Detroit anglers can reach 17 of the waters in our guide in 75 minutes or less by car — 12 lakes and 5 reservoirs. Across these waters, 64 fish species are on record.

Lake Saint Clair is 16 minutes from Detroit

Starting from Detroit, the nearest water is Lake Saint Clair at 16 min (7.7 mi).

Next by drive time:

64 fish species around Detroit

The most widespread fish is Walleye, recorded in 13 of the 17 waters. Next come Northern Pike (9), Common Carp (9), Bluegill (7) and Largemouth Bass (6).

The nearest water for each of the leading species:

  • Walleye: Belleville Lake, 32 min (25.1 mi)
  • Northern Pike: Ford Lake, 37 min (30.4 mi)
  • Common Carp: Lake Saint Clair, 16 min (7.7 mi)
  • Bluegill and Largemouth Bass: Orchard Lake, 34 min (25.9 mi)

Where to start: Lake Saint Clair

Ranked by drive time, depth data, species records and access, the first 3 for Detroit are:

  • Lake Saint Clair: 277,783 acres, 47 fish species on record, max depth 61.7 ft (surveyed) and 53 ramps.
  • Lake Erie: 6,360,010 acres, 57 fish species on record, max depth 206.7 ft (surveyed), 338 ramps and 35,815,570 fish stocked.
  • Cass Lake: 1,309 acres, 8 fish species on record, max depth 123 ft (surveyed), 23 ramps and 2,089,572 fish stocked.

Deepest nearby: Lake Huron, 754.6 ft

The deepest water in this guide is Lake Huron: 754.6 ft at its deepest point (surveyed). It is followed by Lake Erie (206.7 ft), Cass Lake (123 ft) and Maceday Lake (117 ft). Maximum depths are known for all 17 waters.

Launching near Detroit: 77 ramps

Public access near Detroit adds up to 77 boat ramps. Nearest to the center for launching: Clinton River Cut Off on Lake Saint Clair, roughly 19 mi as the crow flies (6 lanes).

16 stocked waters near Detroit

Stocking records cover 16 of these waters; the largest totals are Lake Huron (73,413,659 fish), Lake Erie (35,815,570 fish) and Ford Lake (5,219,374 fish).

8 campgrounds near the water

8 campgrounds sit by the waters around Detroit. The closest are Ridgewood Campground (28.1 mi, by Stony Creek Lake), Pontiac Lake Recreation Area Modern Campground (32.6 mi, by Pontiac Lake) and Pontiac Lake Recreation Area Group Campground (33.1 mi, by Pontiac Lake).