Episodes

  • Fishing the Detroit River and Lake Erie for Walleye, Perch, and Smallmouth Bass

    Fishing the Detroit River and Lake Erie for Walleye, Perch, and Smallmouth Bass
    Nov 23 2024
    For November 23, 2024, here’s a local’s perspective on the fishing conditions in Lake Erie and the Detroit River:

    Today, the weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 48°F and a low of 38°F, making it a crisp but manageable day for fishing. Sunrise was at 7:28 AM, and sunset will be at 4:54 PM, giving you a good window to get out on the water.

    Tidal conditions are not a major factor in Lake Erie, but wind and water temperatures play a significant role. Currently, the water temperature is in the mid-40s, which is typical for this time of year.

    Fish activity has been moderate, with reports of smallmouth bass, walleye, and perch being caught. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a decent number of walleye, particularly in the Detroit River, using crankbaits and jigs. Perch fishing has also been good, especially around the river's structure and near the Lake Erie islands.

    For walleye, trolling crankbaits in shallow waters, especially around the areas like Mazurik's Marina, has been effective. For perch, using small jigs tipped with minnows or maggots is a good strategy. Smallmouth bass are active around the rocky structures and islands, and soft plastics or spinnerbaits are working well.

    Hot spots include the Detroit River, particularly the areas around Belle Isle and the mouth of the river where it meets Lake Erie. The Lake Erie islands, such as Pelee Island and Kelleys Island, are also producing good catches of walleye and perch.

    Overall, it's a great time to get out and enjoy the fall bite before winter sets in. Make sure to dress warmly and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Good luck on the water
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    2 mins
  • Lake Erie and Detroit River Fishing Forecast: Walleye, Steelhead, and Smallies on the Bite

    Lake Erie and Detroit River Fishing Forecast: Walleye, Steelhead, and Smallies on the Bite
    Nov 22 2024
    For November 22, 2024, if you're planning to hit the waters of Lake Erie and the Detroit River, here's what you can expect:

    **Weather and Tidal Conditions:**
    The weather is expected to be seasonably warm, though there's a chance of measurable precipitation by the end of the week with slightly lower temperatures. As of today, the skies are partly cloudy with a gentle breeze. Tides are moderate, with no significant tidal fluctuations that would impact fishing.

    **Sunrise and Sunset:**
    Sunrise is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset is at approximately 4:45 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and afternoon fishing.

    **Fish Activity:**
    Yesterday saw a strong walleye bite, particularly off the Cleveland shoreline and in the western basin of Lake Erie. Anglers were also successful in catching steelhead in local streams and yellow perch along the lakefront. Walleye and smallmouth bass were active in the Detroit River.

    **Types and Amounts of Fish:**
    Walleye were the main catch, with many anglers reporting multiple catches using jigs and 3-way rigs outfitted with MagLips or live bait. Steelhead were also plentiful in the area streams, such as the Rocky River. Yellow perch and smallmouth bass were caught in decent numbers as well.

    **Best Lures and Bait:**
    For walleye, jigs and 3-way rigs with MagLips or live bait are highly effective. For steelhead, egg and egg imitations, as well as beads, are working well. Smallmouth bass are biting on soft plastics and crankbaits.

    **Hot Spots:**
    - The western basin of Lake Erie, particularly around the Cleveland shoreline, is a hot spot for walleye.
    - The Rocky River and other local streams are great for steelhead.
    - The Detroit River itself is good for both walleye and smallmouth bass.

    Overall, it's a good time to be out on the water, with manageable fishing pressure and favorable conditions. Just be sure to check your surroundings, especially in areas with higher boat traffic.
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    2 mins
  • Lake Erie and Detroit River Fishing Update: Walleye, Bass, and Perch Biting in Mild November Conditions

    Lake Erie and Detroit River Fishing Update: Walleye, Bass, and Perch Biting in Mild November Conditions
    Nov 21 2024
    As of November 21, 2024, here’s a local’s perspective on the fishing scene around Lake Erie and the Detroit River:

    First off, let's talk about the weather and tidal conditions. Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to low 50s Fahrenheit. The winds are moderate, coming in from the northwest at about 10-15 mph. Sunrise was at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be around 4:50 PM. Tides in the Detroit River are relatively stable, with a low tide at 9:30 AM and a high tide at 3:30 PM.

