The Detroit River is Lake Erie's primary inflow, channeling the outflow of Lake Huron and Lake St. Clair into Erie's western basin. Lake Erie drains northeast via the Niagara River — which drops over Niagara Falls — into Lake Ontario, and ultimately to the Atlantic via the St. Lawrence Seaway. On the Michigan shore, the Huron River and River Raisin are significant tributaries entering the western basin, with Point Mouillee sitting right at the Huron River's mouth.
Lake Erie's western basin freezes most winters thanks to its shallow depth, and ice fishing for walleye and perch draws crowds. However, Erie's ice is notoriously dangerous — wind-driven ice shifts can strand anglers on floating ice sheets, and this has happened repeatedly. Never venture out without checking current reports, carrying safety gear, and ideally going with someone who knows the local ice conditions.