| On Wisconsin Outdoors with Dick Ellis

In general, fishing reports will be updated once per week, usually on Tuesdays. This may change based on the availability of reports and the work schedules of field staff. This fishing report information comes from our creel survey clerks, who work in the lakeshore areas from March through October, and in the tributary rivers seasonally in spring and fall. Creel clerk schedules are random and vary in the days and times they are scheduled to be in a specific location, which allows us to generate statistically valid fishing effort and harvest information.

Information for these reports is only based on days and times of the week that creel clerks are present. Additional fishing information can be found by contacting local bait shops, charter captains, marinas, etc.

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.

MARCH 22, 2021: WEST SHORE GREEN BAY ICE CREEL REPORT

FOX RIVER & METRO BOAT LAUNCH

The Fox was open water from De Pere Dam to the Leo Frigo Memorial Bridge. Water temperature was anecdotally reported at 40°F-41°F. Anglers were out in droves along this stretch of the Fox with spring fever. There were deteriorating ice conditions at Metro Launch until it was completely open Friday, March 19. Much of the observation time was watching boats enter the water, but not many had returned to complete a trip. Anglers interviewed at Perkofski and Fox Point caught between 0 to 30 walleye 11" to 21" in length and also caught a few lake whitefish about 20" in length. Angler counts were 27 trailers and 1 shore angler Tuesday, 23 trailers and 21 shore anglers Thursday, 233 trailers and 54 shore anglers Friday, 304 trailers and 40 shore anglers Saturday, and Sunday concluded the week with 148 trailers and 65 shore anglers.

MARINETTE COUNTY

Peshtigo River: Peshtigo River was ice-free this week with the city launch and County BB launch being used. The launch at the mouth still had some ice blocking it from being used. Outside of the river mouth in the bay was not being fished because of ice. No reports of any walleyes caught yet with water temps ranging from the mid 30s out by the mouth to around 40 below the dam.
Menominee River: Menominee River was clear of ice in the main channel out to the mouth by the weekend. Sixth Street launch and Menekaunee Harbor launch were not being used because of ice. All other launches were clear of ice. Docks were in at Stephenson Island and Mystery Ship launches. Fishing was confined to the river as ice was still present both north and south of the river. Ice was changing daily because of the wind but still hasn’t gone out yet. Most activity in the river was taking place around the Highway 41 bridge and upstream by boat and shore anglers. Best catches were occurring early mornings and at dark. Trolling around Stephenson Island was producing a few walleyes and the occasional brown trout. Boat anglers above the train bridge and anglers off the Hattie St. bridge were having best luck casting stick baits for walleyes and brown trout. Water temps were mainly in the mid to upper 30s all week. No activity at Little River or Red Arrow because of ice.

OCONTO COUNTY

Pensaukee and the Oconto County parks were not being used yet because of ice. All activity was confined to the Oconto River and around the mouth of the river. Both the city launch and the harbor launch were being used by boaters. Most anglers were fishing at the mouth of the river as ice was still present in the bay. Only a few walleyes were reported caught with most anglers having no luck. Water temps at the mouth were struggling to get out of the 30s.
Similar reports from the Stiles Dam area with cold water and not many fish. Most anglers were out trying for short periods of time in anticipation of the walleye run.

BROWN COUNTY

Duck Creek: Duck Creek north to Geano Beach had very little activity to report. Duck Creek had deteriorating ice conditions not safe for ice fishing, but not able to launch a boat this week. A few shore anglers were seen on Saturday along Duck Creek as the water opened. Longtail Point launches had open water by Friday, but the water on the bay was not conducive to open water fishing nor ice fishing. Suamico River was similar to other launches, but open by Saturday. A couple boats did launch and a few shore anglers came out on Sunday. Geano Beach is still ice-covered at the launch, but ice is unstable to fish on.

MARCH 15, 2021: EAST SHORE GREEN BAY ICE CREEL REPORT

This is the report from 3/10 and 3/11 for the East Shore Creel. Steady Rains on 3/10 and heavy winds on 3/11 combined with the warmer temperatures over the last week has taken its toll on the East Shore ice. Lots of cracks have opened up and random soft spots and open water holes have formed. Heavy Winds on 3/11 caused a lot of ice to be moved around and ice shoves to form as well.

