What You Can Fish on the Detroit Riverwalk

The Detroit Riverwalk is a paved public path that runs along the Detroit River for about 5.5 miles, from the Ambassador Bridge south to the GM Renaissance Center. You can fish from several spots along this stretch, though not the entire length allows it. The river here holds smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, channel catfish, and carp, with seasonal runs of steelhead and lake sturgeon. Access is free, and the walk itself is open year-round during daylight hours.

The Riverwalk is best known as a recreational destination rather than a serious fishing venue, but it works well if you live or work downtown and want to fish without traveling far. The river bottom is mostly silt and clay, with some rocky areas near the bridge pilings. Current is moderate, and the water quality has improved significantly over the past two decades, though the Detroit River remains a Area of Concern under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement — meaning fish consumption advisories apply to certain species and sizes.

Key Takeaways

  • You can fish from designated spots along the Riverwalk, but not from the entire 5.5-mile path — check signage at each access point to confirm where fishing is permitted.
  • Smallmouth bass and carp are the most reliable catches; walleye and catfish are present but less predictable from shore.
  • A Michigan fishing license is required for anyone 17 and older, and fish consumption advisories restrict how much of certain species you should eat.
  • The best fishing is typically spring (April through May) and fall (September through October), when water temperatures favor active feeding.
  • Parking is available at several downtown lots, and the Riverwalk itself is wheelchair-accessible along most of its length.

Where to Fish and How to Access the Riverwalk

The Riverwalk has multiple entry points, but not all allow fishing. The main fishing-friendly sections are near Hart Plaza (at the foot of Woodward Avenue), along the Dequindre Cut area, and at the southern end near the GM Renaissance Center. Hart Plaza is the most popular starting point and has ample parking in nearby downtown lots. From Hart Plaza, you can walk south along the river; fishing is generally permitted in designated areas marked by signage.

The Dequindre Cut, a restored railroad corridor that connects to the Riverwalk, offers another access route and is less crowded than Hart Plaza. Parking for the Dequindre Cut is available on Dequindre Street near Gratiot Avenue. The southern section near the Renaissance Center is quieter and can be productive for walleye and catfish, especially at dusk, though it is farther from downtown parking.

Street parking is available throughout downtown, but paid lots are more reliable. The Riverwalk itself has benches, shade structures, and restrooms at several points. The path is paved and mostly flat, making it accessible for people with mobility limitations, though fishing from a wheelchair may be difficult at some spots due to railing height and spacing.

Species, Seasons, and What Bites When

Smallmouth bass are the most consistent catch from the Riverwalk. They hold around the bridge pilings, rocky outcrops, and deeper holes along the channel. Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are peak times; summer can be slow because the fish move to deeper, cooler water. Use small crankbaits, soft plastics, or live shiners. Largemouth bass are present but less abundant; they prefer the slower, weedier sections farther from the main current.

Walleye move into the Detroit River in spring and fall during their spawning runs. Early morning and evening are best, and live shiners or small jigs work well. Channel catfish are active from late spring through fall, especially at night. They respond to chicken liver, cut bait, or commercial stink baits. Carp are year-round residents and can be caught on corn, dough balls, or specialized carp baits; they are strongest in late spring and early summer.

Steelhead (rainbow trout) enter the river in fall and again in early spring on their way to spawning tributaries. They are not abundant from the Riverwalk itself, but a few are caught each year near the Ambassador Bridge. Lake sturgeon are present but protected under Michigan law — they must be released immediately if hooked.

Regulations and Fish Consumption Advisories

Michigan requires a fishing license for anyone 17 and older. You can purchase a one-day, three-day, or annual license through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website or at most sporting goods stores. The daily bag limit for smallmouth bass is five fish per day with a 12-inch minimum length. Largemouth bass have the same limit. Walleye are limited to five per day at 15 inches minimum. Catfish have no daily limit. Carp are not regulated by daily limit.

