HERENovi
Novi MI
Fishing
Report
Live conditions, species status, solunar ratings, water body profiles, MDNR regulations, and community fishing coverage for Oakland lakes and rivers.
Bass: Hot Bite Crappie: Active Catfish: Active 8 Waters Profiled
First Look • Fishing Conditions
🌘
Waning Crescent
Illumination: 22%
61°F
51°F
8 mph
1005
as of 9:45 PM ET
Very Good — decreasing moon builds toward new moon peak. Dawn and dusk feeding surges expected.
Oakland • Oakland County / Detroit metro MI
Your Local Fishing Resource
HERENovi is your local source for fishing reports, conditions, and MDNR regulations across Oakland. Use the waters list to find lakes, rivers, and reservoirs near you, the regulations section for current limits, and the guides directory to book a trip.
Current Conditions • Novi Waters
Species Status
Largemouth Bass
HOT
Fall feeding frenzy. Bass are chasing shad and blueback herring. Crankbaits and swimbaits dominate.
Top BaitCrankbait, Swimbait, Jig
Depth10-20 ft structure
Smallmouth Bass
FAIR
River smallmouth in deeper holes and pools. Slower presentations required.
Top BaitTube Jig, Crawfish Pattern, Ned Rig
DepthShoal tail-outs, 3-12 ft
Crappie
FAIR
Summer or late fall. Fish are deeper — target 12-20 ft brush piles with tube jigs.
Top BaitSmall Tube Jig, Live Minnow, Slip Float
Depth12-20 ft brush
Catfish
FAIR
Winter catfish are catchable but slower. Concentrate in deepest lake holes and river pools.
Top BaitCut Shad, Chicken Liver, Prepared Stink Bait
DepthChannel edges, 10-30 ft
Bluegill / Bream
FAIR
Bluegill in slower mode. Small jigs under a float near dock pilings and woody structure.
Top BaitCricket, Worm, Small Jig (1/32 oz)
DepthSpawning: 1-4 ft. Non-spawn: dock edges 4-10 ft
Trout
ACTIVE
Trout active in stocked waters. Cold water temperatures keep fish feeding.
Top BaitPowerBait, Night Crawler, Inline Spinner
DepthStocked areas — designated lakes and streams
Species status is based on seasonal patterns and current conditions for Oakland waters. Always verify MDNR regulations for creel limits, size minimums, and any current advisories before heading out.
Report a Bite Update
First Look
Weather & Fishing Conditions
61F
Heavy Rain And Fog/mist
Feels like 61°F
as of 9:45 PM ET
Wind
8 mph SSW
Humidity
100%
Pressure
1005 hPa
Est. Water Temp
51°F
Moon
Waning Crescent
Sunrise / Sunset
7:11 am / 5:23 pm
Location
Novi, MI
On-the-Water Tips
- Water temps in the prime range — bass are active on shallow structure. Topwater lures effective morning and evening.
- Overcast and light rain conditions are often the best fishing weather. Fish shallow and aggressive — bass are less wary.
Solunar Index
Fishing Conditions Dashboard
Air Temperature
61°F
Optimal Bite
Wind Speed
8 mph
Light Breeze
Barometric Pressure
1005 hPa
Low — Fish Deep
Moon Phase
🌘
Good
Extended Outlook
5-Day Fishing Forecast
TONIGHT
Mostly Cloudy
60° / 50°
12 mph wind
GOOD
THU
Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Light Rain
58° / 40°
14 mph wind
FAIR
FRI
Chance Light Rain
51° / 34°
13 mph wind
FAIR
SAT
Slight Chance Light Rain then Partly Sunny
50° / 31°
12 mph wind
FAIR
SUN
Mostly Sunny
57° / 35°
11 mph wind
FAIR
Lakes & Rivers
Water Body Profiles
8 fishing waters within Oakland — with species, access, tips, and restrictions.
Walled Lake
Freshwater inland lake
Angler Tip
Commerce Lake (North Commerce Lake)
Freshwater inland lake
Angler Tip
Wing Lake
Freshwater inland lake (electric-motor only)
Angler Tip
Kent Lake (Kensington Metropark)
Freshwater reservoir / metropark lake
Angler Tip
Proud Lake (Proud Lake Recreation Area)
Freshwater lake and Type I trout stream
Angler Tip
Long Lake (Commerce Township)
Freshwater inland lake
Angler Tip
Rouge River (headwaters area)
River (headwaters tributary)
Angler Tip
Huron River (Kensington / Proud Lake section)
River
Angler Tip
Did We Miss a Spot?
Know a Novi-area fishing lake, pond, or river stretch that should be on this list? Let us know.
Report a Fishing SpotLocal Experts
Field Guides
No Novi-area fishing guides are listed yet.
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Community
Here We...
Reel Them In...
Big catches, personal bests, and tournament fish from Novi anglers.
Cast Them Cold...
Your favorite post-fishing spots. Where do you go when the rods are stowed?
Coverage
Fishing News HERE
Local — Novi and Oakland County / Detroit metro
Local
DNR Launches 3-Year Study After 27 Lake Sturgeon Stranded
ONTONAGON, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has started a three-year effort to learn why 27 threatened lake sturgeon ended up cut off in shallow pools below a hydroelectric dam in the western Upper Peninsula this summer, and whether it will keep happening. The fish were found below Victoria Dam in a channel
Nov 4, 2026
Local
Invasive Mudsnails Turn Up in Southern Michigan
KENT COUNTY, Mich. — A tiny invasive snail that has spread through several of northern Michigan's best-known trout rivers has now been found in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula for the first time, state invasive species officials said Monday. New Zealand mudsnails were collected in Bear Creek, a small coldwater stream that feeds
Nov 3, 2026
Local
DNR Uses DNA Tests to Gauge Walleye Stocking Success
MARQUETTE, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is rolling genetic parentage tests into walleye stocking checks statewide after a Upper Peninsula pilot showed the multimillion-dollar program can succeed in one lake and barely register in others. Biologists briefed the Natural Resources Commission in Marquette this week on parentage-based tagging, which matches DNA from
Oct 17, 2026
More at Outdoor Sports
Hunting, camping, hiking, and all outdoor sports coverage for Novi and Oakland County / Detroit metro MI
Tackle, Rods and Reels
Essential Gear HERE
Gear reviews and picks for the Novi angler — rods, reels, tackle, and kayaks tested for Oakland County / Detroit metro MI waters.
