What the Dam Area Offers Anglers
The Fox River dam at De Pere creates one of the most productive walleye and smallmouth bass zones in the lower Fox system. The dam itself—a hydroelectric structure that has stood since the early 1900s—backs up water and creates a current break that concentrates fish. Walleye stack up in the deeper pools below the dam, especially in spring and fall. Smallmouth bass hold around the rocky structure and current seams. The area also holds decent numbers of channel catfish and occasional pike, making it versatile water whether you're targeting one species or willing to adapt.
The character of this stretch differs sharply from the slower, weedier water upstream. Below the dam, the river narrows and moves with purpose. The current is strong enough to demand respect—especially during high water or when the dam is releasing—but manageable for anglers who understand how to read it. The bottom is rocky and hard-packed, not the soft silt you find in many Midwest river systems. That hard bottom holds crawfish and baitfish, which is why the fishing can be so good.
Key Takeaways
- The dam creates a current break and depth change that concentrates walleye in spring and fall, and smallmouth bass year-round.
- Water release schedules from the dam affect current strength and fish behavior, so checking the dam's release status before you fish improves your chances.
- The area below the dam is rocky and fast-moving, requiring different techniques than the slower pools upstream.
- Access points exist on both sides of the river, but parking and launch options vary; scout your spot before you arrive.
Spring and Fall Walleye Patterns
Walleye fishing at the dam peaks during the transition seasons when water temperatures sit between 50 and 65 degrees. In spring, as the river warms after ice-out, walleye move into the deeper pools below the dam to feed. They're aggressive then—willing to chase jigs and live bait. The key is fishing the current seams where slower water meets the main flow; walleye position themselves there to intercept food without fighting the full force of the current.
Fall brings a second strong bite, usually from late August through October. Water temperatures drop, and walleye become more active. The same current seams that hold them in spring work again. Live shiners or crawlers on a jig-and-minnow rig, or small crankbaits that mimic the baitfish in the river, both produce. Fish early morning and late evening; midday can be slow even when conditions look right.
Summer walleye fishing here is tougher. The water warms, and fish move deeper or into the slower pools upstream. If you fish the dam area in July and August, focus on early morning before the sun hits, and work the deepest holes you can find. Night fishing can be productive too, though it requires familiarity with the structure and current.
Smallmouth Bass Year-Round
Smallmouth bass live in the dam area all season and respond to different presentations than walleye. They love the rocky structure—both the dam face itself and the boulder fields that line the banks below. In spring and early summer, they spawn in shallow rocky areas and are aggressive on topwater and shallow-running crankbaits. As water warms, they move to deeper rocks and current breaks, where they hold through summer.
Fall is excellent for smallmouth here. Water temperatures cool, and bass feed heavily before winter. Jigs tipped with crawfish or small shiners work well, as do 4- to 6-inch soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom. The rocky substrate means you'll lose some lures to snags, but that's the trade-off for fishing where the fish are. Use a slightly heavier jig than you might in a lake—the current demands it—and work the bottom deliberately.
Winter smallmouth fishing is possible but requires patience. Fish move to the deepest pools and slow down considerably. If you fish in December through February, use small presentations and fish slowly. Many anglers skip the dam area in winter and focus on slower, deeper pools upstream or on the lakes connected to the Fox system.
Understanding Water Release and Current
The dam at De Pere is a working hydroelectric facility, and water release schedules affect fishing conditions directly. When the dam is releasing water, current increases noticeably. Fish respond by positioning tighter to structure and feeding more aggressively—the current brings food to them. However, high current also makes wading and boat control harder. When releases are minimal, the water slows, and fish spread out more; fishing can be slower but easier to manage.
Before you fish, check whether the dam is currently releasing. Some utilities post release schedules online; others don't make them public. A phone call to the dam operator or a check with the local bait shop usually gives you the information. Local anglers often know the typical release pattern—many dams follow a schedule tied to power demand, which tends to be higher on weekday mornings and evenings.
