What Hoffman Memorial Access offers

Hoffman Memorial Access is a public boat launch on the Menominee River in Niagara, Wisconsin, just south of the Michigan border. It's a straightforward ramp facility that puts you on one of the Midwest's most productive walleye and pike rivers, with direct access to the main channel and the deeper pools that hold fish year-round.

The launch sits in a quiet stretch of the Menominee, away from the heaviest current but close enough to productive water that you can reach prime fishing grounds within minutes. The ramp itself is concrete, well-maintained, and designed for standard trailers. There's parking for vehicles with trailers, and the site is open to the public during daylight hours.

This access point works best for anglers targeting walleye in spring and fall, pike any season, and smallmouth bass in summer. The river here is wide and relatively slow, which means you can work live bait presentations or crankbaits without fighting heavy current. If you're coming from the Monroe area and want to fish the Menominee without driving to a larger town, this is your closest option.

Key Takeaways

  • Hoffman Memorial Access is a public concrete boat ramp on the Menominee River in Niagara, Wisconsin, with parking for trailers and open daylight access.
  • The launch puts you on productive walleye water, particularly in spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) when fish move into shallower feeding zones.
  • The river at this location is wide and slow-moving, making it suitable for live bait rigs, slip-sinker presentations, and crankbait work without heavy current pressure.
  • You'll need a Wisconsin fishing license and must follow state regulations for the Menominee River, which are the same as for other Wisconsin border waters.

When to fish Hoffman Memorial Access

Spring walleye fishing here runs from ice-out (usually mid-April) through May. The Menominee warms slowly because it's fed by groundwater and dam releases upstream, so the bite stays strong longer than on inland lakes. Work the deeper holes and channel edges with live shiners or crawlers on slip-sinker rigs, or throw crankbaits that reach 8 to 12 feet. Early morning and evening are most productive, but overcast days can produce all day.

Summer brings smallmouth bass and pike. The water warms to the mid-60s by July, and smallmouth move to rocky structure and deeper drop-offs. Pike stay active in the weed edges and slower bays. Live bait works, but this is also good season for topwater lures and swimbaits if you want active fishing.

Fall (September through October) is the second peak walleye season. Fish move back into shallower water as the river cools, and you can catch them on the same presentations that work in spring. Winter is possible but requires caution—the Menominee can ice over, but ice conditions vary year to year and the current keeps some areas open. Check with local bait shops before launching in December or January.

What fish live in the Menominee at this access

Walleye are the primary target. The Menominee supports a healthy population of 15- to 20-inch fish, with occasional 24-inchers. They're most active in low-light conditions and respond well to live bait presentations. The river's slow current and deep holes make it ideal walleye water—you're not fighting heavy flow, and the fish hold predictably in the same zones season after season.

Northern pike are abundant and aggressive. You'll find them in weed beds, around fallen timber, and in the slower bays. Pike here run 18 to 28 inches on average, with occasional fish pushing 35 inches. They'll hit large live shiners, swimbaits, and spinnerbaits. Pike fishing is good year-round, but spring and fall are most consistent.

Smallmouth bass are present and underrated. They're not the focus of most Menominee anglers, but they're there in good numbers, especially in summer. Work rocky areas and deeper structure with tubes, crawfish imitations, and small swimbaits. Largemouth are less common but do show up in the weedier sections.

How to reach Hoffman Memorial Access

From Monroe, take US-51 north toward Niagara. The drive is roughly 30 minutes. Once in Niagara, follow local roads toward the Menominee River. The access site is marked and sits on the river's west bank. There's a small parking area and the concrete ramp is visible from the road.

GPS coordinates and detailed directions are available through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website or by calling the Niagara town office. Cell service can be spotty in this area, so download directions before you leave Monroe. The road to the access is paved but narrow in places—take it slow, especially if you're towing a trailer.

What you need to bring and know

You'll need a Wisconsin fishing license, which you can purchase online through the DNR website or at any bait shop. A daily license costs less than a full-season license if you're only making one or two trips. The Menominee River follows Wisconsin regulations for walleye (daily limit five fish, 15-inch minimum) and pike (daily limit five fish, 24-inch minimum). Smallmouth bass have a five-fish daily limit with a 12-inch minimum.

Bring a boat that can handle a river environment—a 16- to 18-foot aluminum or fiberglass boat with a 40- to 60-horsepower motor is ideal. The river is navigable and relatively calm at this access, but you should know how to handle a boat in current and be comfortable with river navigation. A GPS unit is helpful for marking productive holes and staying oriented on a wide river.

Live bait is your most reliable option. Shiners, crawlers, and minnows are available at bait shops in Niagara and Marinette. Bring extra tackle—the Menominee has snags, and you'll lose rigs. A net, stringer, and cooler are standard. The sun reflects hard off the water, so sunscreen and polarized sunglasses are worth the investment.

Facilities and what to expect

Hoffman Memorial Access is a basic facility. There's a concrete ramp, parking for trailers, and that's it. No restrooms, no fuel dock, no tackle shop on-site. The nearest services are in Niagara, about five minutes away by car. Plan accordingly—fill your tank, use the restroom, and buy bait before you arrive at the access.

The site is quiet and rarely crowded, even on weekends. You might see a handful of other boats, but this isn't a busy public launch. That's part of its appeal if you want a peaceful morning on the water. The parking area is gravel and can get muddy after rain, so be prepared to back your trailer in less-than-ideal conditions.

The ramp itself is in good condition and slopes gradually into the water, making it easy to launch and retrieve. Water depth at the ramp is adequate year-round. The current is gentle at the launch site, so you won't have trouble holding position while loading or unloading gear.

Nearby alternatives if Hoffman is not an option

If Hoffman Memorial Access is closed or you want other options, the Menominee River has other public launches. Marinette, Wisconsin (about 15 minutes south) has city-owned access with more facilities. The Brule River, about 30 minutes north, offers similar walleye and pike fishing in a smaller, more intimate setting. Both are worth exploring if you're in the area regularly.

If you want to stay closer to Monroe, inland lakes like Lac La Belle and Moose Lake offer walleye and pike in a lake environment rather than a river. They're warmer in summer and freeze more reliably in winter, which some anglers prefer. The trade-off is that river fishing often produces larger fish and more consistent action during peak seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Michigan license to fish the Menominee River?

No. The Menominee is the border between Wisconsin and Michigan, but Wisconsin regulations apply to the Wisconsin side of the river. Since you're launching from Wisconsin, you need only a Wisconsin license. If you cross into Michigan waters, you'd need a Michigan license, but most anglers stay on the Wisconsin side where the access is.

What's the best time of day to fish Hoffman Memorial Access?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and evening (5 p.m. to dark) are most productive for walleye. Pike and smallmouth can bite throughout the day, but low-light periods are still your best bet. Overcast days often produce all day because the cloud cover keeps fish active in shallower water.

Can I fish here in winter?

Yes, but conditions vary. The Menominee can ice over, but the current keeps some areas open. Check with local bait shops or the Niagara town office before launching in December or January. If the ramp is iced over, you won't be able to use it. Winter fishing here is possible but requires local knowledge and caution.

How deep is the water at Hoffman Memorial Access?

The ramp area is shallow (2 to 4 feet), but the river drops to 12 to 20 feet within a short distance. The deeper holes and channel edges are where you'll find walleye and pike. Once you're off the ramp, you have access to productive deeper water quickly.

Is there a launch fee?

No. Hoffman Memorial Access is a public launch with no fee. Parking is free, and there are no daily use charges. You pay only for your Wisconsin fishing license and fuel.