Door County, Wisconsin, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and abundant fishing opportunities.
With its beautiful lakes and rivers, this area attracts anglers year-round. Fishing is not just a pastime here; it’s a part of the local culture, offering both relaxation and adventure.
Fishing in Door County
The waters of Door County are home to a variety of fish species, making it a prime location for fishing enthusiasts. Popular spots include:
- Bay of Green Bay – brown trout and walleye in the spring and even more walleye in the fall
- Sturgeon Bay Canal – and surrounding waters into Green Bay has smallmouth bass
- Lake Michigan – trout and salmon, including rainbow trout, chinook salmon, brown trout and perch (open season for lake trout is March 1–October 31)
Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament
Since 1990, the Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament (SBOBT) as a part of the North American Bass Challenge (NABC) promotes the bass fishery in Door County, hosting a catch and release tournament each spring, in May and fall, in September, on the waters of Green Bay. Both events begin Sawyer Park in Sturgeon Bay. There is also a Kid’s Day in May.
For more information on the Bass Tournaments in Sturgeon Bay, check the NABC website.
As winter arrives, Door County transforms into a haven for ice fishing.
The ice fishing season typically runs from late December through March, depending on weather and ice conditions. Popular locations for ice fishing include the Bay of Green Bay (Sturgeon Bay), Little Sturgeon Bay and Green Bay.
When ice fishing, safety is paramount
Always check ice thickness and be aware of changing weather conditions. Have a plan in case high winds occur or change direction. Avoid going on ice that has melted away from the shore, this increases the chances that an ice floe will occur (ice will move) if the wind direction changes.
2 inches or less: Stay off the ice; it’s not safe for any activity.
4 inches: Safe for fishing and walking.
5 inches: Safe for ATVs or snowmobiles.
8-12 inches: Safe for small pickup trucks or cars.
12-15 inches: Safe for medium-sized pickup trucks.
Local Fishing Charters
For those looking to enhance their fishing experience, local fishing charters offer guided trips that cater to both beginners and seasoned anglers. These charters provide expert guidance, equipment, and access to the best fishing spots.
Reserve a fishing charter for your trip to Door County
| Charter | Phone / Email | Captain(s) |
| Alexander’s Sport Fishing | (920) 851-4214 | Bret Alexander Max Bornemann Dean Bornemann |
| Sturgeon Bay Outdoors | 651-210-5324 info@sturgeonbayoutdoors.com | Alex Gamble |
| Reel Impression Sportfishing Charters | 920-495-3302 info@reelimpressioncharters.com | John Pollock |
| J-E Fishing Enterprises | 920-743-7877 fritz@jefishing.com | Fritz Peterson |
| Leprechaun Fishing Charters LLC | 612-799-1453 captdon@leprechaunfishing.com | Don Oberg |
| Gary’s Guide Service | 920-495-6551 gnault@charter.net | Gary Nault |
| Lynn A Fishing Charters | 920-743-6731 | Mike |
| Nooo Problem Charters | 715-297-1476 info@noooproblemcharters.com | Bill Luer |
| Hooked Up Sport Fishing Charters | 920-495-5586 | Dean |
| Sturgeon Bay Charter Fishing | 920-676-7829 920-309-2608 | Kyle Ron |
| Cast N Catch Charters LLC | 920-535-3474 | Jimmy Doering |
| Tight Line Fishing Charters | 920-495-7522 jeff@titelinefishingdc.com | Jeff |
| Rasmussen Outdoors | 715-340-8509 allwaysfishing@yahoo.com | Adam Rasmussen |
Keeping your fish for dinner?
Take your catch to Lindal Fisheries, they offer full service fish cleaning, processing and packaging.
If you aren’t able to go fishing but still want to eat some fish, you can pick up some tasty smoked fish and whitefish salad. They also make haddock dog treats for your fur baby.
Got Bait?
Howie’s Tackle & Archery is Door County’s largest bait and tackle shop. Located just south of Sturgeon Bay it is the home of the Howie’s Tackle line of fishing lures and components including the Howie Fly and Howie Tubes. They are also a full-service archery shop.
Stevenson Pier Mini Mart & Gift Shop Equipped with live fishing bait, fishing tackle, fishing poles, and local fishing guides. Located in Little Sturgeon, south of Sturgeon Bay.
Door County is the place for fishing, year-round
Whether you’re casting a line in the summer sun or drilling a hole in the ice during winter, Door County offers a unique fishing experience. With its beautiful scenery and diverse fishing opportunities, it’s a destination that every angler should explore.
Check the weather for your big day… AccuWeather
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