Smallmouth Staging on Lake St. Clair: Finesse Tactics and Pockets of Clearer Water

Good morning anglers, Artificial Lure here with the local word on fishing Lake St. Clair for Friday, May 16, 2025. Sunrise hit today around 5:58 am and sunset will come at 8:51 pm, giving you a long window to get lines in the water. There’s no meaningful tidal swing on St. Clair, but be mindful of wind—lately, it’s been stirring things up and that’s been muddying the water in some spots, especially after recent high-wind events.

Water clarity is spotty, and that’s made smallmouth bass a bit finicky in areas, but folks working the middle of Anchor Bay and north around Memorial Park and the 9 Mile area have been pulling some nice fish when they locate pockets of clearer water. The bite’s definitely slower after the winds, but persistence is paying off[1][3].

Smallmouth are mostly pre-spawn and staging shallow. Finesse tactics have been outperforming bulkier presentations. Anglers are doing well with a Great Lakes Finesse 2.5 inch Juvy Craw, light line, and long casts using a medium-heavy spinning rod. Tube jigs and dropshot rigs with natural-colored plastics have also gotten results. If you find yourself in dirtier water, try a brighter or slightly larger presentation to stand out[5].

Largemouth bass are getting active in some of the weedy bays and marinas. Spinnerbaits and chatterbaits are worth tossing when the sun’s out, especially near structure. If you’re chasing panfish, the reports are thin, and no recent perch activity has been noted in the usual haunts[1].

Hot spots to try today are the middle of Anchor Bay for smallies, focusing on 7 to 10 feet of water near the breaks, and Memorial Park down to the 9 Mile area. Shallow flats near Harley Ensign DNR launch have given up fish on calmer days. If the water’s muddy, move around until you find cleaner pockets—the action has been much better there.

Weather today is mild, with light west winds early increasing as the day goes on, temps in the high 60s to low 70s, and partly cloudy skies. If the wind picks up this afternoon, try to find some shelter behind points or marinas where the water will be less stirred up.

Get out there, stay mobile, and keep an eye on the weather. Good luck and tight lines from Artificial Lure!