Detroit River

Boat Ramps: 0
Access Points: 0
Species: 0

The Detroit River is a 28-mile international waterway that flows from Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie, forming part of the border between the United States and Canada. This remarkable fishery is renowned for offering some of the most productive freshwater fishing in Michigan and the entire United States. The river's strategic location between two Great Lakes creates a diverse ecosystem that supports an outstanding variety of game fish, making it a premier destination for anglers of all experience levels throughout the year. With its deep channels, current breaks, and varied structure, the Detroit River provides excellent habitat and feeding grounds for numerous fish species, establishing it as one of the Midwest's most celebrated fishing destinations.

Michigan licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Detroit River and what's needed to catch them.

No species information available.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Detroit River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Riverside Marina

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Village Market

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Know where you can legally fish on Detroit River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Michigan licenses and regulations

Michigan Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Michigan Fishing License

You must purchase a fishing license if you are 17 years of age or older to fish. If you are under 17, you may fish without a license, but you are required to observe all fishing rules and regulations. Any adult actively assisting a minor who does not have a license must have a fishing license. Please note, a license is required when targeting fish, amphibians, crustaceans and reptiles. Michigan's annual fishing license is valid from March 1 of a given year through March 31 of the following year.

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Michigan Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Michigan Stream Access Laws

The public has a right to use a waterway for pleasure, travel, or commercial navigation. The right extends to wading on the streambed or traveling on ice. While constant movement is not required, neither can a vessel be permanently moored or use the waterway as a parking spot. The riparian owner (the owner of the land along the water) owns the streambed, but that right is subordinate to the right of navigation. On non-navigable waters the riparian owner has the right to fish and can exclude the public from fishing on such waters. But on navigable waters, the rights of the private owners are inferior to the public trust right to fish the waters.

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Take Detroit River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Detroit River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Detroit River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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