WEEKLY FISHING REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 6TH 2023

Going from upper 60s two weeks ago to more than an inch of snow in some places in less than a week, it reminds us all how bipolar Michigan weather can be. Such weather events can stir up the fish patterns, but those who are willing to brave the elements and follow the fish can be sure to capitalize on the weather shifts. For those who are getting ready to put the boats and the rods away for the season, we would encourage you to make at least one last trip before the freeze.

ST. CLAIR RIVER & DETROIT RIVER (HOT BITE!!)

Walleye jigging is HOT down at the Detroit River, where anglers are catching strong numbers of fish at the river mouths and between the Ambassador and Gordie Howe Bridges on 1 oz. jigs tipped with a plastic minnow, Emerald Shiner, and a stinger hook. For some anglers fishing deeper in water upwards of 40 feet, they opt for 1.5 oz. jigs instead.

On the St. Clair River, anglers are concentrating their efforts near the river mouths and using 1 oz. jigs tipped with a plastic minnow, Emerald Shiner, and a stinger hook.

Anglers fishing the bank from the parks along the Detroit River have also had great success fishing the same setups as boat anglers. Concentrate efforts in the low light hours and on cloudy days while the fish are shallower. Anglers tend to fish darker color patterns like Purple Panther and Black.

Water temperature is continuing to drop week on week. Right now, water temperatures are hovering in the low 50’s to high 40’s.

Visit The Bait Shop in Waterford, Mi for fresh Emerald Shiners and tackle for the river!

LAKE ST. CLAIR

PERCH: Perch fishing is HOT on St. Clair! Anglers are fishing spreader rigs (perch rigs) on the bottom tipped with Emerald Shiners. Follow the boats or fish between 9 Mile and Detroit, or the Belle River Hump in Canadian waters. Eric Long from Long Line Charters is a great charter on St. Clair, give him a shout for a great trip!

SMALLMOUTH: For anglers still chasing the bronzebacks, fish are being caught in about 4-12 feet of water on moving baits such as jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and lipless crankbaits. When you locate fish, slowing down with swimbaits or dropshots can be effective.

Water temperature continues to hover in the low 50’s to high 40’s.

INLAND LAKES

CRAPPIE: Anglers are catching crappies in various depth ranges with some fish suspending and some fish relating to structure, weed beds, and drop-offs. Anglers are catching crappies on small jigs tipped with a plastic or a minnow, slip bobber rigs with a jig or minnow, or spreader rigs tipped with minnows.

BASS & PIKE: Find Bass and Pike around the remaining living weed beds, structures, or drop-offs. On high-pressure days these fish may suspend but most catchable fish are related to hard structures and weedbeds. Fish with spoons, jerkbaits, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, and chatterbaits to locate fish, then slow down with a ned rig, dropshot, or jig to trigger fish to bite.

Water temperatures vary from lake to lake, but will most likely fall in the low 50’s to upper 40’s.

WEST SIDE SALMON AND STEELHEAD RIVERS

SALMON: The last of this years run will be catchable this week, maybe with a few stragglers next week. Fish for the last remaining salmon with beads, bags, skein, or bottom bouncing (flossing) rigs.

STEELHEAD: The steelhead bite has been hit or miss from angler reports with most anglers concentrating on fish following the spawning salmon, or just entering the river on the lower ends. Anglers fishing out of Boats on the bigger rivers tend to have more success than anglers fishing on the bank. Fish natural egg bead colors, spawn bags, skein, hardbaits, and bottom bouncing rigs.

Water temperature tends to be in the upper 40’s.

EAST SIDE PEIRS

SALMON: Anglers are catching Atlantics and Coho at Lexington, Sanilac, Harbor Beach, and Port Austin Piers. Anglers are fishing with live bait rigs and running skein, shrimp, or Emerald Shiners, or throwing spoons, spinners, and harbaits (Rapalas, thundersticks, etc.).

Water temperature is in the low 50’s across most piers, expect it to decrease to upper 40’s.

WEATHER AND LUNAR FORECAST

LUNAR: Half moon on November 5^th, recedes to a new moon by the 13^th. Expect night fishing to be about as good as the low-light bite.

WEATHER: Weather is supposed to be mild and hover around the late 40’s during the day and the mid 30’s during the night. Expect at least a shower or two during the week that might lower water temperatures.

Good Luck fishing!! Got a fishing report? Got pictures you want shared? Send us a PM on Instagram or Facebook!