Fishing_Content Page_Lake Michigan Outdoor Fishing Report

Lake Michigan Outdoor Fishing Report - March 17, 2025

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.

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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.

 

The DNR does not verify or guarantee the reported ice conditions, and anglers should proceed at their own risk. Please use extreme caution as conditions can change rapidly.

Ice Safety

  • There is no such thing as safe ice. You cannot judge the strength of ice by one factor such as its appearance, age, thickness, temperature, or whether the ice is covered with snow. Ice seldom freezes uniformly and can vary greatly in different areas of the same water body. It is important to know before you go. The DNR does not monitor local ice conditions or the thickness of the ice. Local bait shops, fishing clubs, and resorts serve winter anglers every day and often have the most up-to-date information. If you’re heading out onto a frozen lake for the first time, check the ice yourself and check it often.
  • Ice Safety Tips:
    • Carry some basic safety gear: ice claws or picks, a cellphone in a waterproof case, a life jacket, and a length of rope.
    • Dress warm in layers.
    • Don’t go alone. Head out with friends or family. Carry a cell phone with you and make sure someone knows where you are and when you are expected to return.
    • Know before you go. Don’t travel in areas you are not familiar with and don’t travel at night during reduced visibility.
    • Avoid inlets, outlets, or narrows that may have current that can cause thin ice.

 

March 17, 2025: West Shore Green Bay Ice Creel Report

Duck Creek

There is still ice in spots on Duck Creek. Water levels are low which would make it challenging to launch a boat.

Fox River Boating Anglers

Moderate fishing pressure was observed this week. Anglers reported limited success overall, although there were a few anglers who were able to catch some walleye near the power lines next to the dam in De Pere. The reported water temperature is between 44 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fox River Shore Anglers

There was heavy fishing pressure observed at Voyager Park in De Pere. Walleye anglers had limited success overall. The anglers that were able to catch walleye were using blade baits and crankbaits. 

Geano Beach

Ice is still in the channel of the boat launch, so boats are not able to use this launch yet. 

Longtail Point

The launches are free from ice, although low water could make it a challenge to launch a boat.

Marinette County

This past week was a transition week with all remaining fishable ice breaking apart and blowing around the bay. Westerly winds opened areas of the Menominee and Peshtigo rivers. Some chunks and piles of ice remain scattered about. Most fishing was taking place in the Menominee River from Stephenson Island upstream to the dam. A few catches of steelhead and brown trout were reported while drifting spawn or beads. Walleye catches were light with a few fish being caught at night. Stephenson Island, Mystery Ship and Boom Landing were open as of the end of the week. Menekaunee Harbor and Sixth Street launch still had a large amount of ice. The launch at the lighthouse at the mouth of the river was close to being open with just a small amount of ice there. The Peshtigo River launches were open in the city and at County Highway BB. The launch at the mouth still had ice as well as low water levels.

Oconto County

The week started with fishable ice and ended with wide open water with a few boats seen out. The last ice anglers earlier in the week were getting some perch and a few walleyes. Walleyes and whitefish were being seen on underwater cameras in good numbers out from the mouth of the river and along the pier by late ice anglers. The Oconto Harbor and Oconto city launches were open to use during the middle of the week. Pensaukee and Oconto County Park 2 were still iced in as of the end of the week. Anglers fishing the Oconto River upstream towards the Stiles Dam were catching a few brown trout. Ice was still present on the flowage above the dam so the water hasn’t been able to warm up much. A reminder that the yellow perch season on Green Bay and tributaries is now closed until May 20. 

Suamico River

There were no anglers observed using this launch this week. The boat launch is free of ice and so is most of the river. Ice conditions on Green Bay proper are unknown.

 

March 17, 2025: East Shore Green Bay Ice Creel Report

There is no report available this week.

 

Nov. 1, 2024: Southern Lake Michigan Fishing Report

The 2024 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!

 

Nov. 1, 2024: Northern Lake Michigan Fishing Report

The 2024 open water creel season has ended for Northern Lake Michigan including Manitowoc, Kewaunee and open waters of Door counties. Thank you to all those who participated in the survey this year. We look forward to seeing everyone again next spring!