March 4, 2021

Detroit River: Has some ice flow coming down.  No boats were out.

Lake St. Clair: Ice on the main lake has been compromised by the run-off and warm conditions. There have been many instances of anglers falling through the ice this week. Even places with relatively thick ice have weak areas and pockets of open water. Anglers should no longer be on the ice.

St. Clair River: Ice flows are occurring periodically. These are difficult to predict and conditions can change rapidly. Some walleye and salmon are starting to be caught by shore anglers in the upper river.

Michigan DNR

Mar 18. 2021

Detroit River: Is producing some yellow perch in the cuts and marinas. Most are using perch rigs with minnows. A couple small walleye were also caught.

Lake St. Clair: The lake and backwaters are ice free. Some docks are in at the Harley Ensign launch. Fairhaven and Selfridge should have the docks in soon. Windy conditions have made it difficult to get out. Some anglers are doing well on perch and panfish in the nearshore areas, marinas and canals.  couple walleye were caught by those trolling in the southwest area of the lake. 

St. Clair River: The docks should be in soon once the potential for ice flow damage is no longer a concern. Walleye and salmon are being caught by the few anglers venturing out.

Michigan DNR

Mar 28, 2021

Spring yellow perch fishing on Lake Erie is underway with some excellent catches coming off Cattaraugus Creek in 50-60 feet of water. Buffalo Harbor launch is open, Cattaraugus Creek State launch and Town of Hanover launch are open without launch docks, and Sturgeon Point launch is closed.

Cattaraugus Creek was in fishable shape the last couple of days, but the water level is coming up again. The other Lake Erie tributaries were running lower and the overall bite was slower. Today's rain gave those creeks a needed bump in flow. Spring run steelhead hit a variety of baits including egg sacs, egg flies, trout beads, nymphs, streamers, worms, minnows and jigs with grubs or twister tails. For those new to steelhead fishing, see the Steelhead Fishing in Lake Erie Tributaries page.

Anglers were recently catching some steelhead and brown trout from the Dunkirk City Pier by casting spoons and spinners. The DEC fishing platform on the west side of the harbor remains closed due to extensive storm damages. Some trout typically show in Barcelona Harbor in spring as well. Decent numbers of yellow perch generally show in Buffalo Harbor in spring. Be aware, fishing in Buffalo Harbor is permitted from the shore or boat only. No fishing on the docks.

NY DEC