Lake St. Clair Michigan spawn?

[Banor]

This will be my first year exploring St. Clair during the spawn.  Typically where do these smallies spawn?  I dont mean depth, I mean just a general area they migrate to on St. Clair.  Like Anchor Bay or the channels?  Middle?  North?

Just looking for a starting point.  

B

[squid]

I think most are found on South Shores....Canadian side...by the mouth of the river

[logger]

Sounds like a question for Maltese Falcon to me.

[MALTESE FALCON]

Squid hit it pretty close. I know alot of guys fish the Canadian side at that time of year. The channels, especially the South seem to hold alot spawners too. I normally stay here on Anchor Bay.  I just started picking up some nice smallies this week in the corner by Selfridge.

A couple more places to check would be, the rip rap breaker wall at the mouth of the Clinton River is a smallie hang-out, and the point at the mouth of the Black Creek (Metro Beach). Those are two places I'm thinking about attacking this weekend.

Good luck,

Falcon

[Banor]

Since the Canadian season doesnt open until June 23 I'll probably avoid Canadian spawners.   I was breaking in my new motor all weekend so I didnt get a chance to fish but I'll have to agree with Maltese, after seeing the lake I would say those are definately good looking areas.  

I'll be going back out to fish Clair this coming weekend.  

B

[squid]

Good luck and have some fun.

[MALTESE FALCON]

bshaner,

Where are you going to be this weekend? What kind of boat? I'll look for you. I'll be in a 25' Baja center console w/ 250 H.P. Merc.

Falcon

[Banor]

I'll be in a burgandy/silver Triton TR21 w/ 225hp Opti on it.  I think I'll launch at Selfridge unless you have a better idea of a decent launch that will put me closer to the River so I can check Erie out too.

Just out of curiosity how far is Pelee Islands from the Selfridge Launch?  Where would you suggest filling up if my gas tank werent big enough to sustain the trip?

Are there any no wake zones on the river between Clair and Erie?  That's probably a really stupid question but I have no idea what the protocol is on the River (I've never been there).  Any tips/hints for safety and quick passage?

B

[squid]

There is a spot that they tell us for the BFL that is a no wake....it isnt even marked, but it is suppose to be 200 yrds(?) on both sides of one of the bridges.....just can't remember which one.

[MALTESE FALCON]

You are an adventurous soul, I'll give you that. Selfridge to Erie is a looong haul, especially if the wind kicks up. There is a launch at Metro Beach and another a little south of the beach but I've heard some nightmarish stories about shallow water there.

I'm not familiar with the Detroit  River. I've never fished it in a boat. I've always gone to the St. Clair River.

Just a reminder, get your Canadian license before you fish Pelee Island.

Personally, I think you would be better off fishing the two lakes on seperate days. St. Clair has so much to offer. The whole shore line between Selfridge and the Detroit River could take a week to fish all the good spots thoroughly, not counting all the areas to the north.

Just my opinion,

Falcon

[Banor]

For practice I'll just launch close to the areas I want to investigate.  I'll put in down in Trenton if I'm actually going to practice Erie areas.  I'm just more curious about the long runs for tournament day.  I also want to make the run atleast once or twice prior to the tournament so I know my limitations.  I dont like to leave anything to chance.

Ya, if you see me stop by.  I'll be out both friday and saturday.  I never mind a friendly angler stopping at my boat for a chat.  I'm not one of those possessive water types.

Squid,  Joshimoto was telling me about the "Golden Mile" or "Miracle Mile" or something like that.  They might be talking about that.  Supposedly there's a spot where the tuna boats and barges go through that is sea wall on both sides and no matter what the conditions the waves dont go any certain direction, they criss cross and get really rough.   You apparantly want to go slow and keep your bow up in the air or you'll be in trouble.  That sound familiar?

B

[MALTESE FALCON]

Are you putting in at Selfridge on Friday and Saturday? If so, what time?

Falcon

[Banor]

I'll probably just do Selfridge since I am familiar with it.  Well my game plan (and it is still two days away) is to be there at the crack of dawn.  There's always the chance that I could get mad at the alarm clock and permanently hit the snooze button.

B

[squid]

Yeah, that sounds about right...never drank water in the river though...did in Erie.  Boater hit a nice wave...lol