by Dale Hainer
TFN Reporter

Many local anglers enjoy walleye fishing in the St Clair River at night and for good reason... the fishing is fair to good to great, although the conditions have become crowded as more and more folks participate. If you have yet to catch the wave of nighttime excitement here's a few tips that will put you into some successful trips. 

Anglers who cast from shore have a number of hotspots that they can go to. I like to begin at the Sombra causeway or the Lambton generating plant. At the Lambton outflow, I usually cast just beyond the big weedline directly adjacent to the outflow. Slightly downstream, near the "do not anchor" sign is another one of my favourite haunts. These two spots will require waders in order to get a little distance in casting out to the main current and channel. If I can't get into a fish there, I travel upstream to the intersection of old hwy 40 and 80. Shore angling here doesn't require waders but walking along the rocks in the dark is sometimes dangerous...definitely no place for kids. 

Further upstream, I like to fish from the banks near the Sarnia Indian Reserve. This grass banks in this area is easy to walk around. 

There are many other spots that have been good to me in the past including the rocky point at the mouth of the SCRCA flood diversion and many of the small parks along the highway. From the parks you need a set of waders. A grand setting for nite anglers is the "causeway" at the Sombra ferry. It is a well lit area and is good walking. Parking does offer somewhat of a problem.

A 1/4 ounce round leadhead jig and three inch yellow or white twister tail has been my best producer. Other anglers have had good successes with variations including heavier or lighter weights and subtle colour variations. Pink coloured curly twisters have been popular at times as have double curly tail twisters and split tail twisters. Experimentation is important. 

Although I have never had much luck with a spoon or spinner in this situation, a couple anglers I spoke with swear by them. I should try a Canadian Wiggler! One combination that worked well for me on a number of occasions was a three inch floating Rapala (silver/black) that was attached to a three foot lead behind a slip or in-line sinker. I would cast this rig into the current at a 45 degree angle, let in sink down and begin a pumping retrieve once it drifted directly in front of me. The numbers of fish with this rig were fewer but larger! The same casting technique is favoured with the jigs... just eliminate the pumping of the rod and go for a constant retrieve. 

One of the great advantages of so many people participating in the night fish extravaganza is that you can pull up to a spot along the St Clair river and get a fishing report. Most anglers readily share their success stories. Some of them will tell you exactly what colour combo of lure is working for them. I've even had the luxury of total strangers shelling out some of their favourite jigs for me to use. Even if you're not too bold, simply observing a dozen or more anglers for a few minutes will tell you if the action is hot or cold. 

If you plan to go remember to take along a good flashlight. As the day temps grow warmer, there will eventually be a mosquito hatch that can drive you nuts in some spots. A good repellent is necessary.