What You'll Fish at De Pere Locks and Dam Park

De Pere Locks and Dam Park sits on the Fox River just below the dam in De Pere, Wisconsin, and it's one of the most accessible walleye and smallmouth bass fisheries in the lower Fox. The park itself is small—mostly a boat launch, parking, and a few picnic tables—but the water around the locks and the tailrace below the dam holds fish year-round. The dam creates a current break that concentrates walleye, especially in spring and fall, and the rocky structure below draws smallmouth bass throughout the season.

The real draw here is convenience. You can launch a boat in minutes, fish productive water without a long run, and be back to your truck by lunch. The locks operate seasonally (roughly May through October), and when they're running, the current and activity around them can actually improve the bite. In winter, the tailrace stays open and remains fishable when other Fox River sections freeze over.

Key Takeaways

  • De Pere Locks and Dam Park offers walleye and smallmouth bass fishing in a compact, easy-to-access setting on the lower Fox River.
  • Spring and fall produce the best walleye action, especially around the current breaks created by the dam and locks.
  • Smallmouth bass are present year-round in the rocky structure below the dam and respond well to live bait and soft plastics.
  • The boat launch is small but reliable, with parking for a handful of trailers and basic amenities at the park.
  • Winter fishing is possible in the tailrace below the dam when other sections of the Fox freeze solid.

Spring Walleye: Timing the Spawn and Post-Spawn

Walleye move into the De Pere area as water temperatures climb in April and May, drawn by the current and structure around the locks. Early spring—when water is still cold and the locks are just beginning to operate—can be excellent. Fish suspend in the current seams just below the dam, and live shiners or crawlers drifted through these zones produce steady catches. Jigs tipped with minnows also work, especially if you work them tight to the dam face where the current is strongest.

By late May, as water warms and spawning finishes, walleye scatter into deeper holes and along the rocky banks. The bite slows during the heat of the day but picks up again in early morning and evening. This is when casting crankbaits along the shoreline or working deeper structure with live bait becomes more productive than drifting the current.

Summer: Smallmouth and Deeper Walleye

Summer at De Pere shifts the focus to smallmouth bass, which are abundant in the rocky structure below the dam. Throw soft plastics—tubes, crawfish imitations, and small swimbaits—around the rocks and current breaks. Early morning and late evening are best, but smallmouth will bite throughout the day if you work the shade and structure. Live crawfish are deadly if you can find them, and they're worth the effort to catch or purchase.

Walleye are still present in summer but deeper and less predictable. Focus on the deepest holes in the tailrace and fish live bait on the bottom at dawn and dusk. The current can be strong in summer, so use heavier jigs or sinkers to stay in contact with the bottom. Many anglers skip the midday heat entirely and return in the evening when the bite improves.

Fall: The Second Peak

Fall is arguably the best season at De Pere Locks and Dam Park. As water cools in September and October, walleye move back into the current breaks and become aggressive feeders. The same tactics that work in spring—drifting live bait through the current, casting jigs, working crankbaits—all produce well. The water is clearer in fall than in spring, so you may need to downsize your presentation slightly, but the bite is often more consistent.

Smallmouth are also active in fall, and the combination of walleye and bass means you can switch between species depending on what's biting. Many anglers fish live bait for walleye in the morning, then switch to soft plastics for smallmouth in the afternoon. The park is less crowded in fall than in summer, which means more water to yourself and less boat traffic disrupting the fish.

Winter Fishing in the Tailrace

The tailrace below De Pere Locks and Dam stays open through winter because of the current and water movement from the dam. This makes it one of the few reliable walleye fisheries on the lower Fox when everything else is locked in ice. Water temperatures are cold, and the fish are sluggish, so patience and live bait are essential. Small shiners or crawlers fished on a jig, held tight to the bottom, are your best bet.

Winter fishing here requires caution. The current can be strong, ice can form around the dam and locks, and conditions change quickly. Never fish alone, wear a life jacket, and check current conditions and ice reports before you go. The payoff is solitude and the chance to catch walleye when most anglers have hung up their rods.

Tackle and Techniques That Work

For walleye, keep your setup simple: a 6-foot to 6.5-foot medium-power rod with 6- to 8-pound monofilament or braided line. Jigs in the 1/4- to 3/8-ounce range, tipped with live minnows or crawlers, are the foundation. Crankbaits in natural colors (perch, crawdad) work well when you're casting structure. Live bait drifted through the current is often the most productive approach, especially in spring and fall.

For smallmouth, a 6.5-foot medium-power rod with 8- to 10-pound braided line handles soft plastics and live crawfish well. Tubes in 3- to 4-inch lengths, crawfish imitations, and small swimbaits all produce. Jigs in the 1/4- to 3/8-ounce range work too, especially if you tip them with a small minnow or crawfish tail. The rocks below the dam are snaggy, so expect to lose some tackle and bring extras.

Parking, Launch, and Amenities

De Pere Locks and Dam Park has a small concrete boat launch that can accommodate a handful of trailers. Parking is limited—maybe a dozen spots—so arrive early on weekends, especially in summer. The launch is free and maintained year-round, though it can be icy in winter. There's a small picnic area and vault toilets, but no gas, bait shop, or restaurant at the park itself.

De Pere is a small town, so plan ahead. The nearest bait and tackle shop is a short drive away, and you'll want to grab shiners or crawlers before you arrive. There's a gas station and a few restaurants in town if you need to refuel or grab lunch. Cell service is reliable, which is useful if you need to check weather or water conditions before heading out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish from shore at De Pere Locks and Dam Park?

Yes, there's limited shore access along the park, but a boat gives you access to the best structure and current breaks. Shore fishing is productive in spring and fall when walleye are shallow, but most anglers launch a boat to reach the prime water below the dam.

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

Early morning and evening are most productive year-round, especially in summer. Spring and fall can produce throughout the day, but dawn and dusk are still your best bet. Winter fishing is slow regardless of time, so patience is more important than timing.

Do I need a Wisconsin fishing license?

Yes, all anglers 16 and older need a valid Wisconsin fishing license. You can purchase one online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website or at any bait and tackle shop in the state.

Is the launch open in winter?

The launch is maintained year-round, but ice and snow can make it difficult to use. Check conditions before you go, and be prepared for slippery surfaces and possible closures after heavy snow. The tailrace itself stays open and fishable.

What size walleye and smallmouth can I expect?

Walleye in the 15- to 22-inch range are common, with occasional fish over 25 inches. Smallmouth typically run 12 to 18 inches, with some pushing 20 inches. The Fox River is a working river, not a trophy fishery, but it produces solid numbers of keeper-size fish.