Fishing Report: Vibrant Catches at Lake St. Clair Despite Transitioning Weather

As of October 6, 2024, the fishing scene at Lake St. Clair, Michigan, is quite vibrant, despite the transitioning weather.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
The weather has been cooler, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to low 60s, which is typical for this time of year. Winds have been moderate, making it essential for anglers to be prepared for changing conditions. Since Lake St. Clair is not a tidal body of water, tidal reports are not applicable.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset is expected at approximately 6:45 PM. These times are crucial as they often mark the peak feeding periods for many fish species.

### Fish Activity
Fish activity has been robust, especially for species preparing for the colder months. Muskie anglers have had success casting from the spillway to the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, with casting proving more effective than trolling. Smallmouth bass fishing, although slow in some areas, has seen some action near the 9 Mile area and in Anchor Bay. Largemouth bass have been active in the canals, particularly on inclement days.

### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught
Yesterday, anglers reported catching a decent number of perch near the dumping grounds and the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club while drifting or anchored with perch rigs. Walleye fishing was best in the mouth of the south channel, with anglers fishing in 70 feet of water or less. A few Chinook salmon and steelhead were also caught while trolling spoons.

### Best Lures and Bait
For smallmouth bass, drop-shots, jerkbaits, swimbaits, hair jigs, and plastics have been working well. Natural colors for hair jigs and ned rigs, and brighter colors like orange and clown for swimbaits and jerkbaits, have been particularly effective. For perch, traditional perch rigs have been successful. For muskie, casting with larger lures such as crankbaits or spinnerbaits is recommended. For walleye, spinners and crawlers have been the best choice.

### Hot Spots
- **Bolles Harbor Boat Launch**: Shore fishing here has been good, with anglers catching similar species to those at Sterling State Park.
- **9 Mile Area**: This spot has seen some smallmouth bass activity, making it a worthwhile location to try.
- **Grosse Pointe Yacht Club**: Both muskie and perch anglers have found success in this area.

Overall, Lake St. Clair continues to offer a variety of fishing opportunities as the fall season progresses. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and adjust your tactics accordingly to maximize your catch.