What You'll Find at Voyageur Park
Voyageur Park sits on the lower Fox River in De Pere, where the current slows and the channel widens before the river meets Lake Michigan. This is a transition zone—part river, part estuary—and it holds both walleye and smallmouth bass year-round. The park itself offers a boat launch, parking, and bank access, making it one of the most straightforward places to fish the lower Fox without a private dock.
The water here runs deeper and slower than upstream sections. Depth ranges from 8 to 20 feet depending on the season and recent dam releases from upstream. That slower current and depth make it reliable for walleye, especially in spring and fall when they move into the lower river to feed. Smallmouth are present all season but concentrate in deeper holes and around structure in summer.
The Fox River system has improved significantly over the past two decades. Cleanup efforts and dam removal upstream have restored habitat and water quality. You'll notice the difference if you've fished here before—the water is clearer, and the fish populations are more stable than they were 15 years ago.
Key Takeaways
- Voyageur Park's boat launch and bank access make it accessible for both boat and shore anglers targeting walleye and smallmouth bass.
- Spring and fall are peak walleye seasons on the lower Fox; summer is better for smallmouth in deeper holes and around submerged structure.
- Water depth at the park ranges from 8 to 20 feet, and current slows significantly compared to upstream sections.
- The lower Fox is clearer and more productive than it was 15 years ago due to habitat restoration and dam removal projects upstream.
Spring Walleye Run (March Through May)
Spring is when the lower Fox shines for walleye. As water temperatures climb from the low 40s into the 50s, walleye move out of the deep lake basin and into the river to spawn and feed. Voyageur Park sits right in their migration corridor. You'll find them staging in the deeper holes—the 15 to 20-foot slots along the outside bends and near the old pilings that still stand in the channel.
Jigs tipped with live shiners or crawlers work best during this period. Cast toward structure—the pilings, the deeper ledges, anywhere the current breaks. Work the jig slowly along the bottom. Early morning and late afternoon produce better than midday, but walleye will bite throughout the day in spring when they're actively feeding.
Water levels fluctuate in spring depending on dam releases upstream. High water pushes walleye tighter to structure and makes them less likely to chase a lure far. Lower, clearer water lets you cover more ground with crankbaits and spinners. Check the dam release schedule before you go—it changes week to week.
Summer Smallmouth and Deeper Walleye (June Through August)
By June, walleye have finished spawning and move deeper or back toward the lake. Smallmouth bass take over as the primary target at Voyageur Park. They're scattered throughout the park's water, but the best fishing happens in the deepest holes and around any submerged wood or rock. The old pilings continue to hold fish all summer.
Smallmouth respond well to 4-inch tubes and craws worked along the bottom in 12 to 18 feet of water. Topwater lures work early and late, especially on calm mornings. If you're fishing from shore, focus on the deeper drop-offs and any visible structure. The park's bank access is limited compared to the boat launch, but the deeper water is close enough to reach with a decent cast.
Walleye don't disappear in summer—they're just deeper and more scattered. Live bait fished on the bottom in the deepest holes will produce, but it's slower and more methodical than spring fishing. Many anglers switch focus to smallmouth during these months and return to walleye in fall.
Fall Walleye Return (September Through October)
September and October bring another strong walleye bite. As water temperatures drop from the 70s into the 50s, walleye move back into the river from the lake to feed before winter. The same deep holes and structure that held them in spring become productive again. This is often the most consistent walleye fishing of the year at Voyageur Park.
Jigs and live bait work well, but fall is also an excellent time for crankbaits and spinners. The walleye are aggressive and willing to chase. Cast along the deeper edges and work the lure with a steady retrieve. The bite is often best in the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset, but you can catch fish throughout the day.
October water can be cold and clear. That clarity means walleye can see your line and your lure from farther away—use lighter line (6 to 8-pound test) and smaller jigs than you might in spring. The trade-off is that they're also more cautious, but the numbers of fish moving through the lower river make up for it.
Winter Fishing and Low-Light Conditions
Winter fishing on the lower Fox is possible but requires patience. Walleye are present but concentrated in the deepest holes, and they feed less frequently as water temperatures drop into the 30s. If you fish in winter, focus on the deepest water you can find and fish slowly with live bait. Jigging vertically from a boat is more effective than casting from shore.
The park itself remains open year-round, but parking and launch conditions depend on snow and ice. Call ahead or check the De Pere Parks Department website before heading out in December through February. Some winters the launch is clear; others it's iced over or closed.
Low-light conditions—dawn, dusk, and overcast days—improve your chances any time of year. Walleye and smallmouth are more active when light levels are low. If you can only fish midday, choose overcast days and focus on the deepest, shadiest structure available.
Boat Launch and Access Details
Voyageur Park's boat launch is a single-lane concrete ramp suitable for small to medium boats. Parking is available in a dedicated lot near the launch. The launch is free and open to the public during park hours. There's also bank access along portions of the park, though it's limited compared to the boat launch area.
The launch can get crowded on weekends during spring and fall walleye season. Arrive early if you're planning a weekend trip. The ramp is maintained year-round, but winter conditions can make it slippery—use caution and consider a launch assist if you're unfamiliar with the ramp.
Facilities at the park include restrooms and picnic areas. There's no bait shop on-site, so bring your own or stop at a tackle shop in De Pere before you arrive. The nearest shops are a short drive away on the main road through town.
What to Bring and How to Prepare
For walleye, bring jigs (1/4 to 1/2 ounce), live shiners or crawlers, and 6 to 10-pound monofilament or fluorocarbon line. A depth finder is helpful but not essential—the deeper holes are fairly consistent year to year. For smallmouth, pack tubes, craws, and topwater lures in the 3 to 5-inch range.
Check water conditions before you go. The Fox River's clarity and level change with dam releases and recent rainfall. High water makes the river wider and slower; low water concentrates fish in the deeper holes. A quick call to a local tackle shop can save you a wasted trip.
Bring a cooler with ice, sunscreen, and water. The lower Fox has no shade once you're on the water. Wear a life jacket if you're in a boat, and be aware that the current, though slow, can push a small boat if you're not paying attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish from shore at Voyageur Park?
Yes, there is bank access, but it's limited compared to the boat launch area. You can reach the deeper water with a decent cast, and spring and fall walleye fishing from shore is possible. Summer smallmouth fishing from shore is slower because the best fish are in deeper holes farther from the bank.
What's the best time of day to fish here?
Early morning and late afternoon are most productive year-round. Walleye and smallmouth are more active in low light. Overcast days also improve your chances compared to bright, sunny days. You can catch fish midday, but you'll work harder for them.
Do I need a boat to fish Voyageur Park?
No, but a boat gives you access to the deeper holes and more structure. Shore fishing is productive in spring and fall for walleye, especially if you focus on the deeper edges near the park. Summer smallmouth fishing is better from a boat.
What size fish should I expect?
Walleye in the lower Fox average 12 to 16 inches, with fish in the 18 to 22-inch range caught regularly in spring and fall. Smallmouth average 12 to 15 inches, with occasional fish over 18 inches. The lower river is more consistent for numbers than for trophy-sized fish.
Is the water safe to fish?
Yes. The lower Fox has improved significantly over the past 20 years. Water quality is good, and fish populations are healthy. The river is fishable year-round, though winter conditions require extra caution and preparation.