FishCondishSturgeon Bay, WI Fishing Report & Live Conditions
Sturgeon Bay, WI fishing report
Sturgeon Bay sits at the intersection of Green Bay and Lake Michigan's Door County shoreline, giving you a remarkable mix of fisheries in tight proximity. Smallmouth bass dominate the rocky points and boulder fields along the Door County peninsula from late spring through fall, with fishing peaking when water temps climb into the mid-60s. Walleye run strong through Green Bay's shallower, murkier water, especially during the spring turnover and again in fall when baitfish stack up near transition zones. Chinook and coho salmon patrol the deeper Lake Michigan side in summer before pushing toward structure as water temperatures cool in August and September.
For smallmouth, work tube jigs and drop-shot rigs tight to submerged boulders and limestone ledges, focusing on the windswept sides of points where crayfish get pushed around. Green Bay walleye respond well to jig-and-minnow presentations along soft-bottom flats adjacent to hard-bottom transitions, especially during low-light periods. Salmon fishing out of the bay mouth rewards trollers running spoons and meat rigs at varying depths until you locate the thermocline. Pay attention to surface temperature breaks, as gamefish stack along temperature edges rather than spreading evenly throughout the water column.
Sturgeon Bay, WI river flow
The closest active USGS gauge to Sturgeon Bay, WI is PESHTIGO RIVER AT PESHTIGO, WI (site 04069500), about 23.2 miles away. It drains roughly 1,080 square miles. Flow is the single best predictor of where fish sit in moving water, so it is worth knowing what normal looks like before you read today's number.
In August, this gauge typically runs about 492 cfs.
| Month | Median flow |
|---|---|
| Jan | 500 cfs |
| Feb | 480 cfs |
| Mar | 880 cfs |
| Apr | 1,920 cfs |
| May | 1,150 cfs |
| Jun | 868 cfs |
| Jul | 551 cfs |
| Aug | 492 cfs |
| Sep | 559 cfs |
| Oct | 645 cfs |
| Nov | 752 cfs |
| Dec | 567 cfs |
Median flow from the USGS daily-statistics record. For the live flow, gage height, water temperature, and today's fishing score, open the Sturgeon Bay, WI dashboard.
What's biting near Sturgeon Bay, WI
The species most likely to be feeding Door County and Green Bay: smallmouth bass, walleye, and salmon. FishCondish grades every hour of the day for Sturgeon Bay, WI and gives each species its own bite forecast, so you can see which window is worth fishing before you load the truck.
Sturgeon Bay, WI fishing FAQ
What fish can you catch at Sturgeon Bay, WI?
The species bite forecast for Sturgeon Bay, WI covers what's likely feeding there, including smallmouth bass, walleye, and salmon — and updates with the live conditions.
What's the best time of day to fish Sturgeon Bay, WI?
Dawn and dusk are usually the most productive windows on Door County and Green Bay, particularly when the barometric pressure is steady or falling. FishCondish grades every hour of the day so you can pick the best one.
When is the best season to fish Sturgeon Bay, WI?
Spring and fall are typically strongest on Door County and Green Bay as water temperatures sit in the productive range, with summer fishing best early and late in the day. It varies year to year, so check the live conditions before you head out.
How do I know if it's a good day to fish Sturgeon Bay, WI?
FishCondish combines wind, water level, water temperature, pressure trend, and moon phase into a single 1–10 fishing score for Sturgeon Bay, WI, updated in real time — a quick go/no-go read before you make the trip.
Fishing tips for Sturgeon Bay, WI
New to these waters? Start with these beginner-friendly guides: