--- title: "Detroit Fishing" url: https://www.heredetroitmi.com/fishing-detroit-mi/ date: 2026-06-18T20:59:17+00:00 modified: 2026-06-18T21:11:49+00:00 author: "" site: "HERE Detroit" attribution: "HERE Detroit" --- # Detroit Fishing *Source: [HERE Detroit](https://www.heredetroitmi.com/fishing-detroit-mi/) β€” June 18, 2026 by * HEREDetroit # Detroit Fishing Report Live conditions, species status, solunar ratings, water body profiles, MDNR regulations, and community fishing coverage for Wayne lakes and rivers. Bass: Active Crappie: Active Catfish: Hot 9 Waters Profiled **9** Waters Profiled **Live** Conditions **Solunar** Rating **2026** Season First Look β€’ Fishing Conditions πŸŒ’ Waxing Crescent Illumination: 54% Air Temp 68Β°F Est. Water 73Β°F Wind 8 mph Pressure 1007 as of 12:20 AM ET Good β€” increasing moonlight; fish feed actively in the morning and evening hours. 81 EXCELLENT Excellent bite conditions. Get on the water at first light. Wayne β€’ Metro Detroit SC Your Local *Fishing Resource* HEREDetroit is your local source for fishing reports, conditions, and MDNR regulations across Wayne. Use the waters list to find lakes, rivers, and reservoirs near you, the regulations section for current limits, and the guides directory to book a trip. Current Conditions β€’ Detroit Waters Species *Status* Largemouth Bass ACTIVE Summer pattern β€” fish deep structure early and late. Frog fishing on lily pads productive at dawn. **Top Bait**Finesse Jig, Drop Shot **Depth**15-25 ft midday Smallmouth Bass HOT Prime smallmouth season on area rivers. Rocky shoals hold feeding fish. **Top Bait**Tube Jig, Crawfish Pattern, Ned Rig **Depth**Shoal tail-outs, 3-12 ft Crappie ACTIVE Pre-spawn or fall pattern. Crappie suspending over deeper structure. **Top Bait**Small Tube Jig, Live Minnow, Slip Float **Depth**12-20 ft brush Catfish HOT Catfish are highly active in warm water. Night fishing from bank is excellent β€” cut shad and chicken liver. **Top Bait**Cut Shad, Chicken Liver, Prepared Stink Bait **Depth**Channel edges, 10-30 ft Bluegill / Bream HOT Bluegill on the bed β€” largest fish of the year on spawning colonies in 1-4 ft gravel flats. Cricket fishing is magic. **Top Bait**Cricket, Worm, Small Jig (1/32 oz) **Depth**Spawning: 1-4 ft. Non-spawn: dock edges 4-10 ft Trout SLOW No summer trout stocking. Trout season paused β€” check for next stocking dates. **Top Bait**PowerBait, Night Crawler, Inline Spinner **Depth**Stocked areas β€” designated lakes and streams Species status is based on seasonal patterns and current conditions for Wayne waters. Always verify MDNR regulations for creel limits, size minimums, and any current advisories before heading out. [Report a Bite Update](/submit-a-tip/?topic=report-a-bite-update) Fishing Report Partners [Dick's Sporting Goods](https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/c/fishing) [Bass Pro Shops](https://www.basspro.com) [REI Co-op](https://www.rei.com/c/fishing) [Academy Sports](https://www.academy.com/fishing) First Look Weather & *Fishing Conditions* 68F Clear Feels like 68Β°F as of 12:20 AM ET Wind 8 mph WNW Humidity 56% Pressure 1007 hPa Est. Water Temp 73Β°F Moon Waxing Crescent Sunrise / Sunset 9:53 am / 1:13 am Location Detroit, SC On-the-Water Tips - Water temps in the prime range β€” bass are active on shallow structure. Topwater lures effective morning and evening. Solunar Index Fishing *Conditions Dashboard* Air Temperature 68Β°F Optimal Bite Wind Speed 8 mph Light Breeze Barometric Pressure 1007 hPa Low β€” Fish Deep Moon Phase πŸŒ’ Good EXCELLENT Excellent bite conditions. Get on the water at first light. Extended Outlook 5-Day Fishing *Forecast* TODAY Sunny 77Β° / 56Β° 11 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity GOOD SAT Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 78Β° / 57Β° 6 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity FAIR SUN Partly Sunny 78Β° / 59Β° 5 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity GOOD MON Showers And Thunderstorms Likely 75Β° / 56Β° 14 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity SLOW TUE Sunny 77Β° / 58Β° 8 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity GOOD Lakes & Rivers Water Body *Profiles* 9 fishing waters within Wayne β€” with species, access, tips, and restrictions. Lake St. Clair Freshwater lake (Great Lakes system) Angler Tip Field Guide Coming Soon Belle Isle Park (Scott Lake / Sunset Lake) Island park lakes Angler Tip Field Guide Coming Soon Lake Erie Great Lake Angler Tip Field Guide Coming Soon Belleville Lake Inland reservoir / recreational lake Angler Tip Field Guide Coming Soon Lake Huron