You’ll be hard pressed to find an angler unhappy to fish Lake St. Clair. So the fact the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine Michigan Division is going there twice in a two-week span is going to make plenty happy. And the fact the second one on July 13 should produce even bigger weights will definitely bring some smiles.

Tournament details

Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine Michigan Division

Detroit River

Trenton, Mich.

July 13

About the Fishery

While the Detroit River is the takeoff spot for this derby, anglers will have plenty of rivers and lakes to fish.

The Detroit River proper is a 28-mile stretch connecting Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair. Anglers can opt to stay in the original river, but honestly, few will. Instead, you’re bound to see a bunch of anglers run south to Lake Erie with it’s immense underwater structures. Meanwhile, a larger contingent will head north to St. Clair, where the fishing can be lights out in terms of numbers. And even still, you’re bound to find guys venturing further north into the St. Clair River – a favorite haunt of Michigan pro Scott Dobson, who has won six Phoenix Bass Fishing League events and one Toyota Series event on the fishery.

While the fishery has some sneaky good largemouth fishing, this is a smallmouth derby. And ultimately, Dobson says it will come down to where the bait is the bronzebacks are feeding on that will determine the best waters.

“Traditionally, those mid-summer tournaments are won on St. Clair,” Dobson said. “But things cycle. Last year, St. Clair was hot in the summer, but then Erie was the place to be by late summer. Then it was back to St. Clair in the fall, when I was able to crack a 33-pound bag. So, it all depends on which is the hot lake.”

What to Expect

What to expect? Catching fish. A lot of fish.

St. Clair is a premier fishing destination because of the sheer numbers of smallmouth, and the quality that comes with it. With this tournament being in midsummer, anglers will have to look a little harder to find “the mother lode” according to Dobson.

“Around that time, the smallies start heading deep and roaming the abyss,” Dobson said. “They can be anywhere. But when you find the right school, it’s incredible.”

Some locals, though, will opt to head to Erie, where the structure around the Bass Islands can give anglers more precise targets versus trying to chase St. Clair’s nomads.

Regardless, Dobson figures 23 to 24 pounds to win this event.

“It’s a great time of year to fish here,” Dobson said. “The angler who finds the right area is going to have one heck of a day.”