SHERWOOD AREA (3/10 STEAD RAIN ALL DAY)

Potawatomi Park: A few anglers ventured out in the afternoon. No reports taken. Some larger holes have formed right at the launch, and along the shore line.
Idlewood: Large hole opened up at the landing with lots of standing water on top of the soft ice.
Oak Avenue: Guides were busy getting the rest of their permanent shacks off the ice. A few guided trips out to the reef had some success catching whitefish, with an average of 2 or 3 fish per angler for a couple hours effort.
Bullhead Point: One pop-up shack was fishing off Bullhead point with little success catching anything.

BAYSHORE AREA

All access points (Rites Cove, Volks Landing, Bayshore Park, Dyckesville, Sugar Creek, Red River, Chaudoirs) had some cracks and holes forming and open water near shore. Further out there is some ice shoves forming in the high winds. No anglers were seen in any location. Dyckesville accesses are all closed for the season with the near shore springs opening the ice.

MARCH 22, 2020: SOUTHERN LAKE MICHIGAN FISHING REPORT

KENOSHA COUNTY

Pike River: The Pike River saw limited angling activity this week. All of the angling activity was seen farther upriver in shallower water. The anglers that were seen this week were targeting steelhead. The anglers that were successful in catching steelhead this week were using spawn or tube jigs as bait. Water levels on the river are still very high. Water clarity and visibility is low as well.
Kenosha Piers and Shoreline: The piers and shorelines in Kenosha experienced constant fishing activity this week. Anglers that were spotted were targeting brown trout and steelhead. Anglers were seen fishing with bobbers and spawn as well as throwing spoons or tube jigs. Fishing was largely unsuccessful except for one lucky angler who caught a brown trout throwing spoons.
Kenosha Ramp: The ramp in Kenosha went unused this week. The piers haven’t been put back into the water yet this spring. Wavy conditions on the lake also wouldn’t have made for very fun fishing conditions. The water temperature at the ramp was about 42 degrees.

RACINE COUNTY

Root River: The Root River saw steady angling activity this week as the spring steelhead run is getting started. Anglers were spread out evenly throughout the river, both above and below the steelhead facility. Anglers that did get out fishing this past week were targeting steelhead as well as brown trout. Anglers were able to bring in a small handful of steelhead using flies or spawn. Water levels on the river are still high with the current on the river being fast. Water visibility is low due to the fast current. The water temperature at the end of the week was about 47 degrees.
Racine Piers and Shoreline: The piers and shorelines in Racine saw little angling activity this week. High winds at the beginning of the week caused wavy conditions on the lake and left the piers unfishable. A few anglers were seen towards the end of the week targeting brown trout or steelhead. Unfortunately, no fish were caught; probably due to the cloudy, murky water just offshore.
Racine Ramp: The ramp in Racine saw very little use this week. Only one of the piers at the ramp has been put back in the water so far this spring. Only two boat trailers were seen at the ramp throughout the entire week. No catches were reported. The water temperature at the ramp this week was about 44 degrees.

MILWAUKEE COUNTY

Milwaukee Co. Ramps: The boat launches are now free of ice. Anglers had luck casting crankbaits from boats near the Oak Creek Power Plant, catching brown trout and a small number of early coho. Other anglers had great success jigging soft plastics for browns in and near the Milwaukee Harbor. Lake Michigan nearshore water temperature is around 40°F.
Harbor and Piers: Anglers found success fishing trout-egg spawn sacs off the bottom near the mouth of the Milwaukee River. The Summerfest lagoon has been hit-or-miss for brown trout, with anglers having luck on spoons, crankbaits, and jerkbaits. Several quality brown trout were caught on minnows/shiners from the pier at the Oak Creek Power Plant.
Milwaukee River: Fishing pressure was high over the weekend as many anglers took advantage of the nice weather. Both steelhead and brown trout have been reported. Most anglers have been fishing spawn sacs.
Menomonee River: Fishing pressure was relatively low on the Menomonee this week. Some steelhead were seen in the river, and anglers saw the most action using flies. Water temp is around 44°F.
Oak Creek: Fishing activity was relatively low, with anglers catching many jack steelhead that are too small to legally keep. One larger steelhead was caught on a live worm.

