Fishing in Sturgeon Bay is a year-round adventure, thanks to its unique location between Green Bay and Lake Michigan. With easy access to inland bays, the Sturgeon Bay Shipping Channel, and open water, anglers can target everything from trophy bass to hard-fighting salmon. Whether you prefer casting from shore, trolling offshore, or dropping a line through the ice in winter, Sturgeon Bay offers diverse waters, abundant fish populations, and scenery that makes every outing memorable. If you’re planning a fishing trip to Sturgeon Bay, timing, location, and local knowledge make all the difference. Here’s everything you need to know before you head out.
Main Fishing Seasons & What You Can Catch:
Fishing season dates often vary by species and body of water. Before heading out, always refer to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/) for current season dates and license requirements.
Here’s a general guide to what’s biting throughout the year:
- Bass – Spring & Fall
- Salmon/Trout – Summer & Early Fall
- Perch – Summer, Fall & Winter
- Walleye – Year-round
- Northern Pike – Fall & Winter
- Whitefish – Winter
From spring smallmouth action to winter whitefish on the ice, there’s always something in season.
Best Fishing Spots in the Area Shore Anglers
If you prefer to fish from land, you’ll find plenty of opportunities at state and county parks and public access points throughout the area.
- Sturgeon Bay Train Bridge/Sonny’s Pizza area – Bass, Northern Pike & Perch
- Peninsula State Park – Bass
- Potawatomi State Park – Bass, Perch, Northern Pike & Walleye
Boat Anglers | Fishing by boat opens up even more possibilities, and the best locations often depend on the season, weather, and wind conditions.
- Lake Michigan – Trout & Salmon
- Sturgeon Bay Shipping Channel – Perch, Northern Pike, Walleye, Salmon (in Fall) & Bass
- Little Sturgeon / Riley’s Bay / Henderson’s Point – Bass, Perch, Walleye & Northern Pike
- Washington Island – Bass, Northern Pike & Salmon
- Peninsula State Park – Bass, Walleye & Brown Trout
- Potawatomi State Park – Bass, Perch, Northern Pike & Walleye
Tips for Planning Your Fishing Trip
If fishing is your main reason for visiting, start by researching the species you want to target and plan your trip around their open season. Checking regulations and water conditions ahead of time will help ensure a smooth experience.
Once you arrive in Door County, make a stop at Howie’s Tackle & Archery before heading out. As Door County’s largest bait and tackle pro shop, conveniently located at 1309 Green Bay Road as you enter Sturgeon Bay, their team of lifelong local anglers are passionate about fishing and always happy to share their knowledge with visitors and residents alike.
They can:
- Recommend the best current fishing spots
- Help you select the right bait and tackle
- Share up-to-date local insights
You can also check out the Howie’s Tackle Fishing Report at www.howiestackle.com. It’s updated weekly from mid-spring through early fall, and again in winter when there is solid ice. Prefer to call? Reach them at (920) 746-9916 for the latest report.
No matter the season, Sturgeon Bay offers incredible fishing opportunities. All you have to do is pick your species, plan your timing, and get ready to reel in your next great catch.