Walleye Bonanza on the Detroit River - April 16th Fishing Report

Good morning anglers, Artificial Lure here with your April 16th Lake Erie and Detroit River fishing report, straight from downriver Detroit. We’re in the thick of spring’s walleye run, and this year is shaping up to be one for the books. Around 14 million walleye are cruising up from Lake Erie into the Detroit River, making this stretch one of the top walleye fisheries anywhere. If you’re after numbers and size, now’s the time to be out there. Regulars are reporting quick limits, with many boats getting their six-fish slot in under an hour when the bite is hot. Most fish are in that 16 to 24-inch range, but there are some real trophies in the mix[7][1]. Weather-wise, we’ve got a cool week with water temps hovering around 44 to 48 degrees, pretty much ideal for post-spawn walleye action. Winds are light and variable—generally less than 10 knots—and the lake is calm with waves less than a foot, making for easy boat control and comfortable fishing[10]. Sunrise hits at 6:51 AM with sunset at 8:15 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to work those key windows. The bite lately has favored Brest Bay and the channels off Wyandotte and Trenton. Troll in 14 to 18 feet of water, and don’t be afraid to work both the U.S. and Windsor sides if you’ve got the paperwork sorted. The current’s moving at a good clip, so vertical jigging is your best bet in the river. Most fish are being caught right near the bottom—keep your bait bouncing. Jigging with plastics is king right now. Local favorites include black, purple, and white 4-inch fluke or worm-style plastics on 3/4- to 1-ounce jig heads. Black’s been especially hot the past few days in the slightly dirty water, but don’t overlook more natural colors like goby when the water clears up. Add a stinger hook if you’re missing hits—it can make all the difference[3][8]. If you like trolling, chrome and electric zebra swim baits are drawing in big fish in Brest Bay, trolled 35 feet back at 1.3 to 1.6 mph[1]. For bait, emerald shiners are always reliable, and a few folks are having success tipping jigs with live minnows for a little extra scent[7][8]. Other than walleye, smallmouth are starting to wake up near Erie Metropark and Point Mouillee, mostly in 6–10 feet using swim jigs or tubes, but it’s still early for big numbers[1]. For hot spots, launch at Elizabeth Park for easy access to the Trenton Channel or head south to Sterling State Park for a Lake Erie launch—both are producing. Work around the mouth of the river and focus on mudlines or areas where the water color changes for active feeders[2][5]. That’s your report for today. The walleye bite is world-class—get out while it’s on fire, stay safe, and I’ll see you on the water. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.