As of November 21, 2024, here’s a local’s perspective on the fishing conditions at Lake St. Clair, Michigan.

First off, the weather is quite chilly, with temperatures in the mid-40s to low 50s Fahrenheit, which is typical for this time of year. The sunrise was at around 7:30 AM, and sunset is expected around 4:50 PM. The winds are moderate, coming from the northwest at about 10-15 mph, which can affect the water conditions.

Tidal influences are minimal on Lake St. Clair since it is a freshwater lake, but the water levels can fluctuate slightly due to wind and precipitation.

Yesterday’s fishing reports indicated a decent day for anglers. Fish activity has been steady, particularly for walleye and perch. Several anglers reported catching walleyes in the 2-4 pound range, mainly using jigs with minnows or nightcrawlers. Perch fishing was also good, with many catching them in the 8-12 inch range using small jigs tipped with maggots or small minnows.

For those targeting smallmouth bass, the Mile Roads area and the waters around Harsens Island have been hot spots. Bass were caught using soft plastics and crankbaits.

If you're looking to catch muskie, the areas around the St. Clair River and the north channel have shown some activity. Muskie anglers have been using large bucktail spinners and jerk baits.

In terms of specific lures and bait, for walleye, try using a jig with a minnow or nightcrawler. For perch, small jigs with maggots or small minnows are effective. For smallmouth bass, soft plastics like curly tail grubs or crankbaits in shad patterns have been working well.

Hot spots to consider include the waters around Metro Beach, especially the areas behind Selfridge Air National Guard Base, and the Anchor Bay region. These areas have consistently produced good catches of walleye, perch, and smallmouth bass.

Overall, it's a good time to get out on the water at Lake St. Clair, just make sure to bundle up against the cold.