Fishing_Content Page_Lake Michigan Outdoor Fishing Report

Lake Michigan Outdoor Fishing Report - Feb. 23, 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.

 

Feb. 23, 2026: West Shore Green Bay Ice Creel Report

Fox River Route

Monday was the last day anglers were on the ice as the river opened up shortly after. Fox Point and Perkofski Launch were being used, but the docks were not in as of the weekend, with some shore ice still hanging on along the riverbanks. Anglers reported a good walleye bite early in the week before the cold weather came in. Most were having luck on jigs and minnows. Walleye ranged from 17 to 20 inches. The warmer weather and rain had caused the clarity to become bad towards the end of the week.

Oconto Route

Oconto County Parks and Harbor: A few anglers were out after the warm weather and rain. Most of the shorelines were covered in water, making access very difficult. Better conditions were seen at the end of the weekend. Pike seem to be more active and moving into shallow areas this past week.

Suamico Route

Geano Beach: Light fishing pressure was seen. Only a handful of permanent shacks remained on the ice, mainly on the reefs.

Long Tail Point: Light fishing pressure was seen here with most anglers walking out now. Anglers report that the access near shore at the exit of the lagoon had water and soft areas present.

Sunset Beach Lane: All permanent shacks were pulled off during the week. Little fishing pressure was seen.

 

Feb. 23, 2026: East Shore Green Bay Ice Creel Report

Bayshore Route: An angler reported that the yellow perch fishing started to pick up south of Red River County Park. Anglers report that caution should be used when going out on the ice since it was reported that there are weak spots near the launch areas.

George K. Pinney County Park and Pebble Beach Lane: Heavy fishing activity was observed from anglers going onto the ice from George K. Pinney County Park and Pebble Beach Lane. Anglers were targeting whitefish and were having the best success fishing near Larson's Reef in 60 to 85 feet of water using plastic jigs. Anglers also had success going about a mile offshore straight out of Pebble Beach Lane.

Little Sturgeon Bay: Anglers had the best success targeting whitefish off of Lime Kiln Road about 75 to 100 yards from shore. There were no reports from anglers fishing within Little Sturgeon Bay. Due to the recent rain, there are reports of weak spots on the ice, so caution should be used when going out.

Sawyer Harbor: Anglers targeting yellow perch within Sawyer Harbor did have some success, although most of the perch that were caught were too small to keep. Anglers targeting whitefish had the best success fishing off of Larson's Reef in 65 to 80 feet of water using plastic jigs just a few inches off the bottom.

 

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!