AM Walleye Fishing Detroit River Canvasback

Detroit River Walleye Charter with Captain Billy

Captain Billy Howe has been working these waters for two decades, and there's nobody I'd rather send you out with for a morning walleye trip. The Detroit River and Lake St Clair system is hands down one of the most productive walleye fisheries in the Great Lakes, and Billy knows every current break, structure, and seasonal pattern that makes these fish tick. This morning charter is perfect for anyone who wants to experience world-class fishing without the full-day commitment. Whether you're a complete beginner or you've been chasing walleye for years, Billy will put you on fish and make sure you have a great time doing it. The trip covers up to two anglers in the base price, and you can add more folks if needed. All the gear is provided - we're talking quality rods, reels, and tackle that can handle whatever these waters throw at you.

What to Expect on the Water

Your morning starts early, which is exactly when you want to be out there. Billy will have you hitting the prime spots right as the fish are most active, usually focusing on the deeper channels and drop-offs where walleye stage during their famous spring runs. The Detroit River system is unique because it connects two major bodies of water, creating incredible current and structure that holds fish year-round. You'll be trolling with precision - Billy uses GPS and sonar to stay on the productive water, adjusting speed and depth based on what the fish are telling him. The boat is equipped with everything you need, including a comfortable setup that makes it easy to handle fish and enjoy the ride. Spring and fall are absolutely lights-out for walleye here, but Billy finds them consistently throughout the open water season. Don't be surprised if you pick up some bonus species along the way - muskellunge, yellow perch, catfish, and white bass all call these waters home.

Techniques and Tackle Setup

Billy runs a trolling program that's been refined over 20 years of guiding on this system. You'll be working with medium-action rods rigged with line counter reels, letting you get your baits down to the exact depth where fish are holding. The standard approach involves pulling crankbaits and crawler harnesses at controlled speeds, usually between 1.5 and 2.5 mph depending on conditions and fish mood. Billy reads the water constantly, watching his electronics for bait schools, temperature breaks, and bottom structure that attracts walleye. The Detroit River has incredible current, so boat control is everything - you'll see him making constant adjustments to keep baits in the strike zone. Lead core lines and snap weights help get presentations down deep, especially when targeting the 25-35 foot zones where big walleye often suspend. All tackle is provided, so you just need to bring your Michigan fishing license, polarized sunglasses, and non-spray sunblock. Moderate alcohol is welcome as long as it's not in glass containers.

Top Catches This Season

Walleye are the star of the show here, and for good reason. These fish run heavy in the Detroit River system, with most keeper walleye ranging from 15 to 20 inches, though bigger fish over 25 inches show up regularly. Spring brings the famous walleye run when fish move through the system to spawn, creating some of the most consistent action you'll find anywhere in the Great Lakes. They're aggressive feeders during this period, hitting everything from bright-colored cranks to natural presentations. Summer walleye relate more to deeper structure and thermal layers, but Billy knows how to find them. What makes walleye so appealing is their excellent table fare - these are some of the best eating fish in freshwater, with firm white fillets that taste amazing. White bass provide fast action when they're schooled up, especially during their own spawning runs. These scrappy fighters often come in bunches, giving you bent rod after bent rod. Blue catfish are the heavyweight division here, with fish over 20 pounds possible. They fight harder than most people expect and provide a different kind of challenge on lighter tackle. American yellow perch are a favorite for their sweet, delicate meat and cooperative nature - perfect for beginners or when you want consistent action. Muskellunge are the wild card - these apex predators can show up anytime and turn a routine walleye trip into something special. They're not common, but when one hits, you'll know why they're called the fish of 10,000 casts.

Why Book Your Morning Trip

This Detroit River walleye charter with Captain Billy gives you access to some of the best walleye fishing in the Great Lakes without having to figure out this complex system on your own. Twenty years of local knowledge means you're fishing the right spots with the right techniques, maximizing your time on productive water. The morning timeframe is perfect for people who want great fishing but also have other plans for the day, and it's typically when walleye are most active anyway. All gear is included, so you're not dealing with the hassle and expense of rigging your own boat and tackle for these specific waters. Billy's USCG license and professional approach mean you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about safety or navigation. The variety of species keeps things interesting - even if walleye are slow, there's usually something else biting. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with dinner, introduce someone to Great Lakes fishing, or just get out on the water with a knowledgeable guide, this trip delivers consistent results and a great experience on two of Michigan's most productive fisheries.