Great Lakes Fish Species

Seasonal Fishing in Detroit: What’s Biting Year-Round

Detroit’s prime fishing waters, including Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River, and Lake Erie, offer incredible fishing opportunities throughout the year. Each season brings a shift in fish activity, making it essential to know when and where to target walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, and muskellunge. Whether you're planning a spring walleye charter in the Detroit River or a late-summer Lake St. Clair smallmouth bass trip, understanding seasonal trends will help maximize your fishing success.

Spring & Summer Fishing: Walleye Runs and Bass Action

Spring kicks off with the world-famous Detroit River walleye run, where millions of walleye migrate from Lake Erie to spawn. This season offers some of the best fishing opportunities, with anglers jigging in strong currents for trophy-sized fish. As the waters warm in summer, smallmouth bass fishing in Lake St. Clair reaches its peak, with anglers enjoying topwater action and deep-water drop-shot techniques. Northern pike become more aggressive, while yellow perch start to school in deeper waters, providing steady fishing opportunities.

Fall & Winter Fishing: Trophy Catches and Ice Fishing

Fall is prime time for Lake Erie walleye fishing, as cooler temperatures trigger feeding frenzies. Muskellunge, the “fish of 10,000 casts,” becomes a top target on Lake St. Clair, where trophy-sized fish lurk. As winter sets in, ice fishing for yellow perch, walleye, and panfish takes over, offering a unique experience for cold-weather anglers. With each season bringing something different, Detroit’s fishing scene offers year-round excitement for anglers of all skill levels.

Questions About Fish Species in Detroit

1. What fish species can I catch in Detroit’s waters?

Detroit’s prime fishing spots, including Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River, and Lake Erie, are home to walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, muskellunge (muskie), and lake sturgeon. Depending on the season, anglers can also target white bass, catfish, and panfish.

2. When is the best time to fish for walleye in Detroit?

The Detroit River walleye run in spring (March–May) is the best time to catch trophy-sized walleye. In summer and fall, walleye fishing remains strong in Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair, where trolling and jigging techniques produce excellent results.

3. What’s the best season to fish for smallmouth bass near Detroit?

Lake St. Clair is one of the best smallmouth bass fisheries in North America, with peak action from late spring through early fall. Summer months offer incredible topwater and deep-water fishing opportunities for bass enthusiasts.

4. Can I catch muskellunge (muskie) in Detroit?

Yes! Lake St. Clair is a world-class muskie fishery, with prime fishing from June through November. Whether you’re casting or trolling, this is one of the best places to land a trophy muskie.

5. Do you offer fishing charters for different species?

Yes! Yeah Baby Fishing Adventures provides customized trips targeting walleye, bass, pike, perch, muskie, and more. Whether you want to experience the famous Detroit River walleye run or chase trophy smallmouth bass in Lake St. Clair, we’ve got you covered!