Seeking information on catching catfish in Detroit River [Archive]

Pepperoni

January 29th, 2004, 12:36 AM

With 200 boats, you won't be crowded. Be aware that the Detroit River is a
major shipping channel between Lake Erie and Lake St Clair/Lake Huron. It
is deep and fast-flowing, but fully navigable. Be aware that it is divided
by the US-Canadian border; read up on fishing regulations, contest rules
and get current charts to prevent hassles with Customs. Also be careful of
alcohol regulations which may vary across the border, and may vary by the
type of boat. (e.g. if sleeping facilities are aboard.)

The zebra mussel infestation means that the water is much cleaner than 15
years ago. (they are filter feeders) On clear sunny days, light penetration
is much deeper than you may have experienced years ago. This may affect your
fishing methods and locations. There *ARE* huge cats out there, but few
fish for them. This waterway is one of the great midwest fisheries for
every gamefish in the Great Lakes, and most fishermen chase their favorite
trophies here. Come for the contest, but allow an extra day or two for an
unbelievable sport fishing expedition. (anchor anywhere between Monroe and
downtown Detroit/Windsor; drop any bait or lure and hang on to the rod.)
Troll for salmon, muskie, striper hybrids, walleye, bass, perch, white bass,
or whatever. Drift fishing is good, but watch out for large vessels in the
shipping channels. Take a marine radio and full safety gear. This is big
water and a danger to the ill prepared and stupid.

I don't fish for cats during the day, but your chances are good, especially
in rain or heavy overcast. The rivers are full of channel cats, but they
are most active after dark. My favorite bank fishing spot is the mouth of
the Huron river, but all the rivers have huge big cat populations, as does
the big water. My bait recommendation may sound strange, but 1/2 inch
rounds of beef hot dogs does for me......haha Shad will be plentiful, but
finding them smaller than 10 inches will be difficult. It is shad spawning
season, and they will be running the rivers to spawn.

Good luck. If you enter in Monroe, you will have a long run to the start
point. You will be driving over the finest walleye bass and salmon water in
the midwest. You will notice the bottom is fairly uniform and about 20-25
feet down. Be aware that zebra mussels are tough on mono lines. Your best
bet may be the deeper water at the edges of the shipping channels (stay
clear of the lake freighters....they are not known for driving around
smaller traffic. The river tends to be much deeper (than lake Erie) and
more turbid due to heavy current.

Happy fishing

Pepperoni
http://www.boatnerd.com/facts-figures/detriv.htm
http://www.greenwaycollab.com/images/DET_RIV/AHR.gif

"nlcatfish" > wrote in message
m...
> I plan on fishing in a catfish tournament on the Detroit River this
> May. Seeking information how to fish for cats since I have never been
> on that body of water. What are the best baits ,how swifth is the
> current,how deep is the river etc? Is there other baits besides
> shad that is used? Are there many holes to fish or just a small
> number. The sponsers think they may get 200 boats,if true it could be
> crowded if there are only a few spots to fish. Appricate any help on
> this nlcatfish