    Fish activity has been moderate, especially with the recent warmer temperatures. Anglers have been reporting catches of smallmouth bass, walleye, and perch. Yesterday saw a decent number of walleye being caught, particularly in the Western and Central basins of Lake Erie. Smallmouth bass are also active, especially near structure like rocks and drop-offs. Perch fishing has been consistent, with many anglers targeting them in the shallower waters.

    For walleye, the best lures to use right now include jigs tipped with minnows or nightcrawlers, as well as crankbaits that mimic baitfish. For smallmouth bass, soft plastics like curly tail grubs and crankbaits are working well. Perch are biting on small jigs with maggots or tiny minnows.

    Some hot spots to consider include the Detroit River itself, particularly around the Ambassador Bridge and the Trenton Channel. On Lake Erie, the Western Basin near the Ohio-Michigan border has been producing good walleye catches. Another spot is the area around Pelee Island, where the structure and drop-offs are attracting both bass and walleye.

    Remember to check your local bait shops for the latest tips and to ensure you have the right gear for the conditions. Good luck out there, and stay warm
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    2 mins
  • Walleye and Perch Biting on Lake Erie Near Detroit - Conditions, Hotspots, and Gear Recommendations

    Walleye and Perch Biting on Lake Erie Near Detroit - Conditions, Hotspots, and Gear Recommendations
    Nov 17 2024
    If you're planning to head out to fish on Lake Erie near Detroit today, here’s what you can expect:

    The weather is partly cloudy with a high of around 48°F and a low of 38°F. Winds are moderate, coming from the northwest at about 10-15 mph. The lake conditions are relatively calm, with wave heights of 2-3 feet.

    Sunrise is at 7:04 AM, and sunset will be at 4:53 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and afternoon fishing.

    Anglers in the area are actively targeting walleye and yellow perch. Yesterday saw a decent number of walleye caught, particularly in the deeper waters off the Cleveland shoreline, although the Detroit area also saw some action. Yellow perch fishing has also been productive, especially around the A & B Can areas.

    Several anglers reported catching limits of walleye, with some fish weighing up to 5 pounds. Yellow perch were also abundant, with many anglers catching buckets full of these tasty fish.

    For walleye, the best lures to use are deep-diving crankbaits and jigging spoons. Trolling with minnows or nightcrawlers on a harness rig has also been effective. For yellow perch, small jigs tipped with minnows or maggots are working well.

    Two hot spots right now are the waters off Edgewater Park and the area around the A & B Can reefs. These locations have been producing consistent catches of both walleye and yellow perch.

    Make sure to bundle up due to the cooler weather, and be prepared for the moderate winds. With the right gear and a bit of luck, you should have a successful day on the water.
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    2 mins
  • Autumn Fishing Bounty on Lake Erie and Detroit River

    Autumn Fishing Bounty on Lake Erie and Detroit River
    Nov 16 2024
    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.
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    3 mins
  • Walleye Bonanza on Lake Erie and the Detroit River

    Walleye Bonanza on Lake Erie and the Detroit River
    Nov 15 2024
    As of November 15, 2024, here’s a detailed fishing report for Lake Erie and the Detroit River:

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    Today, the weather in the Lake Erie and Detroit River area 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 10-15 mph. Tides in the Detroit River are not as significant as in oceanic environments, but water levels can fluctuate due to wind and lake conditions. Currently, the water level is relatively stable.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise today is at 7:04 AM, and sunset is at 4:53 PM, providing a decent window for both morning and late afternoon fishing.

    ### Fish Activity
    Walleye fishing has been a highlight in recent weeks on Lake Erie. According to Capt. Ross Robertson, a seasoned walleye angler, the fish have been active, particularly in the Western and Central basins of Lake Erie. Yesterday, anglers reported catching walleyes in depths ranging from 20 to 35 feet of water.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught
    Walleyes were the main catch, with some anglers also reporting catches of yellow perch, although the perch fishing has been slower. The walleyes are scattered throughout the water column, but more have been caught in the top 50 feet, especially with a north or northwest wind.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For walleyes, trolling with reef runners and deep bandits has been highly effective. Jigging with minnows or using crankbaits in shad or baitfish patterns also yielded good results. For those targeting yellow perch, small jigs tipped with minnows or maggots are recommended.

