Fishing in Door County is more than just a hobby — it’s a way of life. With over 300 miles of shoreline, access to both Lake Michigan and Green Bay, and a wide variety of fish species, this peninsula in northeastern Wisconsin is a true angler’s paradise.

Whether you’re casting from the shore, launching a boat, or walking onto a frozen bay with an ice auger in hand, you’ll find that fishing in Door County offers something for every season and skill level.

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Best Places to Fish in Door County

1. Sturgeon Bay

Sturgeon Bay is the crown jewel of fishing in Door County. Known nationally for its trophy smallmouth bass population, it offers a mix of rocky structure, drop-offs, and weedy bays. Spring and fall are prime for smallmouth, while late spring and early summer bring solid walleye action.

• Access points: Sunset Park, Sawyer Park, and the Sturgeon Bay canal.
• Ideal for: Boaters, kayak anglers, and shore fishermen alike.
• Bonus: Ice fishing for whitefish and perch is top-tier here in winter.

🎣 Why fish here? It’s one of the top bass fishing destinations in the U.S., hosting major tournaments every year.

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2. Baileys Harbor

Located on the Lake Michigan side, Baileys Harbor provides deep, cold water that’s perfect for trout and salmon fishing. It’s a hotspot for trolling during the summer months and offers reliable brown trout fishing in the fall.

• Species: Chinook salmon, rainbow trout, lake trout, brown trout.
• Launch options: Baileys Harbor Marina has ample parking and fish-cleaning stations.
• Guided trips: Many salmon charters depart from this harbor daily.

🚤 Deep water access within minutes of the dock makes this a go-to for big-water anglers.

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3. Egg Harbor & Fish Creek

These quiet, scenic harbors are great for relaxed outings. You’ll find rock bass, perch, and bluegill near the docks, with deeper areas hosting smallmouth bass.

• Perfect for: Families and casual anglers looking to fish from piers or small boats.
• Nearby amenities: Shops, restaurants, and parks within walking distance.
• Top times: Early morning or late evening during the warmer months.

🛶 Gentle waters also make these spots ideal for kayak and canoe fishing.

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4. Washington Island

Accessible via ferry, Washington Island offers a rugged and remote fishing experience. It’s a peaceful retreat with far fewer anglers, but no shortage of fish.

• Best areas: Jackson Harbor, Detroit Harbor, and the north shore’s rocky drop-offs.
• Target species: Lake whitefish, lake trout, smallmouth bass.
• Bonus: Fantastic jigging in winter, plus spring and fall casting from shore.

🌲 If you’re seeking solitude and untouched fishing spots, this is your Door County escape.

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5. Little Sturgeon Bay

Little Sturgeon Bay is a favorite among locals for its pike, perch, and crappie population. Shallow and full of submerged weeds and structure, this bay warms up quickly in spring — ideal for early season action.

• Fish species: Northern pike, perch, smallmouth bass, bluegill.
• Fishing type: Cast from shore, wade, or explore via kayak.
• Best times: Spring and early summer.

🌾 This bay is particularly great for sight-fishing during the spawn.

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6. Chaudoir’s Dock

Just south of Brussels, Chaudoir’s Dock is a popular shore fishing location with paved access, long piers, and deep-water drop-offs close to land.

• Best for: Anglers without a boat looking to catch walleye, whitefish, and perch.
• Accessibility: Great for seniors or those with limited mobility.
• Evening bite: Excellent walleye action just before sunset.

🐟 One of the easiest walk-up fishing spots in the county with big fish potential.

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7. Potawatomi State Park

With boat launches and hiking trails, this park is a multi-purpose destination. Fish the shoreline or launch a boat for deeper water species.

• Target species: Smallmouth bass, lake trout, occasional muskellunge.
• Features: Campgrounds, picnic areas, and gorgeous bluff views.
• Boat access: Smooth launch ramp and ample parking.

🏕️ Great spot to combine camping with multi-day fishing.

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8. Rileys Bay & Sawyer Harbor

Tucked between Sturgeon Bay and Little Sturgeon, these shallow bays are known for their weedy cover and abundant fish populations.

• Species: Spring-run walleye, largemouth bass, northern pike.
• Tactics: Topwater lures work great here during the early morning.
• Access: Limited shore spots, better by boat or kayak.

🎯 Excellent for early-season fishing before the deeper waters warm up.

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9. Nicolet Bay (Peninsula State Park)

Located inside Peninsula State Park, this bay is protected from wind and provides excellent shore and small-boat fishing.

• Popular with: Kayakers and fly anglers.
• Fish: Smallmouth bass, rock bass, bluegill.
• Environment: Clear, shallow water with visible structure.

🚶‍♂️ Easily accessible via walking trails with minimal crowds during the week.

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10. Cave Point County Park

Although most visitors come for the cliffs and crashing waves, nearby rocky points are excellent for fall shore fishing — especially for brown trout.

• Species: Brown trout, steelhead, salmon (seasonal).
• Best conditions: Cooler fall temps when fish move close to shore.
• Note: Conditions can be rough — ideal for experienced anglers.

🌊 For anglers who don’t mind a little wind and wave action, this dramatic location can deliver big results.

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What You Can Catch in Door County

• Smallmouth Bass (best spring and fall)
• Walleye (early spring, late fall)
• Northern Pike (throughout the year)
• Lake Trout & Salmon (summer trolling)
• Perch, Bluegill, Crappie (great for kids, spring to fall)
• Lake Whitefish (great ice fishing target)

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Best Times to Fish in Door County

Season	Best Catches	Notes
Spring	Smallmouth bass, pike, walleye	Shallow bays warm up quickly
Summer	Salmon, perch, bluegill	Great for boat fishing & trolling
Fall	Trophy bass, walleye, trout	Fish move shallow again
Winter	Whitefish, perch, pike	Ice fishing season!

Fishing Charters & Guides in Door County

If you’re new to fishing in the area or want a stress-free experience, consider booking a local guide:

• Door County Charters (Sturgeon Bay)
• Reel Impression Sport Fishing (Baileys Harbor)
• JJ’s Guide Service (Washington Island)

These pros know the local waters and can help you target the species you’re after — plus, they provide all the gear and licenses.

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Fishing Licenses & Regulations

All anglers 16+ need a valid Wisconsin fishing license. Special permits are required for trout and Great Lakes fishing. You can get your license online via the Wisconsin DNR website or at local bait shops.

✅ Always check the latest fishing regulations and limits before heading out.

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Ice Fishing in Door County

Winter transforms Door County into an ice angler’s dream. From Whitefish Bay to Little Sturgeon, the ice fishing season (typically January to March) brings out locals and tourists targeting:

• Lake Whitefish
• Perch
• Northern Pike

Local shanty rentals and guided excursions are widely available.

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Gear Up: Bait & Tackle Shops

• Howie’s Tackle & Archery (Sturgeon Bay)
• The Fish House (Ellison Bay)
• Baileys 57 (Baileys Harbor)

These shops offer not just bait and gear but also up-to-date fishing reports and local advice.

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Kayak & Shore Fishing

For a more peaceful experience, Door County also has plenty of shore fishing and kayak-accessible waters:

• Nicolet Bay (Peninsula State Park)
• Cave Point Shoreline
• Anderson Dock (Ephraim)

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Final Thoughts: Why Door County is a Fishing Destination

Door County’s diversity of water, species, and seasons makes it one of the best places to fish in the Midwest. Whether you’re trolling for salmon in July or dropping a line through the ice in February, there’s always a bite waiting.

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📌 Don’t forget to pin or bookmark this Door County fishing guide!