Popular Detroit River Walleye Jigging Baits

[@delbryan3253]

Thank you that is very good tips for fishing never fish in Detroit but I always wanted to

[@thegreatlakesfisherman]

Very welcome. Give the river a try - it’s a phenomenal fishery!

[@delbryan3253]

@@thegreatlakesfisherman hopefully one day I will get chance to

[@tomleach8227]

any advice for fishing on the boardwalk at the Detroit River

[@thegreatlakesfisherman]

I’ve never fished there, but it really depends on depth. If it’s deep and you’re fishing during the day, I would use a jig setup. If it’s shallow, you probably won’t catch a lot during the day, but at night or early morning, I would try casting an original Rapala or other similar minnow imitating baits. They often go shallow when the sun is down.

[@guitarhiker4449]

Good breakdown!! I fish the hudson river walleyes in upstate NY every year and our setups are very similar except a little lighter weights like 1/4oz-3/8ths and heaviest being 1/2oz. We also like paddletail minnows keitechs and twister tails. Zmann baits are pretty popular. Yum money minnows, etc.. Something about that early season walleye bite that can't be beat!! I love it!! I have alot of family in Michigan so maybe someday i can get their and fish for these walleyes. Thanks for the good tips! Fish on!!

[@thegreatlakesfisherman]

Thanks for the great comment. The Detroit River walleye run is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. You have to try it at least once!

[@justtinkering6054]

The spawn is on in southern Indiana. You guys are usually about 2 weeks behind us. It should start for you right around next weekend.

[@thegreatlakesfisherman]

Thanks for the info…can’t wait!

[@whitetail54]

Nice video thanks for sharing good information!!

[@thegreatlakesfisherman]

You bet. Thanks for the comment!

[@daveneal7577]

Not sure that I understand, are you using the trolling moer to speed up the boats drift?

[@thegreatlakesfisherman]

It depends on the wind. Some days the wind is blowing the boat with the current and other days it’s blowing against the current. The combination of wind and current will usually cause your jig to lead or lag the drift of the boat. You then use your motor to get the jig directly under you. Make sense?

[@daveneal7577]

Yes great info Thankyou

[@thegreatlakesfisherman]

You’re welcome!

[@Artseventy6]

Great info, thanks for posting this. What about water depth?

[@thegreatlakesfisherman]

Depends on lighting conditions. Clear water and sunny days pushes ‘em deep. Stained water / cloudy conditions and they can be quite shallow.

[@jackmasters9953]

8-50’ of water. Like he said, stained water usually provides the best bite. For that reason, buy a Canadian license bc most of the stained water is in Canada. Nothing is more frustrating than watching guys hammer them in Canada while you’re stuck in Michigan waters!!!! Worth every penny!!!! Good video!! Thanks for sharing the knowledge 😀🎣🐟🐟🐟🐟

[@daveneal7577]

Do you ever anchor in the river or do you always use a trolling motor to hold your position?

[@thegreatlakesfisherman]

When you fish like this you are drifting with the current and using the trolling motor to keep your bait straight under you. You can troll the river as well, but 95% jig the river this time e of year.

[@heathk9581]

Could I get a link for where you get your jigs

[@thegreatlakesfisherman]

I have struggled to find these online. I'll keep looking, but I tend to buy my jigs at local tackle shops. If I find some, I'll drop links in the description and let you know!

[@thegreatlakesfisherman]

Just put a link in the description to some that have the sickle hooks. Hope this helps!

[@KingdomNavi]

Big Mo's on Jefferson is always a good stop to make if your in Detroit.

[@robertkaspert4092]

Would the same be true for shore fishing Walleye in the Detroit River?

[@thegreatlakesfisherman]

If there are walleye there, they'll usually hit jigs. From shore, because it's shallower, the fishing is usually better early in the morning or late in the evening.

[@alburke6132]

what size rods, reels and line do you use?

[@thegreatlakesfisherman]

Rod: Any medium weight spinning rod 5-7’ works great. A fast action tip is ideal, but not necessary. My go-to rod is an ugly stick, lol. Reel: good quality spinning reel with capacity to hold a min 100 yds of line. Line: braided main line (I just switched to high-vis), min 15 lbs, but higher if you need to see the line easier. I then tie on a 4-6’ length of 8lb. fluorocarbon leader. I tie line to line, but you could also use a small barrel swivel to make changing the fluoro leader easier. Hope this helps!

[@janraczka1010]

Nice video

[@thegreatlakesfisherman]

Thanks!

[@JorgeluisFrutis]

Nice

[@thegreatlakesfisherman]

Thanks!