Fishing_Content Page_Lake Michigan Outdoor Fishing Report

Lake Michigan Outdoor Fishing Report - March 16, 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.

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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.

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 16, 2026: West Shore Green Bay Ice Creel Report

Fox River Route

Walleye anglers were having a difficult time catching fish early in the week with water clarity being a big issue. Water clarity improved slightly toward the weekend and anglers were able to catch a few fish. Hair jigs and jigs with minnows were working best.

Docks went in this week at Fox Point, but access at many of the boat launches is uncertain after Blizzard Elsa dumped over 2 feet of snow in the area.

Yellow perch season on Green Bay is closed from March 16 until May 20. Open water creel surveys will begin on the west shore tributaries from the Menominee River to the Fox River this week.

Oconto Route

Areas on the bay from Marinette to Oconto had major condition changes this week. Most places were inaccessible to boat anglers except for Oconto where a few boats were pushing through the ice in the river to get into the bay. Open water and lots of ice flows were observed once out in the bay. 

Suamico Route

Ice in the area broke up this week, which put an end to the ice season.

 

March 16, 2026: East Shore Green Bay Ice Creel Report

Bayshore Route: Reports indicated ice conditions deteriorated following the warm weather and gusty winds. No anglers were observed at these locations this week.

George K. Pinney County Park – Pebble Beach Lane – Murphy Park: There were no anglers observed at these locations this week.

Little Sturgeon Bay: There were no anglers observed in this area this week.

Sawyer Harbor: Anglers fishing near Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club were able to catch northern pike using larger minnows. Open water was observed around the yacht club, so anglers should use caution if going out on the ice. Anglers also had success catching whitefish off from Cabot's Point and fishing near the lighthouse.

 

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!