Top-Rated Detroit River Beginner Fishing Charter

Detroit River

What you will be catching:

Lake Sturgeon
Walleye

Trip Pricing and Availabilities:

Trip pricing information is temporarily unavailable.

Morning Walleye Charter on Detroit River

The Detroit River offers some of the best walleye fishing in the Great Lakes region, and this 5-hour morning charter puts you right in the action. Starting at 7:00 AM, this beginner-friendly trip with Big EZ Charters is designed for folks who want to learn the ropes without feeling overwhelmed. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand and will have you targeting walleye and other local species while teaching you everything from bait selection to proper rod handling. At $475 for up to three guests, it's a solid value that includes all your gear, so you can show up empty-handed and still leave with skills and hopefully some fish.

What to Expect on the Water

You'll meet your captain bright and early to make the most of those prime morning hours when walleye are most active. The Detroit River is a working waterway, so you'll see everything from massive freighters to smaller pleasure boats as you navigate to the best fishing spots. Your guide will set you up with quality rods and reels, explain how to read your fish finder, and show you the subtleties of jigging and trolling that make all the difference. The 5-hour window gives you plenty of time to get comfortable with the techniques without feeling rushed. Don't worry if you've never held a fishing rod before – that's exactly what this trip is for. The captain will adjust the approach based on your skill level and current conditions, making sure everyone on board has a chance to hook into something special.

Techniques You'll Master

Detroit River walleye fishing is all about precision and timing. You'll learn the art of bottom bouncing with jigs tipped with minnows or crawlers, feeling for that subtle tick that signals a fish picking up your bait. The captain will show you how to set the hook properly – not too hard, not too soft – since walleye have relatively soft mouths. You'll also get hands-on experience with trolling using lead core line and diving planers to get your baits down to where the fish are holding. The river's current creates natural feeding lanes, and your guide knows exactly where to position the boat to take advantage of these prime spots. All the gear is top-notch and included in your trip cost, from the rods and reels to the tackle box full of proven lures and live bait.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Walleye are the main target and the reason most anglers fish the Detroit River. These golden beauties typically run 2-4 pounds in these waters, with the occasional trophy pushing 6-8 pounds or more. Spring and fall are prime time, but summer mornings like this charter targets can be phenomenal when you get on the water early. Walleye have excellent night vision, which is why that dawn bite is so productive – they're still actively feeding from their nighttime hunt. What makes catching walleye so satisfying is their fight combined with their table fare. They don't jump like a bass or run like a salmon, but they have a distinctive head-shaking battle that keeps you guessing. Plus, there's nothing better than fresh walleye fillets for dinner.

Lake Sturgeon are the wildcards of the Detroit River and catching one is like winning the lottery. These ancient fish can live over 100 years and reach massive sizes – we're talking 50+ pounds for the big ones. They're bottom feeders with sensitive barbels that help them locate food in the murky water. Sturgeon fishing requires patience since they're not as abundant as walleye, but when one picks up your bait, you'll know it immediately. The fight is completely different from any other freshwater fish – long, powerful runs that will test your drag and your arms. Most sturgeon caught here are released since they're such important spawning stock, but getting a photo with one of these prehistoric giants is a memory that lasts forever. The Detroit River is one of the few places in the Great Lakes where you have a legitimate shot at hooking into one of these monsters on a regular fishing trip.

Time to Book Your Spot

This morning charter fills up quickly, especially during peak walleye season when word gets out about hot fishing. The captain recommends contacting them before booking to discuss current conditions and confirm availability – river fishing can change fast, and they want to make sure you're set up for success. At $475 for three people with all gear included, it's competitively priced for a top-rated guided experience on one of the region's best walleye waters. Additional guests are just $100 each, making it easy to bring along a fourth angler if your group is bigger. The 7:00 AM start time means you'll be back by noon, leaving your afternoon free for other activities. Whether you're a complete beginner looking to learn or someone who wants to experience world-class walleye fishing without the investment in gear and local knowledge, this charter delivers real value and the kind of hands-on instruction that turns first-timers into lifelong anglers.

Learn more about the animals

Lake Sturgeon

Lake Sturgeon are living dinosaurs - literally unchanged for millions of years. In the Detroit River, most run 3-4 feet and 30-80 pounds, though monsters over 100 pounds still cruise these waters. They're bottom huggers, using those whisker-like barbels to feel around sandy areas and deep holes for crayfish and worms. Spring through fall gives you the best shot when they're more active. What hooks people is the sheer uniqueness - catching a fish older than your grandfather that looks prehistoric. They fight like underwater logs at first, then wake up with surprising power. The meat's excellent too, firm and mild. Here's my tip: use a big glob of nightcrawlers on heavy tackle near current breaks. These fish have no teeth, just vacuum up food, so when your rod bends over, give them time to really take it before setting the hook.

Walleye

Walleye are the bread and butter of Detroit River fishing. These golden-colored fish typically run 14-20 inches here, with bigger ones pushing 6-8 pounds. They've got those distinctive glassy eyes that help them hunt in deeper water during the day - usually 15-25 feet along drop-offs and rocky structure. What makes them special is they bite best during low-light periods, so our early morning trips hit prime time. Walleye put up a solid fight without going crazy, making them perfect for beginners. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish you'll find - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. My local trick? Work your jig slowly along the bottom near current breaks. When you feel that subtle tick, set the hook quick - walleye have soft mouths and spit baits fast.

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

The captain's 26-foot fishing boat handles the Detroit River's currents with ease, giving you a stable platform to learn the basics of Great Lakes fishing. With cushioned seating for three and plenty of deck space to move around, beginners won't feel cramped while getting hands-on instruction. The boat comes equipped with all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need to target walleye and other local favorites. Your captain knows these waters inside and out, so you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time wondering where the fish are hiding. The covered cabin provides shelter if the morning gets chilly, while the open deck gives you room to practice your casting technique. Rod holders keep your gear organized, and the captain's fish finder helps locate the best spots along the river.

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