High water in spring (from snowmelt or heavy rain) changes everything. The river rises, current becomes dangerous, and fish behavior shifts. Some anglers avoid the dam area entirely during high water. Others fish it but stay in boats and avoid wading. Know your limits and the river's mood before you commit.
Access Points and Parking
The De Pere dam area has several access points, but none are ideal for all situations. On the west bank, near downtown De Pere, there is limited roadside parking and a small area where anglers can access the water, though it's often crowded and the parking fills quickly on weekends. On the east bank, access is more limited; you may need to ask permission at nearby properties or use a boat launch if you have a vehicle that can tow.
The best approach is to scout the area before you plan a fishing trip. Walk the banks, identify where you can safely enter the water, and note where parking exists. Respect private property—much of the land around the dam is privately owned. Some local access areas may have changed since this guide was written, so a conversation with the bait shop or a local angler will give you current information on where you can legally fish and park.
If you have a boat, launching upstream at one of the Fox River public accesses and drifting down to the dam area is an option. However, understand that the current below the dam is strong, and if you're not comfortable with boat handling in moving water, wade fishing or hiring a guide is safer.
Tackle and Technique for Dam Fishing
The rocky bottom and current at the dam demand slightly heavier tackle than you might use on a lake. For walleye, a 1/2- to 3/4-ounce jig paired with a live minnow or crawler is standard. Some anglers use slip-sinker rigs with live bait, which work well when the current is strong. Small crankbaits (2 to 3 inches) that run 6 to 12 feet deep also produce, especially in fall.
For smallmouth, jigs in the 3/8- to 1/2-ounce range work best. Pair them with 4- to 6-inch soft plastics, crawfish imitations, or live crawfish if you can get them. Topwater lures and shallow crankbaits shine in spring and early summer when bass are shallow. As the season progresses and water warms, move to deeper presentations and slower retrieves.
Rod choice matters. A 6- to 6.5-foot medium-power rod gives you the sensitivity to feel the bottom and detect bites while providing enough backbone to set the hook and fight fish in current. Braided line (20- to 30-pound test) helps you feel the bottom and maintain contact with your lure despite the current. A fluorocarbon leader (8- to 10-pound test) reduces visibility without sacrificing strength.
Safety and Respect for the River
The Fox River dam area is beautiful and productive, but it demands respect. Current can be deceptive—water that looks manageable can sweep you off your feet or pull a boat downstream faster than you expect. Never wade alone, wear a life jacket if you're in a boat, and know your swimming ability before you enter the water. If you fall in, the current will carry you downstream quickly; have an exit plan and know where you can safely climb out.
The dam itself is off-limits to anglers. Do not attempt to fish from the dam structure or climb on it. Stay below the dam and respect any posted signs or barriers. The area is also shared with other users—kayakers, swimmers in summer, and people simply enjoying the river. Fish ethically, pack out what you pack in, and leave the area better than you found it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time of year to fish the dam area?
Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are peak seasons for walleye. Smallmouth bass fish well year-round but are most aggressive in spring and fall. Summer can be slow for walleye but is still decent for smallmouth if you fish early morning or evening. Winter is possible but challenging.
Do I need a boat to fish the dam area?
No. Wade fishing from the banks works well, especially if you focus on the current seams and deeper pools. A boat gives you more flexibility and access to deeper water, but many anglers catch fish from shore. Scout your access point before you go to make sure you can safely enter the water.
What should I do if the current is really strong?
Strong current usually means the dam is releasing water, which can actually improve fishing because fish feed more actively. However, if wading feels unsafe, stay out of the water. If you're in a boat, use a heavier anchor or drift carefully. Never fight a current you're not confident in.
Are there other fish besides walleye and smallmouth?
Yes. Channel catfish are common, especially in summer and fall, and they respond to live bait fished on the bottom. Pike show up occasionally, particularly in spring. Carp are present but not typically targeted by most anglers fishing this area.
Can I fish the dam area in winter?
Yes, but it's slow. Fish move to deeper pools and feed less frequently. If you try winter fishing, use small jigs and live bait, fish slowly, and focus on the deepest holes. Many anglers find better success on slower, deeper sections of the Fox or on connected lakes during the cold months.