2005: Daily Fishing Reports and River Conditions
May 10, 2005
If you did not see it on my index page, it looks like the Michigan DNR is going to reopen Lake Erie for Spring Walleye Fishing in 2006. If your interested please visit the following URL for more specific information: MLIVE Article: Lake Erie walleye April-May fishing will reopen next spring
This news should make up for the lack of a report today. I am heading out this evening to give it a try. From what I heard anglers are doing well, wether it be jigging or handlining. Please check back tomorrow for an updated report.
May 8, 2005
Figured I would post a nice report for you before the close of the weekend. As you may know the weather was great over the weekend hopefully you were able to log some hours as well.
I could not fish the river on friday since I had to attend Jeff and Stephanie's Wedding. (Jeff if you read this congrats!!) I do not know what is in Crown Royal and 7-up but I had a hard time waking up on Saturday Morning to fish in the 2nd Annual Aluminum Armada Tournament. After a late start I loaded up the boat, including my Lab Pup and hit the river.
After pulling wire for a hour and a half with no fish, I took a run over to the one of the local island and let the pup swim around a bit to cool off. Ended the day back at the stacks for a little bit of jigging. Unforatunately, I ended up boating NOTHING and went home shortly before 3:30 pm. That is OK, though... Ended up doing the Mothers Day thing Saturday Evening.
I talked with my buddy Paul late Satruday night to finalize a trip on the Ohio Reefs on Lake Erie sunday morning. I met Paul at the ramp around 8:45 am and we had the first rod in the water by 9:30 am. The condtions were near perfect for todays trip. Although we could have used a bit more wind to cover the boat and boards a little better. The water was very clean with Surface Temps around 56 degrees. 3 hours later we had called it a day going 9 for 11 with most of the fish being 5 pounds or better.
Todays trip really reminds me how much better I like fishing the lake than the river. Got a little sunburn and had a chance to learn a couple new things about trolling and the lake. Thanks Paul!!!
Until I get a few of the photos off Paul's camera here is one that he took with mine. Until next report enjoy.
May 6, 2005
I know many of you are planning to fish this weekend so I will keep todays report short and simple. I hit the Trenton Channel last night with Aaron, Andy, Danny and Tim. Had the first shank in the water around 7:45 pm and ended the night with 3 fish. All were males ranging in size from 17 to 22"
The surface temp was 49 degrees and the water clarity was excellent. Conditions are quickly improving, with the potential of this weekend being very productive. In addition to minnows jigging anglers should try rubber worms in Brown and Blue Colors. Do not be afraid to this presentation if you do not already. Handliners have been very productive with #9 and #11 Rapalas, Spoons and good old Pencil Plugs. Colors to try would be Chartruse (Clown), Blue, Black (Vmapire) and Purple.
Until my next report have a safe, productive weekend.
May 5, 2005
The warm weather forecasted for the upcoming weekend should really get things going as far as the lower river goes. The middle stretches of the river from the Wyandotte Golf Cource to Pier 500 has been giving up some great catches of fish. (This maybe a good sign of things to come since the middle stretch usually perks a week or two before things really pop near the stacks.)
Jig/Stinger Combos tipped with Brown and Blue Plastics has been very productive. The water is clean with surface temps dropping slight and holding around 45 to 46 degrees.
Handliners still continue to pull a few fish during late afternoon and early evening times with Rapala's and Bomber Long'A's. I will be fishing the river this evening and should have a forcast for those anglers planning to fish the river this weekend. Until tomorrow, that is all I have for this report.
May 3, 2005
Sorry, I did not make it out on the river since the weekend. Hope to make it out on the river tomorrow and Friday to do a litle bit of prefishing for the Alumunum Armada Tournament happening this weekend. (If your wondering what this tournament is about? It is nothing more than a small group of locals meeting for lunch, a few beers and fishing for bragging rights.)
The water has been clean and surface temps are in upper 40's to low 50's. Jigging anglers are still producing fish with Jigs tipped with brown and blue plastics. Don't forget your stinger hooks for those short strikes. Handliners are pulling consistant catches with #7 and #9 Rapalas in the normal colors and patterns.
