Detroit River Pre-Spawn Walleye Fishing: Timing, Tactics, and Traditions

Why the Detroit River Is Special

The Detroit River is not a typical river. Flowing roughly 28 miles between Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie, it is wide, deep, and powerful, with heavy current, shipping channels, and expansive flats. These characteristics create ideal staging habitat for pre-spawn walleye. Fish stack along breaks, seams, and current edges as they move upstream toward spawning grounds near Fighting Island, Grosse Ilse, upper river islands, and numerous shallow spawning flats.

Because these fish are concentrated and actively feeding before the spawn, catch rates can be exceptional—even for anglers new to river fishing.

Timing the Pre-Spawn Run

Water temperature is the primary trigger for walleye movement. Pre-spawn activity typically begins when water temperatures rise into the upper 30s and low 40s (°F). Peak action often occurs between 40–45°F, before the actual spawn begins closer to 45–48°F.

Key timing factors include:

• Ice-out on Lake St. Clair

• Stable warming trends

• River turbidity after rainfall events and strong winds

Early fish are often larger females, making March and early April prime time for trophy-class walleye.

Boat Control Is Everything

More than lure choice or rod action, boat control is the single most important skill for Detroit River walleye fishing. The strong current requires anglers to present baits close to the bottom while maintaining a controlled downstream drift.

Most anglers use:

• Bow-mounted trolling motors with spot-lock and drift control

• Heavier jig heads (5/8 oz to 1½ oz) depending on current strength

• Vertical or near-vertical presentations

Successful anglers constantly adjust speed to keep jigs ticking bottom without dragging.

Classic Pre-Spawn Presentations

Jig and Soft Plastic

This is the dominant method during pre-spawn.

• Jig heads: Round or river-style heads

• Colors: Chartreuse, fire tiger, Arkansas shiner, black

• Plastics: split tail minnows and worms in 3–5 inch sizes

Short hops or slow lifts off bottom trigger reaction bites from aggressive fish staging in current seams.

Where to Look

Productive areas change with the current and river clarity but consistent locations include:

• Channel edges and drop-offs

• Current seams near structure

• Downstream sides of islands

• Shallow sand flats adjacent to drop offs

Walleye often hold just off the main current, conserving energy while waiting to move or feed.

Gear Considerations

• Rods: 5’9””–6’3” medium or medium-heavy fast-action rods

• Reels: Quality spinning reels with smooth drags

• Line: 6lb high visibility braid with a fluorocarbon leader

• Electronics: GPS mapping and sonar are critical for staying on contour lines. Dropping waypoints on your catches helps stay on groups of fish.

Cold water safety is also essential—life jackets, float suits, and weather awareness are non-negotiable.

Conservation and Regulations

The Detroit River fishery thrives because of strong spawning populations in the surrounding Great Lakes systems.  We highly recommend angler that fish with us to have both in Michigan and Ontario fishing license.  Without these you are limited to Fishing 1/2 of the river.

A Spring Tradition

For many anglers in Michigan and Ontario, pre-spawn walleye fishing on the Detroit River isn’t just a trip—it’s a tradition. It marks the return of open water, long days on the river, and the chance to tangle with some of the hardest-fighting walleye anywhere.

Whether you’re a seasoned river veteran or making your first spring run, the Detroit River’s pre-spawn walleye fishery offers a blend of challenge, reward, and history that keeps anglers coming back year after year