Ice Fishing on Lake St. Clair - Walleye, Perch, and More in the Winter Wonderland

As of December 27, 2024, Lake St. Clair in Michigan is experiencing winter conditions, which significantly impact fishing activities.

**Weather and Ice Conditions:**
The weather is cold, with temperatures well below freezing. Ice has formed on parts of the lake, but it's crucial to check the ice thickness before venturing out, as it can vary. Some areas, especially those sheltered from the wind, may have thicker ice, but it's always wise to consult local ice fishing reports or ask at a bait shop.

**Sunrise and Sunset:**
Sunrise is around 7:57 AM, and sunset is approximately 4:54 PM, giving you a relatively short window for daylight fishing.

**Fish Activity:**
During this time, the primary targets for ice fishing on Lake St. Clair include Walleye, Perch, Northern Pike, and Trout. The fish are generally more sluggish in cold water, but they can still be active, especially around structural elements like drop-offs and weed beds.

**Catch Reports:**
Yesterday, anglers reported catching a decent number of Walleye and Perch through the ice. The Walleye were mostly caught using jigging spoons and tip-ups with minnows or jigging lures like the Swedish Pimple. Perch were active around the deeper weed beds, responding well to small jigs tipped with maggots or waxworms.

**Best Lures and Bait:**
For Walleye, use jigging spoons like the Buck-Shot Rattle Jig or the Swedish Pimple. Tip-ups with live bait such as minnows or shiners are also effective. For Perch, small jigs tipped with maggots, waxworms, or tiny spoons like the Genz Worm are good choices.

**Hot Spots:**
- **Anchor Bay:** This large bay off the main lake is known for its quality fish and is a good spot to target both Walleye and Perch.
- **St. Clair Metropark:** The backwater areas here provide great fishing spots, especially around the vegetation and docks. The channel outside the no-wake zone is excellent for smallmouth bass, but during ice fishing season, it can also yield Walleye and Perch.

Remember to always check the ice conditions and follow local guidelines to ensure a safe and successful fishing trip on Lake St. Clair.