Detroit River Walleye Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
River Fishing
Target walleye on Detroit River during prime spring seasonSmall group fishing experience with maximum three guestsJigging technique used for challenging walleye catches
When spring hits the Detroit River, something magical happens. The walleye wake up hungry, and that's when we shine. This isn't your typical afternoon on the water – it's a full-blown fishing adventure where you'll test your skills against one of the Great Lakes' most prized game fish. From April through May, I'll take you and up to two other anglers to the hottest spots where walleye are staging for their spring feed. Fair warning: these fish don't come easy, but when you feel that distinctive tap-tap-tap on your jig, you'll know why anglers travel from across the country just to fish these waters.
The Detroit River is a whole different beast compared to your typical lake fishing. We're dealing with current, structure, and some seriously finicky fish that can turn on and off like a light switch. You'll be working jigs in 15 to 35 feet of water, feeling for bottom structure and learning to read the river like a pro. The challenge isn't just getting a bite – it's keeping these walleye hooked once they grab your bait. They're notorious for their soft mouths and their ability to throw hooks at the worst possible moment. But here's the thing: when everything clicks and you're pulling fish after fish into the boat, there's no better feeling. We fish from a fully equipped boat that can handle the Detroit's unique conditions, and I'll have you positioned over the best structure where these fish like to hold. Pack layers because river weather can change quick, and bring your appetite for both fishing and the fresh fillets we'll be taking home.
Walleye fishing on the Detroit is all about finesse and feel. We'll be using 1/4 to 3/8 ounce jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics, depending on what the fish are telling us that day. The key is learning to work that jig just right – a subtle lift and drop that mimics a wounded baitfish. I'll teach you how to feel the difference between your jig hitting bottom, a snag, and that telltale walleye bite that feels like someone gently tapping your line. We fish with medium-light spinning rods that give you the sensitivity to feel every pebble on the bottom while still having enough backbone to handle a good fish. The current here is your friend once you learn to use it, helping you cover water and keep your bait in the strike zone longer. I provide all the tackle, but if you've got a favorite rod you trust, bring it along. Just make sure your drag is smooth because these walleye will test it.
The Detroit River system supports an amazing variety of fish, and while we're targeting walleye, you never know what might grab your jig. Largemouth bass love the same structure as walleye and will absolutely crush a jig if given the chance. These fish run anywhere from 2 to 6 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing into the 7-plus range. They fight completely different from walleye – all power and jumps that'll get your heart racing. Walleye are the stars of the show from April through May, staging in predictable spots as they move through their spring patterns. Most fish run 2 to 4 pounds, but we regularly see fish pushing 6 to 8 pounds that'll put a serious bend in your rod. The best part about walleye? They're absolutely delicious, and there's nothing better than a fresh fish fry after a successful day on the water.
Smallmouth bass are the wildcards that can make your day even more exciting. These bronze fighters are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish in fresh water, and the Detroit has some absolute tanks. When a 4-pound smallmouth grabs your walleye jig, you'll think you've hooked bottom until it starts moving. They love the rocky areas and current breaks where we target walleye, so they're regular visitors to our boat. Muskellunge are the river's apex predators, and while we're not specifically targeting them with our walleye setup, they occasionally show up to crash the party. These fish can exceed 40 inches and will absolutely destroy your tackle if you're not ready for them. Common carp might not be glamorous, but don't underestimate them. The Detroit has some monster carp that'll test your drag and your patience, fighting like submarines with an attitude.
Spring walleye season on the Detroit River is short but sweet, and the best fishing happens fast. When conditions line up – water temperature, weather patterns, and fish behavior – you want to be on the water, not on a waiting list. This trip accommodates just three anglers, which means you get personalized attention and plenty of room to fish without bumping elbows. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add Detroit River walleye to your list or someone who wants to learn proper jigging techniques, this adventure delivers. Plus, when you limit out on walleye, you'll have enough fresh fillets for several meals that'll remind you of this day every time you fire up the pan. Don't wait until the season's over to wish you'd booked – spring fishing waits for no one.
Your fishing platform for this Detroit River walleye adventure is a well-equipped motorboat designed for serious angling. This vessel comes loaded with everything you need to locate and land those prized walleye - a reliable fish finder to pinpoint schools lurking in the river's depths, GPS navigation to hit the prime fishing spots, and an ice box to keep your catch fresh for that end-of-day feast. The boat comfortably handles up to 3 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to work their jigs without bumping elbows. Built for the river's conditions, this motorboat gets you to where the walleye are biting and keeps you fishing effectively throughout your trip. Perfect for targeting those April through May walleye runs when these fish are most active in Detroit River waters.
Cyprinus CarpioCarp are powerful bottom-feeders that average 15-30 inches and can push 20+ pounds in the Detroit River. They prefer shallow, weedy areas and muddy bottoms where they root around for food. Spring and fall are best when they move into the shallows to spawn and feed actively. People target them for the pure fight - they're incredibly strong and will test your drag system. While not traditional table fare here, they're prized by many cultures. The key is patience and quiet presentation since they spook easily. Try corn or bread balls on a hair rig near the marshy areas upstream from downtown. Keep your movements minimal and let the bait sit still - carp will eventually find it and give you a battle you won't forget.
Micropterus SalmoidesThese green-bodied fighters average 12-24 inches and love hiding around cover like fallen trees, weed beds, and rocky structure in shallow to mid-depth water. Spring through early summer is prime time when they move shallow to spawn and feed aggressively. What makes them special? That massive mouth that'll engulf almost anything, plus they jump and fight hard once hooked. The meat's decent eating if you keep a few from clean water. Here on the Detroit River, try working swimbaits or soft plastics around the current breaks near the Canadian side - those eddies hold bass that most people miss because they're focused on the main walleye spots.
Esox MasquinongyMuskie are the apex predator here - massive pike family fish that can hit 40+ inches and 20-30 pounds. They lurk around weed edges, rocky shoals, and deep structure, ambushing prey with lightning speed. Fall is prime time when they feed heavily before winter, though summer evenings can produce too. These are pure trophy fish - the fight is legendary and landing one is a real achievement. Most anglers release them since they're not great eating compared to other species. For Detroit River muskie, focus on the deeper weed lines near Belle Isle using large bucktails or jerkbaits. Cast to the edge then work your lure erratically - and always use a steel leader because those teeth will cut through anything else.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth are scrappy bronze fighters that typically run 12-18 inches and prefer rocky bottom in clear water. They hang around boulder piles, current breaks, and drop-offs in 8-20 feet of water. Late spring through early fall is best, especially when water temps hit that sweet spot between 60-75 degrees. What sets them apart is their attitude - pound for pound, nothing fights harder or jumps more than a smallmouth. They're solid table fare too, with firm white meat. On the Detroit River, target the rock piles on the US side where the current slows down. Use tube jigs or small crankbaits and work them slow along the bottom - smallies here are spooky but aggressive once they commit.
Sander VitreusWalleye run 15-25 inches here and are famous for those glassy, reflective eyes that help them hunt in low light. They stick to deeper water during the day, usually 15-30 feet around rocky bottom and drop-offs, then move shallow at dusk to feed. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they school up tight. People love targeting them because they're tricky to find but fight well, plus there's no better eating fish in freshwater - firm, white, flaky meat with zero muddy taste. My tip for the Detroit River: focus on the shipping channel edges where it drops from 12 to 25 feet. Jig with minnows right on that break line and you'll find them stacked up.
Detroit