View Full Version : fox vs detroit river need info
Gibby
04-01-2003, 05:00 PM
We've been going to the Detroit river the last 5-6 years. I've experienced the phenomenal fishing it offers in the spring but have also been burnt by dirty water and little bite. It seems like we hit it right about once every 3 years. Our scheldule doesn't allow the flexibility we need to hit it right every year. This year we're thinking about trying the fox river within the next few weeks. Is this a mistake or can the fox produce good fishing in the spring. I know its not as weather sensitve as the detroit. What can one expect? Any comments are much appreciated.
This is the best start I've seen on the Detroit river so far. Most boats are limiting right now on 6-8#'ers and they haven't even started the run. It's your choice, but you'll be missing out!!!!
Scott
04-01-2003, 09:18 PM
I don't know where DFC is getting his reports, but I have spent the last four days fishing Wyandotte and there are fish being caught but not many 6-8#. The fish are scarce still, we have been running cameras in Wyandotte and Trenton and there is little activity. Most people checking in at Wyandotte ramp are catching between 4 and 8 fish per boat and most are 2 lb males. Yesterday a 9 and 10 lber were weighed in, but they are rare. Don't mean to doubt your report, but from what I've seen we are still a week away from a real good bite. Hope it turns on soon have charter clients this weekend. Good luck to all.
Getting the reports first hand from the people who caught them. Seen 24 eyes yesterday alone between 2 boats/5 people. A few people with singles also. Granted, not every one was 6-8#, but that seems to be the most common size range right now. We are still at least a week from the strong run, but for the first week on the river, people are doing much better than other years.
Don't feel bad. I was drifting with another boat Sunday night at National Steel. Those 3 guys brought in 14 eyes and me...... ZERO.
guest
04-02-2003, 05:57 AM
Fox R. fishing can be good, but the thing I don't like is all the people. I don't know what the Detroit R. is like, but you can walk across the Fox on all the boats on the weekends. The flow is low this year and the run seems to be spread out over a fairly long time period. It gets unbelievable irritating to have boats anchored 10yds on either side of you with barely enough room to cast, and then have somebody come and anchor in between you and the boats that were already too close. There just isn't enough water on the Fox for all the people. If you decide to fish the Fox, I'd go on weeknights.
Gets just like that here in about a week. Except nobody uses anchors here. You'll get a dozen or two boats drifting together jigging in a pack with boats handlining all around them. Gets tricky sometimes.
Piggie
04-02-2003, 06:13 AM
I just got back from the Fox and the fishing was excellent, but not that many people did near as well as we did. between 2 of us we got 26 in two nights with the average fish at 6 lbs or so. We also got 4 whitefish, which was kind of cool. I've never caught one before.
ttt
More info on the fox, thanks.
JimRK
04-03-2003, 07:29 AM
Gibby,
Just a reminder that the Fox River is a trophy fishery only in the spring. You are only allowed 1 fish over 28" long until May. If you decide to fish for a wall hanger, it is great. If you need a meal of fish, you will should run over to the Wolf River. Both are great areas to fish. Where ever you decide to fish, have a great trip!
Guest
04-03-2003, 10:17 AM
It matters what time you'd be coming too. The run has been sporadic so far, and the weather right now doesn't look like it's going to get good any time soon.
thinking about next weekend the 12th for five days
guest
04-03-2003, 02:26 PM
Well I'd keep an eye on lake-link.com and watch the Depere-Fox R. posts. If the weather cooperates there are big fish to be caught.
Jim Ordway
04-07-2003, 02:10 PM
The Detroit River has a much larger population of fish and, due to one fish over 28 rule at the Fox, the possibility of catching a trophy and eater fish as well. The Fox is much narrower and more congested. If you have not been to the Fox, give it a try. I think the average fish size on the Detroit is better than the Fox. You can have a day that nets you a possible trophy or a few 5# fish on the Fox, but most of the aggressive fish are short. Most of the larger fish are caught casting around the rapids. Either use tough leader material and or bring lots of baits. They get hung up constantly. Jigging can net you a decent fish. We picked up some decent fish last week while drifing into 12' of water below the dam. Dont' be afraid to leave the pack while trying to locate your trophy.
Good luck,
Good luck,
Jim