How to Fish Sturgeon Bay

Sturgeon Bay fishing FAQ

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Sturgeon Bay in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 46-55°F. Pre-spawn smallmouth are moving in 'wolf packs' of 3-6 fish, transitioning from deeper water to shallow spawning flats and staging areas Fish are actively feeding but selective, responding best to slow presentations and showing increased activity during wind events Key locations: Rock to sand transitions in 2-8 feet of water, particularly on spawning flats; Wind-blown points with boulder fields; Shallow rock piles adjacent to deeper water. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly near bottom, Tubes dragged along rock-to-sand transitions, Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly over rocky areas. Primary forage: Minnows congregating in shallow areas, Gobies relating to rocky structure, Alewife moving into shallower water. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Natural Craw Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Sturgeon Bay in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 42-52°F. Walleyes are actively moving from wintering areas through river channels towards spawning areas, following transitions and staging points Fish are feeding opportunistically during pre-spawn, with increased activity during low light periods as indicated by lake reports Key locations: River channels with adjacent staging flats, particularly where channels intersect with structural elements; Shallow rock and boulder areas near deep water transitions; Secondary points leading into spawning bays with mixed bottom composition. Best techniques: Swim Jigs worked slowly along channel edges and transitions, Live Bait Rigs with minnows presented along staging areas, Blade Baits worked vertically through deeper holes in river channels. Primary forage: Minnows, particularly concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas, Alewives schooling in transitional areas. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Lake Whitefish on Sturgeon Bay in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 38-48°F. Lake whitefish are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish are showing increased activity during early morning periods, making distinct moves between deep winter holdover areas and shallower feeding zones Key locations: Deep contour breaks between 40-60 feet adjacent to spawning areas; Rocky reefs and boulder fields in 17-30 feet of water; Steep ledges with hard bottom structure where insects and small prey concentrate. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Live Bait Rigs, Blade Baits. Primary forage: Small invertebrates emerging from winter dormancy, Small baitfish concentrating near structure, Bottom-dwelling insect larvae. Best bait colors: Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Sturgeon Bay in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 47-65°F. Fish are in various spawn phases - pre-spawn, spawning, and some post-spawn, actively moving between deeper staging areas and shallow spawning flats with rock/sand transitions Fish are often found in groups ('wolf packs') around spawning areas, showing aggressive territorial behavior and competing for prime bedding locations Key locations: Rock-to-sand transitions in 2-10 foot depth range, particularly those near spawning flats; Boulder fields and rock piles in protected areas; Windblown points with hard bottom composition. Best techniques: Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions, especially effective for bigger fish, Drop Shot with short leader, particularly effective for bedding fish, Small swimbaits (2.5-3 inch) on 1/8 to 3/16 oz ball head jigs for covering water. Primary forage: Alewives (particularly dying/spiraling baitfish), Perch, Gobies. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Walleye on Sturgeon Bay in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 42-52°F. Walleyes are moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly focusing on rocky points, river channels, and hard-bottom areas in 2-8 feet of water Fish are most active during low-light periods (dawn/dusk), with females staging slightly deeper than males after spawning Post-spawn fish gradually transition to feeding patterns, following baitfish movements Key locations: Rocky points and boulder-strewn shorelines with good current flow; River channel entrances and associated shallow flats; Transitions from hard bottom to emerging weed growth in 8-15 feet. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with slow presentations near bottom, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with methodical lifts and drops, Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light periods. Primary forage: Alewives moving shallow for spring patterns, Small perch in emerging weed growth, Juvenile baitfish near spawning areas. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Lake Whitefish on Sturgeon Bay in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 42-52°F. Lake Whitefish are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to shallow spawning areas, making frequent stops at transition points Fish are actively feeding during early morning periods, taking advantage of invertebrate activity and baitfish movements Schools are breaking up into smaller groups as they stage near spawning areas Key locations: Rocky reefs and boulder fields in 15-25 foot depth range; Transition areas between deep winter holding areas and shallow spawning grounds; Hard-bottom flats adjacent to deeper water. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Live Bait Rigs, Blade Baits. Primary forage: Small invertebrates becoming active in warming waters, Small baitfish schools in transition areas, Bottom-dwelling insects and larvae. Best bait colors: Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Sturgeon Bay in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 55-68°F. Post-spawn smallmouth bass are actively feeding and recovering, moving in small wolf packs of 3-6 fish while pursuing baitfish schools Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer feeding grounds, primarily following baitfish movements and utilizing rocky structure Key locations: Rocky flats adjacent to deeper water, especially where alewives are present; Rock piles and boulder fields in 5-15 foot depth range; Drop-offs near shallow rocky flats where baitfish schools congregate. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at varying speeds to match baitfish movement, Tubes worked slowly around rock piles and drop-offs, Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) for covering water when searching for active fish. Primary forage: Alewife - primary forage based on multiple recent reports, Gobies - particularly around rocky structure, Small crawfish - active in rocky areas post-spawn. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Sturgeon Bay in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 48-58°F. Walleye in post-spawn period transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer locations, actively feeding to recover energy Most active during dawn and dusk periods given the moderate clarity (3.9m Secchi), with feeding windows extending longer in overcast conditions Key locations: Rocky points and boulder areas adjacent to spawning bays, particularly those leading to deeper water; Submerged vegetation edges in 8-15 foot depth range where new growth is emerging; River channel edges and associated structure in 15-25 foot range. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along breaks and structure, Live Bait Rigs with leeches or minnows near bottom in transition areas, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') focusing on structure and breaks. Primary forage: Alewives gathering in pre-summer schools, Small perch around emerging weed growth, Juvenile baitfish in warming shallows. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Lake Whitefish on Sturgeon Bay in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 42-52°F. Post-spawn whitefish are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from winter deep water patterns to more moderate depths Fish are most active during early morning periods, moving along contour breaks and structure to feed on emerging invertebrates and small baitfish Key locations: Steep contour breaks between 40-60 feet with nearby structure; Rocky reefs and boulder fields in 25-40 foot range; Ledges adjacent to deep basin areas where fish staged during winter. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+), Live Bait Rigs, Blade Baits. Primary forage: Emerging aquatic insects and larvae, Small baitfish in 20-40 foot depth range, Bottom-dwelling invertebrates near structure. Best bait colors: Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Sturgeon Bay in Summer?

