SET THE HOOK! Fishing Lake Michigan

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: September 25, 2018

Milwaukee Co.

• McKinley Ramp – Morning boaters targeting salmon had very little luck this weekend. Most anglers reported marking quite a few fish through the north and south gaps and into deeper waters up to 180 feet, but there was little bite. Those heading to deeper waters noted thermoclines beginning down in about 80 -90 feet of water.
• McKinley Pier – Although anglers reported quite a few fish jumping at the surface shortly after sunrise and close to sunset, those targeting salmon or brown trout found little success at the end of the pier near the gap and harborside, using a variety of baits including spoons and spawn. Surface water temperatures lakeside, range between 62° - 64°F.
• North Lakefront Shoreline (McKinley, Veterans Park, Summerfest) – Low fishing pressure continues shoreside. Those few anglers targeting salmon observed by the Summerfest grounds (near the lighthouse or under the Hoan Bridge) and Lakeshore State Park continue to see little to no action.
• Milwaukee River – The mouth of the river, surface temperatures range from 64° - 66°F. Estabrook and Kletsch Parks are seeing high fishing pressure (especially by the falls), however few anglers are finding success catching salmon or trout. Water levels are lower with normal flow and clearer waters. Water temperatures range between 59° - 61°F further upstream.
• Menomonee River – Low fishing pressure throughout the week/weekend. Low, clear water levels and normal flow in the tributary. Temperatures range between 68° - 69°F near MMSD. A few panfish were caught further upstream using live bait. The few anglers trying their luck for salmon and trout around Miller Park/Three Bridges, where temperatures are 59°F, saw little action.
• South Lakefront (Jones Island, Cupertino Park, South Metro Pier) – No reported fishing pressure through the weekend.
• South Shore Ramp – A handful of boaters utilized this location through the weekend. No available reports were taken.
• Oak Creek – High fishing pressure near the falls (especially in the morning hours). Anglers are landing 15-20 lb. kings or the occasional coho using spawn. Anglers using a variety of flies and yarn saw very little action. Water levels are low, clear, and with normal flow. Temperatures throughout the creek are around 56º F.
• Bender Park – Very few boaters utilized this location through the weekend. No available reports were taken.
• Oak Creek Power Plant – Low fishing pressure continues at this location. Those handful of morning anglers trying their luck for salmon or trout saw very little action. Anglers fishing the discharge continue to land the occasional catfish or sheepshead using live bait.

Racine Co.

• Racine Ramp – Not Many boaters traveling far out. Most are having luck trolling in about 50-100fow with spoons and j-plugs for Kings.
• Racine Pier & Shoreline – Most anglers casting spoons and floating spawn. A couple coho have been reported during survey times. Water temps were in the mid 60’s throughout the week.
• Root River – Most anglers fly fishing with spawn near the quarry, dam and Lincoln Park. Anglers having luck mainly with chinooks. Water is flowing pretty fast this weekend which slowed down the bite but salmon can still be witness jumping making their way up.

Kenosha Co.

• Kenosha Ramp – Most anglers having luck in 100-200 fow for more silver fish. The anglers in the harbor are mainly catching kings which have already changed color. Most luck is floating spawn in the harbor or trolling j-plugs outside of harbor. Water temps maintaining around 63 degrees.
• Kenosha Piers & Shoreline – Most anglers having luck catching Chinook on spawn or casting glow spoons at night. Cranks have also been reported to work at night for triggering a bite. A couple coho salmon have also been reported during survey times.
• Pike River – Most anglers sticking to the mouth of the river for best luck. There have been a couple fish caught up river on fly rods with spawn. Fish seem to be starting to make their way up the river.

Sheboygan Co.

• Sheboygan Ramps – The Deland Park ramp was quite busy this weekend, and success was about 50/50 from boats coming in off the lake. Some anglers were able to find pockets of cooler water, and had success pulling in steelheads and cohos, while others claimed to have marked fish, but weren’t able to get them to bite. Spoons and spinners were used most often and seemed to work pretty well.
• Sheboygan Piers and Shore – The shore and piers were very quiet during survey times, with only a handful of anglers out on the south pier. There were no reported fish caught, although there were a few fish jumping near sunset.
• Pigeon River – No fishing efforts were seen on the river over the weekend.
• Sheboygan River & Weeden’s Creek – Fishing pressure was greatest near the Kohler Dam and the mouth of the river. A few kings were caught near the dam, while little success was seen near the mouth. Fly fishing and crankbaits were the most popular near the dam, while spoons were preferred downstream near Sprecher and the south pier. Not much action was seen in between the dam and south of 8th St., aside from a boat out near 14th St.

