| 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 29, 2021: GREEN BAY FISHING REPORT

FOX RIVER & METRO BOAT LAUNCH

The Fox River from the De Pere Dam to the mouth is active with walleye anglers. Two walleye tournaments happened over the weekend of March 28-29. The weather was not ideal, but the effort was there. Of the anglers interviewed this week, 0 to 45 walleye were caught per boat and all were released. Most of these walleye were male and caught with minnows. Other reported fish caught were 1 channel catfish, 1 muskellunge and 1 lake whitefish. These, too, were released. Trailer counts were 134 the 22nd, 59 the 24th, 65 the 27th, and 126 the 28th.

MARINETTE COUNTY

Peshtigo River: All three launches were free of ice this week. Most activity was seen at the city launch and by the dam. Walleye were being caught below the dam by shore anglers casting rapalas. A few walleyes were being caught by boat anglers jigging around the 41 bridge up to the railroad bridge. Numbers of walleyes caught were fairly low, with anglers anticipating a push of fish with warmer weather. The most productive spot overall this week was in the bay out from the river mouth. The early morning bite was good using rip 'n raps and jigs with various plastics. Water temps were in the mid to upper 30’s in the river and bay this week.
Menominee River: All boat launches on the river are now free of ice and have docks in. Success for walleyes picked up this week from shore and from boats. Shore anglers were having luck off Stephenson Island upstream to the dam. Rapalas and blade baits were the most popular lures used. Boat anglers were having good luck vertical jigging with minnows anywhere from Marinette Marine down to the mouth. A few walleyes were also being caught trolling three-way rigs with stick baits towards the mouth of the river. Wind was an issue for those wanting to fish the bay. Those who were able to get out in the bay were having good luck catching brown trout south of the piers. Many sizes of browns were caught ranging 2 to 16 pounds. Trolling stick baits and small crankbaits were both catching fish. Water temps were in the mid to upper 30’s.
Red Arrow: No activity seen this week.
Little River: Windy conditions kept usage low this week.

OCONTO COUNTY

Oconto Park II: No activity this week with ice still present in the launch area.
Pensaukee: The launch was free of ice by the weekend. No activity seen this week.
Oconto River: Heavy fishing pressure was seen this week with most chasing walleyes in the bay. Anglers were fishing just north of the mouth of the river and along the shoreline heading north. Best action was occurring in areas of warmer water in depths of 5 to 10 feet. Rip 'n raps and jigging plastics were working best. Early morning seemed to produce the best bite. A few whitefish were also being caught while fishing for walleyes. Shore fishing was starting to pick up this week, with a few walleyes caught over the weekend below Stiles dam. Anglers were scattered around the river from the dam downstream to the 41 bridge. Casting rapalas or small crankbaits were the most popular methods used. Water temps were in the mid to upper 30’s.

BROWN COUNTY

Duck Creek north to Geano Beach still has zero to little activity. Water and launches are open at each location, with the exception of Geano Beach. Geano Beach still has some ice at the launch and in the Bay. I observed a boat in the Bay off one of the Longtail Point locations so boats are starting to explore the water north of the Fox River mouth.

MARCH 29, 2020: SOUTHERN LAKE MICHIGAN FISHING REPORT

KENOSHA COUNTY

Pike River: The Pike River saw steady angling activity over the last week. Most of the activity occurred farther upriver with minimal activity near the mouth. Anglers were seen fishing with flies, spawn, or tube jigs to catch the steelhead they were targeting. Despite steady angling activity, success was limited. A few steelhead were caught on tube jigs floating under a bobber. Water levels on the river maintained this week and remain a little high. Water clarity on the river is fair.
Kenosha Piers and Shoreline: The piers and shorelines in Kenosha saw a small handful of anglers this week. Those that were spotted were seen bobber fishing as well as throwing spoons. Anglers were targeting brown trout or steelhead. Unfortunately, the fish did not cooperate, and no fish were caught.
Kenosha Ramp: The ramp in Kenosha saw a few boat trailers this week despite the piers still sitting dry in the parking lot. The few boats that did go out mainly stayed in the harbor and trolled for trout. Hook ups were limited with only one brown trout being caught on a shad wrap. The ramp should continue to see more activity as the weather gets warmer.