Water temp 62-68°F. Fish are transitioning from spawning to post-spawn patterns, with most fish moving to deeper rock-to-sand transitions in 7-10 feet Smallmouth are showing selective feeding behavior, requiring slow, precise presentations along structure edges Key locations: Rock to sand transitions in 7-10 feet of water; Boulder fields with defined edges; Protected northern bays with mixed rock and sand bottom. Best techniques: Drop Shot with small profile baits worked slowly, Tubes dragged slowly along bottom on structure transitions, Finesse Hair Jigs strolled along bottom edges, Ned Rigs worked methodically around boulders. Primary forage: Alewife, Goby, Crawfish. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals, Natural Craw Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Sturgeon Bay in Summer?

Water temp 65-78°F. Walleye are actively feeding during low light periods (dawn/dusk) in the summer, with movement patterns between deep daytime haunts and shallower feeding zones Fish are relating to structural elements like points, humps, and weed edges, using them as ambush points for pelagic baitfish Key locations: Deep weed edges adjacent to structural elements like points and humps (15-25 feet); Main lake points with access to deep water; Boulder fields and humps near river channel edges. Best techniques: Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with crankbaits along weed edges and structural breaks, Live Bait Rigs worked along deep edges during daylight hours, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') on specific structure during prime feeding windows. Primary forage: Alewives (primary pelagic forage base), Small fish relating to weed edges, Baitfish schools suspended near structure. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Lake Whitefish on Sturgeon Bay in Summer?

Water temp 52-65°F. Lake Whitefish move deeper during summer months, typically holding in 40-60 foot depths near structure during daylight hours Most active feeding periods occur during early morning and late evening, with fish moving up in the water column to feed on insects and small baitfish Key locations: Deep contour breaks between 40-80 feet with nearby boulder or reef structure; Offshore rocky reefs and ledges in 30-50 foot depths; Transition areas where hard bottom structure meets softer bottom. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+), Trolling Deep (20'+), Live Bait Rigs. Primary forage: Aquatic insects, particularly mayfly and midge larvae, Small baitfish and minnows, Bottom-dwelling invertebrates. Best bait colors: Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Sturgeon Bay in Fall?

Water temp 51-68°F. Fish are transitioning to deeper water, actively feeding on baitfish and crawfish around rock structure. Reports show them schooling in 'wolf packs' of 3-6 fish, especially in wind-blown areas Aggressive feeding behavior noted as fish build energy reserves for winter, with activity concentrated around boulder fields and deep ledges Key locations: Deep rocky ledges and steep drop-offs in 30-40 foot range; Boulder fields and rock piles, especially those adjacent to deeper water; Wind-blown reefs and points with access to deep water. Best techniques: Tubes worked slowly along rocky ledges and boulder fields, Drop Shot rigs for precise presentation around boulders, Hard Jerkbaits for actively feeding fish, Umbrella Rigs when fish are keying on schooling baitfish in deeper water. Primary forage: Crawfish around rock structure, Cisco/Whitefish in deeper water, Alewife in wind-blown areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Sturgeon Bay in Fall?

