Michigan Walleye Fishing

Michigan Walleye Fishing is big business in the State. There are many quality walleye fishing lakes in the state in every county within Michigan.  If you want to catch a monster walleye, the lakes & rivers below are the best, and offer you the best opportunity to catch a master angler Michigan Walleye.  In the spring, you want to start in the Detroit River because the walleye season is closed until 2nd week in April.  Below are 3 lakes you should target for walleye fishing.

Lake Erie

- This lake spans several states and has approximately 60 million walleyes and many are at least 15 inches.  You can stay at Sterling State Park and be fishing in 15 minutes straight out from the launch. Try trolling Rapala Shad Raps or Wally Divers in 8-12 feet.  In Ohio waters, the best early spring spot is Port Clinton and Put in Bay.  There are many islands and spawning grounds such as Kelly Island which hold thousands of walleyes.

Detroit River

- The river usually begins heating up around 1st week of April. This is when the monsters are caught. The river is cold in early April so dress warm. The current is swift so you will need to slip the river and a trolling motor is absolutely essential. When you slip the river, you are trying to negate the effects of the wind and you want to travel the same speed as the current. The key is to keep your line vertical. Early in April, hit the Trenton Channel where the water is warmer. Mid April, move up the river and hit out in front of the Wyandotte and Ecorse boat launches and Great Lakes Steel. The area around the Ren Cen & Joe Louis is good also. Use up to 1 oz. jig and minnow depending on wind conditions.

Little Bay De Noc

- This great walleye fishery is located in the Upper Peinsula of Michigan, about 7 hours from Metro Detroit. In the spring, be sure to fish the river mouths.  Rapid River is a hotspot. You will want to stay in Gladstone and hit the 3 reefs in the upper bay. Center reef is also good. The Michigan walleye fishing season starts later in the U.P.  In the fall, you can catch a 10-12 lb. monster during late October.  Jigging and trolling with planer boards both are top producers.