Ozaukee Co.

• Port Washington Ramp – Fishing efforts on the lake were very slow during the survey. Of the boats that came in, only one reported a catch, while the rest saw little-to-no action out on the water. Anglers mainly used spoons and other crankbaits but saw little success.
• Port Washington Pier – Fishing on the shoreline and piers was fairly active this weekend, with many anglers sticking to the north pier and inside the marina. Many of the anglers were using spoons and spinners, but a few tried their luck with spawn sacks. There were no reported catches during the time of the survey, but surface waters have begun to cool down and were in the mid-60s when recorded.
• Port Washington Utility – The utility saw many anglers both Saturday and Sunday, but success was hit-or-miss during survey times. A steelhead was caught near the power plant on a spoon, but no other fish were seen in the evening. According to other anglers, fishing success was very high in the morning, and they estimated that 6-7 fish were caught before 11:00 am. Lots of fish were jumping in the evening, but not many hits were reported.
• Sauk Creek – No fishing efforts were seen during the creel survey.

Northern Lake Michigan Fishing Report: September 25, 2018

Manitowoc Co.

• Manitowoc Ramp – Anglers trying their hand on the Lake have had little to show. Most of the boats are trying out in front the pier heads with no luck. The number of boats going out has decreased to a few boats a day.
• Manitowoc Harbor – The fishing has started to slow down inside the harbor. The number of a northern pike being caught has decreased as well as the number of bass. No reports of perch being caught yet.
• Manitowoc River – The Manitowoc River is flowing like crazy right now and is almost unfishable by the dam. There were some anglers that tried fishing by the dam in Clark Mills, but their lines kept on getting tangled together. Anglers fishing by Manitou park had some success this week. Those fish were caught casting spoons and occasionally a crankbait.
• Branch River – No anglers were found fishing while on creel route.
• Two Rivers Ramp – The number of anglers trying their hand on the boats have decreased. The number of fish being caught is also decreasing. The best catch of the week was three kings, otherwise it was zero or one fish. Majority of the fish were caught in close to shore using spoons and j-plugs.
• Two Rivers Pier – Fishermen have had limited success on the pier over the last week. There were a few anglers who braved the storms and caught chinooks casting off the pier. Silver and green cleos produced a couple fish over the week. No steelheads or browns were caught over the last week during survey times.
• Two Rivers Harbor – The fishing pressure is starting to decline in the harbor. In addition to the decrease in fishing pressure the number of fish caught decreased as well. Anglers have reported seeing chinook salmon jumping in the harbor yet, but not at a high rate.
• East Twin River – The fishing pressure has increased after the rain we received. As the number of anglers increased so did the number of fish that were harvested. Most of the fish caught along the East Twin occurred by the dam in Mishicot as well as downstream from the fire station. In both locations spawn sacs produced the fish. Chinooks dominated the catch over the week.
• West Twin River – Anglers fishing by the Shoto dam caught fish after the rain storm. However, the amount of flow coming down has limited most anglers to fishing the smaller dam. Spawn sacs produced the fish in Shoto just like in Mishicot. Anglers using the Shoto ramp had no success this week.

Kewaunee Co.

