Night fishing big rivers (Detroit River)

[Jim S. (MI)]

Hi all, just moved to MI (from WA)and got a chance to fish the tail end (late May)of the walleye run on the Detroit River. What a new experience. I have some questions on fishing at night on these big rivers since I have heard and read that success improves after dark for size and numbers of eyes...true or not? Is this a shore-only deal? The only public ramps I know of close at 10 PM...anyone know different? I have fished quite a bit at night but only on lakes and I know it's probably a whole different beast on the river...can anyone clue me in on night fishing the Detroit River for walleyes? I'm having a bit of luck with "eating size" fish but would like to get in on some bigger fish (C&R of course). Thanks much, Jim.

[Chartertalk]

Jim, night fishing is done 2 ways that I know effectively on the Detroit River. Handlining and casting the shallows at night. The fishing is good both during the day and night. Night casting is a blast, throwing a jig and twister in 2-3 ft of water and hooking walleys is much more exciting than the handling that you have witnessed on the river during the daytime.

Bob Devine
Chartertalk Guide Service
www.chartertalk.com

[Hunter]

Fishing in the Detoit is fantastic at night. It has been very good lately. Most productive way (#'s) of fishing is handlining. Longlining floaters in very shallow water at night and ripping them also accounts for alot more fish than people tend to believe.

Casting up on points and shoreline, is also very good, but you have to know where they want to be, this is my favorite night fishing, although no where near as productive as handlining.

Im not going to give Gps coordinates, but look for natural shoreline areas, that are very close to cement and steel brakewalls. These natural shoreline areas hold hundreds of fish in the very late hours, and just about any method will take them. You just have to brave the dark, and watch out for drunken fools on daddys $100,000 boat.

As far as ramps go, all the ones in Windsor are available at any hour. Daylight they charge, but go home around 10. No security but if you park under the lights you should have no problems.

[river king]

wyandotte ramp is open 24 hours. if you launch there go north about 1 mile great lakes steel will be on your left side if its after dark you will see the area light up when they dump the hot slag from the mill fish right out in front of there thats the hot spot these handliners are so quiet about

[FireTiger]

Not so quiet, we just call that spot liquid night lights, I love seeing people hook a hog and then they dump that slag and light up the sky,as for method,jigging's works fine but pulling wire is the only way for me but I have a few friends who long line and seem to do very well,nav maps and dive data and a few plugs and you will have a experience to remember

[Hunter]

Some of my favorite areas are exactly as I described, but on the Canadian side. Took alot of years to find these spots, I think everyone understands why people dont want to put out exact locations. I dont mind helping, but I dont want to go out and have someone anchored over all my favorites!

[Jim S.]

The info you gave me was exactly what I was in search of. I didn't and don't want exact locations or "honey holes". I would never ask that information of any fellow angler. I hope to join you on the river after dark; thanks again and good fishing. Jim.

[Cangl]

Most ramps are not open 24 hours Wyandotte is and is patrolled periodically other than that south of there their all out in the lake. North of there at your own risk until again out in the lake. Most all state ramps are open 24 hours though not legally posted as open from 4am to 11pm screw up in the wee hours for that extra ticket for the most part sensible anglers are not kicked out. Talking American side that is. Full moon tonight and I am on the COMP. Just finished up a limit of monster bluegills can't have both today. Should be good fishing they run larger at night no doubt in my mind or stats.

[Capt. Larry D. Jones]

Jim,
What part of Washington State did you move to MI from?I'm from Arlington,Wa ,but have lived in Buffalo,NY on Lake Erie and the Niagara River since 1977.Capt. Larry D. Jones / Mostly Muskies Charter /http://www.mostlymuskies.com

[FireTiger]

Cool site,Capt,good rates, the wallys slow down in the river I might have to pop over and have a try at Mr. Musky, hooked a few on the Detroit River and a couple of them really impressed me.