What the Peshtigo River offers anglers

The Peshtigo River is a fast-moving system that runs through Marinette County and into Green Bay, and it holds walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass in different sections depending on current speed and depth. The upper river near Crivitz moves hard and stays cold, which walleye prefer; the middle sections around Pound and Wausaukee hold pike in the slower pools and current breaks; the lower river below the Oconto confluence widens and slows, becoming better smallmouth water. Unlike the calm lakes around Crivitz, the Peshtigo demands you read current and structure—where the water slows behind a rock, where it piles against a bank, where a tributary dumps in cooler water. That's where the fish hold.

The river's character changes with dam releases upstream. When the Wausaukee Dam releases water, the current picks up and fish move to the deepest holes and behind the biggest obstacles. When flow drops, they spread into shallower feeding zones. Local tackle shops in Crivitz and Pound track dam schedules, and checking before you go saves a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

  • The upper Peshtigo near Crivitz is walleye water; fish the deep holes and current breaks with live bait or jigs in spring and fall.
  • Pike dominate the middle river around Pound and Wausaukee, especially in slower pools and behind fallen timber.
  • The lower Peshtigo below the Oconto confluence is smallmouth territory, with rocky banks and current seams holding fish year-round.
  • Dam releases from the Wausaukee Dam change water level and current speed; check the schedule before fishing to know where fish will be.
  • The Peshtigo is a moving-water system—success depends on reading current and finding where fish rest between feeding runs.

Upper river walleye: Crivitz to Pound

The upper Peshtigo from Crivitz downstream to Pound is classic walleye habitat. The water stays cold and oxygenated, the current is steady but not violent, and the bottom is a mix of sand, gravel, and rock that walleye use to hunt. Fish the deep holes—there are several between Crivitz and the first dam—with live shiners or crawlers on a jig head, or work crankbaits that dive to 8 to 12 feet. Early morning and late evening are best, but on overcast days walleye feed all day.

Spring (April through May) is the strongest bite. Walleye move into the shallower current breaks to feed after spawning, and a 1/4-ounce jig tipped with a live shiner will produce steady fish. Fall (September through October) is nearly as good; water cools and walleye become aggressive again. Summer is slower—fish the deepest holes and fish at dawn and dusk to avoid the heat.

The current is your guide. Where the river narrows and speeds up, walleye hold just downstream in the slack water behind rocks or along the outside bank. Cast upstream and let your jig drift naturally through the zone. If you're not feeling bottom every few seconds, you're too shallow.

Middle river pike: Pound to Wausaukee

Pike are the dominant predator in the middle Peshtigo, especially around Pound and in the slower pools between Pound and Wausaukee. They hunt in the eddies behind current breaks, in the slack water along undercut banks, and in the tangles of fallen timber that collect in bends. Pike in moving water are aggressive—they don't have time to be picky—so throw large baits and lures and work them with confidence.

Live bait works well: a 6- to 8-inch sucker or shiner fished on a quick-strike rig will draw strikes from pike holding in the current. Cast into the slack zones and let the bait drift slightly. Artificial lures—large spinnerbaits, swimbaits, and crankbaits in the 4- to 6-inch range—also produce. Work them with a steady retrieve and don't be afraid to pause and twitch; pike respond to a meal that looks wounded.

Spring and fall are prime. Summer pike are in the river, but they're deeper and less active. Winter is possible if you can access the ice, though the current makes ice fishing dangerous in many sections—check conditions locally before attempting it.

Lower river smallmouth: Below the Oconto confluence

Below where the Oconto River joins the Peshtigo, the water widens and slows, and smallmouth bass become the primary target. The banks are rocky, the current is gentler, and smallmouth hold tight to the structure—behind boulders, in the seams where fast water meets slow, along the rocky banks. This section is also more accessible by canoe or kayak, and many anglers float it rather than wade.

Smallmouth in the lower Peshtigo respond to crawfish patterns and small swimbaits. A 2- to 3-inch swimbait on a 1/8-ounce jig head fished along the rocky banks will draw strikes. Topwater lures work at dawn and dusk, especially in summer. The current is slower here, so you can work a zone more thoroughly without your lure washing downstream too fast.

Spring and fall are best, but unlike the upper river, the lower Peshtigo holds smallmouth year-round. Summer is productive if you fish early and late. Winter is possible but slow; most anglers focus on the upper river walleye in cold months.

Access points and seasons

The Peshtigo has several public access points. Near Crivitz, the Crivitz Dam area offers parking and a short walk to the river. The Pound area has a boat launch on the north side of town. Wausaukee has access near the dam. The lower river can be reached from several informal access points, and many anglers put in at Oconto and float down. Check with local tackle shops for current conditions and any access changes.

Spring (April through May) is the peak season. Water is high from snowmelt, walleye are aggressive, and pike are active. Fall (September through October) is nearly as good. Summer is slower but still fishable, especially early and late in the day. Winter is possible but requires caution around dam releases and moving water.

Reading dam releases and water level

The Wausaukee Dam controls much of the Peshtigo's flow. When the dam releases water, the river rises and current increases. Fish move to the deepest holes and behind the largest obstacles. When flow drops, they spread into shallower zones. The difference between a high-water day and a low-water day can mean the difference between catching fish and going home empty.

Local tackle shops and the dam operator can tell you the release schedule. Some shops post it online or on their Facebook pages. Call ahead before you fish, especially if you're planning to wade. High water can make wading dangerous, and low water can leave you stranded if you're floating.

Gear and tackle for moving water

For walleye, bring a 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound braided line. Jigs in 1/4- to 1/2-ounce weights work best in current. Live bait—shiners, crawlers, and leeches—outfish artificials most of the time, but crankbaits that dive to 8 to 12 feet are effective when walleye are active.

For pike, step up to a 7- to 8-foot medium-heavy rod with 15- to 20-pound braided line. Pike have sharp teeth, so use a wire or heavy fluorocarbon leader. Large lures and live baits work best. For smallmouth, a 6- to 7-foot medium rod with 8- to 10-pound line is plenty; they're smaller and less aggressive than pike, but they still hit hard in current.

Wading boots with good grip are essential. The Peshtigo's rocks are slick, and current can be strong. A wading staff helps, especially in high water. If you're floating, a canoe or kayak is safer than a boat in the upper and middle sections; the lower river can handle a small motorboat, but current and rocks demand respect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Peshtigo River open year-round?

Yes, the Peshtigo is open year-round for walleye, pike, and smallmouth. Spring and fall are best. Summer is slower but still fishable early and late. Winter is possible but requires caution around dam releases and moving water.

Do I need a Wisconsin fishing license?

Yes. Wisconsin requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a daily, three-day, or annual license through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website or at local tackle shops and sporting goods stores.

What's the best time of day to fish the Peshtigo?

Early morning and late evening are most productive, especially for walleye. On overcast days, walleye feed all day. Pike and smallmouth also respond well at dawn and dusk, but they'll bite throughout the day if the current and structure are right.

Can I float the Peshtigo in a kayak?

Yes, the lower and middle sections are popular for kayak floats. The upper river near Crivitz has faster current and more obstacles, so it's better for experienced paddlers. Always check water level and dam releases before putting in, and wear a life jacket.

What's the difference between fishing the upper and lower Peshtigo?

The upper river (Crivitz to Pound) is walleye and pike water with faster current and deeper holes. The lower river (below Oconto) is slower, wider, and better for smallmouth. Upper river fishing requires reading current and structure; lower river fishing is more about working rocky banks and seams.