Lake St. Clair Fishing, Size, Depth, And More

Written by Lev Baker
Updated: August 16, 2023
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Have you heard of Lake St. Clair? It’s a fascinating body of water that doesn’t get as much attention as its famous Great Lakes neighbors. Smaller in size but just as majestic, this freshwater lake is approximately 430 square miles.

What’s even cooler is that Lake St. Clair has also played a vital role in North American history. During the War of 1812, it was an important battleground, and the French explored it way back in the 1600s. Today, Lake St. Clair is a popular spot for anyone who loves being outdoors. Whether you’re into boating, fishing, or just a stunning scenery lover, this lake has it all.

A beautiful aerial view of a pier at Lake St. Clair, MI. Perfect spot for boating, fishing, making a picnic, and so much more

Lake St. Clair is a unique body of water measuring approximately 24 miles from east to west and 26 miles from north to south.

©Aerial Detroit/Shutterstock.com

Location

Lake St. Clair is a picturesque body of water located in the northeast region of Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, approximately six miles away from their downtown areas. It is part of an interconnected waterway that includes the Detroit River and the St. Clair River. It serves as a crucial link between Lake Erie to the south and Lake Huron to the north. 

The region around the lake, which includes the Windsor metropolitan area, is distinct for its Canadian territory lying south of the contiguous United States territory.

History

In 1679, while exploring new territories, René Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, made a remarkable discovery of a vast body of water. The sighting occurred on the feast day of Saint Clare of Assisi, which prompted La Salle to name the water formation Lac Sainte-Claire. However, the local Iroquoian tribes had already named it Otseketa, according to historian Louis Hennepin, who was on board the voyage.

When the English arrived in the area in 1710, they adopted the French name and labeled the lake as Saint Clare on their maps. However, the name gradually evolved, and subsequent maps, including the Mitchell Map of 1755, referred to it as the shorter “St. Clair,” which eventually became the most commonly used term. While some historians attributed the name to General Arthur St. Clair, the name Lake St. Clair already existed before St. Clair rose to prominence.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the name’s origin, it has played a crucial role in the region’s history. For example, various political jurisdictions near the lake, including St. Clair Township and St. Clair County in Michigan, as well as the cities of St. Clair Shores and St. Clair, carry the name, St. Clair.

According to local historians, another theory attributes the lake’s name to British officer Patrick Sinclair, who purchased land at the outlet of the Pine River in St. Clair County. Sinclair built Fort Sinclair in the area in 1764, which was used for almost two decades before being abandoned.

The lake’s name also reflects its French origins, as it begins with “Lake” instead of ending with it, in contrast to most smaller lakes in the region.

Lake St. Clair Michigan sunset

Despite Lake St. Clair’s significant size and role in the Great Lakes, it is often excluded from the official list of “Great Lakes.”

©Jdkfoto/Shutterstock.com

Size And Depth

Lake St. Clair is a unique body of water located in North America, measuring approximately 24 miles from east to west and 26 miles in length from north to south. With an average depth of merely 11 feet and a maximum natural depth of 23 feet, Lake St. Clair is considered a shallow lake, even though it has a surface area of 430 square miles. Nevertheless, the navigation channel of the lake is 27 feet deep, which permits large vessels to pass through effortlessly.

Originating from Lake Huron, the St. Clair River enters Lake St. Clair, where the biggest delta in the Great Lakes system is located. The river system contributes to the lake’s water supply, and the delta serves as an important breeding ground for fish and other aquatic species.

Despite Lake St. Clair’s significant size and role in the Great Lakes, it is often excluded from the official list of “Great Lakes.” Some still refer to it as the “sixth Great Lake.” There have been calls for it to be granted official recognition as a Great Lake, a move that would likely lead to increased funding for scientific research and other projects.

Water Level

Lake St. Clair maintains an average water level of 574 feet. However, it has experienced both record high and low monthly mean water levels in the past. In 1986, the high record was set at 599 feet, which is 25 inches higher than the current average. Conversely, in 1934, the lowest record was set at 533 feet, which is 41 inches lower than the current average.