The Detroit River is listed as an Area of Concern, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issues fish consumption advisories for the river. Current advisories restrict consumption of certain species and sizes — for example, you may be advised to limit walleye consumption to one meal per week or to avoid eating certain sizes of carp. Check the current advisory before you fish; it changes periodically and varies by species and size. The advisory is available on the Michigan DHHS website.

Best Times to Fish and Weather Considerations

Spring (mid-April through May) is the most productive season. Water temperatures are rising, fish are feeding actively after winter, and spawning runs bring walleye and steelhead into the river. Fall (September through October) is nearly as good; water cools, fish feed heavily before winter, and the Riverwalk is less crowded than in summer.

Summer can be slow because warm water pushes fish deeper and into faster current. Early morning and evening are better than midday. Winter fishing is possible but challenging; the Riverwalk is open, but cold temperatures and occasional ice make it uncomfortable, and fish are less active. Overcast days are often better than bright sun, especially for bass.

Wind and current matter. Strong wind can make casting difficult and can push water around, affecting where fish hold. High water (usually in spring after snowmelt or heavy rain) can muddy the river and reduce visibility, making fishing harder. Low water in late summer can concentrate fish in deeper holes, which can actually improve fishing if you know where those holes are.

Gear and Tackle for Riverwalk Fishing

A medium-action spinning rod and reel in the 6- to 7-foot range works for most Riverwalk fishing. Bring 8- to 12-pound monofilament or braided line. For bass, pack small crankbaits (2 to 3 inches), soft plastics (4 to 6 inches), and a few live shiners if you can get them. For walleye and catfish, bring jigs (1/4 to 1/2 ounce), live bait, and cut bait. For carp, bring corn, dough balls, or a specialized carp rod if you plan to target them seriously.

Bring a net if you plan to land larger fish; the Riverwalk railings are high enough that netting makes a difference. A tackle box, pliers, and a small cooler are useful. Sunscreen and a hat are essential, especially in spring and fall when the sun reflects off the water. The Riverwalk is exposed, so wind protection (a light jacket) is worth carrying even on mild days.

Nearby Alternatives if the Riverwalk Is Crowded

If the Riverwalk is too busy or fishing is slow, several other Detroit-area options are within 30 minutes. The Detroit River itself can be fished from private boats or charter services, which give you access to deeper water and more productive areas. The Huron River, which flows into the Detroit River near Dearborn, has smallmouth bass and walleye and is less crowded. Belle Isle, a city park in the middle of the Detroit River, has fishing access around its perimeter and is quieter than the Riverwalk.

Inland options include Cass Lake (in Pontiac, about 45 minutes north), which has largemouth bass, pike, and panfish, and Orchard Lake (in West Bloomfield, about 40 minutes northwest), which is known for smallmouth bass and walleye. Both require a Michigan fishing license and have boat launches if you have access to a boat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish the Detroit Riverwalk?

Yes, anyone 17 and older must have a valid Michigan fishing license. You can buy a one-day license for about $11 or an annual license for about $31 (prices vary). Licenses are sold online through the Michigan DNR website and at most sporting goods stores and bait shops in the area.

Is it safe to eat fish from the Detroit River?

Fish from the Detroit River are safe to eat if you follow the current consumption advisory. The advisory limits how much of certain species and sizes you should eat per week. Check the Michigan DHHS website for the current advisory before you fish, and follow the size and species restrictions listed.

Can I fish at night on the Riverwalk?

The Riverwalk is officially open during daylight hours only. Night fishing is not permitted. However, early morning (before sunrise) and evening (around sunset) are allowed and are often the best times to fish for walleye and catfish.

What is the best bait for catfish on the Riverwalk?

Channel catfish respond well to chicken liver, cut bait (pieces of fresh fish), and commercial stink baits. Fish the bottom near deeper holes or current breaks, especially in the evening. Catfish are most active from late spring through early fall.

Are there restrooms and parking near the Riverwalk?

Yes. Hart Plaza has restrooms and is near multiple downtown parking lots. The Dequindre Cut has parking on Dequindre Street. Parking is paid in most downtown lots, typically $5 to $15 per day depending on location and time of day. The Riverwalk itself has benches and shade structures at several points.