Lake Sturgeon Fishing Charter - St. Clair River
Shared Trip
River Fishing
Target lake sturgeon, catfish, bowfin, and multiple speciesSmall group charter accommodates 13 guests maximumSt. Clair River fishing with experienced local guide
The St. Clair River isn't just another fishing spot – it's a world-class destination where prehistoric giants roam the depths alongside some of Michigan's most sought-after game fish. Captain Brad's Lake Sturgeon Fishing Charter puts you right in the heart of the action, targeting legendary lake sturgeon plus a solid mix of walleye, catfish, bowfin, and burbot. This isn't your average day on the water. We're talking about fish that have been swimming these waters since before the pyramids were built, and you've got a real shot at hooking into one of these living dinosaurs.
Your day starts early on the St. Clair River, where the current runs strong and the fishing runs even stronger. This charter accommodates up to 2 anglers for $500, or we can squeeze in a third person for $625 – perfect for that buddy who always wants to tag along. The beauty of fishing the St. Clair is the diversity. One minute you're battling a prehistoric lake sturgeon that could weigh more than you do, the next you're reeling in a nice walleye for dinner or wrestling with a hard-fighting bowfin that most anglers have never even seen. The river connects Lake Huron to Lake St. Clair, creating this perfect highway for fish movement, and Captain Brad knows exactly where they like to hang out. Current breaks, drop-offs, and structure spots that hold fish year after year – that's where we'll be setting up.
Sturgeon fishing is all about patience and the right approach. We're bottom fishing with heavy tackle, using circle hooks and natural baits like nightcrawlers, leeches, and cut bait. The key is getting your offering down to where these bottom-dwellers cruise along, feeling around with those whiskers for an easy meal. Captain Brad provides all the gear you'll need – heavy rods that can handle a 100-pound fish, strong reels with smooth drags, and terminal tackle designed for the big boys. For the other species we target, we'll switch up techniques depending on what's biting. Walleye might call for jigging or trolling, while catfish respond well to still-fishing with stink baits. The St. Clair's current is always a factor, so we're constantly adjusting weight and presentation to keep baits in the strike zone. Don't worry if you're new to this – Brad walks everyone through the techniques and handles the technical stuff so you can focus on fighting fish.
Lake Sturgeon are the crown jewel of Great Lakes fishing, and the St. Clair River offers some of the best sturgeon action you'll find anywhere. These prehistoric beasts can live over 100 years and grow massive – we're talking fish that can hit 200 pounds or more. What makes them special isn't just their size, it's their fighting style. A big sturgeon will take off on powerful runs that'll test your gear and your arms. They're bottom feeders with sensitive barbels that help them locate food, which is why we fish right on the bottom with natural baits. Spring and fall tend to be the hottest times, when they're actively feeding and moving through the system. Catch-and-release is the rule with these giants – they're too valuable to the ecosystem and too slow-growing to keep.
Walleye are the bread and butter of Great Lakes fishing, and the St. Clair River serves up some beauties. These golden-sided fighters are top-notch table fare and put up a respectable scrap on light tackle. They school up around structure and current breaks, especially during their spring and fall migrations. A good St. Clair walleye runs 2-4 pounds, with occasional monsters pushing 8 pounds or better. They're sight feeders with excellent vision in low light, making early morning and evening prime time. The rocky areas and drop-offs along the river hold walleye consistently, and Captain Brad knows which spots produce when the weather and water conditions line up right.
Channel Catfish in the St. Clair fight harder than most people expect. The current keeps them strong and muscular, and they'll make solid runs when hooked. These whiskered fighters love the deeper holes and current seams, where they patrol for dead fish, insects, and other protein sources. Summer is prime catfish time when water temperatures climb and they become aggressive feeders. A typical St. Clair channel cat runs 5-15 pounds, but don't be surprised if you tie into a 20-pounder that'll give you a real workout. They're excellent eating if you decide to keep a few for the fryer.
