For December 8th on Lake St. Clair, Michigan, the fishing scene is quite vibrant despite the cooler winter conditions.
### Weather and Tidal Report
Today, expect a partly cloudy sky with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to low 40s Fahrenheit. The sunrise was at around 7:45 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:45 PM. Given Lake St. Clair's connection to the Great Lakes system, tidal effects are minimal, but water levels can fluctuate slightly due to wind and river flow. Currently, the water levels are stable, with no significant changes expected.
### Fish Activity
Fish activity remains steady, particularly for walleye, perch, and smallmouth bass. Yesterday, several anglers reported catching a good number of walleyes, especially in the deeper waters around the Mile Roads and the Dumping Ground area. Yellow perch were active near the shore, making them a great target for shore fishing. Smallmouth bass were also biting well, especially in areas like Anchor Bay and the St. Clair Metropark.
### Best Lures and Bait
For walleye, using crankbaits and live bait such as minnows or shiners has been effective. For perch, small jigs tipped with minnows or maggots work well. Smallmouth bass are responding to drop-shot rigs, crankbaits, and vibrating jigs, especially in the shallow grass and sandy flats.
### Hot Spots
- **Anchor Bay**: Known for its abundant smallmouth bass and walleye, this area is a hotspot, especially in the shallow grass and sandy flats.
- **St. Clair Metropark**: This area offers great fishing for both largemouth and smallmouth bass, as well as perch. The backwater areas and channels provide excellent habitat for these species.
Overall, Lake St. Clair continues to offer excellent fishing opportunities even in the late fall and early winter months. Make sure to bundle up and enjoy the crisp winter fishing experience.