Spring Walleye on the Wire: A Guide’s Take on Detroit River Vertical Jigging
Spring on the Detroit River is an event that every angler, from seasoned veterans to absolute beginners, should experience at least once. It’s not just great fishing—it's the heart of the walleye world. We host the single biggest walleye migration on the planet as millions of Lake Erie walleye push upstream to spawn.
As your guide with Reel Fish’n LLC, I can tell you that when these fish are running, there is only one way to consistently put trophy-class walleye in the boat: vertical jigging.
The Art of the Vertical Jig
The Detroit River is a high-stakes fishery. The strong currents and cold water in April and May demand a precise, aggressive approach. This is where vertical jigging shines.
It's all about precision. We use specialized, sensitive rods and reels to drop our jigs—often tipped with a minnow or a plastic tail—straight down to the river bottom, right in the fish’s strike zone. You're constantly working the jig, lifting and dropping it, feeling for that tell-tale thunk or the sudden lightness that signals a walleye has inhaled the bait.
This technique is incredibly effective because it keeps your lure exactly where it needs to be, regardless of the strong flow. On a Reel Fishn LLC charter, we provide all the specialized gear, tackle, and bait, and more importantly, we provide the years of experience needed to teach you the nuances of the perfect jig stroke. We put in the time to find where the schools are stacked up, meaning you just need to show up ready to fish.
Your Trip with Reel Fishn LLC
Our Detroit River walleye charters launch right from the historic Sinbad's Marina on the upper river—a prime location that gives us quick access to the best fishing grounds.
A typical trip is a five-hour, half-day experience that is about more than just filling the cooler. You get to witness the incredible Detroit skyline from a unique vantage point while focusing on world-class fishing. We keep our trips personal, accommodating groups up to six, and whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, my goal is to ensure you walk away with memories, skills, and, most importantly, fish! We run trips throughout the peak migration months of April and May, so make sure to check the booking calendar on our website for availability.
From River to Table: The Sinbad’s Experience
What makes a Detroit River trip truly complete is the celebration afterward, and for that, we head right back to where we started.
Sindbad's Restaurant is the only true waterfront establishment on the river that offers a phenomenal Catch & Cook option. You literally hand your fresh, cleaned walleye fillets to the kitchen, and they prepare them for your table.
While they do a fantastic job with every preparation, I have my favorite: the Blackened Walleye. There’s something about that rich blend of spices, cooked perfectly to give the fish a crispy edge while keeping the inside moist and flaky, that is just unbeatable. After a cold day of jigging, sitting on the water with friends, enjoying the freshest walleye possible, prepared by Sindbad's—it’s the perfect end to a successful day. It’s what keeps clients coming back year after year.
Ready to test your mettle against the greatest walleye run in the world? Book your trip with Reel Fishn LLC. Let’s get you on the wire and on the fish!
Capt. Adam - Reel Fishn LLC Learn more and book your Detroit River Walleye Charter today: https://www.reelfishn.llc/detroit-river
