Fishing Report: Walleye, Smallmouth Thrive in Lake St. Clair as Fall Approaches

As of October 8, 2024, here’s a local’s perspective on the fishing scene at Lake St. Clair, Michigan.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 62°F and a low of 48°F. Sunrise is at 7:34 AM, and sunset will be at 6:43 PM. Lake St. Clair, being a freshwater lake, does not have tidal changes, but water levels can fluctuate slightly due to wind and precipitation.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a mix of fish activity across the lake. Walleye fishing was decent, particularly in the Sni area near the St. Clair Light and upstream from Grassy Island. Anglers were successful in catching walleye in 15 to 20 feet of water using crawler harnesses, with hammered copper proving effective.

Smallmouth bass fishing remains strong, especially in shallow rocky flats and weed patches. Anglers have been doing well in waters ranging from 2 to 20 feet deep. Drop-shots, jerkbaits, and plastics, especially those with natural colors or brighter hues like orange and clown, have been working well.

### Best Lures and Bait
For walleye, crawler harnesses with hammered copper are recommended. For smallmouth bass, try using drop-shots, jerkbaits, and plastics. The Great Lakes finesse drop worm, particularly in green pumpkin with purple flake, has also shown good results in deeper waters around weed patches.

### Hot Spots
- **Grassy Island**: This area has been productive for walleye, especially when jigging in 23 feet of water.
- **Detroit River**: Venturing into Canadian waters near the Detroit River can yield good catches of smallmouth bass, especially in areas with shallow rocky flats and deeper weed patches.

### Additional Tips
Pier fishing has been slow for most species, but freshwater drum and some catfish can still be caught using live bait. Musky anglers have had the best luck in the north channel. Keep an eye out for temperature breaks and structural changes in the water, as these can significantly affect fish behavior and location.

Overall, Lake St. Clair is offering a good mix of fishing opportunities, especially for those targeting walleye and smallmouth bass. Be prepared to move around and adjust your tactics based on the changing conditions.