Fishing Lake St Clair
AKA: St Clair Lake
Popular Fish Species Lake St Clair, MI
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Lake St Clair provides some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in the country. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, and bass tournaments are often won primarily with smallmouth. Fishing for smallmouth bass is often spectacular, and generally good to very good. When you find them shallow, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits, especially around rip rap. Around grass, use drop-shot worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish. When the lake freezes over, enjoy ice fishing for smallies.
Muskie Fishing
If you like catching big fish, fishing for muskellunge in Lake St Clair could provide a trophy fish on any given cast. Giant musky roam these waters, and are aggressive eaters. Muskie fishing can bring some exciting moments to your fishing day, as big muskies are spectacular, and strong fighters. Use a strong rod in medium- to medium-heavy action, with heavy line - 20# or heavier. Because of their sharp teeth, steel leaders are highly recommended. Muskie have a big mouth so use big baits, same baits you would use for bass but in larger sizes. Topwater, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits all work well for hungry muskie. The best time of year to chase these big fish is Spring, and then again in Fall as the water temperature starts cooling. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for musky can be very exhilarating. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find muskie during summer.
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Lake St Clair also delivers great catches of largemouth bass, as it has for many years now. Careful fisheries management by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has maintained a thriving fishery for bass and many other species, providing both quantity and quality for anglers. Smallmouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Recent results by locals, and bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been very rewarding lately. Also, there is the potential for catching a monster. Big mouth bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good options. In winter, spend your time fishing Lake St Clair on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Fishing for largemouth bass can range from fair to very good here, year round. In winter when the lake freezes over and the ice is safe, bass can be caught while ice fishing.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, white bass, yellow perch, muskie, northern pike and sturgeon at Lake St Clair in Michigan.
Lake St Clair Fishing Video
Half in Canada and half in Michigan, Lake St Clair is a preferred destination for boating and fishing. This 275,000-acre lake lies in the southeast corner of Michigan, at Detroit. Anglers seeking their own stretch of bank to fish can choose a spot from over 130 miles of shoreline.
Lake St. Clair, located between Michigan and Ontario, is a renowned destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking an exceptional angling experience. With its vast size and diverse fish populations, Lake St. Clair offers excellent fishing opportunities for both recreational and professional anglers. The lake is known for its rich bio diversity, including species such as smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, muskellunge, walleye, yellow perch, and northern pike. Anglers can cast their lines from the shore, troll from a boat, or participate in competitive fishing tournaments, all while enjoying the scenic beauty of Lake St. Clair.
Lake St. Clair, with its exceptional fishing opportunities, diverse boating experiences, and nearby camping facilities, stands as a remarkable destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Michigan. Whether you're an avid angler, a boating aficionado, or simply seeking a tranquil lakeside retreat, Lake St. Clair offers an unforgettable escape. Its diverse fish species, expansive waters, and breathtaking landscapes combine to create an impressive outdoor experience that will leave visitors with cherished memories of their time spent in this natural treasure.
This is known as a big fish lake and there is quite a variety of fish species to pursue. Walleye, perch, trout, muskie, crappie, bass, sunfish, catfish, northern pike and sturgeon all thrive here. Lake St Clair fishing guides and charters offer an array of fishing trips for most all these species. Ice fishing here is famous for really big perch, but many other species are likely to grab your bait as well. Giant muskies, big smallmouth bass, trophy walleye and big northern pike are all caught with some regularity. Numerous boat launch ramps and marinas are located up and down the Michigan shoreline. Campgrounds, RV parks, shopping dining and lodging are all convenient and enhance your stay for a short fishing trip or an extended vacation.
Primary fish species residing in Lake St Clair
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake St Clair Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity on Lake St. Clair, providing visitors with ample opportunities to explore the expansive waters and enjoy the stunning surroundings. Whether it's cruising along the calm waters, water skiing, or leisurely pontoon rides, Lake St. Clair offers a diverse range of boating experiences. Public access points, marinas, and boat launches are available, ensuring convenient entry for boaters to set sail and navigate the lake's sparkling waters.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Anglers Point Bait/Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
586 949-9223
Middle Channel Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks, canoes and pontoon boats
810 748-3400
Simple Adventures Kayak Rental
Rentals: Kayaks
844 935-2925
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
9 Mile Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off E 9 Mile Road, this is a five-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Algonac City Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Smith Street, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Fair Haven Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Dixie Highway, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Harley Ensign Memorial Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off S River Road, this is a ten-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Lac Sainte Claire Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Lac Park Lane, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
North Channel DNR Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Pointe Tremble Road, this is an eight-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Selfridge Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off William P Rosso Highway, this is a nine-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Snooks Highway Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Middle Channel Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
St. Jean Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off St. Jean, this is a ten-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Marinas
Anchor Bay Marina
32550 Riverpoint St.
Chesterfield, MI. 48047
586 725-2315
Beacon Cove Marina
36360 Jefferson Ave.
Harrison Township MI 48045
586 463-3864
Island Cove Marina
32081 N River Rd
Harrison Twp, MI 48045
586 469-3625
MacRay Harbor Marina
30675 North River Road
Harrison Township, MI 48045
586 468-1900
Miller Marina
24770 E. Jefferson Ave.
St. Clair Shores, MI 48080
586 771-9000
Northpointe Shores Marina
10477 Dixie Highway
Ira Township, Michigan 48023
586 250-2800
Sun-Up Marina
48770 Jamaica
Chesterfield, MI 48047
586 725-1411
Fishing Guides On Lake St Clair
Spencer's Angling Adventures - musky, walleye, bass
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Michigan Fishing License.
While camping directly on Lake St. Clair is limited, nearby campgrounds and recreational areas offer convenient camping options for visitors. These campgrounds provide amenities such as picnic areas, fire pits, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable camping experience for those who want to extend their stay. Waking up to beautiful lake views, spending the day fishing or boating, and gathering around a campfire in the evening create cherished memories of outdoor relaxation and connection with nature.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Algonac State Park Campground - 810 765-5605
Northpointe Shores RV Resort - 586 250-2800
Riverview Campground Marina - 810 794-0182
Lake St Clair MI Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake St Clair
Algonac State Park
8732 N River Rd
Marine City, MI 48039
810 765-5605
Fishing lakes in each state.
071624
Lake St Clair in Michigan.
MICHIGAN
Information about fishing lakes in MI.
Fishing in the southeast corner of Michigan, at Lake St Clair, for walleye, perch, trout, muskie, crappie, bass, sunfish, catfish, northern pike and sturgeon.
