Lake Michigan Outdoor Fishing Report
In general, fishing reports will be updated once per week, usually on Tuesdays. This may change based on availability of reports and work schedules of field staff.
REMINDER - Anglers must carry a paper copy of their license/stamps while fishing on the waters of Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and the WI/MI, WI/MN and WI/IA boundary waters.
- Southern Lake Michigan Fishing Report
- Northern Lake Michigan Fishing Report
- Green Bay Fishing Report
Southern Lake Michigan Fishing Report: July 30, 2018
Milwaukee Co.
- McKinley Ramp – Boaters targeting salmon and trout found little luck this weekend due to higher winds/weather and warmer water temperatures. When the weather calmed, boaters headed offshore between 200 - 300 ft of water. Although anglers marked many fish through their fishing grounds, there were only a few reports of landing chinook or the occasional rainbow using spoons. Lake trout, 50-75 feet down in 250-280 ft of water were landed also using spoons.
- McKinley Pier – Surface temps lakeside, range from 66°- 68°F (the warmest during the mid-day sun). Anglers targeting salmon, trout, bass, and northern pike both on the lakeside and harborside continue to see very little action. Anglers also report the lack of alewives along the pier.
- North Lakefront Shoreline (McKinley, Veterans Park, Summerfest) – Anglers targeting salmon or trout had little luck and report the lack of alewives behind the Summerfest grounds/Milwaukee Pier head light. A small rainbow was landed using worms for bait. Shore anglers targeting perch saw very little action, and those that found success were using minnows.
- South Lakefront (Jones Island, Cupertino Park, South Metro Pier) – Low fishing pressure occurred throughout the weekend from Jones Island, Cupertino Park, and through South Shore. Anglers targeting bass, trout, or salmon saw little action. Anglers earlier in the week targeting brown trout near Jones Island, had no problems catching alewives to use for bait, however by Wednesday, those schools were no longer present.
- South Shore Ramp – Anglers targeting coho and chinook salmon had very little luck. Most boaters headed offshore between 170-250 feet of water. Only a few reports of lake trout or the occasional rainbow, 50 - 60 feet down in 210-250 ft of water were landed using spoons.
- South Metro Pier – No reported fishing pressure through the week/weekend.
- Bender Park – The majority of boaters launching from this location, are non - anglers. The few boaters targeting salmon and trout found little luck.
- Oak Creek Power Plant – Low fishing pressure continues at the pier. Those few morning and afternoon anglers trying their luck using a variety of live bait and artificial lures found very little success in landing trout or salmon. The temperature at the end of the pier was 68°F. Anglers also report they have not seen the return of alewife schools in this location.
Racine Co.
- Racine Ramp – Surface temps rose to 68 degrees according to boat anglers. Most were fishing from 220-300 fow with flasher flies and spoons. Lots of lake trout were caught during recording times with kings and cohos mixed in.
- Racine Pier & Shoreline – Despite the nice weather, very few anglers out this past weekend. Most anglers casting spoons and having luck with occasional browns and rainbows. Water temps up to 69 in the harbor.
Kenosha Co.
- Kenosha Ramp – Many boaters out this weekend with most luck in the 60-100 water column in 200-300 fow. Most were using flasher flies and spoons with most luck coming from spoons. Mainly lake trout were being caught with a few kings and steelhead. Surface temp was reported at 69 degrees from boaters.
- Kenosha Piers & Shoreline – Many anglers out this weekend with the nice weather. Surface temp went up to 70 degrees Sunday. Very few bait fish have been caught. Most anglers are casting spoons and using artificial baits. Shore fisherman reported catching a few browns during recording times. Very few perch caught.
Sheboygan Co.
- Sheboygan Ramps – By 5:30 am on Saturday morning the Deland Park lot was full and by 6:30 am trailers were parking out along the roads. However, even with that many boats out not many fish were caught. Some boats took the skunking while others only averaged a mixed bag of 1-3 fish per boat. There was one boat that fished through the night on Friday night and came back with significantly more fish. Many boaters stated they tried everywhere looking for cooler water, but were unsuccessful. Many feel like the full moon combined with last week’s winds made for tough fishing.