    ### Hot Spots
    - The Western Basin of Lake Erie, particularly around the islands north of the Black River launch, has been a hot spot for walleyes.
    - The Detroit River itself, especially near the mouth and around the islands, has seen good walleye activity.

    In summary, if you're heading out to Lake Erie or the Detroit River today, expect moderate weather conditions, and focus on trolling or jigging for walleyes in the specified depths and areas. Keep an eye on the wind direction, as it can significantly affect fish activity. Good luck on the water
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    3 mins
  • Calm Conditions and Active Fish on Lake Erie and Detroit River

    Calm Conditions and Active Fish on Lake Erie and Detroit River
    Nov 10 2024
    As of November 10, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Erie and the Detroit River is quite dynamic, influenced by the current weather and water conditions.

    ### Weather and Water Conditions
    A cold front has recently moved across Lake Erie, and a high-pressure system is building over the lake from the west. Today, you can expect west winds at about 5 to 10 knots, with waves subsiding to 1 to 2 feet. There is a chance of showers, but the overall weather is relatively calm compared to the past few days[5].

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise today is at around 7:00 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:00 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and afternoon fishing trips.

    ### Fish Activity
    Fish activity has been moderate, with reports of smallmouth bass, walleye, and perch being caught in the area. The recent warmer temperatures have made the fish more active, especially in the shallower waters of the Detroit River and the western basin of Lake Erie[3].

    ### Catch Reports
    Yesterday, anglers reported catching several smallmouth bass, with some weighing up to 4 pounds. Walleye catches were also notable, though less frequent, with some anglers reporting a few walleyes in the 2-3 pound range. Perch fishing has been consistent, with many anglers filling their limits in the river and nearshore areas of Lake Erie[1][3].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For smallmouth bass, using soft plastics like curly tail grubs or crankbaits has been effective. Walleye anglers have had success with jigging spoons and minnows, especially in the deeper structures of the lake. For perch, small jigs tipped with minnows or maggots are the way to go[3].

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots right now is the area around the Detroit River Light to Maumee Bay, where the structure and current create ideal conditions for bass and walleye. Another spot is the canals of Detroit, which have been producing good numbers of perch and smallmouth bass[1][3].

    Overall, it's a good day to get out on the water, with calm conditions and active fish. Just keep an eye on the weather as it can change quickly on Lake Erie.
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    3 mins
  • Late Fall Fishing on Lake Erie and Detroit River Promises Decent Catches

    Late Fall Fishing on Lake Erie and Detroit River Promises Decent Catches
    Nov 9 2024
    For November 9, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Erie and the Detroit River is shaping up to be quite promising despite the cooling weather.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    Today, expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 48°F and a low of 38°F. Winds will be moderate, coming from the northwest at about 10-15 mph. Tides in the Detroit River are relatively stable, with a low tide at 7:30 AM and a high tide at 1:30 PM.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:54 AM, and sunset will be at 4:59 PM, giving anglers a good window to get out on the water.

    ### Fish Activity
    Fish activity remains decent, with anglers reporting catches of walleye, yellow perch, and some bass. Yesterday saw a mix of these species being caught, particularly in the deeper areas of the Detroit River and the western basin of Lake Erie.

    ### Catches
    Walleye were caught in the 15 to 20 feet depth range, especially near the islands north of the Black River launch and around the shoals in Little Bay de Noc. Yellow perch were active in the mid-river areas, with some anglers reporting good numbers near the canals and around structure like fallen trees or brush piles.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For walleye, using blade bit jigs and twister tails along current breaks has been effective. Trolling with reef runners and deep bandits in 20 to 35 feet of water has also yielded good results. For yellow perch, worms and leeches have been the go-to baits, especially when jigging near structure.

    ### Hot Spots
    Two hot spots to consider are the mid-river areas of the Detroit River, particularly around the canals and near the islands north of the Black River launch. Another spot is the western basin of Lake Erie, where the shoals and deeper structures have been holding good numbers of walleye and perch.

    Overall, it's a great time to get out on the water before winter sets in, and with the right lures and bait, you should be able to catch a decent haul. Always remember to wear your life jacket and be mindful of the changing weather conditions. Good luck out there
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    3 mins