Fishing / De Pere, Wisconsin

Phenomenal Fishing Awaits in De Pere

The City of De Pere and the Fox River are renowned for the abundant and scenic fishing opportunities throughout each season of the year. We hope you enjoy everything the Fox River has to offer.

Of special note, in spring, the City of De Pere becomes a tremendously popular walleye fishing location as many of Lake Michigan's fish migrate up our river to spawn, finding warmer water near the De Pere dam. Spawning for walleye typically begins in the first half of March and goes until the end of April. Expect heavy boat traffic during this time period.

Beyond that, the Fox River features year-round fishing opportunities, both on boat and in several designated public shore areas on City-owned land. This also includes a scenic fishing pier located off the Riverwalk adjacent to Voyageur Park. The Fox River has walleye, sauger, muskellunge, channel catfish, sturgeon, bass and much more. We hope you enjoy, and ask that you please abide by all DNR regulations during your time near or on the water.

Helpful resources

Fish species in Fox River
Boat launch passes/stickers
Boat launch locations
De Pere Riverwalk and Wildlife Viewing Pier details
Sturgeon spawning updates - follow De Pere Parks, Recreation & Forestry on Facebook

IMPORTANT RESTRICTIONS:

(Click to enlarge image above)

RIVERWALK FISHING
Address & Info

RESTRICTIONS: The De Pere Riverwalk is owned by the City of De Pere, but adjacent to Navigation Authority property. Furthermore, waters near the De Pere dam are a protected fish refuge, as designated by the Wisconsin DNR.

Clear signage is posted onsite indicating prohibited fishing areas and times. It is your responsibility to be informed of and comply with all rules placed throughout these areas by the respective jurisdictions of the City of De Pere, Navigation Authority or the Wisconsin DNR. Illegal fishing in prohibited areas may result in fines.

No fishing or casting in any manner is allowed inside the De Pere Dam Fish Refuge boundaries from March 1 through May 31. The area of the Fish Refuge on the Fox River is from the De Pere Dam downstream to the downstream side of the Wisconsin Public Service power lines extending from the east shore of the river, across to the northeasterly corner of the paper mill building.

Shore fishing is permitted by the City or Navigation Authority in sections highlighted in Green. Use these areas only when safe conditions exist.