Full-Day Detroit River Walleye Trip
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fullday walleye fishing on Detroit River and Lake St. ClairEight hours targeting spring migration patterns and feeding windowsSmall group experience with maximum four anglers per trip
When walleye start their spring run through the Detroit River system, serious anglers know there's no substitute for putting in a full day on the water. This 8-hour guided trip with Lake St. Clair Hooksetters gives you the time you need to really dial in on these finicky fish as they move between Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River. With just 4 anglers max, you'll get personalized attention and prime positioning throughout the day, whether we're working the river's current breaks or targeting the lake's structure. Spring walleye fishing here is world-class, but it takes patience and the right approach to consistently put fish in the boat.
Your day starts early when walleye are most active, typically around sunrise when the bite is hottest. We'll launch from either the Detroit River or Lake St. Clair depending on where the fish are showing up and current conditions. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is flexibility – if the morning bite slows down on the river, we can run to the lake and work different structure. Your guide knows these waters like the back of their hand and will read the conditions throughout the day, adjusting our game plan as needed. You'll spend time learning to read your electronics, understanding how walleye relate to current and structure, and picking up techniques that'll make you a better angler long after this trip ends. The small group size means everyone gets hands-on instruction and plenty of rod time. Pack layers since spring weather can change quick, and bring your camera – these Detroit River walleye are some chunky fish that make for great photos.
We'll primarily be trolling crankbaits and pulling spinners, which are the bread and butter techniques for spring walleye in this system. Your guide provides all the rods, reels, and tackle – we're talking quality stuff like planer boards, lead core line, and a selection of proven baits like Rapala Shad Raps and Smithwick Rogues in the right colors for current conditions. You'll learn how to set lines at different depths, work the boards, and maintain proper speed control. The Detroit River's current adds a whole different element compared to still water fishing – we'll show you how to use that current to your advantage rather than fight against it. On Lake St. Clair, we might switch to jigging if we mark fish tight to bottom structure. The guide handles all the technical stuff like GPS positioning and fish finding, but you'll pick up tons of knowledge about reading water, understanding seasonal patterns, and boat control techniques that separate successful walleye anglers from weekend warriors.
Walleye are the main event here, and for good reason. These fish are absolute eating machines during their spring migration, with most fish running between 2-6 pounds and plenty of opportunity for larger specimens. Detroit River and Lake St. Clair walleye are known for their aggressive feeding behavior during the spawn, making them more willing to chase baits and fight harder than usual. The peak season runs from late March through May when water temperatures hit that sweet spot between 42-55 degrees. What makes walleye so popular isn't just their willingness to bite – they're also some of the best eating fish in freshwater. Their white, flaky meat has made them a customer favorite for decades. These fish school up during migration, so when you find them, you often find them in numbers. The fight isn't going to wear you out like a salmon, but walleye have their own subtle head-shaking style that keeps things interesting. Plus, there's something deeply satisfying about the distinctive "thump-thump" of a walleye bite that gets every angler's heart racing. The size range here consistently produces keeper fish, with enough bigger ones mixed in to keep things exciting all day long.
This top-rated full-day walleye experience sells out fast during peak season, and for good reason. You're getting 8 solid hours with an experienced guide who knows exactly where these fish hang out and how to catch them consistently. The small group size ensures you're not fighting for rod time or instruction, and the extended format gives you the best shot at experiencing multiple bites throughout the day as fish movement changes. Whether you're a seasoned walleye angler looking to learn these specific waters or someone wanting to get serious about spring walleye fishing, this trip delivers the goods. The Detroit River and Lake St. Clair system is renowned walleye water, and there's no better way to experience it than with Lake St. Clair Hooksetters. Don't miss your chance to get in on some of the best walleye action in the Great Lakes – book your spot now and get ready for a day of steady action and fresh fish dinner.
This 21-foot Polar Kraft aluminum fishing boat cuts through Detroit River currents and Lake St. Clair waters with serious authority. The 150HP Mercury pushes us up to 40 knots when we need to cover ground fast, but it's the wireless trolling motor that really shines when we're working structure for walleye. The GPS keeps us locked on productive spots while the fish finder shows exactly what's happening below. Built tough with an aluminum hull that handles everything these waters throw at it, this rig comfortably fishes four anglers with plenty of room to work jigs and fight fish. Whether we're drifting the river's current breaks or targeting Lake St. Clair's deeper edges, this boat delivers the stability and performance you want for a full day chasing spring walleye during peak migration.
Detroit, MI