- Sheboygan Shore & Piers – No one was out along the shore in Sheboygan. A few people hit the north and south piers Saturday morning. There was a report of a pike being caught but that’s about it. Many anglers were making the comment even with the west winds the water temperature was still really warm and needs to cool off before fishing picks up.
Ozaukee Co.
- Port Washington Ramp – Hundreds of boats took to the big pond this weekend with high hopes, but many came back disappointed. The average catch per boat was a mized bag of 0-2 fish no matter if they were out a half or a full day. Boaters were all over in search of a decent bite, and everywhere they went they found warm water as far down as 70 ft over 200 feet of water. One boater did say they found a pocket of 50-degree water but still only came in with four fish.
- Port Washington Shore & Piers – Very few people were fishing along the piers over the weekend. Those who were out were mostly targeting carp with decent success. Other fishermen on the shore and piers were out just enjoying the weather and casting spoons for whatever would bite but weren’t catching anything.
Northern Lake Michigan Fishing Report: July 30, 2018
Manitowoc Co.
- Manitowoc Ramp – Fishing has been slow the past week. Water temps warmed up to 68 degrees on the surface with mid 60’s throughout the water column. Anglers are averaging one or two fish per boat. The fish that are being caught have been on downriggers set 75 feet or greater in the water column.
- Manitowoc Shore, Piers, and Harbor – The number of anglers fishing on the piers continue to increase with little to show for. Freshwater drum and catfish were caught on the south pier as well as a 30-inch northern pike. Two or three rainbows were taken off the south pier over the weekend. Anglers fishing the north pier along the rocks managed to pull a nice smallmouth bass out.
- Two Rivers Ramp – Fishing pressure is continuing to increase although the number of fish being brought to the cleaning stations has not. After the northeast winds we had last weekend the water temps warmed up to a balmy 68 degrees on the surface with mid 60’s throughout most of the water column. Average catch per boat is one or two fish right now.
- Two Rivers Shore, Pier, and Harbor – The anglers that have been fishing in the harbor have had mixed results for bullheads this week. Some anglers had steady action while some couldn’t buy a bite.
Kewaunee Co.
- Kewaunee Ramp – Fishing pressure remained heavy for the majority of the week and into the weekend due to the Kewaunee/Door County Salmon Tournament. Anglers were out catching rainbow trout, chinook salmon, and a few lake trout. Many folks out there were experiencing issues with spiny water fleas especially those using monofilament lines. Water temperature was reported to be 68-69°F on top in 120-280ft of water and 48-51°F 90-100ft down. Many of the largest king catches were happening down 50-85ft. Good luck was had using orange fly flashers.
- Kewaunee Shore & Piers – Water temperatures were reported to be 64°F at the surface near shore as compared to the 55°F seen most of last week before the storm. There was low fishing pressure this week with no reports on the catch.
- Algoma Ramp – The ramp was full of anglers all weekend with the K/D wrapping up. Water temperature was reported to be 68-70°F at the surface in 150-200ft of water. The thermocline was noted 90ft down at 46-48°F. Spiny water fleas were an issue sticking to and breaking lines. Anglers were out catching rainbows, kings, and a few lake trout with some of the best catches happening south in 100-120ft of water.
- Algoma Shore and Pier – Fishing pressure remained low here with very few anglers spotted along the shore. No luck was had with either rainbow trout or salmon. Olson Park saw low fishing pressure as well.
Green Bay Fishing Report: July 30, 2018
Brown County
- Bayshore – The only day that was surveyed was 7/23, Monday. Due to the day of the week not many boaters were out although those that were out harvested around 3 walleyes per person.
- Suamico – The parking lot averaged about 20 boats during the week and spiked to over 70 during the weekend. Effort continues to focus on walleye with all boats catching fish. Out of everyone interviewed between 1-16 fish were caught per boat with harvest ranging from 0-13. While out anglers also caught plenty of freshwater drum and catfish. There has also been a noticeable increase in the number of white perch being caught.
