Fishing_Content Page_Lake Michigan Outdoor Fishing Report

Lake Michigan Outdoor Fishing Report - April 8, 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.

April 8, 2024: West Shore Green Bay Creel Report

  • Duck Creek: No anglers were observed this week.

  • Fox River Boating Anglers: Moderate to heavy fishing pressure was observed this week. All anglers that were interviewed were targeting walleye. Anglers reported limited success, with catches ranging from 0 to 12 walleyes per boat. Anglers had the best success jigging plastics and hair jigs. The water clarity declined significantly towards the end of the week following the winter storm. The reported water temperature was around 39 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Fox River Shore Anglers: There was moderate to heavy fishing pressure this week, with most anglers targeting walleyes. Fishing was tough, with limited reported catches. The water clarity declined significantly towards the end of the week following the winter storm.

  • Geano Beach: A few boats were observed using the launch this week. No interviews were conducted.

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

  • Suamico River: Limited anglers were observed using the Suamico launch this week. Fishing proved challenging, and the anglers interviewed did not report catches.

April 8, 2024: East Shore Green Bay Creel Report

  • Marinette County: Peshtigo and Menominee River water levels rose after the mid-week winter storm. The added flow brought more walleyes into the rivers, and catches went up Saturday afternoon on the Menominee River. Both shore anglers and boat anglers reported success. Shore anglers reported that stick baits, blade baits and rippin raps were catching walleyes. A few brown trout and steelhead were also caught drifting spawn or beads. Boat anglers were having success throughout the river and casting around the Hwy. 41 bridge and vertical jigging deeper in the bay were productive. Anglers reported catching a mix of males and females from 15 to 30 inches. There were some reports of spawned-out fish, but most haven’t spawned yet. Anglers on the bay had to deal with muddy water after the storm. Towards the end of the weekend, the conditions were a bit better, and some brown trout were caught. Best catches were reported from Michigan waters using spoons. Peshtigo River saw an increase in walleyes at the end of the week, but catch rates remained on the lower side. Most successes were reported early in the day when fewer anglers were on the river. Jigs and minnows were working best.

  • Oconto County: Several inches of snow and high winds occurred during the middle of the week, which limited fishing opportunities. The added snow and rain raised water levels, and more walleyes came in from the bay. As a result, fishing took off at the end of the week and over the weekend. Areas from Copper Culture Park upstream to the dam were holding walleyes. Boats were able to get out of North River Road launch as well. Jigs, plastics, rapalas, blade baits and rippin raps were popular lures. Fish of all sizes were reported, with a small portion being spawned out. Most females were still holding eggs as of the end of the weekend. Fishing on the bay was less consistent. The high winds during the week muddied the water along the shore, but conditions improved by the end of the weekend. Hair jigs seemed to be the most popular bait reported. Anglers were fishing in water depths from 5 to 15 feet. Popular areas were around the mouth of the Oconto River and north of Oconto Park 2.

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!