The duration that water remains in Lake St. Clair is influenced by a range of factors. On average, the tarry time lasts for approximately seven days, but this can differ significantly depending on a variety of factors. These include the direction of winds, the patterns of water circulation, and the amount of water flowing out of Lake Huron.

The tarry time can range from just two days to as long as thirty days. However, for water that flows through the lake’s navigation channel, the tarry time is much shorter, lasting only around two days.

Geology

Lake St. Clair is commonly acknowledged as a glacial lake that developed alongside the five Great Lakes. Over the last 1.5 million years, glaciers have progressively sculpted the lake through their advances and retreats, resulting in its present-day form around 14,800 years ago.

In spite of extensive scientific investigation, the geological history of Lake St. Clair remains incompletely understood due to insufficient data. The intricate geological processes that shaped the lake, combined with the scarcity of available evidence, make it difficult to thoroughly explain the lake’s origin and evolution. Consequently, we continue to seek answers to unresolved questions surrounding the formation of this distinct water body.

Choppy Lake St. Clair at boat dock

Lake St. Clair is commonly acknowledged as a glacial lake that developed alongside the five Great Lakes.

©Paper and Lens Co/Shutterstock.com

Environmental Concerns

Lake St. Clair is a vital component of the St. Lawrence Seaway, serving as a major transit pathway for commercial shipping. However, the lake’s water and sediment quality has been significantly affected by the increasing industrialization and population in the area. The levels of pollutants, particularly mercury, have negatively impacted Canadian commercial fisheries, which once thrived in the region.

In addition to industrial pollution, agricultural runoff, municipal sewage systems, and overfishing have contributed to the lake’s environmental degradation. This has led to the decline and even extinction of native fish species such as lake herring, lake trout, and lake whitefish. Invasive species like sea lamprey, round goby, and zebra mussels have also had a devastating impact on the lake’s ecosystem.

Asian carp species are a significant threat to Lake St. Clair. The presence of these species is being closely monitored to prevent their spread to Lake St. Clair.

To address these environmental challenges, Canada and the United States have pledged to improve the water quality around Lake St. Clair under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. Although there are numerous challenges to overcome, there is hope that ongoing collaborative efforts will lead to the restoration of Lake St. Clair as a healthy and sustainable ecosystem.

Fishing

gold and green muskie fish on a river in winter at sunset on a partly cloudy day

Muskie fishing in Lake St. Clair is a must-try for those seeking trophy-sized catches.

©M Huston/Shutterstock.com

Lake St. Clair boasts a fantastic fishing experience, particularly for anglers targeting walleye and yellow perch. Anglers typically catch them by trolling worm harnesses or jigging in deep channels. They use lures such as rattling raps, twister tails, and rattle spoons. During winter, ice fishing is a popular activity, and anglers can be seen dotted across the frozen lake in huts or on ATVs and snowmobiles. The most effective technique is using minnows jigged off the bottom or still fished, although rattle spoons and raps can also yield great results.

Muskie fishing in Lake St. Clair is a must-try for those seeking trophy-sized catches. Each fall, anglers from across North America flock to the lake to try their luck with these elusive fish. With abundant baitfish and high densities of walleye, perch, bass, pike, and sunfish, the muskies have a strong forage base. It’s not uncommon to catch muskies exceeding 30 pounds, but the average weight is around 10-15 pounds. To entice them into striking, anglers often use large muskie lures like big crankbaits, shadzillas, cowgirls, and spinnerbaits, whether by trolling or casting.

Lake St. Clair is also a prime spot for bass fishing, with both smallmouth and largemouth bass in abundance. Largemouth bass are along canals, weed lines, shallow back bays, and marinas, while smallmouth bass are throughout the lake, especially in deeper channels during mid-summer. Anglers use a wide variety of lures, including crankbaits, flipping jigs, and spinnerbaits, among others, to catch these popular game fish.