RACINE COUNTY

Root River: The Root River experienced an increase in fishing activity this week as more steelhead continue to come into the river. Anglers were spread out both above and below the steelhead facility. Most anglers were seen throwing spawn or flies on fly fishing tackle. Steelhead were the most targeted fish, with anglers showing interest in brown trout as well. Even with the increase in angling activity fishing success was hit or miss. Some anglers caught multiple fish while others left empty handed. A good number of steelhead and a few browns were caught with flies, spawn, beads, or tube jigs. Anglers reported catching plenty of suckers as well. Water levels on the river maintained throughout the week while water flow remains high. The water temperature around the steelhead facility was about 45 degrees.
Racine Piers and Shoreline: The lakefront in Racine was quiet over the last week. High winds led to big waves and cloudy water. Those are unfavorable fishing conditions for any shore angler. No anglers were reported. Hopefully, warmer weather will be more inviting to anglers as spring continues.
Racine Ramp: The Pershing Park ramp in Racine was empty this week. No boat trailers were spotted. Only one pier has been put in for the spring so far at the boat ramp. Rainy and windy conditions on the lake helped to keep any boat anglers at home. The water temperature at the boat ramp was about 44 degrees.

MILWAUKEE COUNTY

Milwaukee Co. Ramps: The docks are now in place at McKinley Marina. Anglers had hit-or-miss luck trolling in the harbor. One group caught several brown trout over 10 pounds and one lake trout also in that range. Another group caught brown trout and some surprise smallmouth bass while trolling the harbor. Jigging spoons also seem to be working well within the Summerfest lagoon. Water temp ~ 41°F at McKinley Ramp.
Harbor and Piers: A small number of yellow perch have been caught along the Lake Michigan Shoreline. Some coho salmon have also been caught. The Oak Creek Power Plant is open, and some anglers have had luck catching quality brown trout on live minnows/shiners off of the pier
Milwaukee River: Fishing pressure remains somewhat high, with most anglers targeting steelhead. Some brown trout have also been caught. Prime baits seem to be spawn sacs and egg imitations. The spring sucker migration is in currently in full-swing.
Menomonee River: Anglers have had scattered success using flies and egg imitations fishing for steelhead. Water temp ~ 42°F.
Oak Creek: Fishing pressure has been low but constant. Many jack rainbow trout that are too small to legally keep have been caught and released. A few adult steelhead have been caught using worms and minnows. Water temp ~ 43°F.

OZAUKEE COUNTY

Port Washington: Tuesday evening was mild but became rainy as the day progressed. Lake Michigan waters (47°F) were mostly calm. Sauk Creek (43°F) was low, fast running, and clear. A few anglers fished at the power plant, in the creek, and within the harbor. Steelhead were seen moving through the stream, with few bites. Friday morning was cold and rainy, with a short period of snow pellets. Lake Michigan (42°F) was choppy and a strong current pushed against the outflow. Sauk Creek (39°F) had risen slightly, still running swiftly and slightly turbid. A few anglers fished at the creek and outflow, but no catches were recorded.

SHEBOYGAN COUNTY

City of Sheboygan: Tuesday evening was cloudy and mild. Lake Michigan (42°F) was calm and clear. The Pigeon River (44°F) was moving swiftly and slightly turbid, with many anglers fishing via kayak. Saturday night was colder and windier, transitioning from earlier rain. Lake Michigan (41°F) was turbid and choppy, with whitecaps. The Pigeon River (39°F) flowed slower and had increased turbidity. Sunday evening shared similar conditions, with light snow falling earlier in the day and a slightly calmer Lake Michigan. Anglers had plenty of fish on line, with reports of steelhead and sucker catches earlier in the week.
Sheboygan River: Friday morning was cloudy, chilly, and windy. The river (40°F) was turbid and flowing faster. Anglers focused their efforts at Kohler Dam, with steelhead and northern catches recorded. Saturday evening showed similar conditions, with some rain earlier in the day. Fewer anglers were out, but a few steelhead were caught at Esslingen. The river was slightly cooler (38°F) by Sunday evening, with anglers catching steelhead and a brown at Kohler Dam.

