What Red Arrow Park offers anglers

Red Arrow Park sits on the Menominee River in downtown Marinette and gives you direct access to one of the most productive walleye fisheries in Wisconsin. The park has a public boat launch, shoreline fishing spots, and parking—everything you need to get on the water without a private property arrangement. The Menominee River here holds walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass, with walleye being the draw for most anglers, especially in spring and fall.

The park itself is small and straightforward. You'll find the launch on the river's edge, a few parking spaces, and grassy banks where you can cast from shore. It's not a destination park with amenities—no concessions, no restrooms, no shade structures—but that's typical for working-river access points in this region. The real value is the location: you're launching into a river system that connects to Lake Michigan and holds fish year-round.

Key Takeaways

  • Red Arrow Park has a public boat launch and shoreline access on the Menominee River, one of Wisconsin's better walleye rivers.
  • Spring and fall are peak seasons for walleye; summer can be productive early and late in the day when water temperatures are cooler.
  • The park has minimal facilities—parking and a launch only—so bring water and plan your trip accordingly.
  • Walleye here respond to live bait (shiners, crawfish) and jigs; northern pike and smallmouth bass are secondary targets.

Walleye fishing on the Menominee River

The Menominee River walleye population is managed jointly by Wisconsin and Michigan, and the river produces consistent catches for anglers who understand the seasonal patterns. Spring (April through May) is when walleye move shallow to spawn; you'll find them in slower current areas and along the deeper banks. Fall (September through October) brings another strong bite as water cools and walleye feed heavily before winter.

Summer fishing is possible but requires timing. Early morning and evening hours—before 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m.—are your best bet when water temperatures climb. Midday, walleye retreat to deeper holes and channel edges where current brings cooler water and food. Winter fishing through the ice is also an option if you're equipped for it, though access from Red Arrow Park itself is limited once the river freezes.

Live shiners and crawfish are the standard baits; jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics work well too. Cast along the deeper banks, work the current breaks, and don't overlook the slower water near the park itself—walleye often hold in spots that look unremarkable to newcomers.

Northern pike and smallmouth bass

While walleye dominate the conversation, the Menominee River holds healthy populations of northern pike and smallmouth bass. Pike fishing peaks in spring and fall, the same windows as walleye, and they respond to larger baits and lures—shiners in the 4- to 6-inch range, or spinnerbaits and crankbaits that mimic baitfish. Pike can be aggressive, so don't be surprised by hard strikes.

Smallmouth bass are present year-round and often overlooked by anglers focused on walleye. They hold around structure—fallen trees, rock piles, deeper banks—and respond to small jigs, tubes, and soft plastics. Summer is actually a good season for smallmouth because they're active in warm water, unlike walleye. Early morning and evening still produce best, but midday can work if you're fishing deeper structure.

Seasons and water conditions

The Menominee River is a flowing system, so water level and current vary with rainfall and dam operations upstream. High water in spring can make fishing tougher—walleye scatter into flooded vegetation and backwater areas—but it also brings baitfish and triggers feeding. Low water in late summer concentrates fish in the main channel and deeper holes, which can make them easier to locate but also easier to spook.

Check current conditions before you go. The U.S. Geological Survey maintains real-time water data for the Menominee, and local tackle shops in Marinette can tell you what the river has been doing and where fish are holding. Water temperature matters too: walleye bite best between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, so plan your trips around that window.

Regulations and licensing

You'll need a Wisconsin fishing license to fish from Red Arrow Park. Daily licenses are available, or you can purchase an annual license. The Menominee River has specific regulations for walleye, pike, and bass—bag limits, size limits, and seasonal closures vary by species and sometimes by section of river. Check the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fishing regulations before you fish; they're updated annually and available online.

The river is also jointly managed with Michigan, so if you're fishing near the state line, make sure you understand which state's regulations apply to your location. The park itself is clearly in Wisconsin waters, but the river boundary can be confusing in some spots.

Getting to Red Arrow Park and what to bring

Red Arrow Park is in downtown Marinette, accessible from Highway 41. Parking is limited—a handful of spaces—so arrive early on weekends. The launch is concrete and usable year-round, though spring runoff can make the current strong and the water cold. If you're launching a boat, have your gear loaded and ready; the launch area is small and other anglers may be waiting.

Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. There are no facilities at the park, and you'll be exposed on the river. If you're fishing from shore, wear waders or water shoes—the bank can be slippery, and the water is cold even in summer. A headlamp is useful for early morning and evening fishing, especially in spring and fall when darkness comes early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish from shore at Red Arrow Park?

Yes. The grassy banks along the river allow shoreline casting, and you don't need a boat to fish here. You'll have access to the slower water near the park, though a boat lets you reach deeper holes and current breaks where walleye often hold. Shore fishing works best in spring and fall when walleye move shallow.

What's the best time of day to fish for walleye?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and evening (7 p.m. to dark) are most productive. Walleye are sight feeders and prefer low-light conditions. In spring and fall, you can fish all day, but summer requires early and late hours when water is cooler and walleye are active.

Do I need a boat to fish Red Arrow Park?

No, but a boat gives you more options. Shore fishing works, especially in spring when walleye are shallow. A small boat or kayak lets you reach deeper water and current breaks where walleye hold in summer and fall.

What size walleye can I keep?

Wisconsin's minimum size for walleye is 15 inches. Check the current DNR regulations before you fish, as rules can change year to year. The daily bag limit is typically five walleye, but confirm this with the DNR website or a local tackle shop.

Is Red Arrow Park good for beginners?

Yes, if you're willing to learn. The park has easy access and the river holds fish, but walleye fishing requires patience and attention to detail—water temperature, current, time of day, and bait choice all matter. Talk to anglers at the park or visit a local tackle shop; they can point you toward current hot spots and techniques that work.