• Kewaunee Ramp – There was very light fishing pressure early this week with little to no luck on chinook salmon in the harbor. Near the end of the week water temperature was reported to be 63°-65°F out in 500-600ft of water and 60°-62°F at the shore.
• Kewaunee Shore – There was medium fishing pressure along the shoreline as folks were out at dawn and dusk. Not as much luck was had this week as compared to the last along the shore and pier. King salmon could be spotted going up into the Kewaunee River but no hits were reported. Spoons were reported to be warm when retrieved.
• Kewaunee Piers – Folks continued to crowd for chinook salmon this week though little luck was had retrieving them. Late in the evening there were some runs reported though low catch rates. Folks were having better luck on the lake side for king salmon. Many anglers had moved on to the river system.
• Kewaunee River – Fishing pressure was high early this week with folks catching many dark chinook salmon in the 18-20lb range. Salmon could be spotted coming up and down the river by footbridge. Many folks got their fish throughout the day around Devil’s bend on flies and spawn sacs.
• Algoma Ramp – Early this week folks stayed in the harbor catching chinook salmon and a few northern pike. It was noted to be 65°F at the surface near shore. By late in the week and the weekend many of the boats could be seen coming back with rainbow trout and king salmon out in 380-520ft of water. It was reported to be 64°-65°F at the surface far out and mid 50s 100ft down. Some folks were getting rainbow trout in 500ft of water and 100-110ft down. At the shore it cooled down to 58°-59°F late week. Very little luck was had with salmon near the harbor and inland.
• Algoma Shore – This weekend there was medium fishing pressure with a low catch rate on king salmon. Strong winds and lake water washing over made conditions unfavorable at times. Anglers were hoping for fresher salmon at the shore and at the pier though they were more difficult to catch. Good luck was had using silver and green spoons.
• Algoma Pier – Folks were shoulder to shoulder this weekend though very few hits were had and not many landed any chinook salmon. Some northern pike was reported to be caught on the north side of the pier.
• Ahnapee River – Early in the week folks by Blahnik Park were getting good sized yellow perch. There was also reports of small largemouth bass and pumpkinseed. By late week, many anglers were crowded at Olson Park trying to catch king salmon though not too much luck was had. Some northern pike were being caught on spoons.
• Stony Creek – Fishing pressure was high this week. Both fly and spin anglers were readily hooking chinook salmon near the mouth of the crick. The catch rate was high. Many folks were getting kings with silver and blue cleos or spawn sacs. Moldy spots were spotted on many of the salmon by Sunday evening.

Green Bay Fishing Report: September 25, 2018

Oconto County

• Oconto Breakwater and Harbor Area – Fishing pressure was extremely high this weekend. Reports of many sheepshead being caught by boat anglers, with an occasional walleye.
• Oconto River – Throughout the week, the water temperatures for the Oconto River ranged from 76-60 °F. Many fluctuations of water temperature had occurred as the week progressed.
• Stiles Dam & Iron Bridge Area – Fishing pressure remained very light over the weekend. Low fishing pressure was observed at the remaining sites on the Oconto River. Pensaukee River Boat Ramp – Medium fishing pressure was observed here this weekend but no interviews were obtained.

Marinette County – Menomonee River

• Menominee River – The water temperature of the Menominee River fluctuated only slightly as the week progressed having a high of 74 and a low of 62 by Sunday afternoon. Gale winds at the end of the week kept some anglers on shore or in the river rather than venturing out in the Bay.
  • **Anglers should note that the Lake Sturgeon season on the Menomonee River Downstream Grand Rapids Dam is catch and release only. The hook and line season is open from September 1 to September 30. **
  • Stephenson Island – Fishing pressure was moderate, with a few shore anglers targeting trout and salmon and some boat anglers trying for lake sturgeon or musky.
  • Menekaunee Harbor – Fishing pressure remained low at Menekaunee Harbor, Red Arrow Park, Boom Landing and Little River.
• Peshtigo River – The Peshtigo River dropped from 73 degrees down to 63 degrees by Sunday the 23rd.
  • Kilborn’s Ramp – Fishing pressure remained high over the past weekend, with some anglers having luck catching perch.
  • Peshtigo Dam area, Peshtigo Municipal Ramp, and Peshtigo Harbor Ramp – Fishing pressure was low at these locations. A few pink salmon were observed actively spawning in shallow riffles upstream from the Municipal Ramp over the weekend.

