Fishing the Detroit River and Lake Erie: A Promising Day on the Water

For September 28, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Erie and the Detroit River is looking promising, despite some variable conditions. ### Weather and Tidal Report Today, the weather in the Detroit area is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 68 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 54 degrees. The winds will be moderate, coming from the northwest at about 10 mph. Tides are not a significant factor on Lake Erie, but water levels are slightly above average due to recent rainfall. ### Sunrise and Sunset Sunrise is at 7:24 AM, and sunset will be at 7:13 PM, providing ample daylight for a full day of fishing. ### Fish Activity Yesterday saw decent catches of walleye, smallmouth bass, and some occasional steelhead. Walleye fishing has slowed a bit compared to earlier in the season, but anglers are still managing to catch them, particularly in the western part of Lake Erie from Cattaraugus Creek to the Pennsylvania line. Depths of 70-90 feet with worm harnesses or stickbaits run between 60 feet down and the bottom were productive. ### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught Walleye were the main target, with some anglers reporting catches of 2-4 fish per trip. Smallmouth bass fishing in the lower Niagara River and the Detroit River has been decent, with anglers catching several bass in the morning and evening hours. Steelhead and drum were also mixed in with the walleye catches. ### Best Lures and Bait For walleye, worm harnesses and stickbaits are working well. Running these lures between 60 feet down and the bottom in 70-90 feet of water has been effective. For smallmouth bass, crankbaits and soft plastics like Ned rigs and Carolina rigs are good choices. Jigs and live nightcrawlers are also catching bass, especially in rocky shorelines. ### Hot Spots One of the hot spots for walleye is the area off Cattaraugus Creek to the Pennsylvania line. For smallmouth bass, the lower Niagara River and the Detroit River, particularly around the rocky shorelines and structures, are producing good results. The Devils Hole drift in the Niagara River is also a good spot for boaters targeting king salmon and smallmouth bass. Overall, it's a good day to get out on the water, with the cooler weather and changing fish behaviors making for some exciting fishing opportunities. Just remember to check the local fishing regulations and ensure you have the necessary licenses. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.