The Detroit River Walleye Tournament draws anglers to one of the Great Lakes' most productive walleye fisheries
The Detroit River Walleye Tournament is an annual event that brings together recreational and competitive anglers to fish the Detroit River between Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie. The tournament typically runs in spring, when walleye move into the river to spawn and feed, making it one of the most reliable times to find them. The exact dates, entry fees, and rules change year to year, so you will need to check with the tournament organizers directly for the current year's details.
The Detroit River is one of Michigan's most accessible walleye fisheries — the fish are abundant, the season is long, and you can fish from shore or boat. A tournament gives you a structured reason to fish it, a chance to learn from other anglers, and often a shot at prize money if your catch places. Whether you are a regular on the river or new to walleye fishing, understanding how the tournament works and what the river demands will help you fish it well.
Key Takeaways
- The Detroit River Walleye Tournament is held annually in spring when walleye are most active, but you must confirm the exact dates and entry requirements with the organizers each year.
- You will need a valid Michigan fishing license and must follow all state regulations for walleye size and bag limits, which apply during the tournament as they do any other time.
- The river has productive shallow flats, current breaks, and deep holes where walleye hold; learning the bottom structure before the tournament begins gives you a real advantage.
- Most tournaments require you to weigh fish at an official weigh station by a set time, so plan your fishing schedule to leave time for the run back to shore.
How the Detroit River Walleye Tournament is organized
The tournament is typically run by a local fishing club or organization that sets the rules, collects entry fees, and manages the weigh-in. The organizers announce the tournament dates, the entry cost, the number of fish you can weigh (usually two or three), and the weigh-in location and deadline. Some tournaments are open to anyone with a Michigan license; others may have a cap on the number of boats or anglers allowed.
Entry fees vary but usually range from modest amounts for a single angler to higher fees for a team or boat. The money collected goes toward prizes, which may be split among the top finishers, or toward a charitable cause if the tournament is a fundraiser. Before you enter, ask the organizers whether the tournament is catch-and-release (you weigh the fish and return it) or whether you keep your catch. Most modern walleye tournaments are catch-and-release to protect the fishery.
Check the tournament's official website or contact the organizers directly for the current year's entry deadline, rules, and weigh-in procedures. Rules can include restrictions on the type of bait or lures you can use, the hours you can fish, and whether you must fish from a boat or can fish from shore.
What you need before you fish
You must have a valid Michigan fishing license to fish the Detroit River, whether you are in the tournament or not. You can purchase a license online through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website, at most sporting goods stores, or at bait shops near the river. A one-day license is available if you only plan to fish the tournament day; a season license covers you for the entire year.
Walleye in Michigan have a minimum size limit of 15 inches and a daily bag limit of five fish per person. The tournament rules may be more restrictive — for example, requiring fish to be at least 18 inches — so read the tournament rules carefully. If you are fishing from a boat, you will also need a boat registration and a motor license if your boat has an engine.
Bring a cooler with ice to keep your fish fresh if you are keeping them, or a live well if you are fishing from a boat and plan to release them. A net, a measuring board, and a scale are useful for checking your fish before the weigh-in. Most tournaments provide scales at the weigh station, but having your own lets you verify your fish meet the size requirement before you commit to them.
Where walleye hold in the Detroit River
The Detroit River is roughly 32 miles long and flows from Lake St. Clair south to Lake Erie. The upper river, near St. Clair, tends to be shallower and has more current; the lower river, near Lake Erie, is deeper and slower. Walleye in spring are usually found in water 8 to 20 feet deep, holding near structure — rocks, logs, drop-offs, or current breaks where they can rest and intercept food.
The most productive areas are the shallow flats in the upper and middle river where walleye spawn and feed in spring. Anglers often fish the edges of these flats, where deeper water meets shallow water. The current in the river pushes walleye toward certain spots; learning where the current slows or where it funnels fish through a narrow channel gives you a real edge. If you are new to the river, fish with a guide for a day or two before the tournament, or spend time scouting the water in the weeks before.
