What Bay Shore Park offers anglers

Bay Shore Park sits on the western shore of Green Bay proper, just north of downtown Green Bay, and gives you direct access to one of the most productive walleye fisheries in Wisconsin. The park has a public boat launch, a fishing pier, and shoreline access — all free to use. The water here is shallower and warmer than the open bay farther out, which means walleye move through in predictable patterns, especially in spring and fall.

The park itself is small and straightforward: a few parking spaces, a concrete launch ramp, and a pier that extends into the bay. There's no bait shop or restaurant on-site, so bring what you need. The real value is the location. You're launching into water that holds fish year-round, and you don't need a big boat to reach productive structure.

Key Takeaways

  • Bay Shore Park has a free public boat launch and fishing pier on Green Bay's western shore, with direct access to walleye habitat.
  • Spring and fall are peak seasons for walleye; summer fishing is slower but possible in deeper water and at dawn and dusk.
  • The launch ramp is concrete and suitable for small to medium boats; parking is limited and fills quickly on weekends.
  • Nearby structure — shallow flats, drop-offs, and weed edges — holds walleye within a short run from the launch.
  • You'll need a Wisconsin fishing license and must follow current walleye regulations, which vary by season and bag limit.

When to fish Bay Shore Park

Spring (April through May) is the prime season. Walleye move into the shallower water near the park as they migrate toward spawning grounds. Water temperatures in the 45 to 55 degree range trigger aggressive feeding, and you can catch fish on jigs tipped with minnows or live shiners from dawn until mid-morning. The bite slows as the day warms.

Fall (September through October) is equally good. Walleye return to shallow water as temperatures drop, and the same patterns hold. You'll see active fish on structure in 8 to 15 feet of water. This is also when many anglers target smallmouth bass and northern pike in the same area.

Summer fishing is slower but not impossible. Fish move deeper during the day — 20 to 30 feet — and feed more actively at dawn, dusk, and after dark. Nighttime jigging with live bait can be productive. Winter fishing is possible through the ice, though the park itself doesn't offer ice-fishing infrastructure; many anglers fish from the pier or launch small boats through holes in the ice nearby.

Launch conditions and parking

The concrete ramp at Bay Shore Park is well-maintained and suitable for boats up to about 20 feet, though most anglers launching here run 16 to 18-foot walleye boats or smaller. The ramp has two lanes and a courtesy dock. Water depth at the launch is adequate year-round, though you should check current conditions before arriving in very low-water years.

Parking is the real constraint. The lot holds roughly a dozen vehicles, and it fills quickly on weekend mornings, especially in spring and fall. Arrive early — before 6 a.m. on weekends — or plan a weekday trip. There is no overnight parking, and the park has posted hours; check with the City of Green Bay Parks Department for current access times.

The pier is open to foot traffic and is a good option if you don't have a boat. You can fish from the pier year-round, though it's most productive during the same spring and fall windows when boat anglers are active.

Structure and fish location

The water immediately around Bay Shore Park is relatively shallow — 6 to 12 feet — with a sandy and silty bottom. Walleye use this zone as a travel corridor and feeding ground, especially during low-light periods. The best fishing is usually along the edges where depth changes, where weed beds meet open water, or near any submerged structure.

To the north and south of the park, the shoreline has several points and slight drop-offs that concentrate fish. A short run north takes you to areas near the mouth of the Fox River, where current and structure hold walleye. South of the park, the bottom gradually deepens toward the main bay. Mapping software and a fish finder will help you locate the exact edges, but local anglers and bait shops can point you toward the most consistent spots.

Northern pike and smallmouth bass are also present in this water. Pike often hunt the shallow flats in spring and fall, and bass hold around any available cover. If walleye are slow, switching to pike or bass gear can keep you catching fish.

Tackle and techniques

Walleye at Bay Shore Park respond best to live-bait jigging. Use 1/4 to 3/8-ounce jigs tipped with shiners, chubs, or crawlers. Cast toward structure and work the jig vertically or with a slow drag along the bottom. Jigging works in spring, fall, and winter; it's the most consistent method year-round.

Crankbaits and swimbaits are effective in spring when walleye are aggressive and shallow. Throw them parallel to drop-offs and retrieve slowly. Slip-bobber rigs with live bait are another option, especially if you're fishing from the pier or drifting shallow flats.

At night or in summer, vertical jigging in deeper water (20 to 30 feet) with glow-in-the-dark jigs or live bait can produce. Many anglers also troll crankbaits in summer, running parallel to the shoreline at varying depths to find where fish have moved.

Regulations and licensing

You'll need a current Wisconsin fishing license to fish at Bay Shore Park. Licenses are available online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website, at bait and tackle shops, and at many sporting goods stores. Daily, three-day, and annual licenses are available.

Walleye regulations on Green Bay vary by zone and season. The area around Bay Shore Park falls under the Green Bay zone, which has specific bag limits, size limits, and seasonal closures. Check the current Wisconsin fishing regulations before you go — they change annually and sometimes mid-season. The DNR website has a searchable guide, and local bait shops always have the current rules posted.

Northern pike and smallmouth bass have their own regulations. Pike have a minimum size and bag limit; bass are catch-and-release only in some zones and have a bag limit in others. Verify the current rules for the species you're targeting.

Nearby resources and services

Bay Shore Park itself has no on-site amenities beyond the launch and pier. The nearest bait and tackle shops are a short drive away in downtown Green Bay. Several shops stock live bait, tackle, and current fishing reports. Calling ahead to ask about recent catches and water conditions is worth the time.

Gas and food are available in Green Bay proper, just a few minutes from the park. If you're planning a full day, pack water and snacks. The park has no restroom facilities, so plan accordingly.

The Fox River, which enters Green Bay near the park, offers additional fishing opportunities for walleye, pike, and bass. Many anglers fish the river mouth and lower river sections as an alternative or extension to a Bay Shore Park trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Bay Shore Park?

No. The fishing pier is open to foot traffic and is productive during spring and fall. You can also wade the shallows near the park in some areas, though boat access gives you more water to cover and better access to deeper structure where fish move in summer.

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

Dawn and dusk are most productive year-round. Walleye feed actively in low light. Spring and fall, the entire morning bite (sunrise to mid-morning) is strong. In summer, fish after dark or before sunrise for the best results.

Can I fish here in winter?

Yes. The pier remains open, and many anglers fish from the ice in the shallower areas around the park. You'll need an ice-fishing license and must follow current regulations. Check ice thickness and conditions before venturing out.

How far do I need to run to find fish?

Walleye are often within a few hundred yards of the launch, especially in spring and fall. A short run north or south along the shoreline usually puts you on productive water. In summer, you may need to run farther out to deeper water, but most trips stay within a mile or two of the park.

What if the parking lot is full?

Fish from the pier, or return another day. Weekday mornings and off-season trips (late fall, winter) have much lighter parking pressure. Some anglers also launch at nearby public ramps and run to Bay Shore Park to fish the structure.