Fishing Lake St Clair
AKA: St Clair Lake
Boat and bank fishing
Last updated on .
Popular Fish Species
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Lake St Clair provides some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in the country. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, and bass tournaments are often won primarily with smallmouth. Fishing for smallmouth bass is often spectacular, and generally good to very good. When you find them shallow, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits, especially around rip rap. Around grass, use drop-shot worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish. When the lake freezes over, enjoy ice fishing for smallies.
Muskie Fishing
If you like catching big fish, fishing for muskellunge in Lake St Clair could provide a trophy fish on any given cast. Giant musky roam these waters, and are aggressive eaters. Muskie fishing can bring some exciting moments to your fishing day, as big muskies are spectacular, and strong fighters. Use a strong rod in medium- to medium-heavy action, with heavy line - 20# or heavier. Because of their sharp teeth, steel leaders are highly recommended. Muskie have a big mouth so use big baits, same baits you would use for bass but in larger sizes. Topwater, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits all work well for hungry muskie. The best time of year to chase these big fish is Spring, and then again in Fall as the water temperature starts cooling. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for musky can be very exhilarating. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find muskie during summer.
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Lake St Clair also delivers great catches of largemouth bass, as it has for many years now. Careful fisheries management by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has maintained a thriving fishery for bass and many other species, providing both quantity and quality for anglers. Smallmouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Recent results by locals, and bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been very rewarding lately. Also, there is the potential for catching a monster. Big mouth bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good options. In winter, spend your time fishing Lake St Clair on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Fishing for largemouth bass can range from fair to very good here, year round. In winter when the lake freezes over and the ice is safe, bass can be caught while ice fishing.
Fishing Video
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, white bass, yellow perch, muskie, northern pike and sturgeon at Lake St Clair in Michigan.
Half in Canada and half in Michigan, Lake St Clair is a preferred destination for boating and fishing. This 275,000-acre lake lies in the southeast corner of Michigan, at Detroit. Anglers seeking their own stretch of bank to fish can choose a spot from over 130 miles of shoreline.
Lake St. Clair, located between Michigan and Ontario, is a renowned destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking an exceptional angling experience. With its vast size and diverse fish populations, Lake St. Clair offers excellent fishing opportunities for both recreational and professional anglers. The lake is home to smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, muskellunge, walleye, yellow perch, and northern pike. Ice fishing here is famous for really big perch, but many other species are likely to grab your bait as well. Giant muskies, big smallmouth bass, trophy walleye and big northern pike are all caught with some regularity.
Primary fish species residing in Lake St Clair
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake St Clair Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
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Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
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Marinas
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Fishing License
Click here for a Michigan Fishing License.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Algonac State Park Campground - 810 765-5605
Northpointe Shores RV Resort - 586 250-2800
Riverview Campground Marina - 810 794-0182
Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Algonac State Park
8732 N River Rd
Marine City, MI 48039
810 765-5605
Fishing lakes in each state
020526
MICHIGAN
Information about fishing lakes in MI.
Fishing in the southeast corner of Michigan, at Lake St Clair, for walleye, perch, trout, muskie, crappie, bass, sunfish, catfish, northern pike and sturgeon.
