Detroit River Walleye: Premier Spring Fishing

Detroit River Walleye Fishing: Spring Run Bonanza

Get ready to hit the Detroit River for some of the best walleye action Michigan has to offer. Spring is prime time for vertical jigging, and we're talking world-class fishing right in the heart of the Motor City. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time dropping a line, our Detroit River fishing charters are your ticket to hooking into some serious walleye action. With City Limits Sportfishing, you're in for a day on the water you won't soon forget.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're out on the Detroit River, the city skyline in the distance, and your jig is thumping the bottom where hungry walleye are waiting. Our trips are all about putting you on the fish and making sure you have a blast doing it. We'll cruise to the hotspots, show you the ropes of vertical jigging, and get you dialed in on the bite. The spring run here is no joke – we're talking about some of the best walleye fishing you'll find anywhere. And with a max of 5 anglers per trip, you'll have plenty of elbow room to work those rods.

Jigging 101: The Detroit River Way

Vertical jigging is the name of the game on the Detroit River, and for good reason. It's a technique that's as fun as it is effective. We'll set you up with the right gear – typically a medium-heavy rod, baitcasting reel, and a selection of jigs that the walleye can't resist. The key is feeling that bottom, giving your jig some action, and being ready when a walleye slams it. It's a hands-on style of fishing that keeps you engaged and gives you that direct connection to the fish. Don't worry if you're new to it – we'll have you jigging like a pro in no time.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing the Detroit River that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Maybe it's the rush of feeling that telltale 'thump' on your line, or the sight of a chunky walleye coming over the side of the boat. Could be the chance at landing a real trophy – we're talking 10-pounders and up. Or maybe it's just the experience of being out there, surrounded by the hustle of the city but totally dialed into the rhythm of the river. Whatever it is, once you've fished these waters, you'll be hooked.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Walleye are the stars of the show on our Detroit River charters, and for good reason. These golden-eyed predators are some of the best-eating fish you'll find in freshwater, and they put up a fight that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. During the spring run, we see walleye of all sizes, from eaters in the 15-20 inch range to true giants pushing 30 inches or more. They're aggressive feeders this time of year, bulking up after the winter and getting ready to spawn. That means they're more likely to slam your jig and give you a battle to remember.

While walleye are our main target, don't be surprised if you hook into some hard-fighting smallmouth bass too. These bronze backs are pound-for-pound some of the toughest fighters in the river. They love to hang around the same rocky areas where we find walleye, and they'll hit the same jigs with gusto. Smallies in the 2-4 pound range are common, but don't be shocked if you tie into a 5+ pounder – the Detroit River grows 'em big. The acrobatic jumps and bulldogging runs of a big smallmouth will test your skills and maybe even steal the show from the walleye.

Top Catches This Season

This spring has been on fire for walleye fishing on the Detroit River. We've been seeing consistent limits of fish, with plenty in that sweet spot of 20-24 inches – perfect for the frying pan. But it's the trophies that really get people talking. Just last week, we put a client on a 31-inch walleye that tipped the scales at over 12 pounds. That's a fish of a lifetime right there. And it's not just about size – the numbers have been impressive too. On our best days, we're looking at 50+ fish boated, with anglers getting all the action they can handle.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get in on this world-class walleye action, now's the time to lock in your date. The spring run doesn't last forever, and prime dates fill up fast. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer with some of the best-eating fish around or you're after that trophy of a lifetime, our Detroit River fishing charters are your ticket to success. We provide all the gear, the know-how, and the hot spots – all you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a camera to capture the moment you land that monster walleye. Don't let this season pass you by – give City Limits Sportfishing a call and let's get you out on the water. The walleye are waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss this.