Lake Michigan, or the “Big Pond” as many Wisconsinites know it, is the No. 1 most frequently visited water in Wisconsin and it’s easy to see why. Whether by boat or on shore, a fishing pole will bring you some of the state’s best and most diverse fishing, not to mention picturesque views. This a diverse set of links to help you make you visit to the “Big Pond” better. And with more than 15 million fish stocked annually to keep populations healthy – there’s a good chance there will be a bite on your line.
The Department along with Wisconsin Conservation Congress hosted a Lake Michigan Yellow Perch Meeting on October 23, 2014. Click here to learn more about the meeting.
The Department recently hosted a meeting to inform the Charter Captains on the status of the Lake Michigan salmon and trout fishery. Click here to learn more about the meeting.
Fishing Lake Michigan
Find places to fish on your own or take a charter! This information will help you get started.
- Lake Michigan Fishing Report
- Salmon and trout spawning facilities
- Root River Open House
- Find a Tributary to Fish
- “Hook into a Good Time” – Questions and answers about taking your first charter fishing trip.
- Find a Fishing Charter [exit DNR]
- Milwaukee Fall Fishing Brochure [PDF 431KB] – 50 places to fish within 60 miles of Milwaukee
- Trap Net Safety
- Fish Consumption Advice
What Fish Might I Catch?
Staff
- WDNR Lake Michigan/Green Bay Offices
- Wisconsin DNR Staff Directory
- Joint Position – Wisconsin DNR and UW-Milwaukee (exit DNR)
Research Vessels
Get Weather Conditions
- Current stream flow [exit DNR]
- Current stream conditions (temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH) [exit DNR]
- Lake Michigan surface temperatures [exit DNR]
- Wisconsin weather conditions [exit DNR]
- Marine forecast – Lake Michigan – North and South Half [exit DNR]
- Lake Michigan Buoys [exit DNR]