Are Lake St. Clair Water Levels Low this Year?

Are lower LAKE ST. CLAIR WATER LEVELS expected for 2026?  Despite the significant drop from the 2020 peaks, today’s levels are generally still close to or slightly above the long-term average (1918-present).

While the net basin supply of water to the lake has been lower than average the last 5 years, the overall trend is consistent as we return to more typical weather conditions.

The record low levels on the Great Lakes system occurred in past decades (in the mid-1930s, mid-1960s, and with less severity around 2012).  Lake St. Clair levels, as of the most recent forecasts, are expected to remain well above record low levels.

The GOOD NEWS! Lower water levels – or closer to average – will force smallmouth to congregate more closely around the few remaining pieces of key structure or cover, drop-offs, near the shipping channel, isolated rock humps, and distinct weed edges.