All in all, Lake St. Clair is a world-class fishery that any angler would be delighted to experience. If you get the opportunity to visit, be sure to drop a line and see what you can reel in!

Boating

Sunrise over Lake St. Clair, Michigan

Boating at Lake St. Clair is a popular activity.

©Dave Bosen/Shutterstock.com

There are a variety of options available for boaters of all skill levels.

Boaters can access Lake St. Clair through a number of public launches. The most popular is the Harley Ensign Memorial Boat Launch, located on the Michigan side of the lake. This launch offers ample parking space and amenities such as restrooms and a fish cleaning station. Other public launches on the Michigan side include Lake St. Clair Metropark and the Clinton River Launch. When on the Ontario side, there are launches in Belle River and Lighthouse Cove.

Boaters should exercise caution and be mindful of shallow areas and sandbars when navigating the lake. The lake can also experience strong winds and waves. During the fall and winter months, boaters should prepare and check weather conditions before heading out.

Boaters can also take advantage of the many marinas located around the lake. They offer docking facilities, fuel, and other amenities. Popular marinas include Belle Maer Harbor, Beacon Cove Marina, and MacRay Harbor. Boaters can also explore the lake’s many islands. Harsens Island offers opportunities for picnicking, swimming, and wildlife viewing.

Camping

camping

Another camping option is Algonac State Park, which covers 1,550 acres.

©Prapat Aowsakorn/Shutterstock.com

Several campgrounds are near Lake St. Clair, providing camping facilities for guests. One such location is the Lake St. Clair Metropark, which spans 770 acres and is a favored spot among campers. This campground features sites with electric and water connections, along with picnic tables and fire pits. Additionally, the area offers various amenities such as a play area, pool, fishing dock, and boat ramp.

Another camping option is Algonac State Park, which covers 1,550 acres. This park provides campsites with electric, water, and sewage connections. Among the amenities available at the park are walking paths, fishing docks, boat ramps, and picnic spots.

For a distinctive and remote camping experience, consider a trip to Mulligan’s Valley. At the end of a private road, this camping area is on over 12 acres of forested land, offering a remote experience. Besides the vast campsite, visitors are also welcome to explore the neighboring 13+ acres of unused land. The landowner has kindly permitted guests to use it for hiking and other outdoor activities.

Hiking

Hiking on a Trail - Hiking Boots

A top choice is the Lake St. Clair Metropark Loop, a 3.5-mile circular trail.

©adriaticfoto/Shutterstock.com

Hiking trails around Lake St. Clair present numerous opportunities for nature lovers to discover and appreciate the great outdoors. With a selection of dozens of trails, guests can opt for a path that aligns with their physical abilities and preferences.

A top choice is the Lake St. Clair Metropark Loop, a 3.5-mile circular trail. With barely any elevation change, this easy trail takes roughly 1 hour and 1 minute to traverse. It’s an ideal route for bird enthusiasts, fishers, and road cyclists.

Another attractive and shorter trail alternative is the Marsh Forest and Meadow Loop, featuring boardwalks and well-kept pathways. This 1.4-mile circular route provides picturesque views and takes an estimated 24 minutes to finish. Regardless of your hiking experience, Lake St. Clair has a trail suitable for all skill levels to explore and enjoy.

Where is Lake St. Clair Located on a Map?

The Detroit River isn’t your typical river but is more like a canal between Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie. On one side is the major metropolitan area of Detroit, Michigan (population 640,000), and on the other is the smaller city of Windsor, Ontario, Canada (230,000 people). Windsor is Canada’s southernmost city. The Ambassador Bridge between the two cities is the busiest commercial crossing on the US-Canada border.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Brian Sevald


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About the Author

Lev is a writer at AZ Animals who primarily covers topics on animals, geography, and plants. He has been writing for more than 4 years and loves researching topics and learning new things. His three biggest loves in the world are music, travel, and animals. He has his diving license and loves sea creatures. His favorite animal in the world is the manta ray.

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