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Lake Michigan Outdoor Fishing Report - March 25, 2024

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 scheduled to be in a specific location. This allows us to generate statistically valid fishing efforts and harvest information.

Information for 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 like its appearance, age, thickness, temperature or whether the ice is covered with snow. Ice seldom freezes uniformly and can vary significantly in different areas of the same body of water. 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 daily and often have the most up-to-date information. Check the ice often if you’re heading out onto a frozen lake for the first time.

Ice Safety Tips:

  • Carry a charged cell phone and tell people where you are going and when you’ll return home.
  • Wear proper clothing and equipment, including a life jacket or a float coat, to help you stay afloat and to help maintain body heat.
  • Wear ice creepers attached to boots to prevent slipping on clear ice.
  • Carry a spud bar to check the ice while walking to new areas.
  • Carry a few spikes and a length of light rope in an easily accessible pocket to help pull yourself – or others – out of the ice.
  • If you fall in, remain as calm as possible.
  • While attempting to get out of the water, call for help.
  • Anyone who attempts to rescue you should use a rope or something similar to avoid falling through themselves.
  • Do not travel in unfamiliar areas or at night.
  • Have a plan noting where you will be and when you plan to return.

March 25, 2024: West Shore Green Bay Ice Creel Report

  • Duck Creek: No anglers were observed this week.

  • Fox River Boating Anglers: Limited to moderate fishing pressure was observed this week. Part of the week had windy and snowy conditions that likely limited the number of anglers that were out. All anglers that were interviewed were targeting walleye. Anglers reported that the best bite was after dark. The number of walleye caught per boat ranged from 0 to 12 walleye. Anglers had the best success jigging live minnows and plastic jigs. The reported water temperature was around 40 degrees.

  • Fox River Shore Anglers: This week had limited to moderate fishing pressure. Shore anglers were targeting yellow perch and walleye. Anglers reported catching anywhere between 0 to 20 yellow perch. The sizes of the perch that were kept ranged from 7 to 9 inches long. Shore anglers targeting walleye had limited catches.

  • Geano Beach: No anglers were observed this week.

  • Long Tail Point: No anglers were observed this week.

  • Suamico Route: No anglers were observed this week.

March 25, 2024: East Shore Green Bay Ice Creel Report

  • Marinette County: The cold weather kept angling pressure down this week. The best catches were for brown trout and steelhead. Browns were caught in the bay when conditions allowed boats to leave. Both spoons and rapalas were working. Brown trout and steelhead were also caught near Hattie Street on spawn sacs. The first noticeable push of walleye happened around mid-week on the Peshtigo and Menominee Rivers. Fish were seen from the walkway on Hattie St. but were not very willing to bite. Best catches for walleye were reported by anglers vertical jigging the lower Menominee.

  • Oconto County: The cold weather this past week dropped water temperatures and decreased angler activity across the area. A few walleye were still being caught but in low numbers. Walleye and suckers were pushing up the Oconto River towards the end of the week. Fishing in some areas of the river was difficult because of low water. Many popular fishing spots were 18 inches deep or less, especially towards the dam.

Nov. 1, 2023: Southern Lake Michigan Fishing Report

The 2023 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, 2023: Northern Lake Michigan Fishing Report

The 2023 open water creel season has ended for northern Lake Michigan, including Manitowoc, Kewaunee and Door counties. Thank you to all those who participated in the survey this year. We look forward to seeing everyone again next spring!