Oconto County
- Oconto Park II – Fishing pressure increased at the Oconto Park II area this week. Anglers were reporting success catching some perch, smallmouth bass, and walleye over the weekend. Anglers were having success catching perch using nightcrawlers at water depths between 5 and 10ft. Anglers were having success catching walleye using nightcrawlers water depths between 10 and 15ft.
- Oconto Breakwater and Harbor Area – Anglers on the pier were having some success catching catfish, northern pike, perch, and smallmouth bass this week. Anglers using the boat launch were reporting success catching channel catfish, northern pike, perch, smallmouth bass, and walleye.
- Oconto River – A lot of anglers were out this weekend on the lower Oconto river. Some anglers had success catching walleye. Anglers were having the most luck catching walleye using nightcrawlers at depths of 10 – 15ft. Over the past weekend, the water temperature for the Oconto river ranged from 70 – 77°F.
- Municipal Boat Ramp – Low fishing pressure was observed at the Oconto Municipal boat ramp this week.
- Holtwood Park Ramp – Very low fishing pressure was observed at the Holtwood Park Boat Ramp in Oconto this past week.
- North River Road Ramp – Very low fishing pressure was observed at the North River Road Boat Ramp this week.
- Stiles Dam & Iron Bridge Area – Fishing pressure has remained low over the past week. Fishing success had decreased over the past couple of weeks. Anglers were having occasional success catching rock bass or bluegill this week.
- Pensaukee River Boat Ramp – A good number of anglers used the Pensaukee river boat ramp this week. Anglers were reporting success catching catfish, northern pike, perch, and walleye.
- Geano’s Beach– Geano’s Beach has seen the highest number of boaters launching from it out of the western side of the lower bay. During the week the lot averaged around 20 and jumped up to almost 100 trailers by Saturday. Catch rates have been between 1-30 fish over the past week with the average angler catching around 6 for half a day out on the water. Though catch rates were consistent there was only one boat that had caught their limit. While out anglers also caught many freshwater drum, catfish, white bass, and white perch.
Marinette County – Menomonee River
- Menominee River – This week anglers were having the most luck catching walleye using nightcrawlers at depths of 10 – 15ft. The water temperatures on the Menominee averaged about 74°F over this past week.
- Boom Landing Ramp – Fishing pressure remained decent over the past week. Some anglers were having success catching rock bass, walleye, and smallmouth bass.
- Mystery Ship Ramp (Menominee, MI) – Fishing pressure was good over the past week. Anglers were having some success catching catfish, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and walleye.
- Ann Arbor Ramp – Good numbers of anglers were out this past week. Some anglers were having success catching brown trout this week. Some anglers were having success catching northern pike, smallmouth bass and walleye.
- Stephenson Island – Fishing pressure was low over the past week. Anglers were having success catching blue gill, rock bass, and smallmouth bass along the shore.
- Red Arrow Park – Very low fishing pressure was observed at Red Arrow Park this week.
- Little River Area – Good fishing pressure was observed at the little River Ramp this week. Some perch were being caught along the shore using nightcrawlers. A handful of anglers were targeting brown trout with limited success this past week. Brown trout were being caught trolling using spoon rigs at water depths between 50 – 60 ft.
- Peshtigo River - Overall, low fishing pressure was observed on the Peshtigo River this past week. The water temperatures ranged from 71.5 – 75°F over the weekend.
- Peshtigo Dam Area – Fishing pressure is low along at the Peshtigo dam area. Some anglers were having luck catching rock bass using nightcrawlers up by the dam.
- Peshtigo Municipal Garage Ramp – Fishing pressure was very low this week.
- Klingsborn’s Ramp (5 mi down CTY RD BB outside Peshtigo) – Fishing pressure remained steady over the past week. Anglers were having success catching northern pike and walleye using nightcrawlers this week.
- Peshtigo River Mouth (at the end of Harbor Rd in Peshtigo Harbor Wildlife Area) – decent fishing pressure was observed at the Peshtigo river mouth ramp over the last week. Anglers were having success catching catfish, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and walleye this week.
