What Stephenson Island Offers

Stephenson Island sits in the lower Green Bay near Marinette, Wisconsin, and it's one of those places that doesn't get the traffic of the main shipping channels but holds solid walleye and northern pike. The island itself is small—mostly wooded and rocky—but the real fishing happens in the water around it. You're looking at shallow bays, rocky structure, and weed lines that hold fish year-round, though the season and water temperature change what you'll catch and where.

The character of this water is different from the open bay. It's more protected, which means calmer conditions on windy days and clearer sight lines to structure. The bottom is a mix of sand, rock, and silt, and that variety matters because different fish use different parts depending on the time of year and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • Stephenson Island holds walleye and northern pike in shallow structure, with the best fishing in spring and fall when water temperatures favor active feeding.
  • The island's rocky shoreline and nearby weed beds are the primary fish-holding features; structure changes with water level and season.
  • A Wisconsin fishing license is required, and you must follow Green Bay's specific regulations for species, seasons, and daily limits.
  • Access is by boat from Marinette or nearby launch points; there is no public dock on the island itself.

Spring and Fall: Peak Walleye Season

Spring walleye fishing around Stephenson Island starts as soon as the water clears after ice-out, usually late April or early May. The fish move shallow to feed, and they're aggressive. You'll find them in 6 to 12 feet of water along the rocky edges and in the bays where current brings food. Jigs tipped with live minnows or soft plastics work well; so do crankbaits that mimic baitfish. The bite is often best in low-light conditions—early morning, late evening, or overcast days.

Fall brings another strong bite, usually from late August through October. Water temperatures drop, walleye move back into shallower feeding zones, and the same structure that held them in spring becomes productive again. The difference is that fall fish are often fatter and more aggressive, and the bite can last longer into the day because the sun angle is lower.

Summer: Deeper Water and Pike Opportunity

Summer is tougher for walleye around the island because the shallow water warms up and fish move deeper or into cooler pockets. That said, early summer—June and early July—can still produce if you fish the deeper edges and the shadier sides of the island. Northern pike, though, often prefer the warmer water and the weed beds that thicken in summer. Larger pike hunt in these areas, and casting spinnerbaits or large soft plastics along the weed line can yield strikes.

If you're targeting walleye in midsummer, focus on the deepest holes near the island and fish at dawn or dusk. Live bait fished on a slip sinker rig can work better than lures because it stays in the strike zone longer and moves naturally with the current.

Winter: Ice Fishing and Seasonal Closure Awareness

Green Bay freezes, and ice fishing around Stephenson Island is possible once the ice is safe—typically mid-December onward. Walleye and pike both bite through the ice, though pike are often more active. Jigging with live minnows or small spoons works well. The shallow bays around the island freeze first and are usually safest, but always check current ice conditions with local bait shops or the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources before heading out.

Be aware that some areas of Green Bay have seasonal closures or restrictions during spawning periods. Check the current Wisconsin fishing regulations before you go; rules can change year to year and vary by zone within the bay.

Tackle and Technique for Stephenson Island

For walleye, bring a medium-power spinning rod with 6- to 8-pound monofilament or braided line. Jigs in the 1/4- to 3/8-ounce range work best in the shallow structure around the island. Pair them with live minnows (shiners or chubs) or soft plastics like shads or tubes. Crankbaits that dive to 8 to 12 feet are also effective, especially early and late in the day.

For pike, step up to a heavier rod—medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting—and use 10- to 15-pound line. Pike have sharp teeth, so consider a short wire or heavy fluorocarbon leader. Spinnerbaits, large soft plastics (6 to 8 inches), and live baitfish all work. Cast along weed edges and rocky points, and be ready for aggressive strikes.

Current matters around the island. When water is moving, fish position themselves to intercept food, so cast upstream of structure and let your lure or bait drift naturally. On calm days, work the structure more methodically, covering different depths and angles until you find active fish.

Getting There and Practical Details

Stephenson Island is accessible only by boat. Launch from Marinette at the city boat ramp or from nearby public access points on the bay. The island itself has no public dock or landing; you fish the water around it. Bring a GPS or map because the island is small and easy to miss if you're unfamiliar with the area. Local bait shops in Marinette can point you to the exact location and give you current conditions and recent catch reports.

Bring a Wisconsin fishing license—required for anyone 16 and older. Licenses are sold online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website, at bait shops, and at sporting goods stores. You'll also need to know the current daily limits and size restrictions for walleye and pike in Green Bay; these can vary by zone and change seasonally, so check before you fish.

Weather on Green Bay can turn fast. Even though Stephenson Island is in a more protected part of the bay, respect the water. Wear a life jacket, bring a radio or cell phone, and tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of year to fish Stephenson Island?

Spring (late April through May) and fall (late August through October) are peak seasons for walleye. Water temperatures are ideal, fish are aggressive, and the shallow structure around the island holds plenty of them. Summer is slower for walleye but can be good for pike in the weed beds.

Can I fish from shore on Stephenson Island?

The island itself is not open for public access. You fish from a boat in the water around it. The rocky shoreline and nearby bays are where the fish hold, and you can reach all the productive water without leaving your boat.

Do I need a special permit to fish Green Bay near Marinette?

No special permit beyond a Wisconsin fishing license. However, Green Bay has specific regulations for species, seasons, and daily limits that vary by zone. Check the current Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources regulations before you go to make sure you're following the rules for your area.

What size pike and walleye are in this area?

Walleye around Stephenson Island typically range from 12 to 18 inches, with occasional larger fish. Pike can run 18 to 30 inches or more. The exact size distribution changes with season and fishing pressure, so ask local bait shops for recent reports.

Is the water around Stephenson Island clear enough to sight-fish?

Visibility varies with season and weather. Spring and fall often have clearer water, especially after a calm period. Summer can be murkier. In general, the water is clear enough to see structure and weed beds, but you're not sight-fishing like you would in a northern lake. Work the structure with lures or live bait and rely on feel and instinct.