By Jim Barta

It doesn't take much coaxing to get me outdoors for any activity. If you're looking to go hunting or fishing, regardless of what you're after, if you need a partner, I'm usually ready to go.

But I must admit, there are a few things that really ignite a passion in me. For instance, in the fall it's pretty tough to pry me out of my tree stand for very long. There's just something about watching the sun break through the multiple-colored leaves of a typical Michigan fall. And come spring - ah yes, spring - as soon as the ice clears or season opens, don't get between the river and me when I'm after those magnificent trophy walleyes.

There's simply nothing like the rush of adrenaline that you feel as you set the hook on a large walleye the size of those taken each spring from Michigan's rivers. But be aware, once you've felt it, the experience becomes addicting! Feeling the thrill of having a walleye of near-monster proportions scooped into your net after an enduring battle is all it takes to get you hooked. And so with no cure in sight, the only therapy that can satisfy the habit is yet another trip back to the river.

Being an incurable walleye addict myself, I can recommend a few of Michigan's top rivers where I'll likely be receiving treatment myself this spring. My therapists have their offices in bait shops and on boat ramps, so I'll be sure to mention them here as well. See you there!

Photo by Ron Sinfelt

As testament to this river's fishery, during April and May of 2003, clients and I caught a total 874 walleyes from my boat alone. Of these, 109 weighed over 5 pounds, 57 were over 7 pounds and a whopping 18 walleyes weighed in at 10 to 14 pounds! Now that's what I'd call an incredible fishery.

Catching Detroit River walleyes doesn't take a degree in rocket science, but there are a couple tricks that'll help put more fish in the boat. For instance, maintaining a vertical presentation while jigging is a must. Also, one should be willing to change up with things like jig weight and color. Don't get hung up on one particular thing. Let the fish tell you what colors, weights and techniques they want each day.

When leaving the dock, understand that water color will dictate a lot as to angling methods and lures. For example, if the water is clear, jigging with light jigs and plastic will be the way to go. However, if dark or dirty conditions exist, consider trolling lures that give off stout vibrations or jigging with heavy jigs and live bait for scent.

Early in the spring, look for the southern portion of the Detroit River to see action first. Here in the southern most section of the Trenton Channel, a warmwater discharge presents the river with the season's first prime spawning temperatures.

"The walleyes seek out this area, which also contains some great staging as well as spawning areas," said Bill Dougherty of Bottom Line Bait and Tackle. "There are plenty of rocks and snags as structure that seems to eat jigs as fast as they're offered. But don't let that stop you. Believe me, these anglers don't keep coming back year after year for nothing. The fishing is simply fantastic!"

As season progresses, the fun can be expected to work its way north off the city of Wyandotte.

"Areas such as those found off the local steel mill or Mud Island will appear to collect more boats than walleyes," says Steve Lyell of the Wyandotte Boat Ramp. "But don't be fooled. Thousands of walleyes are caught here each spring, with plenty left to spare."

When fishing the Detroit River this spring, be sure to check out the regulations. Size and creel limits have likely changed for 2004 and anglers will need to be aware of them.

Access to the southern portion of the Detroit River can be obtained from Erie Metro Park in Brownstown or Elizabeth Park in Trenton. To reach the river farther north, check out the Wyandotte Boat Ramp off Jefferson in the city of Wyandotte.

For fishing reports or bait, contact Bottom Line Bait and Tackle at (734) 379-9762 or on the Web at www.bottomlinetackle.tripod.com.; Hook, Line and Sinker at (734) 692-9839; or the Wyandotte Boat ramp at (734) 284-6774, or on the Web at www.wbramp.com.

This tributary to the Great Lakes receives its current from water flowing south out of Lake Huron and into Lake St. Clair. Along with the current, anglers can expect to find good numbers of walleyes making their way south from one lake to another as well as north on the return route from spawning areas.

The St. Clair River offers anglers the opportunity to practice a number of favorite techniques. Those who prefer to probe deep holes with the age-old method of handlining can find that this river meets their every need. Swift water runs the entire distance, creating plenty of lure action.

For those who would rather jig, this is the place to do it. Anglers on the Detroit River often opt for heavy 3/4- to 1-ounce jigs, where as those anglers, who are fishing the St. Clair, would do well to stick with jigs weighing between 1/4-to 1/2-ounce.

When choosing jig color, as a matter of practice, let the fish dictate their preference daily. However, as an overall favorite, look for chartreuse or orange to work well here.

Tipping the jig with live bait can always be a plus, but in St. Clair's late-spring fishery, plastic can often work just as well. My favorite jig-bait combo during the late spring is an unpainted jig with an unassuming 4-inch brown, plastic worm. With crayfish and larva making their spring appearance, this lure can be the best bait in the box.

Look for the waters from Stag Island to the Blue Water Bridge as well as those around the Marine City area to hold good numbers of fish. In addition, check out the mouth of the Belle River as well as the North Channel near Lake St. Clair.

For a fishing report, call the Lake Side Tackle hotline at (586) 777-7008 or contact the store at (586) 777-7003.