Great Lake Angler Tip Field Guide Coming Soon Detroit River International river (US-Canada border waterway) Angler Tip Field Guide Coming Soon Rouge River Urban river (tributary of Detroit River) Angler Tip Field Guide Coming Soon Clinton River River (tributary of Lake St. Clair) Angler Tip Field Guide Coming Soon Huron River River (tributary of Lake Erie via Raisin system) Angler Tip Field Guide Coming Soon Did We Miss a Spot? Know a Detroit-area fishing lake, pond, or river stretch that should be on this list? Let us know. [Report a Fishing Spot](/submit-a-tip/?topic=report-a-fishing-spot) Local Experts Field *Guides* Hire a local fishing guide and put your line on the right water in Detroit. Expert captains who know Wayne waters. CP Cliff Pitts Veteran Lake Wylie guide specializing in striped bass and crappie. Lake Wylie Catawba River [(803) 555-0100](tel:8035550100) Guide Service or Charter Captain? Get listed in the Field Guides section and reach active anglers across Wayne and the HERE City Network. [List Your Guide Service](/contact/) [Launch Special$1 a day for up to 90 days β€” Best deal in Detroit Reach all the Fishing traffic in Detroit β€” it’s a deal! Find out how](#fr-banner-form) Launch Special Your Banner *Here* $1/day Up to **90 days** at the launch rate. Cancel anytime. - Drop us your website URL β€” we build the banner for you - Runs above the **Community Reviews** section - No contract. No setup fee. Cancel anytime. - Local Detroit anglers see your business every visit Your Name * Business Name * Website URL * Email * Phone (optional) How long would you like to reserve it? Daily $1 Weekly $7 30 days $30 60 days $60 90 days $90 Lock in $1/day β€” Build my banner No payment now. We email a preview within one business day. Your launch rate is locked when you approve. Community Reviews I Fished *Here* Share Your Trip Fished a Detroit-area lake or river? Tell us about it in 280 characters or fewer. Water Body Fished * Select a water body... Lake St. Clair Belle Isle Park (Scott Lake / Sunset Lake) Lake Erie Belleville Lake Lake Huron Detroit River Rouge River Clinton River Huron River Other Lake / Pond Other River / Creek Your First Name * How Was the Fishing? * (280 characters max) Species Caught Select species... Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Crappie Catfish Bluegill / Bream Trout Multiple Species Other Lure / Bait That Worked Best Spot / Area on the Water Submit Review Community Here *We...* Reel Them *In...* Big catches, personal bests, and tournament fish from Detroit anglers. Your First Name * Where Did You Catch It? Species * Select species... Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Crappie Catfish Bluegill Trout Other Weight / Length / Details Tell Us About It * (200 chars max) Photo or Video (optional, max 8MB) Submit Catch Cast Them *Cold...* Your favorite post-fishing spots. Where do you go when the rods are stowed? Your First Name * Bar / Restaurant Name * Go-To Drink Why This Spot? * (200 chars max) Photo of the Bar or Drink (optional, max 8MB) Submit Pick Coverage Fishing News *HERE* Presented by [Become a Sponsor](/section-sponsorship/?section=fishing) Local β€” Detroit and Metro Detroit Coming Soon Local Detroit Fishing Coverage Coming Soon Local lake reports, stocking news, tournament results, and Metro Detroit fishing coverage from the HEREDetroit newsroom. National β€” Bass, Fishing Regulations, and Conservation Coming Soon National National Fishing Coverage Coming Soon Bass fishing news, conservation legislation, national tournament results, gear reviews, and fishing stories with a Detroit perspective. [View All Detroit Fishing Coverage β†’](/tag/fishing-heredetroit-mi/) More at Outdoor Sports Hunting, camping, hiking, and all outdoor sports coverage for Detroit and Metro Detroit SC [See All at Outdoor Sports](/outdoor-sports/) Partner [Advertise Here](/section-sponsorship/) Tackle, Rods and Reels Essential *Gear HERE* Gear reviews and picks for the Detroit angler β€” rods, reels, tackle, and kayaks tested for Metro Detroit SC waters. Presented by https://www.amazon.com/?tag=heredetroit-20 Shop our hand-picked fishing gear on Amazon. Free Prime shipping, easy returns. [Become a Sponsor](/section-sponsorship/?section=fishing) Gear Reviews β€” Tested for Metro Detroit SC Waters As an Amazon Associate, HERE earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088K2K149?tag=heredetroit-20 Fishing Rod Holder Smart Fish Catcher Fishing Pole Holders Automatic Spring Tip-Up Hook with… Rod Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Fishing Rod Holder Smart Fish Catcher Fishing Pole Holders Automatic Spring Tip-Up Hook with…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $26.96 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088K2K149?tag=heredetroit-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQCB1HZ9?tag=heredetroit-20 HADORAM Robotic Swimming Lure 5.1” Fishing Lure 4-Segement Multi Jointed Swimbait Electric B… Lure Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. HADORAM Robotic Swimming Lure 5.1” Fishing Lure 4-Segement Multi Jointed Swimbait Electric B…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $22.