What You'll Catch on the Detroit Riverwalk

The Detroit River between downtown and Belle Isle holds walleye, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish year-round, with the best action from April through October. Walleye move shallow in spring and fall, feeding hard along the seawall and around the pilings that support the walkway itself. Smallmouth bass hunt the same structure in summer, especially early morning and late evening. Channel cats are steady all season if you fish the deeper holes and slack water near the Ambassador Bridge.

The river here is tidal—water level can shift two to three feet depending on Lake St. Clair's stage and wind direction. That matters because it changes where fish hold and how you present your bait or lure. A slack tide often produces better than moving water, and dawn is almost always better than midday, even in summer when the walkway fills with people.

Access is free and open to the public along the entire paved section from Hart Plaza east to Belle Isle. You can fish from the seawall itself, though space is limited during festivals and events. Early morning or weekday afternoons give you room to move and cast without dodging crowds.

Key Takeaways

  • Walleye and smallmouth bass are the primary target species, with walleye most active in spring and fall and smallmouth dominating summer.
  • Fish the seawall structure and pilings early morning or late evening for the best chance at active fish.
  • Water level fluctuates with Lake St. Clair stage, so slack tide periods often produce better than strong current.
  • The riverwalk is free and open year-round, but space to fish is tightest during downtown events and midday hours.
  • A Michigan fishing license is required; check current regulations for daily limits and size restrictions before you go.

Spring Walleye Run (April to Early June)

Walleye move into the shallows as water temperatures climb from the low 40s to the mid-50s. They're feeding aggressively after winter, and the seawall along the riverwalk becomes a reliable spot because it holds baitfish and provides shade. Fish live shiners or shad under a slip bobber in 6 to 12 feet of water, or cast small jigs tipped with minnow along the wall itself.

The pilings that support the walkway structure are prime habitat—walleye use them as ambush points. Work your jig or crankbait tight to the wood, especially where the pilings meet the riverbed. Early morning from first light until 9 a.m. is peak time. If you're fishing after work, the last two hours before dark can be equally good.

Water clarity varies depending on recent rain and Lake St. Clair's condition. After heavy rain, the river can turn stained for a few days, which actually improves walleye fishing because they rely more on lateral line detection and less on sight. Stick with darker-colored jigs and live bait in those conditions.

Summer Smallmouth and Catfish (June to September)

Smallmouth bass move shallow in early summer, then retreat to deeper structure as water temperatures climb above 75 degrees. In June and early July, you can catch them on topwater and shallow crankbaits along the seawall at dawn. By mid-July, shift to deeper presentations—drop-shot rigs, tube jigs, and soft plastics worked in 15 to 25 feet of water near the channel.

Channel catfish are active all summer and don't require the precision that walleye and smallmouth demand. Fish cut shad, chicken liver, or commercial stink bait on a three-way rig in the deeper holes, especially near the Ambassador Bridge where the current creates a natural feeding zone. Catfish bite throughout the day and into the night, making them a good option if you can only fish midday hours.

Summer crowds are heaviest on weekends and during events like the Detroit Music Festival or fireworks nights. If you want to fish without dodging people, plan for weekday mornings or fish the Belle Isle side of the river, which sees less foot traffic than the downtown seawall.

Fall Transition and Winter Fishing (October to March)

Walleye bite hard again in October as water temperatures drop back into the 50s. This is often better than spring because fish are feeding to build reserves for winter, and the summer crowds have vanished. Fish the same seawall and pilings you worked in spring, but expect to find walleye in slightly deeper water—12 to 20 feet—as the river cools.

Winter fishing is possible but challenging. The river rarely freezes solid enough to walk on, but ice can form along the banks and make access difficult. Some anglers fish from the seawall through December and January, targeting walleye and catfish in the deeper channel. Water temperature drops to the low 30s, so fish move slowly and bite more cautiously. Live bait fished on the bottom near the pilings is your best bet.

