"Fall Fishing Update: Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, and More Biting on Lake St. Clair"

As of October 17, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake St. Clair is looking promising, despite the transitioning fall weather.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
Today, the weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 58 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 45 degrees. Winds will be moderate, coming from the northwest at about 10-15 mph, which should keep the water relatively calm, especially closer to the shore. The sunrise was at 7:44 AM, and sunset is expected at 6:23 PM.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a decent amount of fish activity, particularly for smallmouth bass and walleye. The smallmouth bass were active in the shallower areas, especially around the Mile Roads and near Harsens Island. Walleye were caught in slightly deeper waters, around 15-20 feet, using jigging techniques.

### Catch Reports
Several anglers reported catching smallmouth bass in the range of 2-4 pounds, with some larger ones up to 5 pounds. Walleye catches were also impressive, with fish ranging from 2-5 pounds. Rock bass and perch were also common catches, particularly in the Anchor Bay area.

### Best Lures and Bait
For smallmouth bass, soft plastics like curly tail grubs and tube jigs in earth tones have been effective. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits are also working well, especially in areas with submerged structures. For walleye, jigging with minnows or leeches has been the go-to method. Trolling with deep-diving crankbaits in shad or baitfish patterns is also yielding results.

### Hot Spots
- **Mile Roads**: This area is known for its abundant smallmouth bass population and is a great spot to use soft plastics and crankbaits.
- **Harsens Island**: The waters around Harsens Island are rich with smallmouth bass and walleye. Look for areas with rocky drop-offs and submerged weed beds.
- **Anchor Bay**: This bay is a hotspot for rock bass and perch. Use small jigs or live bait to target these species.

Overall, Lake St. Clair is offering some great fishing opportunities as we move into the fall season. Make sure to stay close to shore to avoid the wind and take advantage of the active fish populations.