Detroit River Fishing Mid July

[siuebass25]

I will be fishing an FLW College Fishing event on the Detroit River on July 19th. I was wondering if anybody could help me out with any information they would be willing to give. I'm sure there is quite a bit of current flowing through there, my first guess on things to throw would probably be drop shot, shakey head, and a tube? Our cutoff is just south of Celeron Island and just before Lake St. Clair begins. Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

[Nick]

I have fished a few summer tourneys there this decade, but I'm no local. I remember the river traffic is quite dangerous in the channel. Lots of big boats can make your life hazardous after 9:00. Ships use the channel as well and as they suck water through their mammoth props one can actually see them create good current a quarter of a mile before they get to you! Smallies do react to this esp. near points and it's a neat trick to use to catch them. So do take advantage of this manmade current. Tubes and dropshots always good here esp. in the green/brown tones. We were never restricted to river fishing so we fished the Lake mainly.

Now if you like largemouth fishing do explore the small creeks and weedlines available. You also don't need to fear the big boats in these protected areas. Frogs, jigs and worms are good, and I'd def. go braid in these areas.

I guess you'll be chaffeured by an Everstart pro who probably knows these waters. Tell him you either want to fish points for smallies or backwaters for largies and he should get you going.

[siuebass25]

Yea we are being taken out in an Everstart boat, but we have a no information clause that starts as soon as we know who we are fishing with. They are not allowed to give us any waypoints, information, etc. We have to fend for ourselves. It wouldn't be so bad if we would be able to afford to go up there to prefish, but we can't. Thanks for the info, I am trying to find some info through the internet, but it is hard to find.

[Nick]

Look at a satellite view such as Acme Maps 2.0. Free on the net. Locate the largest creeks and fish them for greenies. The west side channel behind Grosse Ille island is quite shallow so it should be protected from big boats. Might consider throwing shallow cranks and spinnerbaits in there early. Believe it runs about a mile. Hit the point on both North and South on the Grosse Ille island. Next, east of Grosse Ille are several small marina and private dock cuts dredged out for boats to moor. All of these cuts can be good for greenies. The better ones will have deeper water as a rule and also have quite a few patches of sub and emergent vegetation. I like the ones with the most corners. Also skip around the shade of boats anchored. Senkos anyone? If you don't get bit in 10 minutes of any of these cuts, keep moving. Just North of the Canard River is Fighting Island. Many small cuts that hold boats in here as well. The small creek at the north end is worth exploring a bit as well. These Northern bass are quite aggressive. Fish as fast as you can. You'll know if they are there!

Not familiar with the Rouge River, but I'd fish the upcurrent point of it if it is available.

One last thing. Lots of bass will have been caught and probably released right around Elizabeth Park. Would'nt hurt to fish for throwbacks right outside of the off limits area. Too bad you aren't prefishing.

[siuebass25]

Yea, it sucks we cannot prefish. I would go up there but my partner and I cannot afford to take a week off of work, and I am taking summer classes. Thanks for the info, hopefully we can figure them out.

[TimJ]

Nick, some good info there. picking up on the ship currents is not usual for non-regulars.

SIUE...I live in Windsor, ON and usually fish the river for bass maybe 5 times a year. I may be out soon but we are having so much fun on StClair...I am just flat wearing my sons out...watch for the latest pics in Fishing Trips heading tomorrow.

is there a cutoff date to receive info by? just want to know so I dont get you in trouble by posting something.

I can get you some details soon. please PM me as a reminder as soon as you want to.

also, I need boundary points on both the US and Canadian sides to draw a line because I may have something close on the south end.

Tim J

[siuebass25]

Our cutoff points are just south of Celeron Island and the mouth that leads into St. Clair. Our no information clause does not start until about 6 AM on July 16th (the day of the tournament). I am not sure if I should be fishing for largemouth or smallmouth. I am from central Illinois and have never caught a smallmouth before. So far I have read that the south side of Celeron is usually good and around Grosse Isle. Let me know how you did when you get there.

Thanks

Brad

[siuebass25]

Here is the website with the map and the gps cutoff:

http://collegefishing.com/image.cfm?id=32900

Thanks for all the info guys, it really helps alot since we have never been there before.

[TimJ]

siue...check your mail for a PM.

[Nick]

Saw that a team from SIU did quite well on the Detroit River. What's the story?