Cast Your Line Fishing in Door County

Flanked on either side by Green Bay and Lake Michigan, the waters off the Door County peninsula and Washington Island offer some of the best fishing in the country. Sturgeon Bay, recently named by Bassmasters as one of the world’s top spots for bass fishing, is the hub of the angler community, but towns throughout the county have developed their fishing industries to make sure you land your best lunker. 

Fishing in Door County 

While Sturgeon Bay is known for its bass, the rest of the county waters — from the Green Bay on the west to Lake Michigan on the east — feature trout, salmon, whitefish, walleye, northern pike, and perch. 

Fishing in Green Bay 

The calmer waters of Green Bay ensure a good harvest of brown trout and walleye in the spring and even more walleye in the fall. The Sturgeon Bay Canal and surrounding waters into Green Bay are where smallmouth bass are rampant. 

Fishing in Lake Michigan 

Launching into the lake water on the east side of the peninsula, you can expect to find record trout and salmon. Gills Rock has frequently been the site of chinook salmon stocking by the Department of Natural Resources, and although salmon season doesn’t end, the open season for lake trout is March 1–October 31. 

Fishing in Inland Waters

At many of the county’s inland lakes — including Clark Lake, Europe Lake, and Kangaroo Lake — you will find panfish, such as bluegill and perch. The calmer inland waters are some of the best fishing lakes in Wisconsin and allow anglers to fish from vessels as simple as kayaks. 

Ice Fishing in Door County 

In just the past few years, ice fishing in Door County has added to the winter appeal of the county. Whether you need a charter service to set you up out on the ice or want to launch your own boat onto the frozen water, Door County can be your year-round fishing destination.

Leave No Trace: Fishing Basics 

Safety comes first when you’re on the water. Wear a life jacket when fishing on any water vessel. Use caution when baiting or removing hooks. Handle fish carefully, and if using a knife, be sure your blade is sharp and properly stored when not in use. 

Make sure you are aware of any special regulations or restrictions on fishing in the areas you plan to visit. Don’t forget that anyone 16 and older who is planning to fish must obtain and carry a fishing license before throwing their first cast. 

When ice fishing, be aware of changing weather and ice conditions. Always recheck the conditions before venturing out on the ice. Avoid going onto the ice if it has melted away from the shore. This indicates melting is underway, and ice can shift position as wind direction changes. 

Trash Your Trash 

Inspect your fishing area for leftover trash before leaving. Pack out all monofilament fishing line, leftover live bait, and bait cups. Monofilament fishing line, in particular, can be dangerous or potentially fatal for local wildlife that may swallow or become tangled in it. Make sure all trash is properly stowed so that it does not become litter. 

Leave It as You Found It 

After taking your boat out of the water and before storing it at a new location, be sure to clean, drain, and dry your vessel. This will help stop the spread of damaging invasive species, such as zebra mussels or Eurasian water-milfoil, from being introduced into new bodies of water in Door County and beyond.