Lake St. Clair Fishing Report: Smallmouth, Walleye, and Sturgeon Thrive in Winter Wonderland

Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, your go-to expert for all things fishing in and around Lake St. Clair, Michigan. As of today, February 5, 2025, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your fishing trip.

### Weather and Conditions
First off, let's talk about the weather. Early February can be quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from the mid-teens to mid-twenties Fahrenheit. Be sure to bundle up, as the cold winds off the lake can be biting. Today, we're expecting partly cloudy skies with a gentle breeze out of the northwest.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at around 7:45 AM, and sunset will be at about 5:30 PM. These times are crucial for planning your fishing day, especially since fish tend to be more active during these transitional periods.

### Tidal Report
Lake St. Clair is not a tidal body of water, so you don't need to worry about tides affecting your fishing. However, water levels can fluctuate based on precipitation and human activities like dam operations.

### Fish Activity
Recent surveys and fishing reports indicate that Lake St. Clair is still a hotspot for various species. Smallmouth bass, in particular, have been thriving here. The DNR's 2024 surveys showed that smallmouth bass in Lake St. Clair exist in multiple subpopulations, often found in areas like Anchor Bay and the Mile Roads[2][3].

### Recent Catches
In the fall of 2024, the DNR reported high abundances of young-of-year walleye in Saginaw Bay, which is connected to the Lake St. Clair system. This suggests a healthy walleye population that could be migrating into Lake St. Clair. Additionally, lake sturgeon recruitment has been strong, with young sturgeon surviving into adulthood in the North Channel of the St. Clair River[2].

### Best Lures and Bait
For smallmouth bass, you can't go wrong with drop-shot rigs, tubes, and spybaits. These lures excel in the shallow grass and sandy flats of Anchor Bay and the Mile Roads. If you're targeting walleye, try using deep crankbaits or jigging spoons, especially in the deeper zones of 8 to 14 feet. For lake sturgeon, which are less common but present, sturgeon-specific baits like nightcrawlers or shad guts can be effective, though these fish are often caught incidentally while targeting other species[3].

### Hot Spots
- **Anchor Bay**: This large bay off the main lake is renowned for its quality fish. It's a great spot for smallmouth bass, and you can fish the shallow grass or sandy flats with reaction baits.
- **The Mile Roads**: Known for its well-defined structure, this area is a favorite among bass anglers. Look for long sloping points with grass and sand.
- **St. Clair Metropark**: This area offers excellent access to both largemouth and smallmouth bass. The backwater areas are great for largemouth, while the channel outside the no-wake zone is perfect for smallmouth.

In summary, Lake St. Clair remains a fantastic destination for anglers, even in the cold winter months. Dress warmly, choose the right lures, and head to the hot spots like Anchor Bay and the Mile Roads for a productive day on the water. Tight lines