OZAUKEE COUNTY

Port Washington: Monday morning was cloudy, chilly, and windy although Lake Michigan waters were calmer than in Sheboygan. Sauk Creek was low, fast running, and turbid. A couple of anglers fished at the power plant and at the creek. Thursday evening was similar, significantly windier, with Lake Michigan having whitecaps and the outflow having significant wave action pushing against it. By a warmer Sunday evening, more anglers were fishing along the outflow, at Sauk Creek, and within the marina. Lots of bites were reported, with a brown being caught at the outflow. Catfish and coho were caught earlier in the week. Reminder that the fish cleaning station at the marina is no longer in use, but that the station near Coal Dock Park should be open later in the season.

SHEBOYGAN COUNTY

City of Sheboygan: Monday morning was windy, cloudy, and chilly. Lake Michigan was choppy, with white caps, and turbid. The Pigeon River was moving swiftly and slightly turbid, with ice still hanging on the southern banks. Steelhead and browns were caught, particularly closer to the mouth of the river. Tuesday morning shared similar conditions, with a couple smaller steelhead being caught at Jaycee Quarry Park. Most ice had melted along the slightly colder Pigeon River by Saturday, which saw increased pressure. Anglers reported catches of smaller northerns in sizable numbers, and a brown was caught at Pigeon River Park. Lake Michigan was significantly calmer, with boaters taking advantage of the nicer weather, although no boats came in during this shift.
Sheboygan River: Monday morning was cloudy, chilly, and windy. The River was mostly clear and swiftly flowing. Few anglers were seen fishing early in the morning. Thursday evening showed similar conditions, but with an increase of anglers. Saturday morning saw a massive increase in anglers taking advantage of a warmer day and slightly warmer waters with reports coming in of brown and steelhead catches throughout the day, especially along Esslingen Park and the Sebold Nature Area.

MARCH 22, 2020: NORTHERN LAKE MICHIGAN FISHING REPORT

MANITOWOC COUNTY

Two Rivers: Fishing success was low this week with only a few fish being caught due to windy weather and low water levels. Most anglers were fishing at the East and West Twin Rivers mostly near the dams upstream. One 18-inch rainbow trout was caught using walleye bait at the Mishicot dam. Additionally, one rainbow trout was also caught at the Shoto dam using green beads.
Manitowoc: Fishing success was low this week due to gale warning and windy weather. Most anglers were fishing at the park near Mill road. No fish were reported being caught this week.

KEWAUNEE COUNTY

The fishing pressure in Kewaunee County was higher than in Door County. Most of the anglers that were interviewed this week were either fishing the Ahnapee or Kewaunee Rivers. Each of the rivers produced fish throughout the week. The anglers fishing in the Ahnapee river have reported catching more brown trout than steelhead. Anglers fishing off Washington Rd had the most success targeting brown trout with at least four brown trout being caught there while running the creel routes. Most brown trout were caught casting either spoons or crankbaits, color did not matter. A few steelhead were reported being caught throughout the river, with Olson Park leading the way with three steelhead being caught while on creel with one of the fish being 33 inches. Anglers reported catching the steelhead on spoons and spawn. There were two anglers interviewed that were targeting brown trout out on Lake Michigan near Stoney Creek. Both interviews resulted in two fish being caught from each boat. The anglers targeted 8-20 feet of water using both spoons and crankbaits. Anglers fishing the Kewaunee River reported catching a few steelhead, with Bruemmer Park being the spot with the most success. There were four steelhead caught there, with fish averaging around 25 inches and 6 lbs. Mainly male steelhead are being caught with a few females mixed in. All the fish were caught drifting spawn. A few steelhead were also reported being caught by the Footbridge bridge also drifting spawn. There were no interviews conducted from anglers on the Lake as the wind gusts on Thursday were pushing 45mph from the Northeast.

DOOR COUNTY

The fishing report for Door County is short and sweet this week as there were only two interviews conducted. The first interview was conducted during the middle of the week in Rowley’s Bay. The angler was fishing from shore and reported a few hits, but no fish landed. The other interview conducted occurred at the City of Sturgeon Bay Boat Launch on Saturday March 20th. The group of three anglers interviewed were targeting brown trout and walleye. They were able to land one brown trout while casting rip’n raps for walleyes in the canal. There were roughly 12 trailers in the parking lot when my creel route began at 1:00pm on Saturday March 20th. Heins Creek had a few steelhead swimming around in it while Shivering Sands Creek still had ice on it. Other creeks on the route have little flow and no angling pressure.

LAKE MICHIGAN OUTDOOR FISHING REPORT - MARCH 22, 2021

FISHING WISCONSIN