As of November 15, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake St. Clair is quite active despite the cooler weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.
### Weather and Tidal Conditions
The weather today is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 48°F and a low of 38°F. Winds are moderate, coming from the northwest at about 10 mph. Since Lake St. Clair is a freshwater lake connected to the Great Lakes system, tidal effects are minimal, but water levels can fluctuate slightly due to wind and water flow from Lake Huron and Lake Erie.
### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 7:04 AM, and sunset is at 4:53 PM, giving you a good window to get out on the water.
### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a decent amount of fish activity, particularly with smallmouth bass and walleye. The bass are still active in the deeper areas, especially around the Mile Roads and near the shipping channel. Walleye are being caught in the St. Clair River, particularly in the north channel, where the water is cooler.
### Types and Amounts of Fish
Smallmouth bass were the stars of the show, with many anglers reporting catches in the 15- to 16-foot depth range. Walleye were also plentiful, especially for those using live bait or jigging techniques in the river. Perch schools, although scattered, were still present around the shipping channel and in the side cuts of the river.
### Best Lures and Bait
For smallmouth bass, using live scope and chasing bait fish pods has been highly effective. Soft plastics and crankbaits in natural colors are also working well. For walleye, jigging with minnows or using live bait such as nightcrawlers has been successful. Perch are biting on small jigs tipped with minnows or maggots.
### Hot Spots
- **Mile Roads Area**: This spot continues to produce good numbers of smallmouth bass, especially in the deeper areas.
- **North Channel of the St. Clair River**: This area is great for walleye and perch, with the cooler water attracting more fish.
- **Shipping Channel**: While the perch schools are scattered, this area still holds a lot of fish, especially in the side cuts and channels.
Overall, it's a good time to get out on Lake St. Clair, especially if you're targeting smallmouth bass and walleye. Just be prepared for the cooler weather and adjust your tactics accordingly.