Some areas of the river have started seeing the leading edge of the Silver Bass run. I did talk to a few friends that fished the river since the weekend and mentioned a few incidental catches of Silvers at the stacks. I suspect the run will intensify over the next week due to the warm temps forecasted for the weekend. I am not worried about it, since Silvers prefer Minnow tipped jigs rather than rapalas this early.
That is all I have to report for right now. I should have a good report for those anglers fishing the river this weekend. Bear with me...
May 2, 2005
Hope everyone had a great weekend. The word "Strange" really puts things into perspective lately. Last week started off with many anglers catching their limits (Aaron and the rest of the Downriver Outdoors Crew) and ended with 7 boats fishing the stacks at 2 pm yesterday. I would have to say that the weekends weather forcast kept many anglers at home rather than spending the day on the river.
The fishing should be more consistant as we leave the month of April and cruise into May. Let's face it, the weather has not done us any favors. The freak blast of winter weather on the weekend of the 23rd and did a good job at knocking down the surface temps. And the lack of warm spring rain and showers has not brought the temps back up.
Here is the latest information for you from the last couple of days of fishing. I made a quick trip out myself on Thursday, April 28th and fished from 8:00 to 9:30 pm. Many anglers were still focusing their efforts on the west side of the river below the stacks making drifts down the east side of Humbug Island. This seemed to be the popular area for those who prefer to flatline Shad Raps and Original Raps with a little bit of weight.
I did not see too many nets make a dip. But, then again I prefer to stay away from the crowds. I ended the evening with one nice fish taken on a custom painted Bomber Long-A on the upper lead 20' back.
I fished the river Friday, April 29th in hopes of redeeming myself after thursady's trip. There were quite a few boats out probably with the same idea. To get some fishing in before the rain and wind comes as forcasted.
Got a late start and was on the water by 8:45 pm and fished till 11:00 pm. Called it quits when the wind started piping up a little bit and ended up with nothing. Just like Thursday I did not see too many nets taking a bath. I talked to a couple of people at the ramp and they had managed to take 2 to 3 fish per boat. They were out earlier in the evening and had to work hard for what they did get. I know I could have caught a few if I had stayed out a little later.
I did not fish Saturday but did get and invitation to fish on Sunday with Tournament Angler, Paul C. (Paul is pictured in my March 31st report).
We had launched out of Lake Erie Metro and planned to work the hot spots from Mud Island North to Lake St. Clair (over 32 miles of water one way) Surface water temps were between 46 to 48 degress and the water was pretty clean. Despite the nasty south wind conditions were in my opinion "good". Water clarity was definately in the jiggers court today.
Saw a few fished landed in front of the Great Lakes Mill by Jim Barta and his customers. Other than that there was nothing really significant to report. Continuing out journey north we made a cruise past the Salt Mines and Cobo Hall. The south wind made these areas pretty choppy and would have been "fun" to fish. (Please note sarcasum)
Paul and I had made the decision to run up and fish the west side of Belle Isle. This area was new to me and I was really looking forward to fishing this area. I have heard about some nice walleye being hauled out of this area. Even a incidential Musky or two.....
Paul boated what would be the only fish for the day so we made the trip downriver to end the day at the Stacks. Like I mentioned, there were only 7 boats fishing the stacks and called it a day after work had called me in to take care of some problems. It was not the best day we had on the river from a Creel perspective. But, I had a great time fishing areas of the river I had not fished before in the past and learning a little bit about tournaments. Paul, I appreciate the invitation. Thanks.....
Until my next report, please enjoy the picture I took after my trip on 4-28-05.
April 26, 2005
Sorry, I have been pretty busy the last couple of weeks and have not had a chance to update you. The winter blast that moved through last weekend did not do much to improve fishing. The surface temp at the Great Lakes Mill/Mud Island area dropped from 52 to 47 degrees. The north winds made handlining a chore. As much as I hate to admit it last weekend was a wash for both Aaron and I. It was one of those days that would have been better spent at home. (Taking care of the honey-do list...)
It was spur of the moment but, Aaron and I hit the river last night for a couple of hours. Both of us pulled a limit in a little over two hours on #11 Clowns south of the stacks, east of Humbug Marina. The battery on Aaron's boat had just enough power left to run the Nav Lights so we did not have the LCD Locator on for very long and I cannot supply you with a surface temp. However, I can tell you that the water was suprising clean despite the weather that passed on Saturday and Sunday.
