Common Fish of Door County and When to Catch 'em

Chinook Salmon

When: May through September
Where: Lakeside and bayside
About: Chinook salmon are the largest species of Pacific salmon, renowned for their impressive size and strength. They have a streamlined body shape that is well-suited for their migratory lifestyle. On average, adult Chinook salmon measure between 24 and 36 inches in length and weigh anywhere from 20 to 50 pounds (with some reaching incredible lengths exceeding four feet and weighing over 100 pounds). The coloration of Chinook salmon can vary depending on their life stage and habitat. When they are in freshwater environments, such as during spawning, their appearance changes significantly. Mature, spawning Chinook salmon develop vibrant colors and unique physical characteristics. Their back and upper body typically showcase a dark blue or greenish hue, transitioning to silver along the sides and belly. This striking contrast helps them camouflage in different water conditions. As the salmon matures, its mouth becomes elongated and hooked. During the spawning season, mature male Chinook salmon develop a pronounced hump on their back, which gives them their nickname "humpies." They also exhibit a color change, with vibrant red and green hues adorning their body and dark vertical bars known as "parr marks." The female Chinook salmon, or hens, also undergo color changes, displaying a similar vibrant combination of red, green and dark spots.

How to Catch Chinook Salmon in Door County When targeting Chinook salmon in Door County's waters, anglers often use a combination of live bait, artificial lures and various attractants. A popular live bait option is alewives, which are natural prey fish for Chinook salmon. Other live bait options include smelt, shiners or large minnows. Spawn sacs, also known as salmon eggs, with a scent and texture that attracts the salmon. A common method here is trolling with plugs. Large diving plugs mimic the appearance and action of baitfish and can be cast or trolled behind a boat to cover a larger area. Other options include flashers and spoons. Whatever you choose, it's essential to consider factors such as water temperature, depth and current conditions when selecting bait for Chinook salmon.

Perch

When: Year-Round
Where: Inland Lakes, Bay Side & Lake Side
About: Perch have a relatively elongated and laterally compressed body shape and have a rounded and slightly tapering profile. The perch size can vary depending on the species and habitat, ranging from a few inches to over a foot in length. The coloration of perch varies, but they often exhibit a combination of green, yellow or brown hues on their upper body. The sides of the fish tend to be lighter in color, transitioning to a silver or white belly. Some species have distinctive vertical stripes or bars along their sides, which can be dark or faint depending on the individual fish. Their eyes are relatively large and positioned high on the head.

How to Catch Perch in Door County Perch are known to be opportunistic feeders and readily take live bait. Minnows, particularly small fathead minnows or shiners, are commonly used to entice perch. Hook them through the back or lips to allow for natural swimming action. Other live bait options include worms, waxworms or small nightcrawlers. Other bait options include soft plastic baits, such as small grubs, twister tails or tube baits and small jigs with brightly colored bodies, ranging from 1/16 to 1/8 ounce in weight.

Brown Trout

When: March through May/Fall
Where: Lakeside & Green Bay Shoreline
About: Brown trout have a streamlined and elongated body shape, typical of most trout species. It can vary in size, ranging from a few inches to over 30 inches in length. Brown trout exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males usually growing larger and developing more prominent physical characteristics during the spawning season. One of its most distinctive traits is their coloring. The back and upper body generally display shades of olive-brown, dark brown or bronze that blend into a light golden or yellowish-brown along the sides, eventually transitioning to a creamy or white underbelly. Parr marks often cover the fish, which vary in intensity and fade as the fish ages. In addition to the parr marks, the sides and back of a brown trout are adorned with numerous red, orange or yellow spots, which can range in size and intensity. These spots may become more pronounced and vibrant in mature males during spawning. The beautiful and intricate color pattern provides effective camouflage in its freshwater habitats.

How to Catch Brown Trout in Door County Brown trout are known to be opportunistic feeders and are attracted to live bait. Small minnows, such as fathead minnows or shiners, can be highly effective when rigged on a hook with a split shot or using a small bait rig. Another effective live bait option is nightcrawlers, which can be presented on a hook or threaded onto a spinner rig. Artificial lures are also effective. During the spawning season, brown trout feed on fish eggs, so using spawn sacs or egg patterns can effectively entice these fish. They can also be caught using natural baits such as worms, maggots or waxworms. Rig them on a hook and present them naturally, allowing them to drift with the current or using a slow retrieve.

Walleye

When: April through June
Where: Bay Side & Inland Lakes
About: The walleye has a relatively sleek and elongated body, typically ranging from 14 to 30 inches, with some exceeding 30 inches. Walleye exhibit sexual dimorphism, with females generally growing larger than males. The coloration of a walleye is one of its most distinctive features. Its back is olive to dark brown, gradually transitioning to a golden or yellowish hue along its sides. The belly is usually white or cream-colored. Walleye have a unique feature known as the "walleye" or "glass eye," after which they are named. This feature is a reflective layer that gives their eyes a glassy appearance and enables them to see exceptionally well in the dark. Their lower jaw extends slightly beyond the upper jaw, giving them a protruding appearance.

How to Catch Walleye in Door County One of the most effective and versatile bait options for walleye is a live minnow, such as a fathead minnow, shiner or sucker minnow, rigged on a jighead. Nightcrawlers are widely used rigged on a hook with a slip sinker or a crawler harness with multiple hooks, cast near the bottom or along drop-offs. Leeches, artificial leadhead jigs and crankbaits, as well as spinner rigs slowly trolled or drifted near rocky areas, drop-offs or weed edges also work well.