What Shaffer Park offers anglers

Shaffer Park sits on the Menominee River in downtown Marinette, giving you access to one of the most productive walleye and pike fisheries in Wisconsin without leaving town. The park itself is small—a few acres with a boat launch, parking, and picnic tables—but the water around it holds fish year-round. You're fishing a working river with current, structure, and the kind of depth variation that keeps walleye active even in summer.

The Menominee forms the border between Wisconsin and Michigan, and the section near Shaffer Park runs through an industrial area that has actually created good habitat. Old pilings, rock structure, and current breaks hold walleye during the day and bring them shallow to feed at dawn and dusk. Smallmouth bass are thick here too, especially in spring and fall. Pike move through the deeper holes, and you'll find them year-round if you know where to look.

Key Takeaways

  • Shaffer Park's boat launch provides direct access to a walleye-rich section of the Menominee River with current and structure that hold fish in all seasons.
  • Early morning and evening are most productive for walleye; midday fishing is slower but possible if you work deeper holes and current breaks.
  • Smallmouth bass are abundant in spring and fall; pike are present year-round in the deeper sections near the park.
  • The river here is narrow and manageable for small boats and kayaks, but current can be strong during high water or after heavy rain.
  • Wisconsin fishing regulations apply; you need a current Wisconsin fishing license regardless of which state's water you're on.

Seasons and what to expect

Spring (April through May) is prime time at Shaffer Park. Walleye move shallow as water warms, and you can catch them on jigs tipped with minnows or live crawfish along the current breaks near the pilings. Smallmouth are also aggressive, hitting crankbaits and soft plastics. Water levels can be high from snowmelt, so watch the current and stay alert.

Summer (June through August) slows down during midday, but early morning and late evening produce walleye in the deeper holes and along the outside bends where current keeps water cooler. Pike are less predictable but show up in low-light periods. Many anglers shift to night fishing or focus on the hour before sunset and the hour after sunrise.

Fall (September through October) brings another strong bite. Walleye and smallmouth both feed heavily as water cools, and you can catch them throughout the day. Pike are more active too. This is often the best time to fish Shaffer Park if you want consistent action without the early-morning requirement.

Winter (November through March) is possible but requires caution. The Menominee doesn't freeze solid in this section because of current, and some anglers fish through the winter for walleye. Ice fishing from shore is an option in very cold years, but check current conditions before you go.

How to fish the structure around the park

The old pilings and rock structure near Shaffer Park are the reason fish hold here. Walleye use these as ambush points, especially where current flows around them. Fish a 1/4-ounce jig tipped with a minnow or crawfish, cast upstream and let the current work it down past the structure. Keep your rod tip low and feel for the bite—walleye often hit on the drop.

The outside bends of the river hold deeper water and are good for walleye during the day. Use a slip-sinker rig with a live minnow, or cast crankbaits that reach 8 to 12 feet. Smallmouth prefer shallower structure and respond well to 4- to 6-inch soft plastics rigged on a 1/8-ounce jig head.

Pike are less predictable but tend to hold in the deepest holes and along weed edges if any are present. Large swimbaits or spinnerbaits work better than small lures. Early morning and dusk are your best windows, though pike will bite midday if you're fishing deep structure.

Boat launch and access details

Shaffer Park's boat launch is a single-lane concrete ramp in decent condition, though it can get crowded on weekends during spring and fall. Parking is limited—maybe 15 to 20 spaces—so arrive early if you're going on a Saturday. The launch fee is minimal or free; check with the Marinette Parks Department if you're unsure.

The river is narrow here, so you don't need a large boat. A 16- to 18-foot aluminum boat with a 25- to 40-horsepower motor is ideal. Kayaks and canoes work well too, especially if you're fishing the shallower sections and don't mind paddling against current. The current can be strong during high water, so know your boat's capabilities before you launch.

There's a small picnic area and restroom facilities at the park, which is helpful if you're spending a full day. The park is open year-round, but winter access depends on snow removal and ice conditions.

Regulations and licensing

You need a current Wisconsin fishing license to fish the Menominee River at Shaffer Park, even though the river forms the state border. Wisconsin residents can purchase a license online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website or at any bait shop in Marinette. Non-residents also need a Wisconsin license; daily and annual options are available.

Walleye have a daily bag limit and size restrictions that vary by season—check the current Wisconsin fishing regulations before you go, as these change year to year. Pike and smallmouth have their own limits. The DNR website has a searchable guide for the Menominee River specifically, which is worth reviewing because some sections have special rules.

Catch-and-release is always an option if you want to fish without worrying about limits, and many anglers practice it here to keep the fishery strong.

When to avoid Shaffer Park

High water after heavy rain or spring snowmelt can make the current dangerous and fishing difficult. The river can rise several feet in a day, and the current becomes too strong for safe boat handling. Check the USGS water gauge for the Menominee River before you launch.

Midday in summer (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) is slow for walleye. If you can only fish during those hours, focus on the deepest holes and don't expect fast action. Weekends in May and September can be crowded, especially if the weather is good. If solitude matters to you, fish weekdays or early morning.

Nearby alternatives if Shaffer Park is crowded

If Shaffer Park is packed, the Menominee River has other access points both upstream and downstream. Niagara Reservoir, about 20 minutes north, offers walleye and pike in a quieter setting. Brule River, to the east, is a smaller stream with good smallmouth fishing and less pressure.

If you want to stay in the Marinette area, Menominee River State Fish Hatchery grounds sometimes allow fishing, though access is limited. Call ahead to confirm. The bay area near the mouth of the Menominee, where it meets Green Bay, holds walleye and pike but requires a longer boat ride and more open-water navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Shaffer Park from shore?

Yes, there's a small shoreline area near the park where you can cast, though boat access gives you much better reach to the productive structure. Shore fishing is possible but limited to the immediate area around the launch and picnic grounds.

What's the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and evening (6 p.m. to dark) are most productive for walleye. Smallmouth bite throughout the day in spring and fall. Summer midday fishing is slow unless you're targeting pike in deep holes.

Do I need a Michigan license too?

No. Wisconsin regulations apply to the entire Menominee River in this section, so a Wisconsin license is all you need. The river forms the border, but Wisconsin has jurisdiction over the fishery here.

Is the current always strong?

Current varies with water level and time of year. Spring and after heavy rain bring strong current; summer and fall are usually more manageable. Check the USGS gauge before launching if you're unsure about conditions.

What size boat do I need?

A 16- to 18-foot aluminum boat works well. Kayaks and canoes are fine for calmer conditions. The river is narrow, so you don't need anything large, but make sure your boat can handle current and has enough power to navigate safely.