Bowfin are often called "living fossils" because they've remained virtually unchanged for millions of years. Most anglers have never caught one, which makes them a real trophy in my book. These prehistoric predators are built for power – thick bodies, massive heads, and attitudes that match their appearance. They inhabit the weedy backwaters and slower sections of the river system, where they ambush prey with lightning-fast strikes. A bowfin fight is unlike anything else – they'll thrash on the surface, make powerful runs, and generally raise hell until they're in the net. They're not great table fare, but as a catch-and-release trophy, they're hard to beat.
Burbot are the "poor man's lobster" of the Great Lakes, and they're one of the most underrated fish swimming. These eel-like members of the cod family are the only freshwater cod in North America, and they're absolutely delicious. They're also weird-looking enough that most people don't know what they've caught when they hook one. Burbot are cold-water specialists that feed heavily under the ice and in early spring. They love rocky areas and deeper water, where they hunt for crayfish, small fish, and other bottom-dwelling creatures. The meat is white, flaky, and mil
Acipenser FulvescensLake sturgeon are the crown jewel of our St. Clair River trips. These ancient giants average 3-5 feet but can reach massive sizes - we're talking potential 100+ pound fish that have been swimming since before your grandfather was born. They cruise the river bottom in 15-40 feet, following current breaks and deep holes where they vacuum up crawfish and worms. Late spring through fall gives you the best shot when they're most active. What makes sturgeon fishing special is the sheer size and power - landing one is a true bucket list experience. Their meat is excellent, and the fight is unforgettable. My go-to setup is a glob of nightcrawlers on bottom, heavy tackle, and lots of patience. When they hit, don't horse them - let that fish run and tire itself out.
Amia CalvaBowfin are living fossils that'll give you a fight like nothing else in these waters. These prehistoric survivors average 18-24 inches but can hit 30+ inches and really test your tackle. They love weedy backwaters, slow current areas, and anywhere with good cover. Spring through early fall is best, especially during low-light periods when they're actively hunting. What makes bowfin trips memorable is their raw aggression and stamina - they'll jump, roll, and fight until the very end. They're unique because they can breathe air, making them tough as nails. While not great table fare, catching one is like hooking into a piece of natural history. Pro tip: use cut fish or live bait near vegetation, and be ready for a wild ride. Keep your fingers clear - they've got serious teeth.
Lota LotaBurbot are the oddball of our river system - they look like a cross between an eel and catfish but fight like they're possessed. Most run 12-20 inches, though bigger ones lurk in the deeper holes. These cold-water lovers stay deep during summer but become active in fall and winter when other fish slow down. What's cool about burbot is they're our only freshwater cod relative and most active when it's freezing out. They hit hard and fight surprisingly well for their size. The meat is actually pretty good - firm and white like their ocean cousins. Best technique is dropping cut bait or small jigs right to the bottom in deep water. They're not picky eaters, so don't overthink the bait choice. Just get it down where they live.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel cats are some of the hardest fighting fish you'll encounter on the St. Clair. These whiskered bruisers average 2-8 pounds, but we've landed plenty over 15 pounds that'll test your gear. They love deep holes, current breaks, and structure where they can ambush prey. Summer nights are absolute gold for catfish action when they move shallow to feed. What guests love most is the raw power - once hooked, they make long runs and don't give up easy. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, firm meat. The key here is fresh cut bait - cisco, sucker, or even chicken livers work great. Drop it right on the bottom near structure and be ready for a freight train hit. These fish have tough mouths, so set the hook hard.
Sander VitreusWalleye are one of the most sought-after fish in the St. Clair River system. These golden-colored predators typically run 15-25 inches and put up a solid fight. Their signature glowing eyes help them hunt in low light, which is when they're most active. You'll find them hanging around rock piles, drop-offs, and weed edges in 10-30 feet of water. Evening and early morning are prime times, especially during spring and fall when they move into shallower areas to feed. What makes walleye special is their incredible table fare - firm, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Here's a local tip: use a simple jig and minnow combo, but keep it moving slowly along the bottom. They're finicky biters, so patience pays off.
Port Huron, MI