishery.
Walleye are the bread and butter of Lake St. Clair, with the lake producing some of the best walleye fishing in North America. These aren't your typical skinny river walleye – Lake St. Clair walleye are fat, healthy fish that average 2-4 pounds with plenty of 5-8 pound trophies mixed in. The lake's gobies have been a game-changer for walleye growth rates, providing high-protein forage that packs on the pounds. Peak walleye season runs from April through October, but they can be caught year-round by anglers who know where to look. The spring bite, particularly in May and June, is legendary among walleye enthusiasts. These fish are known for their excellent table fare, but many of our guests are surprised by how hard they fight in the lake's open water. Jigging is particularly effective because you can cover water efficiently while maintaining precise depth control, which is crucial for consistently connecting with walleye.
Smallmouth bass in Lake St. Clair are arguably some of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish you'll encounter anywhere. The lake's rocky areas, gravel flats, and scattered boulders provide perfect smallmouth habitat, and these fish have adapted to become incredibly aggressive and powerful. A 3-pound smallmouth in Lake St. Clair will give you a fight you won't forget, with their signature aerial displays and bulldogging runs. The best smallmouth action typically occurs from late spring through early fall, with peak periods in June and September when they're most active. What sets Lake St. Clair smallmouth apart is their willingness to hit jigs aggressively – they're not finicky like smallies in some other waters. The clear water means they can see your presentation from a distance, so when they decide to eat, they usually commit fully. It's not uncommon to have a smallmouth absolutely crush a jig right at the boat, providing heart-stopping action that keeps anglers on their toes all day long.
At $425 for up to 4 people, this charter represents outstanding value for a full morning of guided fishing on one of North America's top-rated bass and walleye fisheries. The combination of expert local knowledge, quality equipment, and Lake St. Clair's renowned fish populations creates the perfect recipe for a memorable day on the water.
Get ready to target bass and walleye aboard our well-equipped 2010 Ranger 621VS on Lake St. Clair's productive waters! This fishing machine comes loaded with three Lowrance fish finders and cutting-edge Garmin Panoptix technology, giving you crystal-clear views of what's swimming below. The Minn Kota shallow water anchor keeps you locked on those prime spots while the powerful 112-pound thrust bow mount trolling motor lets you work structure with precision. Whether you're jigging deep drops or working the flats, our backup 9.9 four-stroke outboard ensures reliable power. Perfect for up to 4 anglers looking to capitalize on Lake St. Clair's legendary walleye and bass action. This boat's designed specifically for these waters - from the electronics package to the motor setup, everything's optimized for success on one of the Great Lakes' premier fishing destinations.
Micropterus SalmoidesThese green fighters average 12-24 inches and pack serious attitude. You'll find them around structure like fallen trees, weed beds, and rocky drop-offs in 5-15 feet of water. Spring through early fall are prime times when they're most active and aggressive. What makes largemouths special is that massive mouth - when they hit, they hit hard and put up a real scrap with jumps and runs that'll test your drag. They're decent eating too, with firm white meat that's great fried or grilled. Here's a local trick: on Lake St. Clair, work your jig slow along those scattered rock piles in 8-12 feet. These bass love to ambush baitfish there, and a patient presentation often triggers the biggest strikes.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouths are pound-for-pound the scrappiest fish in Lake St. Clair. These bronze fighters typically run 14-18 inches and love rocky bottoms, especially around those scattered boulders in 10-20 feet of water. Spring and fall are peak times when they're shallow and aggressive, but summer fishing stays hot if you follow them to deeper structure. What sets smallmouth apart is their fight - they'll take you to school with aerial displays and bulldogging runs that'll remind you why they're called "smalljaw". The meat's firm and tasty too, though most folks release these beauties to fight another day. Pro tip for St. Clair: when the wind kicks up a light chop, work tube jigs along those rocky transition zones where sand meets stone. That wave action triggers feeding and smallies can't resist.
Sander VitreusLake St. Clair's walleye run 15-25 inches and are pure gold for both sport and the dinner table. These silvery beauties prefer deeper water during the day - think 15-30 feet over rocky bottoms and drop-offs. Early morning and evening are money times since their big reflective eyes give them a huge advantage in low light. Walleye don't jump like bass, but they pull steady and strong with surprising power. The real payoff is on your plate - sweet, flaky white meat that's among the best freshwater fish you'll ever taste. My go-to tip for St. Clair: focus on that 18-22 foot depth range where the bottom transitions from sand to rock. Jig slowly right on bottom with a minnow head, and let the fish tell you the rhythm they want.
St. Clair Shores, MI