Top-Rated Detroit River Walleye Charter | 5 Hours

Detroit River Walleye: 5-Hour Fishing Frenzy

Get ready for a fast-paced walleye bonanza on the Detroit River! Our 5-hour charter puts you right in the thick of the spring spawn action, where limits come quick and the fish are fired up. With a shot at bonus catches like musky and sturgeon, this trip packs a serious punch for anglers looking to bend some rods and fill the cooler.

What's the Deal on the Water

Picture this: You're jigging a chunk of the Detroit River that's absolutely loaded with hungry walleye. The bite is on, and fish are coming over the gunwales left and right. That's the kind of action you can expect during our prime-time spring charters. We'll hit the hotspots where walleye stack up during their spawning run, giving you a crack at both numbers and size. Don't be surprised if we have to swap out coolers mid-trip – it happens more often than you'd think! While walleye are the main event, keep your eyes peeled for the occasional musky or sturgeon that might decide to crash the party. Our experienced guides know this fishery like the back of their hand, so we'll adjust launch points based on conditions to put you on the best bite possible.

Jigging 101: Your Ticket to Limits

If you've never jigged for walleye before, you're in for a treat. We'll set you up with specialized vertical jigging rods and show you the ropes. The technique is pretty straightforward: Drop your jig to the bottom, give it a few quick pops, and hold on tight. When a walleye hits, it often feels like you've snagged the river bottom – until that bottom starts thrashing! We use a mix of hair jigs, plastics, and sometimes live bait to dial in the presentation. The key is staying vertical and in contact with the bottom as we drift. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing; our guides will have you jigging like a pro in no time. Just be warned: Once you experience the addictive thump of a Detroit River walleye inhaling your jig, you might be hooked for life.

Why Anglers Can't Get Enough

Ask any walleye fanatic about the Detroit River, and you'll likely see their eyes light up. This fishery has a well-earned reputation as one of the best walleye destinations in North America, and for good reason. The sheer numbers of fish that pour into the river during the spring run are staggering. We're talking about days where double and even triple-digit catches aren't out of the question. But it's not just about quantity – the Detroit River consistently produces trophy-class fish in the 8-10 pound range, with true giants pushing past the 13-pound mark occasionally making an appearance. Combine that with the urban backdrop of Detroit and Windsor, and you've got a fishing experience unlike any other. Where else can you reel in limits of walleye with a major city skyline as your backdrop?

Target Species Breakdown

Walleye: The star of the show, Detroit River walleye are known for their aggressive spring bite and hefty average size. These golden-eyed predators move into the river in massive numbers starting in March, with the peak usually hitting in April. During this time, fish in the 3-5 pound range are common, with plenty of larger specimens mixed in. Walleye here tend to hold in deeper holes and along current seams, often stacked up like cordwood. The best part? They're absolutely delicious on the dinner table, with firm, white flesh that's hard to beat.

Musky: While not our primary target, the Detroit River holds a phenomenal musky population. These toothy critters, often called "the fish of 10,000 casts," have a habit of showing up when you least expect it. Spring can be a great time to encounter them as they feed heavily on spawning walleye. Muskies in the 30-40 inch range are not uncommon, with true giants pushing past 50 inches always a possibility. If we hook into one of these river monsters, be prepared for an epic battle!

Sturgeon: The prehistoric-looking lake sturgeon is another potential bonus catch on our Detroit River trips. These massive bottom-feeders can reach lengths over 6 feet and weights over 100 pounds. Spring is actually one of the better times to encounter them as they move into the river to spawn. While we don't target them specifically, hooking into one of these armored giants on walleye gear is an experience you won't soon forget. Just remember, sturgeon are strictly catch-and-release in these waters.

Time to Lock In Your Trip

Listen, the Detroit River walleye run is no secret. Anglers from all over the country flock here each spring to get in on the action. If you want to experience some of the best walleye fishing on the planet, now's the time to pull the trigger. Our 5-hour trips are the perfect length to put a serious hurt on the fish without completely wearing you out. We'll handle all the gear, show you the techniques, and put you on the hottest bites. All you need to do is reel 'em in and enjoy the ride. Don't forget – we offer fish cleaning services for an extra fee, so you can go from the boat straight to the grill if you want. Give us a shout to check availability and lock in your date. The walleye are waiting!