What You'll Find at Little Tail Point

Little Tail Point is a shallow, weedy extension of Green Bay's east shore near the town of Oconto, Wisconsin. The point itself juts into the bay and creates a natural break between deeper water and the flats—exactly the kind of structure that holds walleye and pike. The bottom is a mix of sand, silt, and vegetation, with depths ranging from 4 to 12 feet across the productive zone. Water clarity varies with season and recent weather, but you can expect decent visibility most of the year.

This is not a destination point like some of the deeper Green Bay structures, but rather a reliable local fishery that produces consistent catches of keeper walleye and northern pike, especially in spring and fall. Summer can be productive early and late in the day. Winter ice fishing brings a different crowd, and the point holds fish under the ice as well.

Key Takeaways

  • Little Tail Point holds walleye and pike year-round, with spring and fall offering the most consistent action in 6 to 10 feet of water.
  • The point's shallow, weedy structure makes it ideal for casting and jigging rather than trolling, and vegetation is thickest in summer.
  • Access is by boat from Oconto Harbor or nearby public launches; there is no shore fishing at the point itself.
  • Early morning and evening produce better than midday, and low-light conditions (overcast, dawn, dusk) concentrate fish in shallower water.

Spring and Fall: Peak Seasons at Little Tail Point

Spring walleye fishing at Little Tail Point begins in late April and runs through May. Water temperatures in the 45 to 55 degree range trigger the pre-spawn and spawn movements, and walleye move shallow to feed and stage before spawning. Fish concentrate along the edges of the weed beds and on the sand flats where the point drops off. Jigging with live minnows or soft plastics in 6 to 10 feet of water produces consistent results.

Fall fishing, from September through October, mirrors spring in many ways. Cooling water temperatures push fish back into the shallows, and the same structure that held spring fish holds fall fish. Pike are more aggressive in fall, and you will encounter larger individuals than in spring. Both species feed heavily before winter, so presentation matters less than being in the right depth and structure.

Summer Fishing: Timing and Depth Matter

Summer at Little Tail Point requires patience and precision. Daytime water temperatures push walleye deeper and into heavier cover. Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and evening (last two hours before sunset) are your windows. Fish the deeper edges of the weed beds—8 to 12 feet—during these periods, and expect to move around more than you would in spring or fall.

Vegetation becomes dense in July and August, which can make jigging difficult but also concentrates pike. If you are targeting pike specifically, work the weed edges with larger soft plastics or live shiners. Walleye will be scattered, so cover water methodically rather than sitting in one spot.

Winter Ice Fishing Structure and Tactics

Ice fishing at Little Tail Point is productive from late December through February, depending on ice thickness and safety. The point's shallow structure means ice forms earlier here than in deeper parts of the bay, and it remains fishable longer. Walleye and pike both remain active under the ice, though pike are generally more aggressive.

Set up in 6 to 10 feet of water along the weed edges and drop lines with live minnows or jigging spoons. Tip-ups work well for pike; hand lines or rod-and-reel jigging work for walleye. The same low-light advantage applies—overcast days and dawn/dusk hours produce better than bright midday conditions. Move around and check multiple holes rather than committing to one spot for hours.

Tackle and Presentation for Little Tail Point

Jigging is the most effective presentation at Little Tail Point because the shallow, weedy structure does not favor trolling. Use 1/4 to 3/8 ounce jigs tipped with live minnows (shiners or chubs) for walleye, or soft plastics in 3 to 4 inch lengths. Pike respond to larger presentations—1/2 ounce jigs or 4 to 5 inch soft plastics in darker colors (black, purple, dark green).

Casting small crankbaits and spinners also works, particularly in spring and fall when fish are more aggressive. Keep your rod tip sensitive enough to feel the bottom and detect light bites. Walleye bites at Little Tail Point are often subtle, especially in summer and winter. A 6 to 7 foot medium-light spinning rod with 8 to 10 pound braided line gives you the sensitivity and control you need.

Getting to Little Tail Point and Nearby Access

Little Tail Point is accessible by boat only. The nearest public launch is at Oconto Harbor, about 3 miles south of the point. The harbor has a two-lane concrete ramp, parking for trailers, and a bait shop. From the harbor, head north along the east shore; the point is clearly visible and marked on GPS. Boat traffic is moderate, and the run is protected by the shoreline.

If you are coming from Green Bay proper, the run to Little Tail Point is longer and crosses more open water. Most local anglers launch at Oconto. The point itself has no shore access and no facilities. Bring everything you need—water, snacks, extra tackle—because there is nowhere to stop once you are on the water.

Reading Conditions and Adjusting Your Approach

Wind direction and strength affect Little Tail Point more than deeper structures because the shallow water warms and cools quickly. A strong north or northeast wind pushes warmer surface water south and can improve fishing by concentrating fish along the point's north edge. South and southwest winds have the opposite effect. Check the forecast before you go, and be prepared to move if conditions deteriorate.

Water clarity changes with runoff and wave action. After heavy rain, the Oconto River discharge can cloud the water near shore, pushing fish deeper. Clear water often means better fishing in early morning and late evening, but midday fishing becomes tougher. Overcast days are consistently better than bright, calm days because light penetration is reduced and fish move shallower.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of day to fish Little Tail Point?

Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and evening (last two hours before sunset) are most productive year-round. Overcast days improve midday fishing. Avoid bright, calm afternoons in summer.

Can I fish Little Tail Point from shore?

No. The point is accessible by boat only. You can fish the Oconto Harbor shoreline or nearby public beaches, but Little Tail Point itself requires a boat.

What size walleye and pike should I expect?

Walleye typically range from 15 to 22 inches, with occasional fish over 24 inches. Pike run larger, often 20 to 28 inches, with 30-inch fish possible in fall. Summer fish tend to be smaller than spring and fall fish.

Do I need a Wisconsin fishing license to fish Little Tail Point?

Yes. Wisconsin requires a resident or non-resident fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website or at any bait and tackle shop.

Is Little Tail Point crowded?

It is moderately fished, especially in spring and fall. You will rarely be alone, but you will also not encounter the boat traffic of more famous Green Bay structures. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.