Podcast Episode Details
Back to Podcast Episodes
Winter Walleyes and Perch: Fishing the Detroit River and Lake Erie
As of January 2, 2025, the fishing scene on Lake Erie and the Detroit River is quite promising, despite the chilly winter conditions.
### Weather and Tides
The weather today is expected to be cold, with temperatures hovering around the mid-20s to low 30s Fahrenheit. While tidal reports are not directly applicable to Lake Erie, which is a freshwater lake, the water levels and currents in the Detroit River can influence fishing conditions. However, for Lake Erie, the focus is more on the general water temperature and weather conditions.
### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at around 7:55 AM, and sunset is expected at about 5:00 PM. These times are crucial for planning your fishing trip, as many fish species are more active during these transitional periods.
### Fish Activity
Given the time of year, fish activity might be slower due to the cold water temperatures. However, Lake Erie is renowned for its excellent walleye fishery, and even in winter, anglers can catch significant walleyes. Other species like jumbo yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and northern pike are also present, although they might be less active.
### Catches
Yesterday's catches were modest but encouraging. Several anglers reported catching walleyes in the 3-5 pound range, with a few larger ones up to 8 pounds. Yellow perch were also abundant, with many anglers filling their limits. Some smallmouth bass and northern pike were caught as well, particularly in the warmer pockets of water.
### Best Lures and Bait
For walleyes, using jigs tipped with minnows or nightcrawlers is highly effective. The Detroit River and Lake Erie walleyes also respond well to crankbaits and spinner rigs. For yellow perch, small jigs with maggots or tiny minnows work well. For bass, try using slow-moving soft plastics or small crankbaits.
### Hot Spots
One of the best spots to fish is Sterling State Park on Lake Erie, about 38 miles from Detroit. This park offers excellent access to the lake and its three lagoons. Another hot spot is the Detroit Riverwalk in William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor, where you can fish from the piers along the river. Belle Isle Park, located in the middle of the Detroit River, also offers good fishing piers on both the north and south sides of the island.
Overall, while the cold weather might make fishing a bit challenging, the potential for catching some impressive fish in these waters is still high. Make sure to dress warmly and be patient, as the fish might be slower to bite in the cold conditions.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Published on 11 months, 2 weeks ago