Top-Rated Detroit River Walleye Charter | 5 Hours

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Lake Erie
$460 - $1,000 price range
Updated Date: September 14, 2025

Summary

Ready for some fast-paced fishing action? Join us on the Detroit River for a 5-hour charter during prime walleye season. This trip often leads to quick limits, but that's not all - you might hook into a monster musky or sturgeon too. We'll pick the best launch spot based on conditions to maximize your chances. With room for 6 anglers, it's perfect for a group outing. Our experienced Savage Pursuit guides know all the hotspots and techniques to put you on fish. Whether you're jigging or trolling, you'll be in for non-stop action. Don't worry about the mess - we offer fish cleaning for an extra fee so you can focus on the fun. The Detroit River fishery is world-class, and spring is the ideal time to experience it. Grab your friends, pack some snacks, and get ready for a day of bent rods and full livewells. Book now before the prime dates fill up!

Top-Rated Detroit River Walleye Charter | 5 Hours

River Walleye Action

Sunset on Lake Erie, Michigan

Angler enjoys a day of fishing in Monroe

Young Angler and his Salmon Catch - Lake Erie, Michigan

Wall Eye onboard1 - Lake Erie, Michigan

Teamwork plays best! Lake Erie, Michigan

Detroit River Walleye Bonanza: 5-Hour Charter

Ready to get in on some of the best walleye action around? Our Detroit River jigging trip puts you right in the thick of the spring walleye run. This 5-hour charter is your ticket to fast-paced fishing and the chance to land your limit of these tasty fighters. But that's not all - you might just hook into a monster musky or prehistoric sturgeon while you're at it. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the game, our experienced guides will put you on the fish and show you the ropes of vertical jigging. So grab your gear and let's hit the water!

What to Expect on the Water

When you step aboard our fully-equipped fishing vessel, you're in for a treat. We'll cruise out to the hottest spots on the Detroit River, where massive schools of walleye gather during their spring spawning run. Our captains know these waters like the back of their hand and will position us right over the fish. You'll be dropping jigs and minnows down to hungry walleye, feeling that telltale tap-tap before setting the hook. The action can be non-stop when we hit it right, with double and even triple hookups not uncommon. And don't be surprised if a toothy musky or prehistoric sturgeon decides to crash the party - these bonus catches add an extra thrill to the day. We'll adjust our launch point based on conditions to maximize your chances of success. After the trip, fish cleaning is available for an additional fee so you can take home fresh fillets without the hassle.

Jigging 101: Techniques & Tips

Vertical jigging is the name of the game on the Detroit River, and it's a technique that's both effective and fun to master. We'll set you up with medium-heavy spinning rods, braided line, and a selection of jigs in various weights and colors. The key is to keep your line vertical and maintain bottom contact as we drift with the current. You'll learn to detect the subtle difference between your jig bouncing off the bottom and a walleye strike. A quick snap of the wrist sets the hook, and then the fight is on! Our guides will show you how to adjust your jigging cadence and experiment with different jig colors to entice those finicky walleyes. By the end of the trip, you'll be jigging like a pro and hopefully have a cooler full of fish to show for it.

Top Catches This Season

While walleye are the star of the show, the Detroit River has some impressive supporting actors. Anglers have been hauling in some real beauties lately. Just last week, one of our clients landed a 31-inch walleye that tipped the scales at over 12 pounds - a true trophy catch! We've also seen a uptick in musky action, with several toothy critters in the 40-inch range coming aboard. And let's not forget about the sturgeon - these living fossils can reach over 100 pounds, and we've had a few epic battles with them this spring. Every trip is different, but that's what keeps folks coming back for more. You never know when you might hook into the fish of a lifetime!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Walleye are the main attraction on our Detroit River charters, and for good reason. These golden-eyed predators are not only fun to catch but make for some of the best eating around. During the spring run, we target pre-spawn walleye as they migrate up the river. These fish are aggressive and hungry, often stacked up in huge numbers. Expect to catch walleye in the 2-5 pound range, with plenty of bigger ones mixed in. The best part? A limit of five fish per person means you'll have plenty for the frying pan.

Muskellunge, or musky, are the apex predators of the Detroit River. These toothy critters can grow to massive sizes, with fish over 50 inches not unheard of. While we're primarily targeting walleye, it's not uncommon for a musky to grab a jig meant for its smaller cousins. When this happens, hold on tight! Muskies are known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps, making them a prized catch for any angler.

Lake sturgeon are the gentle giants of the Detroit River. These prehistoric-looking fish can live for over 100 years and grow to lengths of 6 feet or more. While not as common as walleye, hooking into a sturgeon is an experience you won't soon forget. Their immense power and stamina can test even the most experienced angler. And since sturgeon are a protected species, we practice catch-and-release to ensure these magnificent creatures continue to thrive for generations to come.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing the Detroit River that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of battling hard-fighting walleye in the swift current. Or perhaps it's the chance to tangle with a monster musky or sturgeon. For many, it's the camaraderie and shared excitement of a great day on the water. Our seasoned guides not only put you on fish but also share their knowledge and passion for this unique fishery. You'll leave with new skills, great memories, and likely a cooler full of delicious walleye fillets. Plus, the convenience of fishing so close to a major city means you can squeeze in a world-class angling experience without traveling to the middle of nowhere. It's no wonder the Detroit River has become a bucket-list destination for walleye enthusiasts across North America.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get in on some of the best walleye action around, now's the time to lock in your Detroit River jigging trip. The spring run is a limited-time event, and prime dates fill up fast. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to fill the freezer or a newcomer wanting to experience the thrill of non-stop walleye action, this trip delivers. Don't miss your chance to battle hard-fighting fish in one of North America's premier walleye hotspots. Grab your fishing buddies, give us a call, and let's make some memories on the mighty Detroit River. The fish are biting, and your next big catch is waiting!

Learn more about the species

Walleye

Walleye (Sander Vitreus) Description

Walleye are freshwater fish that is a part of the perch family. They are a very popular game fish for the angler in the regions where they are found, and also a favorite for the dining table. Walleye are long and thin and have a golden and olive coloring with white bellies. One predominant feature of the walleye is its eyes, which have a silver eyeshine called the tapetum lucidum. This eyeshine greatly aids the walleyes when feeding in low-light conditions.

Walleye Habitat and Distribution

Walleye live in a wide range of habitats. In small to large rivers, to deep and shallow lakes. They are fairly particular to where they like to be in these bodies of water and see out sand, rock, or gravel bottoms. Walleye will usually stay deeper in the water column during daylight hours and use weeds, timber, or other structures for cover. In River systems, they will likely spend their daylight hours in deep holes and drop-offs, and move out into the shallows to seek forage during the lowlight period. Walleyes can tolerate water temperatures from 32 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit but are most comfortable when water temperatures are at 70 degrees. Walleye are nocturnal creatures that feed in shallow waters at night. Adult walleye primarily consume other fish. Small crustaceans and insects, primarily mayflies, are eaten by young walleye.

Walleye are found in the Arctic south of Canada down to the Great Lakes region and east to the St. Lawrence systems. Lake Erie is a well-known home of walleye anglers and great walleye fishing. The Midwest and Canada are the most popular areas with the best fishing, but over decades the species has been introduced artificially into lakes and reservoirs all over North America. The breathtaking waters of Lake of the Woods and Rainy River have earned the title of "Walleye Capital of the World." It has some of the best fishing in the world, and anglers come here year after year in search of that elusive record catch.

Typical Size and Weight

Walleye are reasonably large fish with a sleek and conical body shapes and a mouth lined with sharp teeth. the adult walleye can grow to 30 inches or more in length and top out at around 20 pounds in weight. Females generally grow larger than males.

Interesting Facts

The Walleye also has a European counterpart, the zander, that looks very similar but the zander can grow much larger and can reach a weight of 40 plus pounds.

The walleye can live for decades, with the oldest recorded fish being 29 years old. In areas with heavy fishing pressure however, Walleye usually don’t live past 5 or 6 years of age.

Fishing Techniques - How to Catch Walleye

Walleye can be a challenging game fish to pursue. Their location in a body of water and the tactics used to catch these fish can vary depending on certain times of the year. Walleye generally live at depths of 10 feet or greater, though in the spring and at night they can be found in shallow water areas. Freshwater fishing for walleye is best in the evening when minnow-style lures or jigs are fished near the bottom over rock piles or along the edges of weed beds.

Finding the fish is one of the biggest challenges for the walleye angler and the best place to start it by fishing structure. The angler should search multiple types of structure at varying depths to figure out where the walleye are on any given day. Be sure to check break lines, deep weed edges rock piles, and even in the middle of the basin for suspended schools of baitfish. With a little bit of time on water exploration, you will find the Walleye population.

Live bait is the key to successful Walleye catches such as minnows, nightcrawlers, and leeches. One of the best techniques is a live bait rig, to which you troll your lure slowly along the bottom. These rigs include a ¼ or a ½ pound sinker, a swivel, a 3 - 6 foot leader of a 6-pound fishing line, and a No. 4 or 6 hook.

Is Walleye Good to Eat

Walleye is a delicious fish making it a popular choice among seafood lovers. The mild, flaky texture of the fish along with its sweet, buttery flavor is enough to make anyone's mouth water. This makes walleye an excellent ingredient that pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. Whether you fry or grill it, walleye never fails to impress with its delicious taste. So, if you're looking for a healthy and tasty addition to your meals, walleye is definitely the way to go!

Walleye meat has a firm texture that holds up well to cooking methods such as grilling, frying, or baking. Its mild taste can be enhanced by seasoning it with herbs and spices or marinating it in your favorite sauce. Walleye also has low levels of mercury and other harmful contaminants, making it safe to eat regularly.
When preparing walleye, remove the skin and bones before cooking. This will give you a clean fillet.

However, it's not just its flavor that makes it so popular. Walleye is also a very nutrient-dense food that provides numerous health benefits. It's rich in omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and selenium, all of which are essential for maintaining optimal health. Omega-3s are known to reduce inflammation in the body and improve heart health, while B vitamins play a crucial role in energy production and maintaining a healthy nervous system. Selenium is an important mineral that helps protect against oxidative damage and supports the immune system. By adding Walleye to your diet, you not only get the pleasure of savoring a delicious meal but also the nutritional benefits that come along with it. So, go ahead and indulge in this delectable fish to keep your body healthy and functioning at its best.

About the Center Console Boats

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 33

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Ready for some fast-paced fishing action? Hop aboard for a 5-hour trip on the Detroit River during prime walleye season. This productive fishery often leads to quick limits, making it a favorite among anglers. While walleye is the star, you might also reel in some bonus catches like musky or sturgeon to spice things up. We'll pick the best launch spot based on current conditions to maximize your chances. After a successful day on the water, fish cleaning is available for an extra fee if you want to skip the messy work. Spring is the perfect time to hit the Detroit River, so don't wait to book your spot. Grab your fishing buddies and get ready for a day of non-stop action chasing those prized walleye. With a 6-person capacity, there's room for your whole crew to join in on the fun.

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