Gear Reviews — Tested for Oakland County / Detroit metro MI Waters
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Learn About Gear AdvertisingMDNR
MDNR Regulations
License requirements, bag limits, and size limits for Oakland waters. Always verify current regulations at michigan.gov.
MI Fishing Licenses
Bag & Size Limits — Novi Waters
Regulations shown are for general reference (checked 2026-10-16). Special rules apply on many individual lakes and rivers. Always verify current rules with Michigan Department of Natural Resources at michigan.gov before keeping fish.
Spawn Timing & Key Dates
Season Calendar
Mar 30, 2026
Trout stocked: Huron River
Rainbow and brown trout, Oakland County (MDNR stocking database).
Apr 25, 2026
Trout opener; Lower Peninsula walleye & pike
Statewide trout opener and the inland Lower Peninsula walleye and northern pike openers (MDNR).
Apr 30, 2026
Brown trout stocked: Paint & Kearsley creeks
Also the Clinton River (MDNR stocking database).
May 23, 2026
Bass possession season opens
Most waters; Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair and Detroit rivers open June 20 (MDNR).
Jun 6, 2026
Muskellunge possession season opens
Statewide muskie possession opener (MDNR).
Jul 8–9, 2026
Walleye stocked: Pontiac Lake
25,968 and 15,163 walleye (MDNR stocking database).
Feb 14–15, 2026
Free Fishing Weekend
Fishing licenses waived; all other rules apply (MDNR).
Jun 13–14, 2026
Free Fishing Weekend
Fishing licenses waived; all other rules apply (MDNR).
Spawn timing is approximate and based on typical Oakland water temperature patterns. Actual timing varies by year and water body. MDNR trout stocking schedules are published annually — visit michigan.gov for exact dates and stocking locations.
Questions and Answers
Fishing FAQ
Common questions about fishing in the Novi area, answered.
-
Yes. Anglers 17 and older need a Michigan fishing license to fish public waters; anglers under 17 may fish without one but must follow all fishing rules. Licenses are sold by the Michigan DNR (michigan.gov/dnr).
-
Kensington Metropark (4570 Huron River Pkwy., Milford) covers 4,481 acres around Kent Lake, with East and West boat launches; a Metroparks launch permit is required for trailered boats, Kent Lake has a 10 mph speed limit, and fishing is not allowed from docks, launch areas, bridges or boardwalks. Maybury State Park (49601 Eight Mile Rd., Northville) has an 8-acre spring-fed pond with a bass and bluegill community and a fishing pier. Proud Lake Recreation Area in Commerce Township offers Huron River fishing. Before keeping fish from the Huron River, check Michigan's PFAS 'Do Not Eat Fish' advisory, which covers sections of the river in Oakland, Livingston, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.
-
Yes. Kensington Metropark has a canoe and kayak launch, and its boat rental near Maple Beach offers kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, rowboats and paddleboats (no outboard motors); boats are not allowed on Wildwing Lake. At Proud Lake Recreation Area, a concession rents canoes and kayaks for the Huron River from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
-
Yes. MDNR says the Huron River section in Proud Lake Recreation Area is managed as a Type I trout stream and is stocked each year, with river access at the park's Huron Fishing Site. MDNR's database shows rainbow and brown trout stocked in the Huron River in Oakland County on March 30, 2026. Michigan's trout possession season on most streams opens the last Saturday in April (April 25 in 2026). Before keeping fish from the Huron River, check Michigan's PFAS 'Do Not Eat Fish' advisory, which covers sections of the river in Oakland, Livingston, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.
-
Yes, nearby. MDNR stocked rainbow and brown trout in the Huron River in Oakland County on March 30, 2026, and brown trout in Paint Creek, Kearsley Creek and the Clinton River on April 30, 2026. Michigan's trout possession season on most streams opens the last Saturday in April (April 25 in 2026).
FISHING NEWS NEAR NOVI MI
Fishing coverage from the 10 closest HERE cities.
Latest Novi Fishing News
DNR Launches 3-Year Study After 27 Lake Sturgeon Stranded
ONTONAGON, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has started a three-year effort to learn why 27 threatened lake sturgeon ended up cut off in shallow pools…
Invasive Mudsnails Turn Up in Southern Michigan
KENT COUNTY, Mich. — A tiny invasive snail that has spread through several of northern Michigan's best-known trout rivers has now been found in the southern half of…
DNR Uses DNA Tests to Gauge Walleye Stocking Success
MARQUETTE, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is rolling genetic parentage tests into walleye stocking checks statewide after a Upper Peninsula pilot showed the multimillion-dollar program…
DNR Pike Rules Open Otsego Marsh, Lift Small-Fish Caps
LANSING, Mich. — Fresh DNR northern pike rules that took hold Oct. 15 reopen Otsego County marsh water year-round and let anglers keep more smaller pike on four…
DNR Uses DNA Tags to Judge Walleye Stocking Success
LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is leaning on DNA parentage checks to decide where walleye stocking actually works, expanding a method rolled out in…
