Fishing_Content Page_Lake Michigan Outdoor Fishing Report

Lake Michigan Outdoor Fishing Report - April 6, 2026

Fishing Wisconsin

Generally, fishing reports will be updated weekly on Tuesdays. This may change based on the availability of reports and the field staff's work schedules.

Unless otherwise indicated, 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. This allows us to generate statistically valid fishing efforts and harvest information.

The information in these reports is based on the days and times of the week that creel clerks are present. You can obtain additional fishing information by contacting local bait shops, charter captains, guides and marinas.

Reminder: Anglers must carry a paper copy of their license/stamps while fishing on Lake Michigan, Lake Superior and the Wisconsin/Michigan, Wisconsin/Minnesota and Wisconsin/Iowa boundary waters.

 

April 6, 2026: West Shore Green Bay Creel Report

Fox River

Weather was a primary driver of angler activity this week with lighter fishing pressure observed on days with high winds and rain. On days with nicer weather, angling pressure increased, though walleye anglers reported a tough bite all week. Most anglers reported catching 0-2 fish. Water clarity was very poor, and water temperatures were reported to be in the high-30s to low 40s.

Marinette County

The Peshtigo River had walleyes push upstream towards the dam this week with some males being caught by boat anglers. High water was making it difficult to fish along the banks by the dam. A few fish were being caught towards the mouth of the river by anglers using the ramp on County BB. Menominee River anglers were finding walleyes at the mouth and into the bay. Casting hair jigs and rattle baits was productive as well as vertical jigging in the river. Anglers trolling deep diving stick baits were also catching walleyes outside the pier heads. 

Most of the walleye activity by the dam was occurring at night with good catches reported off the Hattie St. bridge. Clown colored jerk baits were a popular lure. During the day anglers were getting a few steelhead while drifting beads and a few walleyes casting blade baits. Water in the river and bay was still rather cold with temperatures from 34 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit being reported. Brown trout anglers on the bay had to wait out changing winds and shifting ice flows this week. They reported few hits and cold water.

Oconto County

Fishing for walleye on the bay was rather difficult this week with bad weather seen most days. When conditions were favorable, walleyes were being caught on hair jigs and rattle baits. Most anglers were targeting shallow areas trying to find the warmest water possible. Most days the warmest water being found was only in the mid to upper 30s. Whitefish, pike and the occasional brown trout were also caught. 

Conditions changed drastically at the end of the week with flood level stages seen upriver from the city of Oconto. Shore fishing opportunities were limited with high water pushing up and over the bank in some areas. Fish had started to move up into the river right before the rising water occurred with a few walleyes caught by Stiles Dam.

 

April 6, 2026: East Shore Green Bay Creel Report

There is no report for this week.

 

Nov. 17, 2025: Northern Lake Michigan Fishing Report

The 2025 open water creel season has ended for Northern Lake Michigan. Thank you to all those who participated in the survey this year. We look forward to seeing everyone again next spring!

 

Nov. 17, 2025: Southern Lake Michigan Fishing Report

The 2025 open-water creel season has ended for Southern Lake Michigan, including Sheboygan, Ozaukee, Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties. Thank you to all those who participated in the survey this year. We look forward to seeing everyone again next spring!