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2007 Fishing Reports and River Conditions

May 8, 2007

Well I must say that I had a great time with South Dakota and Owosso Crew. The weather had cooperated and so did the fish.

The conditions on the lower were and still remain good to excellent although the Silver Bass bite has begun. Surface temps were around 58 degrees with some clean, jig friendly water.

Rapala's sizes #7 through #11 are still producing excellent catches. With Hot Steel, Bleeding Olive and Copper Flash and Charteuse/Pearl being our go-to colors/patterns. Caught a couple of fish on the tried and true Clown as well as Vampire. However nothing to write home about.

Congradulations is in order for Josh and Dave for catching their first Detroit River Walleye on a Handline. (And not losing any tackle to boot) Great Jobs Guys! Hope you had a great time and look forward having you back down for some Harness action on Lake Erie.

Until my next report here is Josh with a limit of Eaters caught Friday evening.

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April 30, 2007

Hope everyone had a safe and successful weekend on the river. Aaron, Tim and I hit the river for a couple of hours last night. The South Dakota Guys are flying in Thursday night and the Owosso/Mio Crew are coming in Friday Evening. We had wanted to give Tim's boat a shakedown cruise before they arrive.

Surface temps were hanging around 54 to 55 degrees with Water Clarity being good to excellent. We had ended the evening going 11 for 15 in a little less than an hour and 10 minutes. Our presentation for the night was 10/20's with #9 and #11's with the productive colors being Hot Copper, Bleeding Hot Olive and Chartreuse/Pearl. We could not make anything smaller than #9's produce any fish. (Same goes for Clown's and Hot Steel and Purpledescent.)

I think this was due to our speed and despite having two Sea Bags out we could not get our troll any slower than 1.2 MPH. On a bigger boat like Tim's, with faster speed I prefer #11's. (#5's have little or no visible wobble.)

The fishing remains strong however, I think were looking at the Silver Bass bite to pop within the next 7 days. (Shore fisherman are already catching them.) Congrats to Aaron for catching and landing his first double. Until my next report here is a photo I took at the end of the night.

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April 25, 2007

As I had mentioned Aaron, Danny and I hit the river last night. Water Clarity was good and the surface temp was 50 degrees.

Starting out we really did not deviate our presentation much compared to Saturday's Trip. Caught one fish early on a Chartreuse/Pearl Custom #9 on a 20 foot upper. Could not get a bite on Hot Steel, Purpledescent or Blue/Silver. We even ended up going back to the old tried and true Clown (upper) and Vampire (lower) again with no results.

I was somewhat baffled since we had seen a number of boats hauling in a few fish. I could not place a finger what we were doing wrong. After having great results with the custom painted Chartreuse/Pearl I put that back on the upper lead and went with a #5 Rainbow Trout on the lower.

Considering I have a couple of Rainbow Trout Originals this is a color and pattern that I have not personally used much in the past.

We had found out quickly that this is all that we needed to do put a couple of fish in the cooler. We had ended the night catching 7 more fish on a bait that we would not have traditionally used much in the past.

It is amazing what may work for one fisherman may not work for another. With that said, do not be afraid to swap out lures and change your presentation(s).

Until my next report have a great day.



April 24, 2007

My Apologies for my late report. Here is the latest information I have for you after I fished the river Saturday evening with Aaron and his Father-in-Law.

Surface temp was 48 degrees with clarity being good to excellent. We had went 13 for 15 is a little over an 1-1/4 hours. It was a bummer losing a couple nice eaters that were barely hooked on the lip as we hoisted them into the boat.

Our presentation was still #7 and #9 Originals on a 10 lower and 20 upper. The bite was pretty aggressive when compared to our trips earlier in the spring.

Aaron and I are heading out this evening with our buddy Scott. Please check back tomorrow for an updated report.

April 20, 2007

With the warm temps forecasted over the next few days I would say things are looking good for this weekend. (As long as the wind cooperates.)

I have not been out since tuesday evening. However, I have talked to several friends that have been out. The water clarity has improved considerably since tuesday. The surface temp was 45 degrees as of yesterday. (Thanks to Rich for supplying me with the temp for today's report)

Until my next report have a safe and successful trip on the river.



April 18, 2007

Aaron and I hit the river last night for a couple of hours.

Here is the latest information I have for you regarding Water Temp and Conditions. As of 7:45 pm last night the surface temp was 43.5 degrees with water clarity being poor.

Last nights catch was 3 for 3. All three fish were 20"-22" milting males and colors for the night were #9 Hot Steel and a Custom Painted Chartreuse/Pearl #9. The third fish was taken on a larger Black/Silver Pencil Plug with tape. My bonus catch was a Brand New Weight, Shank, and #11 Purpledescent and #11 Blue/Silver #11.

I had a really good feeling about last night. I wish the fishing was a little better but, should not really complain ending the evening with 3 fish and 20+ Dollars of gear to add into my tackle box.

Until my next report have a safe and successful trip if you venture downriver.



April 11, 2007

With the FLW Detroit River Tournament in full swing and the MWT Tournament running out of Lake Erie Metro Park on April 14-15th, I have made the decision to refrain from posting any reports until Sunday Afternoon.