Green Bay/Fox River
- Metro Boat Launch – During the week there were less than a dozen boats in the parking lot but by the time the weekend came the number grew to over 25. Due to shift timing no interviews were taken. Anglers fishing from shore were in search of black crappie or whatever would bite. No fish were caught.
- Fox Point/Fairgrounds – Throughout the entire week the parking lot averaged less than 5 trailers. Shore anglers who were interviewed were in search of whatever would bite and all they caught was one white perch.
- Voyager Park – Throughout the week voyager had around a half dozen people fishing from shore when it was surveyed. Anglers were in search of a good time but didn’t catch anything.
- Duck Creek – Duck creek has seen a considerable increase in fishing pressure over the past week. The majority fishing effort has been towards yellow perch with some anglers coming back with over 20 fish. Fish caught were reported to be in the 7-9-inch range and the few fish that were measured were between 8 and 9 inches. While out anglers also caught a few freshwater drum and round goby.
Brown County
- Bayshore – The only day that was surveyed was 7/23, Monday. Due to the day of the week not many boaters were out although those that were out harvested around 3 walleyes per person.
- Suamico – The parking lot averaged about 20 boats during the week and spiked to over 70 during the weekend. Effort continues to focus on walleye with all boats catching fish. Out of everyone interviewed between 1-16 fish were caught per boat with harvest ranging from 0-13. While out anglers also caught plenty of freshwater drum and catfish. There has also been a noticeable increase in the number of white perch being caught.
Door County
- Northern Door County, Green Bay Side – Bass fishing is still slow but a few nice fish have been caught off local piers in the mornings using plastics. Popular areas like Egg Harbor, Pensinsula State Park and Anderson Dock are producing small sub legal sized bass, rock bass and a few perch.
- Northern Door County, Lake Michigan Side – Rowleys Bay has been good for the bass angler willing to move around and find active fish but pressure has been low. The K/D salmon tournament rapped up this weekend with a 30lb fish coming from Baileys Harbor. Over the week shifting winds made fishing difficult. Average catch was 1-3 fish, both kings and rainbows. Anglers are having trouble patterning fish with conditions changing constantly.
- Chaudior’s Dock – The only day that was surveyed was 7/23, Monday, and due to the day of the week only one boater was interviewed. However, they did very well with each fisherman catching their personal best walleye. Along with catching a variety of fish, walleye, catfish, white bass, yellow perch and freshwater drum.
- Little Sturgeon – The walleye bite picked up and stayed steady this week with the best day being Saturday. Many anglers reported harvesting their limit in the early morning and then the even a couple fisherman limiting out between 5-7pm. Smallmouth Bass weren’t as plentiful but were active Saturday morning. One Muskie angler was interviewed and reported only catching a northern pike.
- Sawyer Harbor – Very few fishermen were out this week out of Sawyer Harbor. Those that were out reported fishing was slow with very few to no fish being caught. One Walleye fisherman was successful with harvesting 5 walleyes between two people.
Sturgeon Bay
- Sturgeon Bay City Shore – There was an intermediate amount of fishing pressure overall this week. Anglers were out with many reports of good size perch. Good luck was had using nightcrawlers.
- Sturgeon Bay Ramp – Many folks were out this weekend catching perch and smallmouth up and down the canal. King salmon and rainbow catches have been reported out at 200-300ft of water east of Sawyer Ramp. Water temperature was reported to be 74-77°F on the surface in the canal.
- Bay View Park – Perch were being caught close to shore near stone harbor. Rockbass was also a frequent catch.
- Sunset Park Ramp – Anglers and many pleasure boaters were out from this launch. Some folks were coming back with yellow perch and smallmouth. Water temperature was reported to be 74°F out in the channel.
- Stone Quarry Ramp – Fishing pressure was high this week with many smallmouth bass being caught. Anglers were reporting catches of large freshwater drum as well. Water was reported to be 78-79°F at the surface. Good luck was had using tubes and live minnows for smallmouth bass.
- Stone Quarry Shore – There were many smallmouth bass catches late week when the northeast winds returned. The strong west winds and storming made fishing more difficult earlier in the week. Reports of northern pike are beginning to appear though infrequent. Good luck was had using soft plastics and nightcrawlers.