Egg Harbor Fishing

FISHING AT THE MARINA

Egg Harbor Marina is proud to be open to all who fish. Our Marina may be the most fishing friendly facility in Door County. The structure provided by our new rubble mound is a fish magnet. The outer breakwall promenade and our main parking lot walkway are excellent places to start. All we ask is that you be responsible and considerate of public and private property. Please clean up after yourself, removing all bait, refuse, and food, to the trash receptacles provided. Be sure to keep all walkways clear.

Whether you are a seasoned angler or just a beginner, our sparkling blue waters offer ample opportunity for you to score a trophy fish. Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Perch, Salmon, Trout, and several other species frequent our harbor and surrounding waters.

What to do if your line becomes entangled on a boat

Zeller boys with their prize small mouth bass caught in the Marina

Please do not fish near boats and be very careful not to damage any boats in the harbor or impede their safe operation. Please remember that many guests sleep on their boats, please abide by posted Quiet Hours, 10pm-7am.

If your line or lure inadvertently becomes entangled on a boat, ask a staff person for help. Do not board someone’s boat while trying to untangle your gear. Fishing around the gas dock when fueling is underway is not permitted.

Fish cleaning is not permitted in the marina and we ask that all fish not taken for food be returned to the water.

Egg Harbor Fishing Forecast

View current fishing forecasts for Egg Harbor, WI.

FISHING FROM SHORE

Many people have good luck fishing from the shore (dock). The best way to improve your chances is with live bait. Minnows work well for perch and smallmouth bass. Worms work well for bass and may work for perch. Leeches may also work well for bass.

A basic split shot rig with a small hook and bobber is fine. A small split shot 9-12 inches above the hook will keep your bait in the strike zone. Popular lures, such as spinner baits, stick baits, tubes, crank baits, and swim grubs often work well from shore, but not as well as live bait. Be prepared to have your baits taken by small bottom feeding nuisance fish called “gobies.” If gobies are a big problem, raise your baits off the bottom about 18 inches. Kids love to catch gobies because they are ugly. Please do not leave gobies or any other fish on the walkways.

FISHING FROM A BOAT

Fishing from a boat opens many doors. The shores around the marina, for a mile or more in both directions, are excellent fish habitat.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT TO CATCH?

Perch

Perch tend to stay in protected areas with ample marine growth.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass may be anywhere, but tend to favor rocky structure and sharp depth breaks. An underwater cliff or hump, especially if the wind is blowing towards it, is ideal. (Like our breakwall!)

In the early spring, smallmouth are near the shore and shallows, seeking warmth. In summer, they often seek offshore deeper structure surrounded by cooler water. In the fall, smallmouths can be found both in the shallows and out in deeper water. If in doubt, start fishing in one to 10 feet of water and then move deeper into 10 to 15 foot depths. Some fishermen go as deep as 25 feet or more. Try natural colors first ( green and brown) and go brighter if it is sunny.

Move around and try different depths and structure until you have some success. Search with spinner baits and other fast retrieve lures like plastic swim tails. Once you catch a smallie or two, refine your lure, structure and depth selection. Stick baits are good in the spring, fished with long pauses. Tube baits are excellent, especially when dragged very slowly over a rocky bottom. Live baits can be very good once a productive location is found.

Other Fish

Walleye fishing, Salmon fishing, and Trout fishing can be terrific in the waters adjacent to and near Egg Harbor. Ask a staff supervisor for suggestions.

FISH HARD BUT FISH SAFE

Egg Harbor waters are cold, particularly in the spring, fall and winter. Wear your life jacket, especially if your boat is under power. If you are alone, use your engine stop safety lanyard.

Watch the weather. Green Bay waters can come up quickly. If in doubt, head for shore.

It is wise to have a map with you and always be mindful that large rocks are strewn around Door County both in and out of the water. Many underwater hazards exist. If you do not know the local waters, be very careful within 200 feet of any shoreline and watch for any subtle change in water color from green or blue to tan or brown, signaling shallow water or an obstruction. Proceed slowly and keep a good watch.

It is also wise to have a ship-to-shore radio or cell phone on board. Our staff monitors Channel 9, during normal business hours. We also pay attention to Channel 16. Our phone number is 920-868-2048.