Fishing_Content Page_Lake Michigan Outdoor Fishing Report

Lake Michigan Outdoor Fishing Report - Oct. 19, 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.

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.

 

Oct. 19, 2026: West Shore Green Bay Fishing Report

Brown County

Duck Creek: Shore anglers reported catching numerous small yellow perch, with a few keeper-size fish in the mix. Anglers also reported catching a few pumpkinseed, with some large enough to keep. The most successful tactic was fishing with nightcrawlers or minnows under bobbers.

Fox River: Boat anglers this week were mainly targeting walleye and muskies on the Fox River. Only a couple of muskies were reported caught by anglers trolling crankbaits near the mouth of the river. Walleye anglers reported highly variable levels of success, with some anglers catching their limit of fish and some anglers not catching any walleye. The most successful tactics for walleye were jigging soft plastics or hair jigs, as well as casting crankbaits. Anglers also reported catching catfish, sheepshead, white bass and smallmouth bass. Shore anglers on the Fox River reported low catch rates for all species with yellow perch, sheepshead and a few walleye being caught. Successful tactics used by shore anglers included live bait rigs on bottom as well as jigging soft plastics.

Suamico River: Boat anglers targeting yellow perch had high catch rates at the beginning of the week, with many parties catching their limits. However, catch rates slowly tapered off by the weekend with the changing weather patterns and strong winds. Successful anglers reported catching yellow perch on both nightcrawlers and minnows, with anglers catching fish in both shallow weeds and deep areas over 20 feet. Water temperatures were in the low 50-degree range by the weekend. Shore anglers in the Suamico River reported moderate catch rates of yellow perch on minnows, but many fish were too small to keep. Shore anglers also reported catching gobies and small largemouth bass.

Marinette County

High winds and rain kept most anglers at home this week. A few shore anglers were out below the Hattie St. Dam trying for walleye, trout and salmon with very little luck. Water levels were low by the dam on the Menominee and Peshtigo rivers. Duck hunters were seen using the ramp at Red Arrow Park and off County Highway BB on the Peshtigo.

Oconto County

Fishing pressure was fairly low this week with most days being windy or rainy. A few yellow perch were caught along the shore of the Oconto River and Oconto Park 2. Most other activity was from duck hunters over the weekend. 

Oct. 19, 2026: East Shore Green Bay Fishing Report

Little Sturgeon Bay: Limited fishing pressure was observed this week. Windy conditions were present most of the week. Anglers targeting yellow perch had limited success and stated that it was too windy to fish. A few yellow perch were caught within Little Sturgeon Bay closer to the boat launch, where there was more protection from the wind. The water temperature was around 57 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sawyer Harbor: Limited fishing pressure was observed this week. Windy conditions were present most of the week, which meant most anglers fished inside Sawyer Harbor. Anglers targeting yellow perch had mixed success. with a couple of anglers catching some larger perch ranging in size from 8 to 13 inches. No anglers were interviewed that were targeting other species. The water temperature was around 56 degrees Fahrenheit this week.

Oct. 19, 2026: Northern Lake Michigan Fishing Report

The 2026 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!

Oct. 19, 2026: Southern Lake Michigan Fishing Report

The 2026 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!