Water temp 48-58°F. Walleyes are actively feeding on deep structures, particularly humps, as they follow baitfish schools in their fall feeding pattern Fish are mobile and aggressive, requiring anglers to stay mobile and use electronics to locate active schools Typical fall pattern of following alewife schools into deeper water, with feeding windows throughout the day Key locations: Deep humps (20'+ feet) with proximity to baitfish schools; Deep structural transitions near river channels; Boulder areas and deep points adjacent to feeding flats. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+), Blade Baits, Trolling Deep (20'+). Primary forage: Alewife schools in deep water, Secondary forage in remaining deep weed edges. Best bait colors: Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Lake Whitefish on Sturgeon Bay in Fall?

Water temp 45-55°F. Lake Whitefish begin transitioning to deeper water (40-60 feet) as water temperatures cool, following temperature breaks and congregating near bottom structure Feeding activity increases in preparation for winter, with fish actively pursuing both invertebrates and small baitfish near structural elements Key locations: Deep water reefs and ledges in 40-80 foot range with nearby contour breaks; Boulder fields and hard bottom areas adjacent to deep basin areas; Steep breaklines where deep structure intersects with shallower feeding shelves. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+), Blade Baits, Spoons. Primary forage: Small baitfish schools concentrating near structure, Bottom-dwelling invertebrates, Suspended plankton and small insects. Best bait colors: Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Sturgeon Bay in Winter?

Water temp 38-45°F. Walleye are transitioning from fall to winter patterns, concentrating near deep water breaks and structure adjacent to seasonal migration routes Actively feeding during low-light periods, with peaks at dawn and dusk, targeting pelagic baitfish (primarily alewives) Fish are showing preference for deeper structure (20'+ range) while maintaining access to adjacent vegetation for alternate forage Key locations: Deep water breaks and humps in 20-35 foot range, especially those near river channel edges; Boulder fields and rock piles adjacent to deep water; Edges of submerged vegetation where it meets deeper water transitions. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+), Blade Baits, Trolling Deep (20'+). Primary forage: Alewives (primary forage based on multiple reports), Small fish utilizing submerged vegetation, Deeper water baitfish schools. Best bait colors: Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Lake Whitefish on Sturgeon Bay in Winter?

Water temp 32-34°F. Lake Whitefish are holding in deep water near bottom structure, actively feeding on small prey and invertebrates Fish show distinct feeding windows with increased activity during early morning and late morning periods Key locations: Boulder fields and rock structure in 17-40 feet of water; Deep contour breaks between 40-80 feet; Hard-bottom areas near steep ledges. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Ice Fishing Jigs, Ice Fishing Spoons. Primary forage: Small invertebrates near bottom structure, Small minnows and baitfish. Best bait colors: Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Sturgeon Bay in Ice?

Water temp 33-35°F. Fish are actively feeding during low light periods (sunrise/sunset) in both shallow and deep water breaks Movement patterns show transitions between shallow feeding areas and deeper holding spots as light conditions change Key locations: Breaks leading to deep water with boulder structure; Shallow flats near submerged vegetation in 15-20 foot range; Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements. Best techniques: Ice Fishing Spoons worked with varying cadence, especially effective during sunrise, Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnow heads for slower presentations, Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set along depth transitions. Primary forage: Alewife - primary forage based on multiple reports, Minnows - particularly effective when used with spoons. Best bait colors: Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Lake Whitefish on Sturgeon Bay in Ice?

Water temp 33-35°F. Whitefish are concentrated on deep structure, particularly around contour breaks and bottom transitions, actively feeding on both invertebrates and small baitfish Fish show distinct feeding windows with increased activity during late morning hours, suggesting light penetration through ice influences feeding behavior Key locations: Deep contour breaks transitioning from 40-80 feet with hard bottom structure; Reefs and boulder fields in 17-25 foot depth range; Deep ledges with access to both shallow and deep water. Best techniques: Ice Fishing Jigs with bottom pounding presentation, particularly slider rigs tipped with wax worms, Ice Fishing Spoons worked near bottom with flash and action to trigger reaction strikes. Primary forage: Small invertebrates including worms and aquatic insects, Small minnows and baitfish near bottom structure. Best bait colors: Metallic Colors, Purple Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.