
Sandwiched between Lake St. Clair and northern Lake Erie and straddling the Detroit River, Detroit, Michigan, boasts a variety of prime places to fish. Enjoy the thrill of fishing with family and friends when you cast your line at one of the following four fun fishing spots.
Note: In light of the coronavirus pandemic, please follow safe social distancing practices when visiting the following locations.
The Detroit River
If you don’t want to leave the city, you can find several parks and piers to fish from along the Detroit River. The river is known for its run of walleye in the spring, as well as bass, sturgeon, muskie, and more. Popular spots include the piers on Belle Isle, several miles of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park shoreline, and the 31-acre William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor in the heart of downtown Detroit, among others.
You can find equally good fishing opportunities and many of the same species on the east side of town, where the Detroit River meets Lake St. Clair. If you plan to head out on the river or nearby Lake St. Clair by boat, however, you might need to get a Canadian as well as a Michigan fishing license first.
John D. Dingell Park
John D. Dingell Park is located south of Detroit in Ecorse, along a short stretch of the Detroit River shoreline. The lovely green space parallels Mud Island and provides several spots to fish from the shore or launch a boat. Local anglers have caught everything from pike and walleye to steelhead and, yes, even piranhas. Grab your fishing supplies at Dip Net Live Bait and Tackle, at 4664 W. Jefferson Ave. Then follow the manicured and paved walkways to find the perfect waterfront spot to set up shop. Enjoy lunch at one of the public gazebos or picnic areas.
Elizabeth Park
Elizabeth Park is a beloved recreational area in the heart of Trenton, about 25 miles south of Detroit. Here you can fish for walleye, bass, pike, and perch from 1,300 feet of Detroit River shoreline. This park is particularly popular during silver bass season, which ramps up in May. Regardless of the type of fish you’re after, you can cast your line from the park’s nicely renovated riverwalk area or launch a boat from the Elizabeth Park marina. Stop by the Bait and Tackle Box, at 4088 W. Jefferson Ave., on your way in for supplies.
Huroc Park
You’ll have to drive about 25 miles south to find Huroc Park, a picturesque oasis on the Huron River in Flat Rock. The park is located on an island accessible via a footbridge. From there, you can follow the paths and shoreline to find a fishing spot. The area is known for its abundance of salmon, steelhead, bass, and walleye. Depending on when you visit, you might find a local fishing tournament in progress. All the supplies you’ll need are only a few blocks away at the Flat Rock Party Store, at 28418 Telegraph Road.
Grab your line, bait, tackle, and a fishing buddy. Head to one of the above fun fishing spots for a relaxing day on the water. You don’t have to travel far from Detroit to enjoy nature at its finest.


