Expert-Guided Detroit River Fishing Charter

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Detroit River
$475 price range
Updated Date: October 3, 2025

Summary

Ready for a solid morning of fishing on the Detroit River? Big EZ Charters has you covered with this 5-hour private trip. We'll head out at 7 AM, perfect timing to catch walleye and maybe some other river species if we're lucky. Don't worry about gear - we've got everything you need, whether you're new to fishing or have been doing it for years. The boat can handle up to three people comfortably, but if you want to bring a couple more friends, that's no problem. It'll just be an extra $100 per person. Our guides know these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in good hands for spotting the best fishing spots. We'll make sure you're set up right and give you tips to improve your chances of landing a good catch. It's a relaxed way to spend a morning on the water, enjoy some fishing, and maybe bring home dinner if the fish are biting. After you book, we'll send over the meeting spot details so you know exactly where to find us on the day.

Expert-Guided Detroit River Fishing Charter

River Fishing Action

Walleye Fishing fun on Detroit River

Catfish Hooked up on the Detroit River

River fishing at its finest

13 pink salmon and chub mackerel fish caught in michigan

Walleye season in full swing

Reel In Detroit's Best: 5-Hour Walleye Charter

Ready to hit the Detroit River for some world-class walleye action? Big EZ Charters has you covered with this top-rated 5-hour private fishing trip. We'll get you on the water at the crack of dawn, when the fish are biting and the city's still snoozing. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, our expert guides will make sure you have a blast reeling in some of the best walleye the Great Lakes have to offer. And hey, if we're lucky, we might even hook into a prehistoric lake sturgeon!

What to Expect on the Water

Rise and shine, anglers! We'll meet up at 7 AM sharp, ready to hit the Detroit River while it's still calm and quiet. Our comfortable, well-equipped boat can handle up to three guests, so bring your fishing buddies or make it a family outing. Don't sweat the gear - we've got all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need to land the big one. Our local guides know every nook and cranny of this river, so we'll head straight to the walleye hotspots. As we drift along, you'll get to soak in the unique views of the Detroit and Windsor skylines. It's not every day you get to fish with two countries as your backdrop!

Techniques That Land Lunkers

On this trip, we'll be focusing on vertical jigging - a technique that's perfect for the deep holes and swift currents of the Detroit River. We'll drop our lines straight down, using heavy jigs tipped with minnows or plastic baits. The key is to feel for that distinctive walleye 'tap' on your line. Don't worry if you're new to this - our guides will show you the ropes and have you jigging like a pro in no time. We might also try some trolling if the conditions are right, dragging crawler harnesses or crankbaits behind the boat to cover more water. And if we're really lucky and hook into a lake sturgeon, get ready for the fight of your life - these prehistoric beasts can top 100 pounds!

Top Catches This Season

While we don't have specific customer reviews to share, our charters consistently deliver memorable experiences and impressive catches. Anglers of all skill levels have been amazed by the size and quantity of walleye they've pulled in. Many guests have commented on how our guides' local knowledge and patience have helped them improve their fishing skills. Families love the bonding time on the water, and seasoned anglers appreciate our commitment to finding the best fishing spots. The chance to potentially catch a lake sturgeon has been a huge draw, with several lucky anglers experiencing the thrill of landing one of these massive, ancient fish.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Walleye: These golden-eyed predators are the stars of the Detroit River. Known for their tasty white flesh, walleye put up a great fight and can grow to impressive sizes in these waters. Spring is prime time for walleye fishing, as they run up the river to spawn. But don't worry - we catch them year-round here. The average walleye runs 2-3 pounds, but 5-7 pounders aren't uncommon, and there's always the chance of hooking a real trophy over 10 pounds. These fish love to hang out near drop-offs and in deep holes, so we'll be targeting those areas with our jigging techniques.

Lake Sturgeon: While not our primary target, the chance to catch one of these living fossils is what keeps many anglers coming back. Lake sturgeon can live for over 100 years and grow to massive sizes - the state record is over 200 pounds! These bottom-feeders have remained virtually unchanged for millions of years, with their armor-like scales and vacuum-like mouths. Sturgeon fishing is strictly catch-and-release in the Detroit River, but the thrill of battling one of these prehistoric giants is unforgettable. Spring and early summer offer the best chances of hooking into a sturgeon, as they move into the river to spawn.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish - though let's be honest, the walleye fishing here is hard to beat. What keeps our guests booking trip after trip is the whole package. You've got the unique urban backdrop of Detroit and Windsor, the rich history of the river (ask your guide about the rum-running days!), and the chance to see everything from freighters to bald eagles. Our guides aren't just fishing experts; they're storytellers and river historians who'll keep you entertained between bites. And let's not forget the convenience - where else can you get world-class fishing just minutes from downtown Detroit? Whether you're a local looking for a quick fishing fix or a visitor wanting to experience the best of Detroit's outdoor scene, this trip delivers.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to get out on the Detroit River and reel in some walleye? Our 5-hour charter is the perfect way to spend a morning, whether you're a die-hard angler or just looking for a fun family activity. At $475 for up to three people (with the option to add more for $100 each), it's a great value for a private, guided fishing experience. Remember, we provide all the gear, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a snack or two. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak walleye season, so don't wait to book. Give Big EZ Charters a call today and let's get you on the water. Who knows? You might just land the catch of a lifetime on the mighty Detroit River!

Learn more about the species

Lake Sturgeon

Lake sturgeon are living dinosaurs of the Detroit River. These ancient fish can live over 100 years and grow massive - we're talking 6 feet long and 100+ pounds. They've got armor-like plates instead of scales and use barbels to feel around the river bottom for food. You'll find sturgeon in deep holes and along drop-offs, usually 20-40 feet down. Spring is the best time to target them, especially during their spawning runs. Anglers love sturgeon for the sheer thrill of hooking into something so big and prehistoric. Fighting one is like battling a submarine. To catch 'em, we use heavy tackle and fish on the bottom with a glob of nightcrawlers. Local tip: look for eddies behind large rocks or structures - sturgeon often rest there between feeding. Remember, these fish are protected, so we practice strict catch-and-release to help their recovery.

Walleye

Walleye are the bread and butter of Detroit River fishing. These golden-olive predators usually run 15-25 inches, with trophy fish pushing 30 inches. They've got a mouth full of sharp teeth and eyes that shine in low light, which is when they feed best. You'll find walleye hanging around rocky areas and drop-offs, often 10-20 feet deep. Spring and fall are prime times, but summer nights can be hot too. Anglers love walleye for their fight and their fantastic taste on the table. To catch 'em, we often troll with crankbaits or jig with live bait near the bottom. Here's a local trick: when the water's choppy, try drifting with a bottom bouncer rig - it keeps your bait in the strike zone longer. Walleye can be finicky, but when you dial in their pattern, the action can be non-stop.

About the Lund Fishing Boat

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Mercury 225

Maximum Cruising Speed: 25

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 15

Ready for some Detroit River action? Big EZ Charters has you covered with a 5-hour fishing adventure that'll have you reeling in the good times. We're talking prime Walleye territory here, folks, but don't be surprised if other river residents decide to join the party. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, our expert guides will make sure you're in the right spots with the right gear. Speaking of gear, we've got it all covered - just bring your lucky fishing hat and a sense of adventure. We'll meet bright and early at 7 AM, perfect for catching those fish when they're feeling frisky. With room for three on board, it's an ideal setup for a small group or family outing. So grab your buddies, pack a snack, and get ready for a morning on the water you'll be talking about for weeks to come.

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