This is Artificial Lure bringing you your Lake Erie and Detroit fishing report for Saturday, May 31, 2025.
Weather’s setting up nicely for a solid weekend on the water. According to AccuWeather, we’re looking at a high today of 67°, dipping to a cool 47° tonight—so pack that hoodie for the morning run. Winds on the lake are coming out of the northwest at 15-20 knots. The National Weather Service notes we might see waves building up to 2 to 4 feet by midday, with the slight chance of a stray shower but mostly clear as the day goes on. Sunrise was at 5:58 AM and sunset rolls in at 9:03 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to chase those big ones.
Fish activity is red hot right now. The Detroit River is putting out eater-sized walleye, and you can still find some larger fish mixed in. Most of the action has been on spinners tipped with crawlers—classic stuff for this time of year. Over on Lake Erie itself, walleye are holding in 14 to 24 feet of water. The ticket has been brighter crankbaits and crawler harnesses, trolled slow and steady between 1.2 and 1.8 mph. Local charter captains and the Angling Edge Buzz report folks coming off the water with limits in the cooler, especially in the early mornings and late afternoons.
Perch are starting to slide closer to shore. If you’re targeting them, try minnows on drop shot rigs near the weed lines. Over on the bass side, smallmouths are on fire across Lake Erie and the river. Work those rocky flats in 2 to 8 feet—some fish are spawning, so they’re aggressive. Drop-shots, jerkbaits, swimbaits, and hair jigs are all producing. Use natural colors for hair jigs and ned rigs, but don’t be afraid to toss flashy orange or clown-colored swimbaits if the water’s a little stained.
For bait, you can’t go wrong with nightcrawlers for walleye and minnows for perch. Artificial guys are cleaning up with chartreuse and firetiger patterns.
A couple of hot spots to put on your list: first, head to the mouth of the Detroit River by Peche Island—always a spring producer for both walleye and smallmouth. Second, the Michigan waters east of Stony Point have been consistent for perch and are starting to give up some nice walleye as well.
That’s the rundown for today, May 31. If you’re hitting the water, keep safety in mind—the wind can get up quick. Thanks for tuning in and don’t forget to subscribe for more local fishing updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease dot ai.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
