The west end of Lake Erie is located in part of Ohio and Michigan. In Michigan, Monroe is a popular port for fishing charters and anglers alike. The shallow waters of the west end of Lake Erie provide excellent fishing for walleye early in the season. Spring and early summer provide excellent fishing for walleye. Perch, smallmouth bass and other species are found in this part of the lake as well. Nearby and connected to Lake Erie, anglers also have some excellent fishing in the Detroit River and in Lake St. Clair. This part of the state is home to so much awesome fishing no matter where you choose to fish.
Monroe, MI
Monroe, Michigan is just outside the Detroit River and the Detroit River is known for its amazing walleye runs every spring. This area is home to some excellent walleye fishing, especially in the spring as well as some good perch fishing too. Smallmouth bass are here too and the white bass run brings in tons of fish every spring as well. You will find some charters here that operate out of the western Lake Erie basin.
Detroit River
The Detroit River is famous for its annual walleye run in the spring. So many walleye move into this river to spawn that anglers catch lots of walleye to go along with so many trophy-sized fish. The big females that come in the river to spawn will be some of the biggest fish caught every year for most anglers. The river also has good fishing for other species of fish too. Since it is connected to Lake Erie and Lake Saint Clair, you will find a variety of fish here. Smallmouth bass, muskie, white bass. perch and more can be caught here.
Lake St. Clair
Lake St. Clair is the smallest lake in the Great Lakes system. It is not considered as one of the “Great Lakes,” however, it is part of the Lake Erie basin. Lake St. Clair is shallow, with an average depth of around 10 feet and the maximum depth of 21 feet.
Lake St. Clair offers some excellent fishing. You can catch trophy smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, perch and muskie. This lake is unique in that so many different species are targeted by anglers. There are many anglers that target smallmouth and largemouth bass, while others target the great-tasting walleye, and some anglers go crazy over the muskie in these waters. Local anglers believe that St. Clair is the best smallmouth bass lake in the state.
Luna Pier, Michigan
Luna Pier is located just north of Toledo, Ohio and the Maumee River. You won’t find as many charter boats operating out of Luna Pier, however, you’re still close to some very good fishing for walleye, perch and smallmouth bass. There is also a city pier here with several miles of shorelines to fish as well. This part of the lake is known for its excellent spring walleye run, however, you can catch walleye, smallmouth bass and perch here from spring through fall. The spring is definitely going to offer some of the best fishing of the year though.