By February and March, fishing slows considerably. Most anglers shift focus to other Detroit-area lakes and rivers during these months. If you do fish the riverwalk in winter, go early in the morning when the seawall is least crowded and water conditions are most stable.

Tackle and Technique for Riverwalk Fishing

A 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound braided line works well for walleye and smallmouth. Walleye respond to live bait—shiners, shad, and crawfish—under a slip bobber or on a jig head. Smallmouth will take crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater lures in shallow water, then require deeper presentations as summer progresses.

For catfish, a heavier setup makes sense: a 7- to 8-foot medium-heavy rod with 12- to 15-pound line and a three-way rig or simple slip sinker rig. Cast into the deeper holes and let the bait sit. Catfish will find it.

The seawall itself is your main casting zone, but the pilings and the slack water behind the walkway structure hold fish too. If you're fishing from the wall, cast parallel to it rather than straight out—you'll cover more productive water and spend less time snagged on structure. Early morning and late evening are non-negotiable if you want consistent action. Midday fishing is possible but requires patience and often produces fewer fish.

Regulations and Licensing

Michigan requires a fishing license for anyone 17 and older. You can purchase a one-day license, a three-day license, or an annual license through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website or at most sporting goods stores. The cost varies, but a one-day license is inexpensive and a good option if you're visiting Detroit for a short trip.

Walleye and smallmouth bass have daily catch limits and minimum size requirements that change year to year. Check the current Michigan fishing regulations before you go—the DNR website has the most up-to-date information. Channel catfish have no size limit in most of Michigan, but there is a daily catch limit. Respect these rules; they exist to keep the fishery healthy.

The riverwalk itself is public property, and fishing is permitted along the seawall. However, some sections may be closed during major events or maintenance work. If you arrive and find barriers or signage, respect them and move to an open section or return another day.

Getting There and What to Bring

The Detroit Riverwalk runs from Hart Plaza (downtown) east to Belle Isle, a distance of about 3.5 miles. Parking is available at Hart Plaza and at several points along the walk. If you're coming from outside Detroit, take I-75 to downtown and follow signs for the riverfront. Public transit also serves the area—the M-1 Rail stops near Hart Plaza.

Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat—there's little shade along the seawall, and the sun reflects off the water. A small tackle box with jigs, crankbaits, and live bait is all you need. If you're fishing in fall or winter, dress in layers; wind off the river can make it feel colder than the actual temperature. A headlamp is essential for early morning fishing and helps you see your line and lures in low light.

The riverwalk is busy with walkers, cyclists, and tourists, especially on weekends. Be courteous—keep your casting area clear, reel in when people pass, and don't leave trash. The more respectfully anglers fish this urban stretch, the more welcome we remain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish the Detroit Riverwalk?

No. The seawall provides excellent access for shore fishing, and most of the productive water is within casting distance. A boat would let you reach deeper structure and explore more water, but it's not necessary to catch walleye, smallmouth, and catfish from the walk itself.

What's the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning from first light until 9 a.m. is consistently best for walleye and smallmouth. Late evening, an hour before sunset until dark, is also productive. Midday fishing is slower but possible, especially for catfish. Avoid the busiest hours—typically 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends—if you want space to cast.

Can I keep fish I catch on the riverwalk?

Yes, as long as they meet the current size and daily catch limits set by Michigan. Check the DNR website for the most recent regulations before you fish. Walleye and smallmouth have minimum size requirements; catfish do not, but there is a daily limit.

Is the riverwalk open year-round?

The paved walk is open year-round, but winter weather can make access difficult. Ice and snow may close sections temporarily. Spring through fall is the most reliable time to fish. Winter fishing is possible but requires caution and patience.

What if I don't have a Michigan fishing license?

You'll need one to fish legally. A one-day license is inexpensive and can be purchased online through the Michigan DNR website or at most sporting goods stores in the Detroit area. It takes just a few minutes to buy and is valid immediately.