Lake St. Clair Fishing Report: Chilly Start, Smallies Active, Walleye Bite Slow but Improving

Good morning from Lake St. Clair, this is Artificial Lure bringing you your April 18th, 2025 fishing report straight from the heart of Michigan waters. It’s been a chilly start to spring, with air temps hovering around 40 in the morning and topping out at about 50 by midday. The sun rose today at 6:44 AM and will set at 8:16 PM, giving anglers a nice long window, though fishing has been a grind for most. Water temperature near shore is now up to 44 degrees, a noticeable jump from last week, and that’s helping fish activity finally pick up a bit out there. Let’s get to the action. Overall, fishing has been slow across the board, but the ones putting in the hours are finding some success, especially on smallmouth bass. These pre-spawn bronzebacks have been showing in small numbers in 6 to 9 feet of water, especially in Muskamoot Bay, the south channel mouth, and the stretch between Memorial Park and 9 Mile. A few are being picked up in 15 to 16 feet of water while trolling crankbaits in the deeper channel. Most bites are coming late morning to early afternoon, as shallow flats warm up under the sun. Tubes, smaller soft swimbaits, and jerkbaits have been top producers, and dragging a coffee tube or working a bladed jig slowly over boulders is a solid bet. If you’re after bluegill, check the canals around Harley Ensign with minnow-style plastics. Walleye anglers: it’s still tough going. The mouth of the Detroit River and beyond has seen little action, with most reporting more casting than catching. The bite should pick up as river temps continue to climb, but for now, patience and persistence are key. Perch and panfish hunters should look toward the corners near the Selfridge boat launch and along Black Creek in the Metropark area, where early season weeds are attracting bigger fish. Perch are also hit-or-miss at the mouth of the Clinton River and around the barracks near the National Guard base. Shore anglers should spread out and cover water, using drop shots or slip bobbers to dial in a bite before settling on a spot. Hot spots to try today: Anchor Bay for smallmouth, especially around sandy flats and submerged rock, and Lake St. Clair Metropark for panfish and the chance at a few roaming bass. Another good bet is the mouth of the Clinton River, especially in slightly deeper, clearer water now that some of the spring runoff has started to settle. If the wind lets you, the Mile Roads corridor from 9 to 12 Mile is always worth a troll for spring bass and the occasional walleye. Best baits right now are natural-colored tubes, soft swimbaits in perch patterns, jerkbaits in chrome or shad, and spinnerbaits if the water gets choppy. For panfish and perch, stick to small jigs tipped with plastics or minnows. No tides to speak of, but keep an eye on weather shifts and afternoon sun for your best shot at active fish. That’s your Friday Lake St. Clair report from Artificial Lure. Tight lines and good luck out there today. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.