detroit river access???

[paul surrock]

looking for some info on where to put in, as close to the action as possible(smalll boat). any special stickers required for boat? am i going to need a canadaian license or can i get a hog on the us side?

[JohnP]

Paul, depending which end of the river you want to fish in, there is a Metro park launch in Gibralter, Mi. It puts you in the river a couple miles south of one of the hot spots in the spring. Get off of I-75 at exit 27, North Huron River road, go east to the end of the road, then turn left on Jefferson. The park is about a 1/4 mile north on Jefferson on the right. On the left side of Jefferson, before the Park entrance,is a pretty good bait shop, Bottom Line Tackle. They have a pretty good supply of minnows, tackle and usually know whats hot in the river. Once you launch, follow the bay out to the river, turn north and head up river to the two candy striped smoke stacks at the Edison plant. That is the spring hot spot for hogs. They should be starting in mid-March, but this year it could be earlier. You won't have any problems finding the hot spots, the boats will be so thick in there, you can reach out and shake hands with most of the guys fishing there.
If you have any other questions, e-mail me,
johnp034@msn.com

LOL, JohnP

[JohnP]

Paul, I forgot, no, you do not need a Canadian license in this area.

JohnP

[Tom (mich)]

As John stated, Lake Erie Metropark is probably the nicest launch downriver, and is within spitting distance of decent fishing. If you want to fish the upper or mid-river stretches, I'd suggest the Wyandotte launch right on Jefferson Road. These areas are nearly "wind-proof". There's also several bait shops in the area. When fishing these areas, I would suggest you get a Canadian license as some prime fishing can be found on that side of the river. Oftentimes, depending on the wind and recent weather, one side of the river will muddy up, and it's good to be able to shoot back and forth if need be. One word of caution, do not risk fishing Canadian waters without a license. I get checked nearly every season, something that unfortunately never happens in Michigan.

[Dan(MI)]

Try to pick up a Detroit River Hot Spots map, I think it will be helpful for you.
Dan

[perchjerker]

There is also Elisabeth Park in Trenton, the most well known and buisest launch. It big, there is a marine sheriff's office there and for being so busy, its usually pretty orderly, they have workers and sheriffs directing traffic. Very deep access and 5 minutes from the Edison Plant.

There is another spot a little futher down from Lake Erie Metropark, too. Its not very well known to out of towners. Point Mouilee State game area has a free launch. The water levels might be a problem there, though. If you keep driving down Jefferson (also called US Turnpike) you will see another launch, the Brownstown launch. Dont confuse this with the pointe mouille launch. You need a pass that you must buy ahead of time at city hall. Besides, its a little way by boat up the channel to the river, and the last few years it, been VERY shallow in there. I wanted to tell you about it so you avoided it. The launch is a little decieving, its a real nice little facility.

[Steve]

Like Perchjerker stated, Elizabeth Park is probably the closest acess point to get to Edison and fish for big fish early.

I do have a question though, I have a friend who guides the Detroit in the spring and he has indicated that the river is shut-down near Edison (one mile in each direction) due to security concerns. Does anybody know if this is true or not? If it is, that is alot of fish that will go un-molested.

[Homer]

I haven't heard that (of course, I haven't been out on the river yet this year, either). Are you sure that he's not referring to the Fermi nuclear power plant near Monroe? I know they instituted a no-fish zone around it post September 11.

[Steve]

The guide told me that you could not launch at Elizabeth and head downstream under the Grosse Ile Parkway Bride. I don't know if it is true or not. I hope it isn't. I believe the guy, but maybe he is feeding me a line or doesn't have the whole story.

[perchjerker]

I agree with Homer. There is no mention of it on the fishing reports page in the Detroit River threads.

If it was true, it would be big news around here, I would imagine.

Im sure someone will tell us for sure.

A quick call to the wayne county sheriff marine division should clear it up.

[perchjerker]

I just called the Wayne County Marine Sheriff at Trenton and he said there are no restrictions.

[Steve]

Thanks, that really clears things up for me as well. There is a group of us that fish in the spring and that mis-information had us more than a little concerned.

Can't wait.

[perchjerker]

Yea, the officer I spoke to was kinda suprised at my question. He double checked with the coast guard while I was on the phone.

He said people are probably getting the Edison power plant in Trenton confused with Fermi II.

[Steve]

I couldn't imagine what it would have been like if that section of river was closed. Minor revolt?

[the legend]

thanks for the info steve and perchjerker, never been there before but i figure i better get my chance at a 10+ pounder before them canadian trollers wipe out the walleye population, its all downhill from here boys! whats the water like at the power plant? I'll be fishing out of 14' v-bottom .

[RIVERRUNNER]

There's a bunch of spots on the river, most better than the stacks.My top 5 spots aren't on the hot spots maps,you must have both ont. and mich. liceince,s.Sometimes it pays to fish away from large packs of boats.There are 3 good launches in ontario, upper, mid and lower.let me know if you need info on them or acommadations.

[Tom (mich)]

I'm with RiverRunner on this one. Haven't fished the infamous Trenton Channel in years - too crowded, too snaggy, way too crazy. The entire river system holds fish. My best days have been when I haven't been within hundreds of yards of another boat.

[Tyee]

Any of you know the name and directions to a city (?) ramp north
of Elizabeth Park maybe 2-3 miles (by river) ? It launches you out
to a bend area of the Detroit River with an island out from the
launch, and more of a flat sandy bottom ? Heard this is a decent
area to fish and not as crowded as the power plant/towers area.

Thanks !

[Homer]

It sounds like you're describing the Wyandotte Ramp. Take Southfield Rd. S. 'til it dead ends at Jefferson, turn right and it's down about a mile on your left. Coming from the south, it's just north of where Goddard Rd. ends at Jefferson/Biddle (Jefferson Ave. is called Biddle in Wyandotte).