What You'll Find at Stone Quarry Park
Stone Quarry Park is a small impoundment just outside Sturgeon Bay that holds walleye, northern pike, and panfish in water that ranges from shallow bays to deeper holes left over from the quarrying that gave the lake its character. The park itself sits on the shore with a boat launch, parking, and picnic areas — it's a working-class fishery, not a resort destination, which means you'll often have the water to yourself on weekday mornings.
The lake runs roughly 40 acres and rarely gets crowded the way some Door County waters do. Walleye fishing is the main draw, particularly in spring and fall when they move into shallower water. Pike are present and can run large, though they're not the primary target for most anglers who fish here. Bluegill and crappie round out the mix and provide solid action for anyone bringing panfish tackle.
Water clarity varies by season — spring runoff can cloud things up, but by mid-summer the lake settles and you can see several feet down in many spots. That clarity matters for your lure choice and presentation, especially when walleye are shallow.
Key Takeaways
- Stone Quarry Park has a public boat launch and parking area, making it accessible for anglers without private property access in the Sturgeon Bay area.
- Walleye are the primary species, with spring and fall offering the most consistent shallow-water action.
- The lake's quarry origin means uneven bottom structure — deeper holes and ledges hold fish and require you to adjust your depth as you move around.
- Pike and panfish provide secondary opportunities, and bluegill can be prolific in summer if you target the weed edges and shallow bays.
Spring Walleye Fishing — When the Lake Wakes Up
Spring is when Stone Quarry Park fishes best for walleye. As the water warms from the mid-40s into the 50s, walleye move out of the deepest holes and into shallower structure — the edges of weed beds, rock piles, and the transition zones between deep and shallow water. You'll find them in 6 to 12 feet of water during this period, which makes them reachable with jigs and live bait or crankbaits.
Live shiners or crawlers on a 1/4-ounce jig head work well in spring, especially if you work the edges slowly and let the bait do most of the work. The water is still cool enough that walleye aren't aggressive, so speed matters less than patience. Cast parallel to structure rather than straight at it — you want the bait to move along the edge where walleye are positioned, not drop straight down in front of them.
Early morning and late evening are most productive, but spring walleye will bite throughout the day if you're on the right structure. The quarry's uneven bottom means you'll find sudden depth changes — use your sounder to locate those transitions, then work them methodically.
Summer Patterns and Deeper Water
By mid-June, walleye at Stone Quarry Park move deeper as the lake warms. You'll find them suspended over the old quarry holes in 15 to 25 feet of water, where the bottom is irregular and provides the cover they prefer. This is when live bait presentations work better than lures — a slip sinker rig with a live shiner or crawler, positioned to keep the bait just off bottom, will catch fish when other methods fall short.
Panfish fishing improves in summer as the water warms. Bluegill and crappie move into the shallow bays and weed edges, particularly along the north and west shores where vegetation is thickest. A simple bobber and jig with a small minnow or wax worm will produce steady action, and kids often do well here because the fish are abundant and willing.
Summer also brings pike into the shallower weed beds. If you're throwing pike lures — spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, or large crankbaits — work the weed edges in the early morning before the sun gets high. Pike are aggressive hunters, so don't be afraid to use larger lures and faster retrieves than you would for walleye.
Fall — The Second Peak Season
Fall fishing at Stone Quarry Park mirrors spring in many ways: walleye move back into shallower water as the lake cools, and they're more aggressive than they are in summer. By September and into October, you'll find them in 8 to 15 feet of water, and they'll chase lures more readily. This is when crankbaits and larger jigs become effective — the fish are feeding hard before winter, and they're less cautious than they are in spring.
The same structure that holds walleye in spring holds them in fall: weed edges, rock piles, and the transitions between deep and shallow water. The difference is that fall walleye will move more aggressively to your lure, so you can cover water faster and fish with more confidence. Early morning is still prime time, but the bite often extends later into the morning than it does in spring.
Pike fishing also improves in fall as the water cools and they become more active. The shallower weed beds are still productive, but don't overlook the deeper structure — pike will suspend over the quarry holes in fall, and a jigging approach with larger baits can produce trophy fish.
Winter Access and Ice Fishing
Stone Quarry Park is fishable through the ice, though you'll want to check with the park office or local bait shops for current ice conditions before heading out. The lake typically freezes solid by late December, and ice-out usually comes in early April. Winter walleye fishing here is similar to open-water patterns — you're looking for the deeper holes and structure, and you'll use live bait presentations (shiners or crawlers under a tip-up, or jigging with spoons and small jigs).
The quarry's uneven bottom can make ice fishing tricky because you need to drill multiple holes to find the right depth. Bring a sounder or be prepared to do some exploring. Panfish are also present under the ice and can provide consistent action if you locate the shallow bays where they congregate.
Facilities and Practical Information
Stone Quarry Park has a public boat launch suitable for small to medium-sized boats — nothing fancy, but it works. There's parking for trailers and vehicles, picnic tables, and basic facilities. The launch fee varies; check with the Sturgeon Bay Parks Department or call ahead to confirm current rates and hours.
The lake is shallow enough in places that you need to be careful with boat placement, especially if you're towing a larger rig. Launch early in the day to avoid congestion, and be mindful of the depth in the launch area itself — it can be soft or shallow depending on recent water levels.
Bait and tackle shops in Sturgeon Bay are within a short drive, so you can pick up shiners, crawlers, or any lures you need before heading to the lake. Local shops also have current information about what's working and where fish are holding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time of year to fish Stone Quarry Park?
Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are most productive for walleye. Summer panfish fishing is also strong if you target the shallow bays and weed edges. Winter ice fishing is possible but requires checking ice conditions first.
Do I need a boat to fish Stone Quarry Park?
A boat gives you access to deeper structure and more water, but the lake is small enough that shore fishing can work, particularly along the north and west shores where weed beds and shallow bays hold panfish and pike. The boat launch is available if you have your own.
What size walleye can I expect?
Walleye at Stone Quarry Park typically run 12 to 18 inches, with occasional fish pushing 20 inches or better. Pike can be larger — 24 to 30 inches is not uncommon. Panfish (bluegill and crappie) usually run 6 to 9 inches.
Is there a fish cleaning station at the park?
The park has basic facilities, but you should call ahead to confirm what's available. Many anglers clean fish at home or at their lodging. Local bait shops can also point you to cleaning services if needed.
Can I fish at night?
Park hours vary, so check with the Sturgeon Bay Parks Department before planning a night trip. Some public parks restrict access after dark, while others allow it. Calling ahead saves a wasted trip.