Wayne County, MI · Great Lakes
Detroit River (Wyandotte)
The connecting channel between Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie, and the stage for one of the largest walleye runs in North America — the April "hand-lining" jig fishery off Detroit draws boats from across the Midwest. Smallmouth bass and yellow perch round out a world-class urban fishery. Public ramps line the lower river at Wyandotte and Trenton.
Live · updated
Top pick today
Smallmouth Bass — Marginal conditions for Smallmouth Bass.
Best conditions of 3 species tracked at Detroit River (Wyandotte).
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Detroit River (Wyandotte)
3 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Smallmouth Bass Marginal conditions for Smallmouth Bass. In season 47/100
What's helping
- 68°F water — right in smallmouth bass's ideal range
- 13 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Micropterus dolomieu — Premier gamefish of the non-tidal Potomac, the Upper Susquehanna, and Deep Creek Lake. Pound-for-pound one of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish. Hits tubes, crayfish imitations, spinnerbaits, and topwater poppers.
Prefers. Water 55–78°F (ideal 68°F) · either tide · depth 3–30 ft.
- Min size
- 14"
- Daily creel
- 5
Michigan: 5 smallmouth/day, 14" minimum. Catch-and-immediate-release season runs before the mid-June opener on most Great Lakes waters — confirm dates.
Source: Michigan regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#2 Walleye Marginal conditions for Walleye. In season 35/100
What's helping
- 68°F water — inside walleye's active range
- 13 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Sander vitreus — Maryland's premier cool-water gamefish. Deep Creek Lake is the flagship fishery; also found in the non-tidal Potomac and the Youghiogheny River. Low-light feeder — dusk, dawn, and overcast/windy days are prime. Jigs, crankbaits, and nightcrawler harnesses are standard.
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · either tide · depth 10–40 ft.
- Min size
- 15"
- Daily creel
- 6
Michigan Great Lakes (Lake Erie, Detroit River, St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair): 6 walleye/day, 15" minimum. Michigan resets bag limits every May 1 — confirm the current rule.
Source: Michigan regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#3 Yellow Perch Skip the Yellow Perch trip today. In season 23/100
What's helping
- 68°F water — inside yellow perch's active range
- 13 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- incoming tide — yellow perch prefers slack tide
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Perca flavescens — Late-winter and early-spring favorite. Schools up in tidal tributaries for the pre-spawn run in February and March, taking small minnows, shad darts, and small jigs. A classic Eastern Shore "neds" fishery.
Prefers. Water 45–70°F (ideal 58°F) · slack tide · depth 5–30 ft.
- Daily creel
- 25
Michigan Great Lakes: 25 yellow perch/day.
Source: Michigan regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Great Lakes
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Michigan
Coordinates
Notes
Michigan resets Great Lakes bag limits each May 1. Walleye 6/day (15" min) through the spring run.
Local reports & rules for Detroit River (Wyandotte): Michigan DNR fishing report → · fish-consumption advisory →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Detroit River (Wyandotte)?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Detroit River (Wyandotte) you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Detroit River (Wyandotte)?
Detroit River (Wyandotte) is listed on this site for 3 commonly-targeted species: Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Detroit River (Wyandotte)?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Detroit River (Wyandotte) against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Detroit River (Wyandotte) have?
Detroit River (Wyandotte) has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. Michigan resets Great Lakes bag limits each May 1. Walleye 6/day (15" min) through the spring run.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Detroit River (Wyandotte)?
state agency regulations apply at Detroit River (Wyandotte). Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Detroit River (Wyandotte) tidal water?
No. Detroit River (Wyandotte) is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.