What You'll Fish at Kohler-Andrae

Kohler-Andrae State Park sits on Lake Michigan's western shore just south of Sheboygan, and it's one of the few places in the region where you can fish a Great Lake without a charter boat. The park's two miles of shoreline hold smallmouth bass, walleye, and perch—species that move into shallower water during spring and fall. Summer fishing slows in the shallows because Lake Michigan's surface water warms, pushing fish deeper, but early morning and evening sessions can still produce.

The park's real draw for most anglers is the Sheboygan River outlet, where the river meets the lake. This transition zone concentrates fish, especially walleye moving between river and open water. Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the strongest seasons. Winter fishing is possible—ice forms along the shore in most years—but conditions vary year to year.

You'll also find a small pond inside the park boundaries, though it's shallow and weedy; it holds panfish and the occasional largemouth, but most anglers focus on the lake and river mouth.

Key Takeaways

  • Kohler-Andrae offers shore access to Lake Michigan walleye and smallmouth bass without needing a boat, unusual for the region.
  • The Sheboygan River outlet is the most productive spot, especially during spring and fall when fish move between river and lake.
  • A Wisconsin fishing license is required; separate Great Lakes stamps are not needed for shore fishing from state park land.
  • The park charges a daily vehicle fee or offers annual passes, and parking fills quickly on weekends during peak season.
  • Jetties and rocky structure along the shore hold fish, but water depth drops quickly—wading is limited to the first 20 to 30 feet.

Where to Fish and What Structure Holds Fish

The river mouth is your primary target. The Sheboygan River flows into the lake here, and the current and depth change create a natural funnel for walleye and perch. Fish the mouth itself during low-light periods—dawn, dusk, and overcast days—when walleye move into shallower water to feed. Casting small jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) tipped with minnow heads or live shiners works well. Perch school heavily here in spring and fall; they're less picky and will hit small spoons and jigs throughout the day.

North and south of the river mouth, the shoreline has scattered rock and rubble. These areas hold smallmouth bass year-round. Fish them with soft plastics—4-inch tubes or crawfish patterns—worked slowly along the bottom. The rocky structure also attracts perch and occasional walleye, especially if you fish deeper water (8 to 12 feet) during midday.

The park's beach area is sandier and less productive for most species, though it can hold perch during their spawning runs in spring. Stick to the structured areas unless you're specifically targeting panfish in the shallow pond.

Seasons and What to Expect Month by Month

April and May bring the spring walleye run. Water temperatures climb from the 40s into the 50s, and walleye move shallow to feed before spawning. The river mouth is crowded but productive. Perch also move in heavily during this window. Expect cooler mornings and variable weather; dress in layers.

June through August is slower for shore fishing. Lake Michigan's surface warms into the 60s and 70s, pushing walleye and perch deeper. Early morning and evening sessions are your best bet. Smallmouth bass remain active in the rocky areas, especially if you fish deeper structure. The park is busiest during summer weekends, and parking becomes tight.

September and October mirror spring. Water cools, fish move shallow again, and the river mouth becomes productive. Fall can be the best season—fewer anglers than spring, and fish are feeding heavily before winter. Walleye, perch, and smallmouth are all catchable. Weather turns unpredictable; Lake Michigan can get rough quickly.

November through March is winter. Shore access remains open, but ice forms along the shallows. Some years ice is thick enough for safe walking; other years it's thin or absent. Check current conditions with the park office before planning a winter trip. Open-water fishing is possible on mild days, but it's uncomfortable and less productive than spring and fall.

Tackle and Techniques That Work

For walleye, bring 1/8 to 1/4 ounce jigs in white, chartreuse, and natural colors. Tip them with live shiners, minnow heads, or soft plastics. Cast toward the river mouth and work the jig slowly along the bottom. Walleye bite best at dawn, dusk, and during overcast conditions. If you're fishing midday, go deeper (10 to 15 feet) and fish slower.

Perch respond to small spoons (1/4 to 3/8 ounce) and jigs. They school heavily, so if you catch one, stay in that spot—more are nearby. Perch are less light-sensitive than walleye and will bite throughout the day, especially during spring and fall.

Smallmouth bass want soft plastics—4-inch tubes, crawfish, or shad patterns—fished on light jig heads (1/8 to 3/16 ounce). Work rocky areas slowly. Smallmouth are aggressive and will chase, so don't be afraid to cast repeatedly to the same spot. They bite year-round if water temperatures stay above 50 degrees.

Bring a small tackle box with jigs, spoons, soft plastics, and a few crankbaits. A 6 to 7-foot medium-light spinning rod handles all three species. Braided line (10 to 15-pound test) gives you better feel and casting distance; add a fluorocarbon leader if the water is clear.

Parking, Fees, and Park Rules

Kohler-Andrae charges a daily vehicle admission fee (the amount varies by year; check the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website for current rates). Annual passes are available and pay for themselves after a few visits if you plan to return. The park is open year-round, and fishing is allowed from shore during all daylight hours.

Parking fills quickly on weekends during spring and fall. Arrive early—before 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday—if you want a may provide spot. Weekday mornings are less crowded. The park has restrooms and a small picnic area but no bait shop; bring everything you need.

Wisconsin fishing regulations apply. You need a current Wisconsin fishing license. No separate Great Lakes stamp is required for shore fishing from state park land. Check the current season dates and daily catch limits on the DNR website before you go; regulations change annually.

How to Get There and What to Bring

Kohler-Andrae is located at 1520 Old Park Road, Sheboygan, Wisconsin 53081. From downtown Sheboygan, head south on Highway 42 for about 3 miles, then follow signs to the park entrance. It's roughly 45 minutes from Green Bay and 90 minutes from Milwaukee.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and layers—Lake Michigan weather changes fast, and wind off the water cools things down quickly even on warm days. A headlamp or small flashlight is useful for early morning and evening sessions. Bring more water and snacks than you think you'll need; there's no food service in the park. A small cooler for keeping fish fresh is handy if you plan to keep perch or smallmouth.

If you're fishing the river mouth or rocky areas, wear wading boots with good grip. The rocks are slippery when wet, and the bottom drops off quickly. Wading is generally limited to the first 20 to 30 feet from shore before depth becomes unsafe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish the Sheboygan River itself, or just the lake?

The river is open to fishing, but access is limited. The park's river frontage is short, and most productive fishing happens at the mouth where the river meets the lake. If you want to fish upstream, you'll need to find access on private land or other public areas outside the park. Check the DNR website for river access points in the Sheboygan area.

Do I need a boat to fish here, or can I do everything from shore?

Everything is fishable from shore. The lake drops off quickly, so you can reach productive water without wading far. A boat would let you fish deeper structure and cover more ground, but it's not necessary for walleye, perch, or smallmouth along the shoreline.

What's the best time of day to fish?

Dawn and dusk are best for walleye, especially during summer. Perch bite throughout the day but are most active during low-light periods. Smallmouth are active all day if water temperature is right. Overcast days are better than sunny days for all three species.

Is there a bait shop nearby?

No bait shop is inside the park. The nearest shops are in Sheboygan, a few miles north. Bring live shiners or minnows with you, or plan to fish with soft plastics and spoons, which don't require live bait.

Can I keep fish I catch?

Yes, within Wisconsin's daily catch limits. Walleye, perch, and smallmouth all have bag limits that change annually. Check the current regulations on the DNR website. Most anglers keep perch (they're excellent eating) and release walleye and smallmouth, but the choice is yours as long as you follow the rules.