Late Fall Walleye & Perch on Lake Erie's Detroit Shoreline - November 25th Fishing Report

Artificial Lure here, coming at you straight from the Lake Erie Detroit shoreline with your November 25th fishing report. Mother Nature is throwing us full-on late-fall vibes today: at sunrise, around 7:34 AM, anglers bundled up against a crisp morning chill as winds shifted from the west at about 10-15 knots. Expect a daytime high hovering near the upper 30s Fahrenheit and cloudy skies, with a chance of a lake-effect flurry. No tidal action on Lake Erie, but wind-driven current and water clarity are keys right now—both running a bit turbid after last week’s blow. Sunset is set for 5:10 PM. The Cleveland-area fishing report podcast this week confirms what we’re seeing over here on the Detroit side: water temps are dropping fast, sitting in the low 40s, which has the walleye fired up and stacked along the western basin reefs and the Detroit River channel edges. Walleye activity is peaking at dawn and dusk. Several local boats limited out yesterday between the Grosse Ile shallows and the lower Trenton Channel, working jigging presentations tight to the bottom. Most catches averaged 16 to 23 inches, with a good number of eaters and a handful of chunky fish over 25 inches reported from those deeper holes. Perch are still in play but scattering more, with some nice slabs reported out from Stony Point and near the mouth of the River Raisin. Look for perch in 18–24 feet, holding tight to the bottom around isolated rock piles and old weed beds. If you’re after smallmouth, the main lake bite is fading, but the hardy ones are stacking up around warm water discharges and deeper breaks. A couple of diehards found bronzebacks in the 4-pound class off Belle Isle, slow-rolling blade baits and drop shot rigs with goby-imitating plastics. Hot baits today? For walleye, firetiger and purple jig heads tipped with emerald shiners or 4-inch gulp minnows have been top producers. Blade baits in silver, gold, and the old faithful purple have slammed both walleye and the bonus white bass that’s still hanging around the edges. For perch, finesse is key—small chartreuse or orange ice jigs tipped with minnow heads or waxworms took limits for a few boats working just outside the shipping lanes. Best bets for a hot bite this week: - Try the mouth of the Detroit River, especially around Fighting Island, at first light—big walleye have been ambushing bait there. - The Trenton Channel edges, especially just south of BASF, continue to pump out mixed bags of walleye and the occasional late-fall pike. - Want perch? Target out from Stony Point or off Pointe Mouillee, drifting until you find them—move often, as they aren’t holding tight. Remember, weather is changing fast, and boat ramps are starting to ice over during early morning. Dress warm, bring extra gloves, and double check your safety gear. Water temps in the low 40s mean you don’t get a second chance if you go in. That’s your Lake Erie-Detroit fishing report for November 25th. Tight lines and heavy nets to all my fe This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.