Wintertime Fishing on Lake St. Clair: Ice Conditions, Hot Spots, and Lures for Walleye, Perch, and Bass

As of January 25, 2025, fishing on Lake St. Clair is quite different from the warmer months, but there are still some insights to share for those eager to hit the ice or plan for the upcoming season.

### Weather and Ice Conditions
Currently, Lake St. Clair is likely frozen, given the winter season. However, for those planning ahead, it's important to note that ice conditions can vary greatly. Check local ice reports before venturing out, as safety is paramount.

### Fish Activity
During the winter, fish activity slows down, but species like walleye, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass can still be active in certain areas. In the recent past, surveys have shown that Lake St. Clair supports healthy populations of these species.

### Recent Catches
From the 2024 surveys, it was noted that Lake St. Clair had strong catches of walleye and yellow perch. The annual lake sturgeon assessment also showed continued recruitment of young lake sturgeon into the adult population[1].

### Best Lures and Bait
For ice fishing, typical lures include jigging spoons, small jigs, and tip-ups with live bait such as minnows or maggots. For walleye, a jigging spoon with a minnow or a jig with a plastic tail can be effective. For yellow perch, small jigs tipped with maggots or waxworms work well.

### Hot Spots
- **Anchor Bay**: Known for its shallow grass and sandy flats, this area is a hotspot for smallmouth bass and other species.
- **The Mile Roads**: This area is famous among bass anglers for its consistent catches of smallmouth bass, especially during the spring and summer months[2].

### Tidal Report
Lake St. Clair is not a tidal body of water, so tidal reports are not applicable.

### Sunrise and Sunset
As of January 25, 2025, sunrise is around 7:55 AM, and sunset is around 5:20 PM.

In summary, while winter fishing on Lake St. Clair is more about ice fishing and requires careful planning due to ice conditions, the lake's fish populations remain robust. For those planning ahead, areas like Anchor Bay and The Mile Roads are prime spots to target once the weather warms up. Always check local reports for ice safety and fishing regulations before heading out.