What You'll Find at the Fox River Mouth

The Fox River mouth is one of Green Bay's most reliable walleye and pike fisheries, sitting where the river dumps into the bay near De Pere and Depere. The current and structure here—fallen trees, rock piles, and the transition zone between freshwater and brackish water—concentrate fish year-round, though the bite changes dramatically with the season. Spring and fall are peak times, when walleye move through the mouth on their way to and from spawning grounds, but summer and winter both hold fish if you know where to look.

The mouth itself is shallow and snaggy, which means you need to respect the structure and expect to lose tackle. The reward is that fish don't have to work hard to find food here, so they're aggressive and willing to eat. Walleye run 18 to 24 inches on average, with bigger fish possible in fall. Pike are common and often larger, 24 to 30 inches, and they'll hit the same presentations as walleye.

Key Takeaways

  • Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most productive seasons, when walleye migrate through the mouth in concentrated numbers.
  • The Fox River mouth is shallow and snag-prone, so use heavy jigs (3/8 to 1/2 ounce) and expect to lose some tackle; the structure is what makes the fishing good.
  • Current direction matters more than time of day—fish hold on the downstream side of structure when current is running, so check the river flow before you fish.
  • Summer fishing is slower but possible in early morning and late evening; winter requires ice-fishing techniques and a willingness to drill through thick ice near the mouth.

Spring: The Peak Walleye Run

Spring is when the Fox River mouth fishes best. Walleye begin moving upriver in late March and April as water temperatures climb toward 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and they stack up in the mouth before pushing upstream to spawn. The bite is often fast and aggressive—you can catch 20 to 30 fish in a morning if you're in the right spot and the weather cooperates.

Fish the deeper holes and current breaks on the downstream side of structure. A 3/8-ounce jig tipped with a live minnow (shiner or chub, 3 to 4 inches) is the standard approach. Cast upstream and let the current work the jig down, keeping contact with the bottom. The bite is often a tap or a slight weight change rather than a hard strike, so stay alert. If you're not getting bites, move—the mouth is small enough that you can cover most of it in a few hours.

Water clarity varies depending on recent rain and snowmelt. High water and stained conditions actually improve the bite because walleye are less spooky. If the water is clear and the sun is bright, fish deeper holes and fish early or late in the day.

Fall: The Second Peak and Bigger Fish

Fall (September through October) is when the Fox River mouth produces its largest walleye. Fish are feeding hard before winter, and the water temperature drop triggers aggressive behavior. The bite can be even faster than spring, and you'll see a higher percentage of fish over 22 inches.

The same jig-and-minnow approach works, but consider adding live bait presentations like slip-sinker rigs if the jig bite slows. A 1/4-ounce slip sinker above a barrel swivel, then 18 to 24 inches of 6-pound fluorocarbon to a size 2 or 4 hook, lets you fish live minnows in the current without constantly snagging. Cast slightly upstream and let the rig drift through the hole, keeping just enough tension to feel the bottom.

Pike are also active in fall and will hit both jigs and live bait. If you want to target pike specifically, use larger minnows (4 to 6 inches) and fish slightly shallower. Pike often hunt in the 6 to 10-foot range near weed edges and current breaks.

Summer and Winter: Slower but Fishable

Summer fishing at the Fox River mouth is slow compared to spring and fall, but it's not impossible. Fish early in the morning (before 8 a.m.) and in the evening (after 7 p.m.) when water temperatures are cooler and walleye are more active. The same jig-and-minnow approach works, but you may need to fish deeper holes and move more frequently to find active fish.

Winter transforms the mouth into an ice-fishing venue. The river freezes solid by late December, and anglers fish through the ice using small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) tipped with minnows or maggots. Walleye are present but less aggressive, so you need patience and a willingness to drill multiple holes to find concentrations. The mouth is popular with ice anglers because the current keeps some areas from freezing solid, creating pockets of open water and transition zones that hold fish.

Tackle and Technique Essentials

A 6-foot to 6.5-foot medium-light spinning rod with 6 to 8-pound braided line is ideal for the Fox River mouth. Braid cuts through current better than monofilament and gives you better feel on the bottom. Attach a 2-foot leader of 6-pound fluorocarbon to reduce visibility in clear water.

Jigs in the 3/8 to 1/2-ounce range are standard, but you may need to go heavier (5/8 ounce) if current is strong or water is high. Keep a variety of colors on hand—chartreuse, white, and black are reliable, but don't overlook natural colors like brown and olive in clear water. Live minnows (shiners, chubs, or small perch) are the best bait, but you can also use crawlers or leeches if minnows are hard to find.

Expect to lose tackle. The mouth is full of submerged logs, rocks, and debris. Bring extra jigs and be willing to sacrifice a few to find where the fish are. Some anglers tie on a breakaway sinker rig so they lose only the weight, not the entire jig, when they snag.

Access and Practical Information

The Fox River mouth is accessible from several public boat launches. The De Pere launch (at the De Pere Dam) is the closest and most popular. There's also access at Depere Park, which sits right at the mouth. Both have parking and are free to use. If you don't have a boat, you can wade fish parts of the mouth during low water, though current and depth make this risky—wear a life jacket and use a wading staff.

The mouth is a busy place during peak season. Spring weekends draw crowds, so consider fishing weekday mornings if you want solitude. The river is open year-round, but check current Wisconsin fishing regulations for any seasonal restrictions or special rules for the Fox River system.

Tides and water level matter here more than in other Green Bay locations because the river's flow is constant. Check the USGS gauge for the Fox River near De Pere before you fish—high water makes the current stronger and can push fish deeper, while low water concentrates them in the deepest holes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of day to fish the Fox River mouth?

Spring and fall, current direction matters more than time of day. Fish will bite all day if current is running and pushing water through the mouth. In summer, fish early morning and evening when water is cooler. Winter ice fishing is productive throughout the day, but midday often produces better bites as light penetrates the ice.

Can I catch pike at the Fox River mouth?

Yes. Pike are common, especially in fall and spring. They often run 24 to 30 inches and will hit the same jigs and live minnows as walleye. Use larger minnows (4 to 6 inches) and fish slightly shallower if you want to target pike specifically.

Do I need a boat to fish the Fox River mouth?

A boat gives you the most access and control, but you can wade fish parts of the mouth during low water. Wear a life jacket and use a wading staff—current and depth create hazards. The De Pere and Depere launches are your best options if you have a boat.

What should I do if I keep snagging bottom?

Snagging is normal at the Fox River mouth because structure is what holds fish. Use a breakaway sinker rig so you lose only the weight, not the jig. Alternatively, move to slightly shallower water or adjust your casting angle to approach structure from a different direction.

Is the Fox River mouth good for beginners?

Yes, if you're comfortable with current and snags. The fish are aggressive and willing to bite, so you'll catch fish even if your technique isn't perfect. Start in spring or fall when the bite is fastest, and fish with someone who knows the mouth—local knowledge about where the deepest holes are will cut your learning curve in half.