Fishing_Content Page_Lake Michigan Outdoor Fishing Report

Lake Michigan Outdoor Fishing Report - March 4, 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 4, 2024: West Shore Green Bay Ice Creel Report

  • Fox River Route: The Fairgrounds, Fox Point and Metro boat launches were almost at capacity this past weekend while anglers took advantage of the warm weather. Anglers trolling for walleye right below the De Pere Dam reported catching lake whitefish. The waters below the dam and around Voyager Park were a popular spot for shore anglers targeting walleye. Success was reported by using artificial bait, rapalas, minnows and hair rigs. The bite was said to be the best in the morning, and water temperatures remained steady all weekend at 39 degrees Fahrenheit. A few 13–15-inch walleye were reportedly caught near the mouth of the river along with lake whitefish and common carp. Anglers report very little ice on lower Green Bay. 

  • Suamico Route: Anglers were able to use the Suamico Launch to access Green Bay this past weekend. There were a few sections of the river where ice was observed hugging the shoreline, but most of the river was reported to be ice-free. Shore anglers were targeting yellow perch with nightcrawlers and minnows. There was no documented success for the week.

March 4, 2024: East Shore Green Bay Ice Creel Report

  • Marinette County: Anglers reported that ice was still present on the bay throughout the week; however, high winds cleared most of it this weekend. Anglers were able to fish the Menominee River and Green Bay in Michigan waters from boats. Anglers had luck fishing for brown trout with catches from around the Hwy 41 bridge downstream to Marinette Marine and in the bay off of Menominee. Trolling with stickbaits was working best. Additional catches of walleyes, northern pike and musky were also seen from anglers on Green Bay. Menekaunee Harbor and Sixth Street launches were still iced in, but all other launches were being used. Only the Stephenson Island launch had docks in, but low water levels mean the need for increased caution when launching and navigating the rivers. Peshtigo River water temperature has been staying around 37 degrees Fahrenheit. Anglers have one more week to target yellow perch, with the season closing on March 15. 

  • Oconto County: Most of the area off the Oconto River was clear of ice by the end of the week and anglers showed up in high numbers. On Saturday, full parking lots were observed at the Oconto Harbor and City launches. Walleyes were being caught in various depths, with anglers reporting finding fish from 5 feet to as deep as 30 feet. Hair jigs were working best using a very slow presentation. Rip n raps and trolling crankbaits were also effective. Oconto County Park 2 and Pensaukee River launches were still iced in. Anglers reported water conditions were clear and cold, with the bottom visible in up to 15 feet of water. The water temperatures in the bay were between 32 and 35 degrees Fahrenheit. A reminder that the walleye regulations for tributaries to Green Bay changed on March 4 to one walleye with a 15-inch minimum. The Fox River walleye regulation also changed to one fish with a 28-inch minimum.

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!