Cast a Line at These Metro Detroit Fishing Spots

By: Aaron B. Cohen | May 3, 2021
Fishing in Metro Detroit

With warm summer weather on the horizon, Metro Detroiters have sights set on returning to their favorite outdoor activities. While our state is known for its deep-water fishing in the Great Lakes, many are surprised to learn that serious anglers find great success in the areas within and surrounding the city of Detroit. Here are a few local spots to cast a line from this summer.

Detroit River

It’s true – despite towering skyscrapers and city traffic, the Detroit River offers some of the state’s best fishing. The spring walleye run draws fishermen from near and far – perhaps you’ve noticed them along the Riverfront or behind the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre. “Fishing with a view” takes on new meaning when the view is a spectacular close-up of the Ren-Cen. For an alternative perspective, try venturing to Belle Isle where you can watch the sunset over the city.

Huron River

Flowing more than 100 miles from Oakland County to Lake Huron, the Huron River provides ample opportunity for catching smallmouth bass, steelhead, channel catfish and countless other native fish species. Anglers opt for both traditional and fly-fishing, often casting out from Hudson Mills Metropark in Dexter or Lake Huron Metropark in Belleville.

Whether you're going out on a fishing trip, discovering new hiking spots, or heading out for a weekend of camping, the Trailblazer is an ideal companion for your active lifestyle.

Kensington Metropark

Known for its scenic hikes and 36-hole disc golf course, Milford’s Kensington Metropark also provides Metro Detroiters with a lake full of fish. Here, you’ll find large and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill and northern pike amongst others. You can fish right from the shore or rent a boat and spend the day paddling around Kent Lake.

Orchard Lake/Pine Lake

30 minutes north of Detroit, Orchard and Pine Lake offer a chance at reeling in massive bass and northern pike. Get out there early – before the motorboats and wakeboarders disturb the placid water – and enjoy the serenity that can only be found on the reel end of a fishing line.

Elizabeth Park

Downriver in Trenton, Elizabeth Park offers an alternative site to cast out along the Detroit River. You’ll find the same fish as downtown, but substitute a skyline view for beautifully maintained gardens and picturesque hiking trails. Fish from the shore, or launch a boat from the Elizabeth Park Marina

Quarton Lake

Birmingham’s Quarton Lake offers a scenic respite from the hustle and bustle of the downtown shopping district. Continuously maintained, the new fishing pier offers a low-stress option for easy family fun. All you need is a rod, hook and a couple of worms to show your kids that the outdoors is accessible right in their own backyard.

RELATED STORIES