Now that things have settled down, I will get back into the swing of things and update this page daily. Until my next report I hope you enjoy the following picture taken at the end of last nights trip.
April 14, 2005
Sorry no pictures today. (I am still waiting for Dave and Jeremy to send some pics from their trip Tuesday Evening!!!!) I fished the river last night from 6:00 to 8:15 pm with my Fiancée. The brisk north wind made trolling a chore and churned up the water a little but. Water temps still remain in the middle 40's with the water being pretty dirty/stained. Let's hope the wind cooperates and the water becomes a bit cleaner for the upcoming weekend.
There were a few boats fishing however, I do not think I saw one fish landed while I was out. Things have not changed too much since the weekend except for the boat traffic. The fish that are being caught jigging still continue to be caught in the shallows. Chartreuse/White Jig Twister Combo's and unpainted lead tipped with a minnow are still producing for jigging anglers.
Again, if you planning to fish the river this weekend. Please plan for additional delays at the area launches. Until tomorrow's report have a great day.
April 12, 2005
There was alot of activity on the river this past weekend. Recreational anglers from close and afar shared the river with the tournament guys fishing the MWT Detroit River Qualifier.
Andy and I headed out Friday evening and pulled wire from 7:00 to 10:00pm. Andy ended up landing four nice fish (males) ranging in size from 20" to 24". Things did not go well for me as I had missed at least two fish and ended with evening landing nothing. Oh, well......
Jigging anglers still continue to produce catches in the shallows just south of the stacks. Try Chartreuse Jigs tipped with a White Twister and Minnow or Unpainted Lead Jigs Tipped with a minnow. Surface water temps ranged from 42 to 44 degrees.
Aaron and I had made a quick trip out on Sunday evening and fished from 7:00 to 9:30 pm. Surface temps were still holding from 42 to 44. After switching out a variety of baits (Spoons, Pencils and Original Raps) Aaron and I headed back to the dock skunked for the first time this season. Things changed since my trip out on friday. The water warmed up maybe kicking off the spawn (if it has not already started) just not making the fish want to feed. I would also bet that large volume of boat traffic and increased fishing pressure did not help either.
The plan is to hit the river tonight and tomorrow before Aaron's South Dakota guests arrive for their annual trip on Thursday. Until my next report make it a great day, and take a kid fishing.
April 7, 2005
Fishing and Boat activity has been pretty heavy on the river this week. There has been alot of pre-fishing in preparation for upcoming MWT Tournament on April 9th and 10th. If you planning to fish the river over the next few days I recommend that you add a little bit of time to your schedule, especially if you are planning to launch from Lake Erie Metro Park. There will be without a doubt increased traffic and launch times at the other area ramps since many anglers may not want to launch from the Metro Park.
Surface water temps still remain in the 42 degree range. Jigging anglers still direct their focus to the west side of the river downstream of the Edison Warm Water discharge to the area just north of Calf Island. Jigs/Minnnow/Twister combos are producing with Chartreuse, White and unpainted lead for color. Jigging Rapalas seem to be the Tournament Anglers tool of choice.
Handlining Anglers continue to do well pulling #9 and #11 Original Rapalas in the traditional Detroit River Colors. Aaron and I are planning to fish this evening so I should have a great report for those who plan on fishing the river over the weekend.
April 5, 2005
Hopefully many of you have hit the Trenton Channel once or twice. For those who have NOT, the action coming from the river has been pretty consistant for both jiggers and handliners since April 1st. And in my opinion worth the trip if your planning to make a trip from afar. Several fish in the 10+ plus range have been caught (and hopefully released.)
Aaron jigged the channel on Sunday and got his limit just before noon. The surface water temps have risen the last 5 days are currently around 42 degrees. I hit the river briefly last night to try my hand at jigging. My trip was cut a little short after towing a couple of guys from Illinois back to the Elizabeth Park Launch. This was the third boat that was towed in yesterday.
I saw several fish landed just south of the Edison Discharge. (Just look for the cluster of boats on the west side of the river.) The colors have been the traditional Chartreuse Jig/Minnow/Twister Combo along with Chartreuse/White and yes believe it or not, Unpainted.
