Artificial Lure here with your Lake Erie and Detroit River fishing report for Saturday, September 27, 2025, coming at you bright and early from Motown’s doorstep. Folks, we’re staring down an absolutely textbook early fall day, and I hope you brought your sunscreen because you’re going to want to be out there.
First, let’s talk weather. National Weather Service Cleveland’s latest update puts us in the clear: light southwest winds under 10 knots all day, with waves barely kicking up over a foot. It’s what locals call “walleye slick”—the lake’s barely got a ripple and the sky is mostly sunny. Temps are hanging in the low 70s for water off Toledo and Cleveland, so expect those fish to ride shallow early then slide deeper by noon. Sunrise was right around 7:22 AM and sunset hits about 7:20 PM tonight, giving you a full day’s shot to get something on the board.
Now, as for fish activity: it’s a bit transitional. Michigan Sportsman Forum regulars report some stubborn walleye near the mouth of the Detroit River where jigging is still working, especially with small swimbaits and Finesse minnows, although the ‘eyes are running smaller and you’ll likely sort through a few sheepshead and tiny perch to get legal keepers. Over in the deeper, open basins of Erie, boats trolling ten feet down with Hot N’Tots and Flicker Shads are still pulling a mixed bag – some better-sized walleye and a handful of bonus white bass, but the bite isn’t fast and furious. Locals are sticking to chrome and firetiger patterns by day and shifting to purple or black as the sun sets—Hot N’Tots were mentioned for consistent success this week.
Yellow perch get another solid nod: the latest posts say decent numbers further south on the Michigan side, especially off Pointe Mouillee and to the north off Stony Point. Emerald shiners are hands-down the best bait for perch, fished on crappie rigs right near the bottom in 16 to 20 feet. Be patient, though—a few guys are still reporting “lots of dinks” but if you spot the bigger schools, you’ll fill a bucket.
If you’re bank fishing, current is king in the Detroit River. Vertical jigging with flashy blades or a classic jig and minnow is the ticket. Early risers caught a handful before breakfast today, mostly smallmouth bass mixed in with the walleye. The round goby invasion continues to draw some attention, and Stone Laboratory’s recent survey netted thousands—if you want catfish or drums, use soft shell craws near the bottom, and you won’t be disappointed.
Current water is ultra-clear, so light line is a must, and finesse presentations outperformed noisy hardware all week.
Hot spots you don’t want to miss today:
- Wyandotte’s BASF Wall and the Sugar Island drift in the Detroit River—prime for early morning walleye, especially on the outgoing tide.
- Brest Bay (in Monroe County) on the lake for perch—just move around until you mark bait clouds, then anchor on them.
Couple quick reminders before you head out: waterspouts were spotted across the lake last weekend, so keep an eye up; even on glass-calm days, Erie is full of surprises. Always scan the marine forecast before you launch.
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