As of October 17, 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 62 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 48 degrees. The sunrise was at 7:43 AM, and the sunset will be at 6:34 PM. Tidal conditions are relatively stable, which is typical for the Great Lakes, but wind can still affect the waters significantly.

Yesterday's fishing was quite active, especially for those targeting Walleye and Yellow Perch. Anglers reported catching a decent number of Walleye, particularly in the western basin of Lake Erie. The best catches were made using jigging spoons and minnows, as well as trolling with Magnum Metalz downriggers. For Perch, small jigs tipped with minnows or meal worms worked well.

Bass fishing was also productive, with several Smallmouth Bass caught near the Detroit River's structure areas. Light tackle cast-and-retrieve techniques with soft plastics and crankbaits were effective.

For those looking to catch Muskie, trolling with larger lures such as bucktails and crankbaits in the deeper areas of Lake Erie yielded some success.

Hot spots include the Detroit River's shoreline areas, particularly around the canals and near the Lake Erie islands. The western basin of Lake Erie, especially around the Ohio-Michigan border, has been producing good numbers of Walleye.

In terms of specific lures, Walleye anglers should consider using shad-imitating crankbaits and jigging spoons in silver or gold. For Perch, small jigs in bright colors like orange or yellow tipped with minnows or meal worms are recommended. For Bass, soft plastics like curly tail grubs and crankbaits in shad or crawdad patterns are working well.

Remember to check the weather forecast before heading out, as wind and rain can quickly change fishing conditions. Also, ensure you have valid Michigan fishing licenses and appropriate clothing for the day's conditions.