ST. CLAIR RIVER

While the peak walleye fishing on the St. Clair River doesn’t get started as early as on the Detroit River, this river system boasts the number of fish it yields. Its ability to show anglers a great time catching walleyes is a continuous occurrence year after year.

The average current speed here is a bit faster than in many of the state’s rivers, while structure in the form of rocks can be found everywhere. But current plus rocks will always add up to plenty of walleye action.

While jigging is a top-rated technique here, the river’s shallow waters offer anglers the opportunity to cast to the many rock-filled current breaks that can be found. Schools of walleyes will stage in the slack water while recovering from the rigors of spawning and feed on anything that resembles an easy meal. To master this casting technique, anglers will need a hefty electric motor or a gas-powered engine to keep the boat positioned above the current break. Occasionally, anchoring will do the trick, but casting to specific spots may be restricted by the limited mobility caused when anchored.

When using jigs, 1/4- to 3/8-ounce jigs should be considered in the shallow water of the St. Clair River. Since the water will have warmed by the mid-June peak, jigs tipped with plastics or live crawlers will work best. Minnows should be used only as a last resort.

Look for the mouth of the river on Lake Huron to offer good numbers of walleyes in the spring. This area has an especially fast current and can be some tricky fishing, to say the least. The Pine River area in St. Clair will usually attract walleyes in the late spring. Anglers can do well in this area while drifting crawler rigs or by handlining. There are several top spots to try from the Belle River inlet south through the North Channel and Middle Channel. Look for current, rocks or weeds. Odds are, the walleyes will be there as well.

For a fishing report on the St. Clair River, call (586) 777-7008. For bait and tackle, you can contact Lakeside Fishing Shop at (586) 777-7003.

ST. JOSEPH RIVER

Mention the St. Joseph River in a circle of anglers, and chances are the topic will be steelhead or salmon. This river has earned that rule of topic and still continues to yield an abundance of these fighting machines annually. But to the locals, this fishery offers up yet another specialty in the form of gold.

“Personally, I’m glad the walleyes haven’t been the primary focus of attention in the years past,” said Mike Rulo of Coldwater. “While all the other guys are chasing steelhead, I’m having a good time catching walleyes. I take some real trophies every year out of the Joe.”

Well, you can’t keep a good thing quiet forever. With the word out now, those anglers whose love for the sport centers on walleyes will certainly want to add this river to their list of spring fisheries.

According to Rulo, a top spot to target spring walleyes can be found from the mouth of the St. Joe where it meets Lake Michigan, and upstream about 8 to 10 miles. Other hotspots are along the Eagle Point Marina below Mercy Hospital, out from the Berrien Hills Golf Course and along the river directly upstream from the Benton Township ramp.

For best action, try drifting a rig consisting of a split shot, No. 2 Aberdeen hook and night crawler along the bottom. When working from shore, cast your offering at a 45-degree angle to the current and keep a slightly taut line to feel light pickups. When fishing from a boat, consider drifting crawler rigs or trolling with crankbaits. Overall, look for the crawlers to work best. As an added touch, especially during dirty water conditions, add some brightly colored beads to the crawler rig. There are times when this is all that’s needed to entice a strike.

To access the St. Joseph River, try the Benton Township launch. It can be reached by taking exit 28 off Interstate 94.