Detroit river, lower ST. Clair access

[Old Dave]

We'll be coming from Ohio on I-75, wanting to fish for smallies around the dumping grounds. Where's the closest boat ramp site? I know there's an excellent place in Windsor but I'd like to avoid the bridge hassle. Thanks, Old Dave

[Tom (mich)]

In my opinion, you'll find no quality access in the upper Detroit or lower Lake St. Clair. There's a ramp within the city of Detroit called St. Jean's, but it's not in the best of neighborhoods. The southern-most public launch in Lake St. Clair is roughyl at the intersection of Crocker Road and Jefferson, but you're looking at about a 10-13 mile run down to the dumps from there.

[MSUICEMAN]

i wouldn't recommend the st. jeans ramp to even my sworn enemy. i hear they are trying to make it more secure, but I have GREAT doubts. like tom said, the public launch closest is the crocker ramp, which is just south of the corner of jefferson and crocker. yup, about a 12 mile trip.

steve

[Stormsearch]

The St. Jean launch isn't safe after dark. If fishing during daylight hours you shouldn't have a problem. There are a lot of people who use it during the day so you won't be alone. The docks suck also but not unbearable.

[jake]

other options would be wyandotte boat ramp, ecorse boat ramp or belanger park. it's a 16 mile run from belanger to the dumping grounds, but it's mostly on the river and protected waters. a light chop is average. as for the st. jean ramp, it's a mater of what you're comfortable with. i grew up a few blocks from st. jean so i don't think it's that bad. if an out of towner comes and goes in daylight he should be alright.


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