Detroit River

[chris188vx]

I have a grand total of 3 hours experience on Detroit River out of Elizabeth Park. I keep hearing and reading about how there is hardly any tournament pressure on the river. Is there smallmouth to catch in the river, or primarily largemouth? Looking at navigation charts and google earth, it seems like there is an endless number of spots that would hold fish, both LMB & SMB.

I was up there for 3 hours on Memorial Day weekend, and kinda of got side tracked looking for bass, when we started catching silvers on every cast.

[fiker]

The river can be good for both Large mouth and small mouth.  They hold  in different locations depending on the time of year.  Large mouth tend to stay in the river more.  Smallies can migrate out to the lake in summer and come back in the fall. 

Like any river looking for current breaks, neck down areas and structure are 3 of the keys.  Locating bait fish is also.  The bass follow the bait around in the course of the year. 

[Skulley]

There are both LM and SM in the river. The LM inhabit the backwater areas but will move out of those areas in the fall to some areas of the main channels. SM reside in the river year 'round. Not all migrate to the main lake. Mama juju reef holds smallies all year just to name one. Fighting island has resident smallies all year round all around the island to name another area in the river. Both areas are relatively close to each other. Quite a few SM and LM are caught in the Trenton Channel.


BD.                   

[chris188vx]

I appreciate the feedback and info.

Are there backwater areas that you are not allowed to go? I noticed on the backside of an island that is northwest of Calf Island, the nav charts indicate that there is a fence or something that runs thru that area. Or is it pretty much you can go wherever you can get your boat in?

[markgoetsch]

If you can get in there it's fair game.

[Skulley]

If you can get in there it's fair game.

Yeah, what he said.


BD.                               

[Mojo]

I am proud of our GLB community, great job helping out guys ! Peche island only holds tx quality fish in spring and fall, but the shores on both sides at the mouths of both the Erie and St clair lakes will always hold them. Look for breaks and shallow flats next to deep current...... Especially on the fronts and backs of islands.... But you need to get more than 3 hours on the lake........ Like an ol friends says, you cannot beat time on the water, it's the magic when you find y our own spots, what's holding them, and when you can come back  

[chris188vx]

Thanks again, everyone, for the advice and info. Will be up there for 2 1/2 days this coming weekend. I will try and get a report posted next week. I'm going to spend a few hours checking out the river ( I hear the LM act like they haven't ever seen a jig before) , and then head out to the lake and try and get on some smalljaws.