Artificial Lure here with your Saturday, September 13th Lake Erie and Detroit River fishing report. Conditions this morning are about as good as it gets for late summer—the weather is clear, the lake is calm, and anglers are seeing steady action across the region. Sunrise was at 6:57 AM, sunset will come around 7:36 PM. We’re heading for highs in the mid-70s, with light southwest winds at 5–10 mph and waves barely topping a foot, so it’s an ideal day for both shore and boat anglers according to the National Weather Service marine forecast. The UV index is high, so don’t skip your sun protection.
Lake Erie itself is still holding in the upper 60s for water temps, and that’s triggering feeding bites, particularly in the early morning and evening twilight hours. The tidal pattern isn’t a factor here, but wind direction has been keeping nearshore and river mouths extra productive. The falling temperatures are giving a push to walleye, smallmouth bass, and steelhead activity just off Detroit and down towards Monroe and Wyandotte.
According to yesterday’s Lake Erie, Detroit Daily Fishing Report, anglers picked up healthy numbers of **walleye**, especially drifting crawler harnesses and using chartreuse deep-diving crankbaits over rock humps off Point Mouillee. **Smallmouth bass** have also been sharp along breakwalls and docks, especially with tube jigs and live minnows. Steelhead and the occasional white bass have shown in the river mouth sections, so keep a couple flashy spoons or inline spinners in the arsenal. Erie steelhead anglers should keep an eye out, as the Pennsylvania Steelhead Association is asking folks to report any catches of steelies without an adipose fin—those are part of ongoing stocking and study efforts from the Great Lakes Commission.
The **best lures and baits** today for each species:
- Walleye: Deep-diving crankbaits in firetiger or perch patterns, crawler harnesses, jigging Rapalas near structure.
- Smallmouth bass: Tube jigs, Ned rigs, and soft plastics in goby or green pumpkin, live minnows if you want natural.
- Steelhead and white bass: Chrome spoons, inline spinners, and spawn sacs if drifting.
The Metroparks project around Lake Erie Metropark and Six Points has been working wonders for marsh restoration and habitat, so don’t overlook nearby hot spots just off the park’s boat launch—the newly improved shoreline is holding bass, perch, and the occasional pike.
**Hot spots worth hitting today:**
- The mouth of the Detroit River near Wyandotte—steelhead and white bass are up and biting.
- Point Mouillee along the humps and breaks—walleye have been hitting well at dawn and dusk.
A reminder for those launching around Huron River: the recent feasibility studies are still limiting some upstream passage for sturgeon, white bass, and walleye. Don’t be surprised to see increased numbers holding just below Flat Rock and Huroc dams—those can be goldmines for big migratory fish right now.
With the clear skies and calm water, expect moderate success throughout the day—early risers and twilight casters are likely to fill stringers with mixed bags. If you’re after numbers, stick with jigs and harnesses worked slowly over rocks and structure. If chasing trophies, go deep and work the breaks with flashy lures and larger minnows.
Don’t forget: boating safety is a must, especially around breakwalls and river mouths—random currents are always a lurking danger. As the restoration continues on the shoreline, remember to respect posted boundaries and let the new grasses and native species soak up the summer sun.
That’s what’s biting and where you want to be this weekend. Thanks for tuning in to the Lake Erie, Detroit Daily Fishing Report with me, Artificial Lure. Be sure to subscribe for your daily dose of angling intel. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.
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