Fishing_Content Page_Lake Michigan Outdoor Fishing Report

Lake Michigan Outdoor Fishing Report - Feb. 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.

 

Feb. 17, 2025: West Shore Green Bay Ice Creel Report

Oconto Route

Most fishing activity was observed between Oconto County Park One (D.E. Hall County Park) and the Oconto Harbor. Low catches of northern pike and yellow perch were reported this week. Other places, such as Oconto City Park, the Peshtigo River mouth and Menominee River, had low to no activity during the week. Traveling on the ice at the end of the weekend proved very difficult. Blowing and drifting snow covered many of the main travel roads from access sites. Snowmobiles were cited as the best way to get around on the ice.

Suamico Route

Little activity was observed this week at most sites. Suamico and Geano’s Beach had a few anglers out. Travel was challenging with the recent snow and drifting snow with high winds. Snowmobiles were reported as the best mode of travel, as some trucks and ATVs were getting stuck in the snow.

Fox River Route

Only a few anglers were out this week. Only four to six anglers were observed at Voyageur Park and Perkofski Launch. Most of the sites on the river were getting plowed out after the recent snow. Metro Launch had limited parking, as the main parking lot had not been plowed as of the weekend.

 

Feb. 17, 2025: East Shore Green Bay Ice Creel Report

Bayshore Route

Moderate fishing pressure was observed this week. Anglers reported moderate success catching whitefish near Rite’s Cove and Vincent Point. The anglers that had success catching whitefish reported using gold-colored plastic jigs while fishing in 5 to 15 feet of water. 

Big Creek Route

Anglers were observed fishing off Stone Quarry and near Pebble Beach Lane. Due to snowy and windy conditions, high snowbanks made it challenging to get out on the ice over the weekend. No anglers were interviewed, so no information is available regarding catches or harvest. 

 

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!