#9 and #11 Rapala's are still producing for those who opt to pull wire. There were also some fish caught by those flatline trolling cranks. My fiance Kelly and I are going to fish this evening, she is not much of a handlining fan so we may do a little bit of jigging. Please visit again tomorrow for an updated report and a picture or two. Make it a great day.
March 31, 2005
Aaron and I hit the river last night for 3 or so hours. When we started there were 8 to 10 boats working the thermal on the west side of the river south of the discharge. I did not see anyone land any fish but then again I really was not looking either. Surface temp was 36 degrees and quite clean. This has been the second day with no ice in the Trenton Channel, at least when we were on the river. With the rain and warmer temps forecasted I am not really worried about ice from this point on. If we do get any it will not be around long.
Aaron and I were the last boat out last night and called it quits near 10 pm. We had what I consider a good night on the river considering how cold the water is right now. Together we went 7 for 11 fish. The 7 fish we had in the cooler were all nice males from 17" to 22" and in my opinion perfect eaters.
A few anglers were in a mad dash to fish Lake Erie before the spring closure (today). One of the these anglers was Paul a Downriver Local and Professional Angler. As you can tell from the picture below Paul and his partner had a great day on the lake. Paul, nice fish! Thank you for sending me the photo and the permission to post it here.
Also included in today's report is a few pictures I took of our trip on the river. Hope you enjoy them until my next report.
PLEASE NOTE: AS OF 3-30-05 @6:30 PM, THE DOCKS ARE IN THE WATER AT THE ELIZABETH PARK LAUNCH. THERE WAS NO ICE AT THE RAMP AND THE ENTRY GATES REMAIN LOCKED. THIS LAUNCH SHOULD BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS ON APRIL 1, 2005 AS SCHEDULED. PLEASE CONTACT THE LAUNCH FOR MORE INFORMATION.
March 30, 2005
I could not make it out with Aaron last night. He had fished from 6:00 to 8:00 last night and ended up with two nice fish. Both fish were males and were 16" and 23"in size. Surface temp was 35 to 36 degreee outside the discharge.
I took a ride by the river this morning on my way to the office and the river was ice free. This observation again, was in Trenton between the Grosse Ile Free and Toll bridges.
NOTE: ICE CONDITIONS CAN, DO AND WILL CHANGE AS QUICK AS THE WIND SHIFTS. ICE CONDTIONS WORSEN IN THE TRENTON CHANNEL WITH SIGNIFICANT NORTHEAST, NORTH-NORTHEAST, EAST AND SOUTH WINDS. IF YOU PLAN ON MAKING A LONG DRIVE TO FISH THE RIVER DO NOT BE SUPRISED IT CONDITIONS CHANGE MAKING FISHING THE RIVER DIFFICULT, IMPOSSIBLE AND DANGEROUS!
I also talked with another friend of mine who had hit a submerged 4x4 post on his way back in Monday Afternoon. Due to this impact he has possibly thrown a crank bearing and his motor is down right now. Besides the ice there is alot of of debris floating both on and in with the ice. I recommend that you use caution when navigating the river above idle speed until things clean up.
Aaron, Andy and I plan on hitting the river this evening before the predicted wind and rain move it. Until my next report that is all I have for you.
March 29, 2005
As you may guess the ice conditions on the river remains the focus of discussion with many anglers. Lake St. Clair has cleaned up a lot since last week according to the current MODIS images. Warm temps and rain are foecasted over the next couple of days. This should really help clean things up for the upcoming weekend.
At 1:50 pm today the Trenton Channel was clean between the Grosse Ile Bridges. Again this can change as quickly as a shift in the wind.
I spoke with Aaron at 4:00 pm today with tentative plans to fish the river for a couple hours this evening. If this plan materializes I should have a good report for you tomorrow.
Until my next report, have a great day.
March 27, 2005
Aaron and I hit pulled wire for our first time last night from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. I am proud to say that I have caught my first walleye of the 2005 season. The wind pushed alot of ice on the west side of the river making trolling a chore dodging ice. The middle and west side of the river was relatively ice free.
Surface water temps ranged from 32 to 34 degrees in the middle of the river and 41 degrees at the discharge. Until my next report please enjoy the photos I took from last nights trip.
March 25, 2005
I just checked the Coastwatch MODIS images to check what the ice looks like at the Lake St. Clair/Detroit River mouth. Unfortunately, there is so much cloud cover that you cannot see the Detroit River detail.
Andy called me last night to tell me that he made a quick run over to the Riverview City Launch to check the ice conditions. The river south of the Toll Bridge was clean. However there was a large dam of ice on the north side of the bridge. (The Bridge Pilings is dammming up the larger chunks of sheet ice.) If you plan on launching or fishing the lower river and decide to make a run north to Wyandotte you had better think again. This ice obstruction makes navigation north of the Toll Bridge impossible. If your plan is to fish the Mud/Fighting Island areas launching from the Wyandotte Ramp is recommended. Please make sure you check the weather before you venture out and use caution while navigating the river.
There have been a few fish caught however, nothing worth making an extended drive for. Conditions should improve over the next week making next weekend a sure bet if your planning to fish. (That is if the fish cooperate) Please visit this site for further reports/updates.
That is all that I have for you today. Again, if your planning on fishing the river this weekend please exercise caution, slow down and be in before dark.
March 24, 2005
As I had expected there is still quite a bit of ice making the trip south. Hard to tell what Good Friday and the Weekend have in store. Many people have inquired about the ice conditions for some hard water perch action at the Cross Dike. As of sunday there was 3" of ice at the cross dike and the ice was going fast. I suspect that the ice will be UNSAFE by the weekend. If you planning to fish this area you may want to come up with a contingent plan.
That is all I have for you now. Please check tomorrow for any updates if you plan on fishing this weekend.
March 23, 2005
With Good Friday quickly approaching I believe the focus with many anglers is the Ice Conditions. Aerial photos taken March 22nd show that the US side of Lake St. Clair is mostly open with ice still remaining in protected bays and the local marinas and canals.
The canadian side of Lake St. Clair (Mitchell Bay) is still locked up with ice. That could quickly change with a little bit of warm weather and a shift in the wind over the next few days.
If you would like to see this image please visit:
http://coastwatch.glerl.noaa.gov/modis/region_map.html
That is all I have for you right now. Updates to follow soon.
March 15, 2005
No report today. However you may notice the the addition of a Downriver Outdoors Group Subscription. I have created a Yahoo group as an engine to produce newsletters to those individuals interested in receiving information such as (urgent) local news and information as well updates to the www.downriveroutdoors.com website. If you would like to subscribe to these newsletters please enter your e-mail address in the Yahoo Groups Box on the Main Page.
If you feel that opening this group up to member discussions was be a welcome addtion please let me know. For the time being the downriveroutdoors group will be for newsletters only.
March 14, 2005
There is a little bit of ice making the trip south. The Trenton Channel has been relative ice free and very fishable for those who do not like to dodge ice (or should I say dodge too much). Wish the same could be said for the Canadian Side. There was alot of pack ice near shore when I was on the Canadian Side of the River last week. Does not suprise me since Mud and Fighting Island divert a good amount of ice.
The Perch bite has been consistant in the canals and bays that dot the area. The walleye bite has been pretty slow primarily due to the cold water temps. A few fish have been picked up, you really have to work for them. Until I have more information please enjoy the following pictures.
Two of them were taken from Amhertsburg Ontario and are facing the east side of Grosse Ile and Crystal Bay.
March 3, 2005
Sorry no report today.
However I have made it quickest and easier to access this site. Bookmark http://www.downriveroutdoors.com
February 23, 2005
Here we are getting to the end of February. The ice on Lake Erie is going south quickly. Planning to drop the boat in on Sunday and taking a ride. I just might make my way over to the Cross Dike for a little perch fishing. Have to wait and see..... Until then here are a couple of photos I took from the 2004 Waterfowl Season and some walleye I dug out from the archive. Hope you enjoy them.
February 23, 2005
It is getting to be that time of the year. I know I have not updated my site in a long time. Not that is it a big deal since most of the traffic this site sees is in the spring. ( I could do a better job couldn't I?)
Please check back frequently for my 2005 Fishing Reports, River Conditions and Local News by navigating to Here Got Questions? Have a picture you want me to post? E-mail me at: downriveroutdoors@yahoo.com Page Hits Since March 8, 2004 The pictorial, graphic, or sculptural images and all content within this site are © 2006 www.downriveroutdoors.com, All Rights Reserved.
Downloading and/or Duplication of content prohibited without permission.
