What You'll Find at Simmons Island Beach

Simmons Island Beach is a public access point on Lake Michigan's western shore in Kenosha, Wisconsin, offering a mix of shallow-water structure and open-water opportunity that draws both shore anglers and boat fishermen. The beach itself sits in a protected cove, with a sandy bottom that transitions into weed beds and rocky breaks as you move deeper. The real draw here is the walleye population that moves through the shallows during spring and fall, plus consistent smallmouth bass and northern pike in the weed lines.

The beach is part of the Kenosha waterfront park system and provides direct access to one of Lake Michigan's most productive nearshore zones. Unlike some Lake Michigan beaches that drop off steeply, Simmons Island has a gradual slope that keeps fish in casting range for much of the year. The cove itself is protected from heavy wave action, which means calmer conditions and better visibility for sight-fishing during clear-water periods.

Key Takeaways

  • Simmons Island Beach offers shore access to walleye, smallmouth bass, and pike in a protected cove with gradual depth transitions.
  • Spring and fall are peak seasons for walleye movement through the shallows, while summer fishing focuses on weed-line structure and deeper breaks.
  • The beach has parking, restroom facilities, and a boat launch nearby, making it accessible for both wade and boat anglers.
  • Wisconsin fishing licenses are required, and Lake Michigan has specific regulations for walleye and bass that change by season.

When to Fish Simmons Island Beach

Spring (April through May) is when walleye move into the shallows to spawn and feed, and Simmons Island sits directly in their migration corridor. Water temperatures in the 45 to 55 degree range trigger aggressive feeding, and you can catch fish from the beach in 4 to 8 feet of water. Early morning and late evening are most productive, but overcast days will extend the bite throughout the day.

Fall (September through October) brings a second walleye push as fish move back toward deeper water for winter. The same shallow-water patterns hold, and the cooler water temperatures often produce larger fish. Summer (June through August) is slower for walleye but excellent for smallmouth bass in the weed beds and pike along the deeper edges of the cove. Winter fishing is possible through the ice, though access and conditions vary year to year.

What Tackle and Techniques Work Here

For walleye from shore, a 6 to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod with 8 to 10-pound monofilament or braided line is standard. Live bait—shiners, minnows, or crawfish—fished on a simple slip sinker rig works well in spring and fall. Cast parallel to the shoreline and work the weed edges where walleye hunt. If you're using artificials, small jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) tipped with a minnow head or soft plastic will catch fish in the same zones.

Pike and smallmouth respond to larger presentations. For pike, throw 4 to 6-inch soft plastics or spinnerbaits in the weed beds; for bass, drop smaller jigs and crankbaits around the same structure. The gradual slope means you can reach productive water without a boat, but a kayak or small boat opens up the deeper breaks and allows you to cover more ground. If you do launch a boat, the nearby ramp is well-maintained and rarely crowded.

Access, Facilities, and Parking

Simmons Island Beach is located at the end of 54th Street in Kenosha and is open to the public year-round. There is a parking lot with spaces for both cars and boat trailers, though it fills quickly on weekends during peak season. Restroom facilities are available, and the beach itself is maintained by the Kenosha Parks Department.

A public boat launch is located nearby, making it easy to launch a small boat or kayak if you want to fish deeper water or cover more ground. The beach is also accessible to wade anglers who want to fish the shallows without a boat. No special permit is required to fish from the beach, but you will need a valid Wisconsin fishing license.

Wisconsin Fishing Regulations for Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan walleye are managed under specific harvest and size regulations that vary by zone. In the Kenosha area, the general walleye season runs year-round, but there are daily bag limits and minimum size requirements that change seasonally. Check the current Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) fishing guide before you fish, as regulations are updated annually and violations can result in fines.

Smallmouth bass have a separate season and bag limit. Pike are also regulated, with their own size and bag limits. A Wisconsin fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older, and you can purchase a daily, annual, or multi-day license online through the WDNR website or at most bait shops in Kenosha. Non-residents pay a higher rate than residents.

What Makes Simmons Island Different from Other Kenosha Spots

Kenosha has several public access points along Lake Michigan, but Simmons Island Beach stands out for its protected cove and gradual depth profile. The North Pier and South Pier are popular for perch and smaller fish, but they don't offer the same shallow-water walleye opportunity. Simmons Island's weed beds and rocky structure create habitat that attracts larger fish and allows shore anglers to reach them without a boat.

The cove also tends to be calmer than the open lake, which matters on windy days when other beaches become unfishable. If you're new to Lake Michigan fishing in Kenosha, Simmons Island is a good starting point because the structure is visible, the access is straightforward, and the fish are predictable during the right seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Simmons Island Beach?

No. Shore anglers can reach productive water from the beach, especially during spring and fall when walleye move into the shallows. A boat or kayak expands your options and lets you reach deeper structure, but it is not required to catch fish.

What is the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning and late evening are most productive for walleye, especially in spring and fall. Overcast days extend the bite. Summer smallmouth and pike can be caught throughout the day, but early and late hours are still your best bet.

Can I fish here in winter?

Yes, but conditions vary. Open-water fishing is possible through December, and ice fishing is an option once the lake freezes solid enough to be safe. Check local conditions and ice thickness reports before heading out.

What size walleye can I keep?

Wisconsin's walleye regulations for Lake Michigan include a minimum size limit and daily bag limit that vary by season and zone. Check the current WDNR fishing guide for the exact rules in the Kenosha area before you fish.

Is there a fee to fish or park at Simmons Island Beach?

There is no fee to fish or park at the beach. It is a public access point maintained by the Kenosha Parks Department. A Wisconsin fishing license is required, but that is separate from beach access.