Green Bay/Fox River

• Metro Boat Launch – There were a decent number of anglers out over the past week despite the rain and high winds. Effort was evenly split between walleye and musky with both groups catching fewer fish than desired. Most boats were trolling with flicker shads or jigging with minnows but the most walleye caught by any group was 3. Musky anglers didn't fair much better with about 1 out of every 5 boats netting a fish. The rough fish catch has also decreased greatly over the past week with many boats unable to catch even a drum. At the beginning of the week water temps were in the mid 70's and by the end they crept down into the mid to high 60's. The water clarity is low due to the recent rains and the abundance of blue green algae. The parking look was empty at the beginning of the week but blossomed to over 2 dozen trailers by Saturday.
• Fox Point/Fairgrounds – Effort has stayed consistently low with less than 6 trailers in both the fox point and fairgrounds launches at a given time. Only a few interviews took place with all anglers in search of smallmouth bass. None of the boats landed any fish. There were also a few pleasure boaters out trying to enjoy the fall weather. By the end of the week the water temperature was in the mid 60's.
• Voyager Park – There have been a few more anglers out this week compared to last with effort primarily focusing on whatever they could catch. Out of the interviews taken the only things that were a caught were catfish, freshwater drum, and smallmouth bass. Despite the low catch numbers some anglers report catching a few walleyes after dark from the fishing pier.

Brown County

• Bayshore – Very few boaters out this week due to the weather conditions. Those that were out reported slow fishing for both walleyes and yellow perch. Most anglers harvest very few or no fish while out this week.
• Suamico – Both walleye and musky fishing has been slow out of geanos/suamico. Walleye anglers were primarily trolling with more than half the boats not catching a fish and the ones that did only caught a few. There were far more musky anglers out but success was still very limited. The few fish that were caught were reported to be in the mid 30's. Most musky anglers were trolling but there were a few casting but neither method appeared to be more successful than the other. Water clarity is still low due to the recent storms that have passed through. Suamico averaged a dozen trailers in it during the week and was full during the weekend. Geanos was more consistent with having 12 to 20 trailers in it throughout the week on the days that were surveyed.
• Duck Creek – Yellow Perch remains very consistent out of duck creek despite their limited size. Boats interviewed were catching more than 2 dozen fish for half a day out on the water. Sizes ranged from 5-8 inches with many smaller fish being tossed back. Throughout the week both launches averaged 0-5 trailers at a given survey time. There were also a few duck hunters out that managed to bag a few birds.

Door County

• Northern Door County, Green Bay Side – Bass fishing slowed down a bit with the strong blows we’ve had recently. Anglers are still finding some nice fish out amongst the Strawberry and Sister Islands but fish seem to be scattered, mostly in depths over 20ft. Pier fishermen have been doing well at Stone Quarry on a variety of plastics. Fishing pressure has been low leaving me with most anglers targeting bass. Nothing to report for walleyes or perch.
• Northern Door County, Lake Michigan Side – Anglers are starting to fish Gills Rock and Washington Island for smallmouth but are having mixed results. Bass are spread out and don’t seem to be moving into their fall patterns yet. Water temps range from 61-65 degrees. A walleye fisherman reported some action on crankbaits but no fish. Rowleys Bay pier remains a productive spot for smallmouth. No boats have been seen salmon fishing north of Sturgeon Bay. Most salmon fishermen are targeting the Sturgeon Bay Canal both casting and trolling. The salmon can be seen jumping in the mornings and evenings. Getting a bite can be tricky but some anglers have caught some nice fish over 20lbs. Crankbaits have been the most popular bait. Perch fishermen in the canal have had success with both crawlers and minnows. The most successful anglers stay mobile and start early in the morning searching for active schools of perch.
• Chaudior’s Dock – Very few boaters were out this week due to weather and interview times. No interviews were taken.
• Little Sturgeon Bay – Very few fishermen were out this week out of Sawyer Harbor. Those that were out reported fishing was slow with very few fish being caught and those that were being caught were small or were not the fish they were targeting.
• Sawyer Harbor – Those that were out fishing reported slow fishing with one boat of 4 people harvesting 3 walleyes from sunup to sundown. The smallmouth were the same with another boat averaging 4 total from sunup to sundown. No interviews were taken of yellow perch fisherman.

• Home|
• Ellis Blogs|
• Outdoor News|
• Ellis Experts|
• Outdoor Humor|
• Trips Elsewhere|
• Dick's Trips|
• Explore Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Outdoor Reports|
• ATV & Snowmobiles|
• Silent Sports|
• Inland Fishing|
• Great Lakes Fishing|
• Ice Fishing


• Fly Fishing|
• Archery|
• Firearms|
• Deer Hunting|
• Bear Hunting|
• Upland & Small Game|
• Waterfowl|
• Trapping|
• Dog Talk
• Outdoor Photography|
• Scouting Camera Corner|
• Recipes|
• Links|
• Contact Us|
• Advertise