Detroit — The Detroit River wasn’t always a place people wanted to spend time. For a long stretch, it was better known for factories and pollution than fishing or wildlife. But over the past decade or so, that’s started to change with a lot of local effort.
Stretching 28 miles between the U.S. and Canada, the river has become something of a hidden gem for anglers, especially those chasing walleye. Each spring, over 14 million walleye migrate through the Detroit River from Lake Erie to Lake St. Clair and back.
Thanks to work from NOAA and groups like Friends of the Detroit River, old industrial shorelines have been reworked into spawning grounds and natural habitat. Places like Sugar Island and Belle Isle are a lot more inviting now for fish and for people.
These days, you’ll spot people out there all the time, rods in hand. Will, a Detroiter, is one of them. “I come to the Detroit River twice a week, and I bring my kids, teach them how to fish,” he said. “There are many things in life you don’t get a chance to do, so we are trying something different.”
The comeback of Detroit River fishing is real, and if you haven’t visited in a while, now is the perfect time to check it out. With beautiful waters and thriving fish populations, it’s an experience you don’t want to miss.
Aldo Buttazzoni is a contributor to Michigan Enjoyer. Follow him on X @AldoButtazzoni and Instagram @AldoButtazzoni.
