Best fishing spots in Lake St Clair

Lake St. Clair, nestled between Michigan (USA) and Ontario (Canada), is a fishing paradise that consistently ranks among North America’s top freshwater destinations. Though smaller and shallower than the neighboring Great Lakes, Lake St. Clair boasts a high biomass of game fish—including muskie, smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, and northern pike. The lake’s unique circular shape and connecting channels (Detroit River and St. Clair River) allow fish to migrate easily, creating numerous productive fishing hotspots.

Whether you’re fishing from a boat, kayak, or shoreline, here are the best fishing spots in Lake St. Clair, categorized by region and the species they’re known for.

Best U.S. Side Fishing Spots (Michigan)

1. Anchor Bay (Northeast Corner)

Known for: Largemouth bass, pike, perch, panfish, and muskie

Why it’s great: Anchor Bay offers shallow weed beds, protected waters, and marshy shorelines, making it ideal for bass and pike. The area is also one of the safest for ice fishing in winter.

Access Points: Brandenburg Park, Fair Haven DNR launch

Best Time: Spring through fall for bass and pike; winter for perch

2. Mile Roads (St. Clair Shores Area: 9, 10, 11 Mile Roads)

Known for: Smallmouth bass, muskie

Why it’s great: These areas offer clear drop-offs and rocky structure where smallmouth bass congregate. Muskies often roam deeper just beyond the break lines.

Access Points: Public launches at 9 and 11 Mile Roads, nearby marinas

Best Time: May–September for bass, June–October for muskie

3. Clinton River Mouth

Known for: Pike, smallmouth bass, perch

Why it’s great: The mixing of warm river water and lake currents attracts predators, especially in spring when pike and bass move in to spawn.

Access Points: Harley Ensign Memorial Boat Launch

Best Time: Early spring for pike; late spring and early summer for bass

4. Detroit River Mouth (South End)

Known for: Walleye, muskie, smallmouth bass

Why it’s great: This current-rich area is a key migration route for walleye in spring and fall. Muskies and smallmouth bass are often caught here as they travel between lakes.

Access Points: Lake Erie Metropark, nearby marinas

Best Time: April–June and September–November for walleye; June–October for other species

Best Canadian Side Fishing Spots (Ontario)

5. Mitchell’s Bay (North Shore)

Known for: Muskie, perch, largemouth bass

Why it’s great: This shallow bay with expansive weed beds is one of Ontario’s top muskie fishing spots. It’s also excellent for family fishing trips targeting perch and panfish.

Access Points: Mitchell’s Bay Marine Park

Best Time: June–October for muskie and bass; late summer for perch

6. Belle River Area

Known for: Smallmouth bass, muskie

Why it’s great: The Belle River flats hold good numbers of smallmouth bass, while muskie are frequently caught in nearby open waters.

Access Points: Belle River Marina, public boat ramp

Best Time: Summer and early fall

7. Thames River Mouth

Known for: Walleye, pike, bass

Why it’s great: During the spring, walleye and pike enter the river to spawn, creating hot fishing at the mouth and nearby shallows. Bass often move in after spawning.

Access Points: Lighthouse Cove area

Best Time: April–June for pike and walleye; summer for bass

Other Noteworthy Fishing Zones

8. St. Clair River (North of Lake St. Clair)

Known for: Walleye, steelhead, salmon (seasonal)

Why it’s great: This connecting river has deep, cold currents that are perfect for jigging or trolling. It’s a popular walleye destination in spring and fall.

Access Points: Port Huron, Marine City

Best Time: April–June, September–November

9. Lighthouse Cove to Ruscom River Flats

Known for: Panfish, bass, muskie

Why it’s great: Quiet, less trafficked waters that offer great weed structure for casting.

Best Time: Mid to late summer

✅ Tips for Choosing the Right Spot

Spring: Focus on river mouths and shallow bays as fish move in to spawn.

Summer: Target deeper weed edges and rock piles in open lake areas.

Fall: Look for migrating fish in deeper waters and river connections.

Winter: Try Anchor Bay and Mitchell’s Bay for safe ice and active perch schools.

🧭 Access Points and Boat Launches

U.S. Side: Harley Ensign DNR, Metro Beach, Fair Haven, Brandenburg Park

Canadian Side: Mitchell’s Bay, Belle River Marina, Lighthouse Cove

📝 Final Thoughts

Lake St. Clair is not just a lake—it’s a dynamic and ever-changing fishery. Thanks to its shallow depth, high oxygen levels, and abundant baitfish, fish are always on the move, which means the best fishing spots shift with the seasons. Whether you're after a trophy muskie, a mess of jumbo perch, or bass action all day long, the lake has a spot suited to your goal.

With easy access, friendly marinas, and incredible angling diversity, Lake St. Clair truly offers something for every angler.