As of November 16, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Erie and the Detroit River is quite active, despite the approaching winter season.
### Weather and Tidal Conditions
Today, the weather is relatively mild, with temperatures in the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit, which is slightly warmer than usual for this time of year. Winds are moderate, coming from the southwest at about 10-15 mph. Tidal conditions in the Detroit River are typical, with water levels fluctuating slightly due to the wind.
### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at around 7:00 AM, and sunset is expected at approximately 5:00 PM, giving anglers a good window to get out on the water.
### Fish Activity
Fish activity has been moderate, with reports of smallmouth bass, walleye, and perch being caught in the area. Yesterday saw a decent number of walleye caught, particularly in the Western and Central basins of Lake Erie. The walleye have been active, especially during the late afternoon and early evening hours.
### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught
Walleye have been the main catch, with many anglers reporting catches in the 15-20 inch range. Smallmouth bass and perch are also plentiful, with bass ranging from 2-4 pounds and perch in the 8-12 inch range.
### Best Lures and Bait
For walleye, the best lures have been crankbaits and jigging spoons, particularly those in shad or minnow patterns. Live bait such as minnows and nightcrawlers has also been effective. For smallmouth bass, soft plastics like curly tail grubs and small crankbaits are working well. Perch are biting on small jigs tipped with minnows or maggots.
### Hot Spots
Some of the best spots to fish right now include the Detroit River, especially around the areas near the Ambassador Bridge and the mouth of the river where it meets Lake Erie. On Lake Erie itself, the Western Basin, particularly around the islands and reefs, has been producing good catches of walleye and perch.
Overall, it's a great time to get out on the water and take advantage of the fall bite before winter sets in. Make sure to check the local bait shops for the most up-to-date information and to adjust your tactics according to the changing weather conditions.