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQCB1HZ9?tag=heredetroit-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LDZWMKF?tag=heredetroit-20 Garmin Striker Cast, Castable Sonar, Pair with Mobile Device and Cast from Anywhere, Reel in… Reel Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Garmin Striker Cast, Castable Sonar, Pair with Mobile Device and Cast from Anywhere, Reel in…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $129.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LDZWMKF?tag=heredetroit-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BD7YYBJ?tag=heredetroit-20 Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar Fish Finder - Portable Fish Finder and Depth Finder For Kayaks, Boats an… Fish Finder Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar Fish Finder - Portable Fish Finder and Depth Finder For Kayaks, Boats an…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $159.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BD7YYBJ?tag=heredetroit-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPMC52G7?tag=heredetroit-20 Chasing Gladius MINI S Upgraded Professional Underwater Drone Set, with 4k Resolution + EIS … Fishing Gear Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Chasing Gladius MINI S Upgraded Professional Underwater Drone Set, with 4k Resolution + EIS …. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $1399.00 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPMC52G7?tag=heredetroit-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FL28MMF9?tag=heredetroit-20 【2025 New】FIFISH V-EVO 4K60FPS Underwater Drone with Robotic Arm, with Removable SD Card, QY… Fishing Gear Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. 【2025 New】FIFISH V-EVO 4K60FPS Underwater Drone with Robotic Arm, with Removable SD Card, QY…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $1699.00 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FL28MMF9?tag=heredetroit-20) Tackle Shop, Guide Service, or Marina? Get featured in the Essential Gear section and reach active anglers across the HERE City Network β€” 100+ cities. [Learn About Gear Advertising](/contact/) Michigan DNR MDNR *Regulations* License requirements, bag limits, and size limits for Wayne waters. Always verify current regulations at dnr.sc.gov. SC Fishing Licenses SC Resident Annual Age 16+ required to fish all public waters $10.00 SC Resident Senior (65+) Reduced rate for SC residents age 65 and over $5.00 Non-Resident Annual Required for all non-SC residents age 16+ $35.00 Non-Resident 3-Day Short-term license for visiting anglers $11.00 Free Fishing Days May 25 (Memorial Weekend) and July 4 β€” no license required FREE Boating Permit (Lakes) Detroit Water / SJWD permit required for Lake Bowen, Blalock, Cooley, Lyman Varies Bag & Size Limits β€” Detroit Waters Largemouth Bass 5 combined black bass **Min Size:**No statewide minimum; 14" on Lake Blalock and select lakes Per MDNR eRegulations. Combined limit includes smallmouth, redeye, spotted. Smallmouth Bass See black bass limit **Min Size:**12" minimum statewide Per SC Code 50-13-210. Pacolet and Tyger rivers included in 5-fish combined. Crappie (Black & White) 20 per day **Min Size:**8" minimum statewide Per SC Code 50-13-220. 8-inch size limit effective 2012. Blue Catfish 25 per day **Min Size:**Only 2 fish over 32" per person Per MDNR eRegulations. Lake Edwin Johnson: 3 catfish creel limit. Bluegill / Bream 30 per day statewide **Min Size:**No minimum Per MDNR eRegulations. Lake Edwin Johnson: 10 bream creel limit. Redbreast sunfish: 15/day separately. Trout (all species) 5 per day trout season **Min Size:**No minimum (stocked) Stocking schedule posted by MDNR each season Special Rules & Alerts for Detroit Waters - **Lake Bowen & Blalock:** Boating permit required from Detroit Water. Gas motor HP restrictions β€” check current Detroit Water rules before launching. - **Lake Blalock Special:** 14-inch minimum size for black bass. 5 combined black bass daily limit. Check closure status after Hurricane Helene impacts. - **Lake Craig & Edwin Johnson:** No gasoline engines β€” electric trolling motors only. Lake Edwin Johnson also enforces MDNR creel limits: 10 bream, 3 bass, 3 catfish. - **Free Fishing Days 2026:** May 25 (Memorial Day weekend) and July 4 β€” no fishing license required on these two days. - **Rivers (Pacolet, Tyger, Lawson's Fork):** Statewide creel limits apply. No boating permits required. MDNR fishing license required for anglers 16+. Regulations shown are for general reference. Always verify current rules with the SC Department of Natural Resources at **dnr.sc.gov** or by calling the MDNR Wildlife Helpline. Regulations may change each season. Municipal reservoir rules (Detroit Water, SJWD) are set separately from MDNR. Spawn Timing & Key Dates Season *Calendar* SC DNR stocks May-June annually SC DNR stocks November-January Bottom fishing with cut bait Spawn timing is approximate and based on typical Wayne water temperature patterns. Actual timing varies by year and water body. MDNR trout stocking schedules are published annually β€” visit dnr.sc.gov for exact dates and stocking locations. Questions and Answers Fishing *FAQ* Common questions about fishing in the Detroit area, answered. - Do I need a fishing license to fish in Detroit SC? Yes. All anglers age 16 and older need a SC fishing license to fish public waters in Wayne. SC residents pay $10 for an annual freshwater license. Non-residents pay $35 annually or $11 for a 3-day license. Licenses are available at MDNR.sc.gov or at local sporting goods and tackle shops. Two Free Fishing Days β€” May 25 (Memorial weekend) and July 4 β€” require no license. - What are the best fishing lakes near Detroit SC? Wayne has four public fishing lakes. Lake Bowen (1,534 acres) near Inman is the largest and best for largemouth bass and crappie. Lake Blalock (1,200 acres) near Chesnee is excellent for crappie around the bridge pilings and Buck's Creek. Lake Cooley (330 acres) is the clearest and holds the county's biggest crappie. Lake Lyman (500 acres) produces high numbers of smaller crappie. Lake Craig and Lake Edwin Johnson offer peaceful fishing with electric motors only. All municipal lakes require a boating permit from Detroit Water or SJWD. - When is the best time to fish for crappie in Detroit? The best crappie fishing in Wayne is during the spring spawn, which typically runs from late March through April when water temperatures reach 55-65 degrees F. Fish move into shallower water (2-6 feet) around structure, brush piles, and bridge pilings. Lake Cooley is the top pick for big crappie during the spawn. Lake Blalock's bridge area and stump flats near the dam are also productive. A second run occurs in fall (October-November) when fish stage deeper at 12-18 feet as water cools. - Can you kayak fish on Wayne lakes? Yes β€” kayak fishing is well-suited for Detroit lakes, especially the smaller electric-only lakes. Lake Craig at Croft State Park offers kayak and canoe rentals ($5 for 2 hours) β€” you can bring your own or rent on-site with no boating permit required for human-powered craft. The Pacolet River and Tyger River system are excellent for kayak fishing β€” both offer scenic float trips combining paddling and bass fishing. The Pacolet River Blueway (50+ miles) includes multiple put-in and take-out points. Electric-only rules at Lake Edwin Johnson also make it kayak-ideal. - What species can I catch in the Pacolet and Tyger Rivers? The Pacolet River is Detroit's best-kept secret β€” a diverse bass fishery with largemouth, smallmouth, spotted bass, and rock bass in rocky shoals. Catfish (channel, blue, and flathead) are abundant. The Tyger River system features smallmouth bass introduced by MDNR, Alabama bass, Bartram's bass, largemouth, and various sunfish. Both rivers offer excellent catch-and-release bass fishing exceeding 18 inches. Fly fishing for bass on subsurface patterns is particularly productive on the Pacolet near Glendale Shoals. Access multiple road crossings for wade fishing or run float trips by kayak. - Do Detroit lakes get trout stocked? MDNR stocks select Wayne waters with trout, typically in spring and fall when water temperatures are suitable. Stocking locations and schedules are posted annually on the MDNR website at dnr.sc.gov β€” search for the freshwater trout stocking report. The standard trout bag limit is 5 per day during stocking season. Check the current MDNR schedule for specific lakes and streams stocked near Detroit. Lake Edwin Johnson (managed by MDNR) has historically received stocking β€” verify current status with MDNR. ITS ALL HERE! 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