What Longtail Point offers and when to fish it

Longtail Point is a shallow, weedy extension of Green Bay near Oconto, Wisconsin—roughly 15 miles south of the city of Green Bay itself. The point juts into the bay and creates a natural funnel where walleye and northern pike move in and out with the seasons. The water here rarely exceeds 15 feet, and much of it is choked with cabbage and coontail, which makes it distinct from the deeper, cleaner basin water to the north.

Spring and fall are the strongest seasons. In May and early June, walleye spawn on the shallow reefs and then linger to feed. In September and October, they return to shallow water as the bay cools and baitfish concentrate. Summer can be productive early in the morning or late in the evening, but midday heat pushes fish deeper or into the thickest weeds. Winter ice fishing is possible, though the shallow depth means you need to move around to find pockets of active fish.

The point itself is most productive from late April through June and again from late August through October. If you're planning a trip, check the weather—wind direction matters here because it can stir up the shallow bottom and cloud the water, or flatten it and make fish spooky.

Key Takeaways

  • Longtail Point is a shallow, weed-filled extension of Green Bay where walleye and pike concentrate in spring and fall.
  • Water depth ranges from 6 to 15 feet, with dense cabbage and coontail beds that hold fish but require weed-tolerant lures and techniques.
  • May through June and September through October are the most reliable periods; summer fishing is possible but requires early morning or evening timing.
  • The point is accessible by boat launch at Oconto, about 15 miles south of Green Bay, with a run of roughly 20 to 30 minutes depending on your starting point.

How the shallow structure and weeds shape your approach

The defining feature of Longtail Point is the weed. Cabbage grows in dense mats from 8 to 14 feet, and coontail fills in the shallower zones. This is not a place for light jigs and finesse presentations. Walleye here are accustomed to hunting in cover, and they respond to lures that make noise and displace water.

Spinnerbaits in the 3/8- to 1/2-ounce range work well, especially in chartreuse, white, or perch patterns. Throw them parallel to the weed edges and along the deeper side of the cabbage line. Crankbaits that reach 8 to 12 feet and have a tight wobble can also be effective, particularly early in the season when the weeds are not yet fully grown. If you're using soft plastics, rig them on a 1/4- to 3/8-ounce jig head and work them slowly through openings in the vegetation.

Live bait—shiners or small perch—fished on a slip sinker rig or under a bobber in the shallower zones (6 to 10 feet) can be deadly, especially in spring. The key is patience: let the bait sit and work the edges rather than casting repeatedly into the densest weed. Pike are also present and will hit the same lures; expect them to be larger and more aggressive than walleye, particularly in the thickest cover.

Seasonal patterns and timing

Spring walleye move shallow to spawn in late April and May. They concentrate on the reefs and hard-bottom areas around the point's perimeter. This is when you'll find the highest concentration of fish, and they're aggressive. Jigs tipped with minnows or live shiners work best. The bite is typically strongest from dawn until mid-morning, then slows as the sun climbs.

By mid-June, spawning is complete and fish disperse. Some move deeper into the basin; others stay shallow but become less predictable. Summer (July and August) is slower overall. Early morning and late evening are your windows. If you fish midday, focus on the thickest weed cover and the deepest water available on the point—usually the 12- to 15-foot zone on the north side.

Fall is the second peak. As water temperature drops in September and October, walleye return to shallow water to feed before winter. The bite can be as good as spring, and it often lasts longer because the transition is more gradual. By November, fish begin to move out toward deeper structure, though some remain in the shallows through early winter.

Access and boat launch details

The nearest public boat launch is at Oconto Harbor, located on the Oconto River just before it enters Green Bay. From downtown Green Bay, take Highway 41 south toward Oconto, then follow local signs to the harbor. The launch is maintained year-round and has adequate parking for trailers. The run from Oconto Harbor to Longtail Point is roughly 20 to 30 minutes depending on water conditions and your boat speed.

If you're launching from a marina closer to Green Bay proper, the run is longer but still manageable—expect 45 minutes to an hour from some of the city-center ramps. Check current conditions before you leave; shallow water and weed growth can affect navigation, and wind can make the bay choppy quickly.

There is no dedicated shore access to Longtail Point itself. This is a boat-only fishery. If you don't have your own boat, several charter services operate out of Green Bay and can take you to the point; they're familiar with the seasonal patterns and can save you time learning the structure.

What to bring and what to expect

Bring a weed guard or weedless jig if you have one—they reduce snags in the cabbage. A good fish finder is valuable here because the shallow, weedy bottom can be hard to read visually, and a sonar unit helps you locate the deeper pockets and hard-bottom areas where walleye often hold. Polarized sunglasses are useful in spring when the water is clearer, but don't expect to sight-fish; the weeds and shallow depth make it difficult.

Expect to lose some lures to weeds. Bring extras. The water is cold even in spring, so dress in layers. Bugs can be intense in early summer, especially if there's no wind. A bug net or head net is worth the space in your tackle bag. The point can get crowded during peak season weekends, so consider fishing weekdays or early mornings if you prefer solitude.

Regulations and licensing

Wisconsin requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a daily, 3-day, or annual license through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website or at most bait and tackle shops in the area. Walleye and pike are both legal to keep, but check current size and bag limits before you fish—these can change year to year. As of recent seasons, walleye have a 15-inch minimum and a daily bag limit, while pike have a 24-inch minimum. Confirm the current rules on the DNR website or by calling the Green Bay area office.

The point itself is open to public fishing. There are no special restrictions or permits required beyond your standard Wisconsin license. If you're fishing from a charter, the captain will be familiar with all regulations and will ensure your group stays compliant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Longtail Point from shore?

No. The point is surrounded by water and accessible only by boat. If you don't have your own, hire a charter service or fish from a rental boat. Several marinas in the Green Bay area rent 16- to 20-foot boats by the day.

What's the best lure color for walleye at Longtail Point?

Chartreuse, white, and perch patterns are reliable year-round. In spring when water clarity is higher, natural colors like perch and shad work well. In fall and on cloudy days, brighter chartreuse and white stand out better in the weeds.

Is Longtail Point good for pike?

Yes. Pike are present year-round and often larger than walleye. They prefer the thickest weed cover and respond well to spinnerbaits and large crankbaits. Fall is an excellent time to target pike here as they feed aggressively before winter.

How deep is the water at Longtail Point?

Most of the point ranges from 6 to 15 feet. The shallowest water is on the point itself; the deepest is on the north and east sides where the bottom drops toward the main basin. Weed growth occupies most of the 8- to 14-foot zone.

What's the drive time from downtown Green Bay?

From downtown Green Bay to Oconto Harbor is roughly 30 to 40 minutes by car. Add another 20 to 30 minutes for the boat run to Longtail Point. If you launch from a closer marina, the drive is shorter but the boat run may be longer.