Lake St. Clair

Detroit, MI, United States · Freshwater · Beginner

Widely rated the best smallmouth bass lake in North America. Clear water over vast weed flats holds huge numbers of hard-fighting smallmouth, plus a world-class muskie fishery.

Getting there & access

  • Fish from: land-based or boat
  • Boat ramp: Lake St. Clair Metropark, 31300 Metro Parkway, Harrison Township, MI, has a marina on Lake St. Clair
  • Parking: Park entry requires a daily vehicle or boat pass or an annual pass, sold by the Metroparks

Lake St. Clair Metropark lists fishing and boating among its activities and is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. at weekends; ice fishing is offered in winter. Check Michigan's current fish-consumption advisories for Lake St. Clair before eating your catch, and confirm current Michigan DNR fishing rules.

Access information source

Species

  • smallmouth bass
  • muskellunge
  • walleye

Best times to fish

  • Post-spawn smallmouth (Jun)
  • Autumn feeding (Sep-Oct)
  • Muskie trolling (Oct-Nov)

Recommended gear

Essential

  • Medium spin combo (10-15lb)
  • Tubes, dropshots and jerkbaits
  • Sounder with mapping
  • Fluorocarbon leader

Optional

  • Bass boat or kayak
  • Trolling motor with spot-lock
  • Large landing net for muskie

Regulations and requirements

  • Michigan all-species fishing licence required
  • Bass and muskie seasons and size limits apply
  • Border waters — check whether you are in US or Canadian water

Rules change regularly — always confirm with the relevant fisheries authority before you fish.

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