For December 21, 2024, here’s your local fishing report for Lake Erie and the Detroit area.
First off, don't worry about tides; the Great Lakes are essentially non-tidal, with water level changes mainly due to weather and barometric pressure. Today, the weather is expected to be cloudy with northwest winds at 10 to 15 knots, increasing to 15 to 20 knots later in the day. There's a slight chance of rain and snow showers this evening, with waves building to 2 to 4 feet[2].
Sunrise today is at around 7:45 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:45 PM, giving you a decent window for both morning and afternoon fishing.
Fish activity has been moderate, with reports of smallmouth bass, walleye, and yellow perch being caught. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a decent number of walleye, particularly in the deeper waters of Lake Erie. Smallmouth bass are active in the rocky areas of the Detroit River, and perch are biting well in the shallower waters near the shoreline[1].
For walleye, using crankbaits and jigs has been effective, especially in the Detroit River. For smallmouth bass, drifting bait, jigging bucktails, and casting crankbaits have worked well. For perch, small jigs tipped with minnows or maggots are a good choice[1][4].
If you're looking for hot spots, consider the Detroit River, particularly along the Detroit Riverwalk in William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor, and Belle Isle Park in the middle of the river. Another great spot is Sterling State Park on Lake Erie, about 38 miles from Detroit, which is known for its excellent offshore fishing and huge catches of walleye and yellow perch[3].
Stay safe on the water, especially with the increasing winds and wave conditions. Inexperienced mariners should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions. Good luck out there
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
