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Lake St. Clair Fishing Update: Smallies, Walleye, and Perch Bite Heating Up
Well, good morning, Lake St. Clair faithful—Artificial Lure here, bringing you the latest from the water. It’s October 12th, and if you’ve got the itch to wet a line, you picked a fine time to do it. The fall bite is shaping up, and there’s plenty to talk about, so let’s get right into it.
**Weather & Water Conditions**
We’ve been blessed with some classic Michigan autumn weather—cool nights, mild days, and just enough breeze to keep things interesting. The trees are turning, and the water temps are dropping right into the sweet spot for some serious action. Expect mostly clear skies today, with highs in the mid-60s and light winds out of the northwest. Perfect for a day on the lake, whether you’re casting from shore or floating out there with the rest of us.
**Sunrise & Sunset**
Sunrise today was around 7:30, and she’ll set just after 6:30 this evening. That gives us plenty of daylight to work with, so no excuses—get out and fish. The early birds had a shot at the best feeding times, with major fish activity reported between 4:00 and 6:00 a.m., and another strong window from 4:40 to 6:40 p.m. according to FishingReminder. Don’t overlook those minor bite times, especially around midday and late evening—sometimes the fish surprise you when you least expect it.
**Fish Activity & Catch Reports**
The talk around the docks and online boards is all about smallmouth going nuts, with tubes and jerkbaits putting some real tanks in the boat. Monster smallmouth up to six pounds are making the rounds, especially on the Canadian side and around the mouth of the Anchor Bay area. Walleye are starting to move in, too—while the Detroit River jig bite hasn’t quite lit up yet, savvy anglers are starting to see some decent action trolling cranks and drifting minnows along the drop-offs and channel edges. Don’t sleep on the perch, either; the dumping grounds gave up a steady bite at first light, but most fish ran small and the action tapered off fast. Still, if you’re after a meal, a few keepers are mixed in there if you’re patient.
**Best Lures & Bait**
For smallmouth, tube jigs in green pumpkin or watermelon, rigged Texas-style, are top producers. Jerkbaits in shad patterns are getting crushed, especially on those windblown points and rock piles. If you’re after walleye, start with deep-diving crankbaits in perch or firetiger, or drift a live minnow on a jig head along the channel edges. Perch anglers, stick with small minnows or spikes fished tight to the bottom—if you hit the right spot early, you might fill a pail before coffee’s done.
**Hot Spots to Try**
If you’re launching from the U.S. side, head for the mouth of the St. Clair River, especially around the shipping channel markers. The drop-offs hold both smallmouth and walleye right now. Anchor Bay always has a crowd, but for good reason—smallmouth set up shop there all season, and the bite only gets better as the water cools. Want something off the beaten path? The harbors—Bluewater Bridge, Port Huron, Buck River—are pumping with baitfish, so predators aren’t far behind. Check out Jordan Creek and Belle River on the backside for some sneaky-good action, especially if you like to fish quiet water and avoid the weekend warriors.
**Tidal Action**
Not much of a tide to speak of here, but watch current flow near the river mouth—fish stack up where the current brings in bait. The moon’s waning gibbous, about 73% full, so expect some active night feeding, especially with the cooling water.
**Final Thoughts**
This is the time of year the locals wait for—cool water, aggressive fish, and that gold-and-crimson shoreline for a backdrop. Whether you’re chasing bronze backs, golden walleye, or a mess of perch, Lake St. Clair is where it’s at right now. Stay mobile, keep an eye on your electronics, and don’t be afraid to try something new if the bite slows.
Thanks for tuning in, La
Published on 2 months, 1 week ago