Crankbaits
Rapala Shad Rap
A tight-wobbling crankbait that walleye anglers troll and cast.
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A spring walleye run of national fame on the river between Detroit and Windsor.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Detroit River for smallmouth bass and walleye. The best months overall are Apr to Nov. In October, smallmouth bass and walleye are in season, and Ned Rig, Suspending Jerkbait and Paddle-Tail Swimbait are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 60 miles (2 fly, 10 bait and tackle); the closest is Dip Net Live Bait and Tackle in Ecorse, 3 mi away. Check the live USGS flow and water temperature before you head out. Lake St. Clair is 28 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.
Best Months
Apr to Nov
In October
Smallmouth Bass, Walleye
Methods
Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Detroit River Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
6 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Suspending Jerkbait 4 to 5 in
LureHard Bait · Walleye, Smallmouth Bass · After dark.
Shop This LureNed Rig 2.5 to 3 in
LureFinesse · Smallmouth Bass
Shop This LurePaddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · Walleye
Shop This LureTube Jig 3 to 4 in
LureSoft Plastic · Smallmouth Bass
Shop This LureInline Spinner 1/16 to 1/4 oz
LureSpinner · Smallmouth Bass
Shop This LureJig and Minnow 1/8 to 3/8 oz
LureJig · Walleye
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Smallmouth Bass
Fly 9 ft 6 or 7 wt rod, floating line, 10 to 12 lb leader. Crayfish patterns, Clousers, and poppers.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium spinning rod, 2500 reel, 8 lb braid to a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Walleye
Spin / Cast 6.5 ft medium-light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 10 lb braid with a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Detroit River
Rigs
Northland Baitfish-Image Spinner Harness
Crawler harnesses trolled behind bottom bouncers for summer walleye.
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St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod
A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.
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Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net
A fish-friendly rubber net that does not tangle hooks.
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Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo
Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.
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Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel
A smooth, durable reel in sizes for trout through inshore saltwater.
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Pflueger President Spinning Reel
Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.
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Seaguar Red Label Fluorocarbon
Low-visibility fluorocarbon for leaders and clear water.
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Within 60 Miles
Shops Near Detroit River
Bait & Tackle
Trenton Lighthouse Bait and Tackle Shop
Trenton, Michigan· 5 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Trenton, MI.
Bait & Tackle
Zubok's Bait Tackle Marine Repair & Roses
Taylor, Michigan· 8 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Taylor, MI.
Bait & Tackle
Jeff's Bait and Tackle
Frenchtown Twp, Michigan· 22 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Frenchtown Twp, MI.
Bait & Tackle
Jeff’s Fishing Cleaning & Bait
Monroe, Michigan· 22 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Monroe, MI.
Bait & Tackle
Lakeside Fishing Shop
St Clair Shores, Michigan· 23 mi
Bait and tackle shop in St Clair Shores, MI.
Make It a Trip
Nearby Water
Lakes & Reservoirs · Michigan · 28 mi
Lake St. Clair
A shallow lake between Lakes Huron and Erie, among the best smallmouth and musky fisheries anywhere.
Smallmouth Bass · Muskellunge · Walleye
Lakes & Reservoirs · Ohio · 41 mi
Lake Erie
Western basin walleye water around Port Clinton, the self-styled Walleye Capital, with smallmouth around the islands and perch through fall.
Walleye · Smallmouth bass · Yellow perch