Now's your chance at a trophy

The temps are heading up and the chance to catch a 10 lb walleye is at it's peak. The water is in the lower 40's, too cold for spawning but warm enough to get these big fish to feed after a long winter. Look about you for the signs the run has started.

The forsythia bloom is the best one. I saw the first blooms just days after the last ice jam came down the river. 

Then there's also the maple tree bud husks that fall when the leaves are starting to come out. I found many of these on the ground after the last 3"s of snow fell. My son Jason went out yesterday morning and got a monster fish. 12 + pounds and 30"s long.

I went out last evening with my sons and got this 10+ lb personal best walleye also of the magical 30" length.

 Both fish were adding us to the list of thirty inch fish started by my son Justin last year. Here's his 10+ lb 30" fish.

Yes it's a family affair, the Detroit River family. The big fish are in and it's a big time family party. Everyone's invited. Just check in at your local bait shop and view the myriad of giant fish pictures. Tell'em the River invited you.

Get Outdoors Downriver.

Tour in Paradise, Mouillie

This saturday the spring tour starts at 9am. Joe Robson will lead the way stopping at the best spots for bird viewing and anywhere a rare bird is spotted.

This is a great opportunity to see some birds and get some fresh air. Stop by the headquarters early to check out the info they have and buy a permit to help out their budget. The other way to help is to buy a smallgame license, or whatever they call it now, then the refuge gets money from the government based on usage.

Get Outdoors Downriver.

Spring Tradition

With all seasons of the year there are traditions we follow without asking any questions. Some may be mundane and some are quite exhilarating. Sitting in a blind or ice shanty can be a battle to stay awake. A summer boat ride can be calm and relaxing. Spring brings the chance to take a boat ride to walk on water.

The picture quality is poor but you can get the gist of the endeavor.

The land in the background is the Livingston Channel wall, constructed back in the early 20th century to help down bound ships get to Lake Erie faster. The two boats in the forefront are "parked" on the edge of ice that extends out from the wall. The boats are secured from drifting away by anchors on the ice. This tradition is like watching a movie, some of the things you see are hard to believe but they are real. Like watching a ship go by while you're on ice. Or seeing a Gibralteran struggling to get out of the water and back on the ice after the ice gave away.

The rewards can be great if you time the outing just right. Schools of very large perch come in to gorge themselves on minnows in the warmer water. But just being on the ice with a warm breeze in your face is extremely enjoyable and only happens in spring. Thanks to Fr. Walleye for the pic.

Get Outdoors Downriver