MARCH 29, 2020: NORTHERN LAKE MICHIGAN FISHING REPORT

MANITOWOC COUNTY

Two Rivers/Shoto: Fishing conditions were a bit more difficult this week due to increased water levels and water clarity compared to the week before. In the West Twin river at Shoto dam a few rainbow trout were caught using spawn. While in the East Twin river near the Mishicot dam several rainbow trout were caught using spawn and jigs. Additionally, a few northern pike were caught in the East Twin river using jigs as well.
Manitowoc/Branch: Anglers reported catching trout and smallmouth bass mostly this week. In the Manitowoc river several smallmouth bass were caught at Henry Schuette park using green tubes. Additionally, a catfish was reported being caught near the Maritime Museum using salmon spawn. At the Manitowoc ramp several brown trout and one rainbow trout were caught using spoons of varying color. At Silver creek two rainbow trout were caught using spawn. Lastly, at the Branch river one rainbow trout was caught using an orange/pink fly near Village Drive.

KEWAUNEE COUNTY

Stoney Creek had the highest fishing pressure throughout the week. Anglers were fishing along the shore of Stoney Creek as well as in the creek all the way upstream past County Rd S. The anglers that reported catching steelhead had success floating spawn sacs or orange colored beads. The fishing pressure on the Ahnapee River was low compared to the previous week. There were a few steelhead reportedly caught at Olson Park early in the week on spawn sacs. Anglers netting for suckers off the Washington Rd bridge had good success. Anglers netting for suckers also reported some accidental catches of northern pike. There were anglers trolling along the shoreline for browns this week while on creel, however, I was unable to get any interviews from boaters.
The Kewaunee River also had a lower fishing pressure on it, as the water levels continued to drop. The few anglers that had success reported catching steelhead using spawn sacs. The most productive spot was below the bridge in Footbridge this week. Many anglers reported having good success fishing at Bruemmers Park for steelhead using various styles of flies. Anglers netting for suckers also had good catches with upwards of 15 fish in a couple of hours of netting. Two anglers were interviewed that were trolling for brown trout on the lake. Both anglers were targeting 10-20 feet of water using various crankbaits. The water temperature ranged from 42 to 44 degrees depending on where the anglers were. As the week progressed there were anglers that started to fish for smelt on the piers, however, no interviews were conducted due to them just starting to fish when creel routes are done.

DOOR COUNTY

Ice has finally disappeared, for the most part, throughout the county and anglers are taking advantage of the near shore fishing right after ice out. Anglers fishing from shore at the various yacht clubs throughout Sturgeon Bay have reported catching northern pike using swim baits or jerk baits. Shore anglers fishing in Egg Harbor reported good catches of brown trout casting various types of spoons and crankbaits. Anglers fishing the bay from boats have reported good catches of brown trout as well. Anglers are trolling for brown trout from the Stone Quarry Ramp all the way up to Egg Harbor. Anglers that had success targeted 10-20 feet of water using various crankbaits. There wasn’t a color pattern or style of crankbaits that produced more fish. One of the groups interviewed managed to catch 8 brown trout near the stone quarry with their largest fish weighing in at 16.5lbs. The water temps on the bay range from 36 to 39 degrees depending on location. Some anglers targeting brown trout on Lake Michigan out of Sturgeon Bay are having success as well. Many anglers are targeting 8-15 feet of water using crankbaits. The water temp on the lake was reported to be 39 degrees. There were no interviews from anglers fishing from Bailey’s Harbor North this week.

LAKE MICHIGAN OUTDOOR FISHING REPORT - MARCH 29, 2021

FISHING WISCONSIN