Fishing_Content Page_Lake Michigan Outdoor Fishing Report

Lake Michigan Outdoor Fishing Report - March 24, 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 24, 2025: West Shore Green Bay Ice Creel Report

Duck Creek

There were no anglers observed this week. The boat launches are free of ice. Water levels are low which would make it challenging to launch a boat.

Fox River Boating Anglers

Moderate to heavy fishing pressure was observed this week. Anglers reported having the best success fishing at night and fishing just south of the 172 bridge. Anglers used blade baits, lipless cranks and plastic jigs to catch walleye. The reported water temperature was between 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit this week.

Fox River Shore Anglers

Most of the week had heavy fishing pressure was observed at Voyager Park in De Pere. Later in the week, there was limited fishing pressure due to cold and windy conditions. Walleye anglers had limited success overall. The anglers that were able to catch walleye were using blade baits and crankbaits. There were a couple of anglers who reported catching walleye over 28 inches.

Geano Beach

There were no anglers observed this week. The boat launch is free of ice.

Longtail Point

There were no anglers observed this week. The boat launches are free of ice. Water levels are low, which would make it challenging to launch a boat. 

Marinette County

Fishing picked up a little this week, but the weather played a big part in angler activity as cold fronts and snow hit the area. Most anglers were fishing near the Hattie Street Dam for trout and walleyes. Brown trout seemed to be the most active this week, with only a few walleyes showing up. Windy conditions throughout much of the week kept boat numbers down. The few that ventured out into the bay were finding good numbers of brown trout in the shallows both north and south of the Menominee River. Crankbaits and spoons were working for the browns. Walleyes were starting to show up below the Peshtigo Dam at the end of the week in low numbers. Anglers weren’t having much luck yet as water temperatures remained low with all the cold weather.

Oconto County

Most walleye catches were still out in the bay as fish haven’t come into the river in high numbers yet. Water clarity was reported as very clear in the bay as well as low water temperatures, making fishing difficult. The best catches were reported away from the shallows on structure. Hair jigs seemed to be working best in dark colors like blues and purples. A few brown trout were reported scattered throughout the Oconto River and in the shallows north of the Oconto River. Anglers also reported catching other species, such as yellow perch, musky and whitefish while targeting walleyes.

Suamico River

There were no anglers observed this week. The boat launch is free of ice.

 

March 24, 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!