As of October 20, 2024, here’s a local’s perspective on the fishing scene at Lake Erie and the Detroit River:

Today, the weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 58 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 45 degrees. The winds are moderate, coming in from the northwest at about 10 mph, which could make for some choppy waters but still manageable for a day out.

Sunrise was at 7:47 AM, and sunset will be at 6:24 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and evening fishing.

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 levels are relatively stable, which is favorable for fishing.

Yesterday saw a decent amount of fish activity, particularly for Walleye and Yellow Perch. Anglers reported catching several Walleye in the 18-22 inch range using slow-trolling techniques with lures like Magnum Metalz downriggers near the bottom. For Yellow Perch, small jigs tipped with minnows or meal worms worked well in the shallower areas.

Smallmouth Bass were also active, with anglers using light tackle and cast-and-retrieve techniques to catch them. The best spots for Bass were around the rocky structures and weed beds.

For those targeting Muskie and Pike, trolling with larger lures and spoons in the deeper areas of Lake Erie yielded some success. However, these species were less active compared to the Walleye and Perch.

Hot spots include the western basin of Lake Erie, particularly around the islands and the Detroit River itself. The area near the Lake Erie Metropark and the mouth of the Detroit River have been producing good catches of Walleye and Perch.

In terms of bait, minnows, meal worms, and nightcrawlers are your best bets for Perch and Walleye. For Bass, soft plastics and small crankbaits are effective. For Muskie and Pike, larger spoons and bucktail spinners are recommended.

Overall, it's shaping up to be a good day for fishing on Lake Erie and the Detroit River, so make sure to bundle up and enjoy the fall fishing season.