The river is heavily used by commercial traffic and recreational boaters, so be aware of shipping lanes and other traffic. Fish early in the morning or late in the evening when the river is quieter, and always wear a life jacket if you are in a boat.
Techniques and tackle for Detroit River walleye
Walleye in the Detroit River respond well to live bait — shiners, shad, or crawfish — fished on a simple rig: a slip sinker, a swivel, and a short leader with a hook or small jig. Cast near structure and let the current work the bait, or slowly retrieve it along the bottom. This method is simple, effective, and works from both boat and shore.
Jigs tipped with live bait or soft plastics are also productive. Use a 1/4-ounce to 1-ounce jig depending on the depth and current, and work it vertically or with a slow drag along the bottom. Walleye often bite gently, so use a sensitive rod and watch your line for the slightest twitch.
Crankbaits that dive to 8 to 15 feet can work in spring, especially in the shallower upper river. Cast and retrieve slowly, or troll along structure. The key to all these methods is patience and a slow presentation — walleye are not aggressive feeders, and a fast retrieve will often produce nothing.
Rules and regulations you must follow
Michigan state fishing regulations apply during the tournament just as they do any other day. You must follow the walleye size and bag limits, use only legal tackle and bait, and fish only during legal hours (usually sunrise to sunset, but check the current regulations). Some tournaments add their own rules — for example, requiring barbless hooks, banning live shiners, or restricting fishing to certain hours.
Read the tournament rules before you enter. If a rule conflicts with a state regulation, the state regulation takes precedence, but the tournament may disqualify you for breaking a tournament rule even if it is legal under state law. Ask the organizers if anything is unclear.
If you are fishing from a boat, you must have all required safety equipment: a life jacket for each person, a fire extinguisher, and a throwable flotation device. The river has strong current in places and can be dangerous in rough water, so respect the conditions and do not take unnecessary risks.
Preparing for tournament day
Scout the river in the days before the tournament if you can. Fish the areas where you plan to fish during the tournament, note the depth and structure, and see what is biting. This gives you confidence and a plan for tournament day, rather than fishing blind.
Check the weather forecast and the river conditions. Spring weather on the Great Lakes can change quickly, and a calm morning can turn rough by afternoon. Plan your fishing schedule to leave time to get back to the weigh-in before the deadline — being late disqualifies you, so build in a buffer.
Prepare your tackle the night before: tie on fresh hooks or jigs, check your line for frays, and make sure your rod and reel are working smoothly. Bring extra line, extra hooks, and backup tackle in case something breaks. Bring food, water, and warm clothes — you will be on the water early and it will be cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish the Detroit River Walleye Tournament?
Most tournaments allow fishing from shore as well as from a boat, but check the specific tournament rules. Shore fishing is productive in the upper river near St. Clair and in some areas of the lower river, though you will have fewer options than from a boat. If you do not own a boat, ask the organizers whether they know of other anglers looking for a fishing partner.
What is the best time of day to fish for walleye in the Detroit River?
Early morning and late evening are usually best, when light is low and walleye are more active. Midday can be slow, especially in clear water. On a tournament day, fish the times when you expect walleye to bite most, and plan to be at the weigh-in well before the deadline.
Can I use live shiners, or are they banned?
Michigan allows live shiners in most of the state, but some tournaments ban them or restrict their size. Check the tournament rules before you buy bait. If shiners are banned, crawfish and shad are good alternatives.
What happens if my fish do not meet the size requirement at the weigh-in?
If a fish is undersized, it will not count toward your score. Most tournaments measure fish at the weigh station, so you will know before you leave whether your catch is legal. This is why having your own measuring board and scale before the tournament is useful — you can check your fish before you commit to them.
Where do I find out about the next Detroit River Walleye Tournament?
Contact local bait and tackle shops near the Detroit River, check the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website for tournament listings, or search online for "Detroit River Walleye Tournament" plus the current year. Fishing clubs and organizations that run the tournament usually announce dates and entry information several weeks in advance.