Fishing in Wisconsin:
Cast Your Line in Door County

Enjoy Some of Wisconsin’s Best Fishing Spots

Flanked on either side by Green Bay and Lake Michigan, the waters off the Door County peninsula and Washington Island offer some the best fishing in the country. Sturgeon Bay, recently named by Bassmasters as one of the world’s best 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.

Check Out the Summer Guide for Vacation Inspiration

5 Good-to-Knows About Fishing in Door County

Fishing in Door County: While Sturgeon Bay may have been named the number one spot for bass fishing in the country, 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 will 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. Those are the waters that served the Bassmasters Angler of the Year Championship in 2015.
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.
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.
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.

Get Onboard: Don’t Forget a Fishing License

Most bait shops and fishing charters sell fishing licenses, which are required for all Wisconsin residents and out-of-state visitors over the age of 16. Depending on resident status and the license duration, a license can cost anywhere between $8–65. The state offers family licenses as well as multi-day licenses for anglers on a long weekend.

Where to Buy Fishing Licenses

Take to the Lake: Rent a Fishing Charter

The county’s robust fishing industry is complemented by professional-level charter services that operate throughout the year, offering a no-hassle way to fish the waters of Door County. Most companies provide a guide and all the gear required to harvest the waters and handle processing and packaging for everything you catch.

Find Fishing Charters

Fishing & Water Guides

Fishing Articles & Features

Local Lakefish Recipes

Watch: Fishing in Door County

Fishing from a picturesque dock, casting a line from a local charter boat or spending the day in a shanty over the frozen lake, Door County is a perfect location for the avid fisherman or fisherwoman.