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Fall Feeding Frenzy on Lake Erie and Detroit River
Artificial Lure here, and if you’re near Lake Erie and the Detroit River this October 20th, don’t put those rods away yet—the fall bite is on, but Mother Nature is making things interesting.
Sunrise hit at 7:48 AM and we’ll see sunset at 6:44 PM. Water temps are holding steady—64 degrees up near Toledo and Erie, 66 off Cleveland, according to the National Weather Service. But let’s talk about the weather and water: today’s front is a strong one, with south winds shifting quickly to northwest, peaking at 30 knots, and waves building 5 to 9 feet. The word from the Coast Guard and the National Weather Service is clear: small craft advisories are in effect through the afternoon and evening, so if you’re not experienced, it’s a good day to stick to the piers, rivers, or protected shorelines.
Fish are hot on the move, especially with this wild weather and dropping water levels in the western basin. I heard from several anglers yesterday that walleye are still coming in steady numbers off Luna Pier and near Brest Bay, with most fish pulled from the deeper troughs—18 to 24 feet. The white bass are chasing bait in the Detroit River too, especially near the mouth and along the weed edges. Perch are showing in good eater-size schools between Point Mouillee and the Ohio line, but you’ve got to move to stay on them.
Pro picks for lures and baits today: for walleye, snap on a deep-diving crankbait or try running a crawler harness behind a bottom bouncer—chartreuse and purple are the hot patterns. White bass are slamming small silver blade baits and jigging spoons—keep it flashy to match the bait schools. For the perch, stick to live emerald shiners on a two-hook perch rig. Sometimes a pinch of nightcrawler seals the deal if the bite gets picky.
The forecast for rain and waves means bank and pier anglers should work the Detroit River parks—Wyandotte, Trenton Channel, and the Bellaire St. pier on the U.S. side—or the Windsor waterfront parks if you’re in Canada. Fish tight to the bottom, and remember: that stirred-up water gets fish in the mood to feed.
Muskie diehards, this cold front is your friend. Trolling giant jointed plugs or big rubber baits in 10-20 feet just off the main channel is a classic fall move. The best recent catches have come right around Peche Island and the Belle Isle Bridge channel edges.
Local chatter at the ramp this morning had a couple groups talking about limits of walleye landed before the wind kicked up—nothing huge, but plenty in the 18-22 inch range. One crew managed an 8-pound muskie tossing big jerkbaits on the river, right at first light.
Just remember: safety first. These winds and high waves aren’t for the faint of heart. Keep PFDs on, check your forecast again before launching, and tell someone your plan.
Hotspots to try:
- The mouth of the Detroit River, especially east of Grosse Ile for mixed walleye and bass.
- Reno Beach and Turtle Island reefs for late fall perch and walleye.
Thanks for tuning in to today’s Lake Erie and Detroit River fishing report—be sure to subscribe so you never miss the real-time scoop from Artificial Lure.
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Published on 2 months ago