What Draws Anglers to the Bay of Green Bay

The Bay of Green Bay is a mix of big-water potential and fishable intimacy. Its nutrient-rich, shallow waters create a haven for baitfish, which in turn attract predators like walleye and brown trout. What sets this place apart is its ability to produce both quality and quantity. You’ll find numbers of fish to keep the action lively, but the real draw is the trophies: double-digit walleyes and brown trout pushing 20 to 30 pounds.

The Bay’s structure and seasonality make it a dynamic fishery. Tributaries, rocky shorelines, expansive flats, and deep drop-offs all play a role in creating different fishing environments throughout the year. Whether you’re trolling crankbaits in summer or jigging in the chill of late fall, there’s always something happening.

April to December: A Season-by-Season Breakdown

April – Post-Spawn Frenzy

As the ice melts and water temperatures rise, walleye and brown trout move into the Bay’s tributaries, like the Fox and Oconto Rivers, to spawn. By mid to late April, the spawn wraps up, and fish return to the Bay hungry and aggressive. This is prime time to target trophy walleye near river mouths and on shallow flats.

Tactics:

Jigging with 1/8 to 1/4 oz jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics in natural and bright colors works wonders.

Casting stickbaits like Rapala Husky Jerks near shorelines can trigger post-spawn fish.

May & June – Transition to Summer

As spring warms into early summer, fish spread out across the Bay. Walleyes hold along rocky drop-offs, weed edges, and mid-depth flats, while brown trout patrol shorelines, structure, and nearshore reefs.

Tactics:

Troll crankbaits like Reef Runners or Flicker Minnows using planer boards to cover water.

For browns, flat-lining spoons and stickbaits in 10-15 feet of water produces steady action.

July & August – Summertime Patterns

Summer can challenge some anglers, but the Bay’s walleye and brown trout fishing remains strong if you know where to look. Walleyes often suspend in deeper water, and browns shift to slightly cooler, deeper areas near rocky points and reefs.

Tactics:

Deep trolling crankbaits or crawler harnesses with bottom bouncers is effective for walleye.

Use spoons and natural-colored stickbaits trolled deeper for brown trout. Early morning or late evening hours tend to produce the best results.

September & October – Fall Feast

As water temperatures begin to cool, fish become more active, feeding heavily to bulk up for winter. Walleyes move into shallower water during the day, and brown trout can often be found near rocky shorelines, tributary mouths, and reefs.

Tactics:

Jigging with soft plastics and blade baits in 8-12 feet of water is deadly for walleyes.

Casting spoons or fly fishing with baitfish patterns along the shore can be thrilling for browns.

Troll crankbaits slowly along drop-offs and structure to target bigger fish.

November & December – Late-Season Giants

The transition into late fall and early winter offers some of the best trophy fishing of the year. Walleyes and browns take advantage of baitfish schools, making this a prime time to land your personal best. As ice begins to form in December, tributaries and nearshore areas can still produce incredible fishing.

Tactics:

Jigging with heavier blade baits or jigging spoons near drop-offs is effective for late-season walleye.

Slow-trolling stickbaits near structure in 6-10 feet of water can result in monster brown trout.

How Big Do the Fish Get In Green Bay?

Walleye: Fish in the 3-5 pound range are abundant, but the Bay consistently produces 8-12 pound fish—and sometimes even larger.

Brown Trout: These beasts average 10-15 pounds in the Bay, with true giants exceeding 20 pounds not uncommon, especially in fall and early winter.

Plan Your Green Bay Fishing Charter

What makes this fishery so magical is its year-round diversity. From the post-spawn frenzy of April to December’s shot at a late-season trophy, the Bay offers a constantly changing challenge that keeps anglers coming back.

So grab your gear and hit the water. Whether you’re chasing trophy walleye, battling big browns, or just enjoying time on the Bay, this is a destination that delivers unforgettable fishing experiences every season.

Plus – there’s more to love around the Bay than just the fishing…

At Angling Adventures, we offer a variety of unique trips to help you and your loved ones enjoy the waters of Green Bay in your own way. How about a romantic Door County Dinner Date? Or maybe a fun-filled family day on the beach, complete with a stop to explore Door County’s charming shops and grab an ice cream cone? Whatever your vision, we’re here to make it happen.

Reach out today to plan your perfect adventure on the Bay of Green Bay!

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