I have several friends fishing these tournaments. I respect their trust and friendship. Although, I do not specify any specific Waypoints I feel this is the best thing to do.

If you are planning to fish the river this weekend please allow extra time at the local launch facilities.



April 9, 2007

Sorry but, I did not get a chance to make it out and fish this weekend. Despite the cold air temps and snow anglers are doing well as the spring run progresses. Water clarity is fair to good with a surface temp of 40-41 degrees. (A big thanks goes to Robby for giving me the water clarity and temperature for this report.)

The jig bite is progressing with anglers filling their coolers with a fair share of the 18-22 inch males. I am also happy to report that a number of larger females ranging from 8 to 10 pounds are also being caught as well. Including a really nice 9 pounder that Robby had caught Friday Evening which I have posted below:



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The fish are hitting on a wide variety of colors tipped with Minnows, Gulp or Both so it is really hard to recommend a specific color. If you have a handle on boat control I would recommend 3/8 or 1/2 ounce jigs. Keep your rigging light to give those fish an easy meal.

Just a reminder for those planning to fish the river over the next 7 days. The FLW Detroit River Tour starts Wednesday, please plan for additional time at the local ramps and prepare for additional traffic on the river.



April 3, 2007

Well, Aaron and I hit the river last night from 9:00 pm to 11:30 pm. This was Aaron's first trip out for 2007 and I must admit that we had a great night. By the time we called it a night we went 8 for 13 and was by so far my best night of fishing this season.

Surface temp was around 42 to 43 degrees. Unfortunately I can give you a report on water clarity mostly because we were fishing after sunset. There was no wind to speak of and the river was flat as glass.

The program for the evening was 10/20's with #9 and #11 Rapala Originals. The colors seeing the most action were Blue/Silver, Silver Minnow and Hot Steel. (We did run Clown for a brief time however they produced nothing for us this evening)

Please note the bite was extremely light so running snubbers or leaders (12lb test) with some stretch should help. Here is a photo of last nights catch.

Until my next report have a great day.



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March 30, 2007

Here is the latest information for those planning to fish the river this weekend. Water Temps range from 40 to 42 degrees with water clarity being fair to good.

The weather has been nice and the bite continues to improve for both jigging and handlining anglers. The river has been cooperative from the Trenton Stacks all the way up to the RenCen with the morning bite being the best. (For those interested, the water temp this time last year was 38 degrees.)

Boat control and a slow presentation is key to success right now as the water temp still remains on the cool side. The program for jigging is 3/8 and 1/2 ounce jigs tipped with a Minnow or Gulp Plastic (or both). Colors you ask? Orange and Chartreuse, with stinger hooks optional of course.

Handliners are seeing the best results pulling #7 and #9 Rapalas with Clown and other custom painted flourescent's being the best colors. I will be heading out this evening and will post an update sometime Saturday morning.

This is just a reminder, the FLW Detroit River League Tourney is this weekend. Please plan and allow for extra time at the ramp this weekend.

Until my next report. Here is a photo submitted by P. George which I have published with permission. (Thanks!) These were caught on March 30th, 2006.

See you on the river!



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March 27, 2007: Launch Update @ 8:30 pm

The docks are in at Elizabeth Park and there was one boat and trailer in the parking lot. It is a safe assumption to say that Elizabeth Park is open.



March 27, 2007

Good Afternoon everyone. Well, I am glad to tell you that Robby and I made our first handlining trip of the 2007 walleye season.

The surface temp was from 39.5 degrees with water clarity being good to excellent. Jigging anglers made a majority of boats that were fishing the lower river. Although I did not see any fish landed jigging, one boat handlining did manage to boat two nice eaters.

I am sure many of you would like to know Saturdays program. I ran a wide variety of baits which included #5, #7 and #9 Rapalas, Pencil Plugs and Spoons). My Lower lead was 6' and upper lead was 12'. Since Robby was focusing on Rapala's I had the opportunity to switch presentations to try and find out what may trigger some action this early.

I will be hitting the river in the next day of two and hope to have an update before the weekend.

Here is the latest information I have for you regarding the status of the local launches:

Wyandotte: Open

Lake Erie Metro Park: Open

Elizabeth Park Marina: Closed

Please note: Elizabeth is to open officially on April 1st, 2007. With this weekends FLW's Detroit River Walleye League Event I would anticipate it may open earlier than expected. I will stop by the launch on my way home today and verify.



February 23, 2007

Hey Gang!

Just wanted to let you know that I am still alive and so is this site. I will be fishing and working just as hard to keep this site updated frequently enough to make your trip safe, successful and more importantly FUN!!!!

If this is you first time visting my site, WELCOME!

If you are one of the regulars, WELCOME BACK!

As most of the regulars can see I am in the process of updating this site. My first goal is making my last 5 years of reports and information much quicker and easier to read.

I hope you are looking forward to Spring as much as I am.



Got Questions? Have a picture you want me to post? E-mail me at: downriveroutdoors@yahoo.com




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