What You'll Find on the Menominee River
The Menominee River forms the border between Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula for roughly 110 miles, flowing from the Brule River confluence south to Green Bay. It holds walleye, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch, and panfish in distinct sections that change character as the river widens and slows. The upper river near the Brule confluence runs faster and narrower, favoring pike and bass. The middle section around Niagara and Pembine holds walleye and perch in deeper pools and current breaks. The lower river, especially below the Menominee Paper Company dam near Menominee, Michigan, widens into a slower, lake-like system where walleye congregate in deeper holes and along structure.
Access varies sharply by section. The upper river has limited public boat launches and is best fished by wading or canoe. The middle section has several public landings on both the Wisconsin and Michigan sides. The lower river, particularly the impoundment behind the dam, has the most developed access and sees the heaviest fishing pressure. Water levels fluctuate with dam releases and seasonal flow, which affects where fish hold and how productive different techniques become.
Key Takeaways
- The Menominee holds walleye, pike, and bass across its 110-mile length, with different species dominant in upper, middle, and lower sections.
- Public boat access is limited in the upper river but improves in the middle section around Niagara and Pembine, and is most developed below the dam near Menominee, Michigan.
- Spring and fall produce the most consistent walleye and pike fishing; summer requires deeper presentations and night fishing for walleye.
- Wisconsin and Michigan regulations differ, so confirm which state's rules apply to your exact fishing location before you fish.
- Water level changes from dam releases can shift fish location and affect wading and boat access within hours.
Upper River: Brule Confluence to Niagara
The upper Menominee, from where the Brule River enters near Florence, Wisconsin, to the town of Niagara, runs narrow and relatively fast over a rocky bottom. This section holds northern pike and smallmouth bass as primary targets, with walleye present but less concentrated than downstream. The current and structure favor pike, which hunt in the faster water and around fallen timber and rock outcrops. Smallmouth bass hold in similar habitat and respond well to jigs and crankbaits worked along the bottom.
Public access in this section is sparse. There is a boat launch at the Brule River confluence near Florence, but the upper Menominee itself has few developed landings. Many anglers access this water by canoe or by wading from road crossings. The river is wadeable in many spots during normal water levels, particularly in late summer and fall when flow drops. Check water levels before you go; dam releases upstream can raise the river quickly and make wading unsafe.
Pike fishing peaks in spring (April through May) and again in fall (September through October) when fish move into shallower water to feed. Summer pike fishing is possible but requires working deeper holes and structure. Smallmouth bass respond year-round to jigs tipped with crawfish or minnows, and to small crankbaits and topwater lures in lower-light conditions.
Middle River: Niagara to Menominee Dam
From Niagara south to the dam near Menominee, Michigan, the river widens and slows, creating deeper pools and slack-water areas where walleye and perch concentrate. This section is the most productive for walleye and holds the most consistent fishing throughout the year. The bottom transitions from rock to sand and silt, and structure includes deeper holes, current breaks behind islands, and the edges of the main channel. Perch are abundant and often congregate in schools in 15 to 25 feet of water.
Public boat access is available at several points. Niagara has a public launch on the Wisconsin side. Pembine, Wisconsin, has a public launch and is a common base for middle-river fishing. On the Michigan side, launches are available at Cedarville and other small towns along the river. These landings range from basic (gravel ramp, no amenities) to improved (paved, parking, restrooms). Call ahead to confirm conditions, especially in spring when water levels are high and ramps may be partially submerged.
Walleye fishing in the middle river is most productive at dawn and dusk, and throughout the night in summer. Jigs tipped with live minnows or crawfish work year-round. Trolling crankbaits along the deeper edges of the channel produces fish in spring and fall. Perch respond to small jigs and live minnows fished vertically in deeper holes. Summer walleye fishing requires patience and night presentations; many anglers fish from dusk through midnight when water temperatures climb.
Lower River: Menominee Dam Impoundment
The impoundment behind the Menominee Paper Company dam near Menominee, Michigan, is a wide, deep, slow-moving section that resembles a lake more than a river. This area holds the largest walleye population and sees the most fishing pressure. Depths range from 20 to 50 feet in the main basin, with shallower flats and structure near the shoreline. The dam itself creates a current break that concentrates walleye, especially in spring and fall.
Access to the impoundment is well-developed. Public launches are located on both the Wisconsin and Michigan sides. The Menominee, Michigan, area has multiple commercial marinas and public ramps. On the Wisconsin side, launches are available in Marinette and nearby towns. This section is suitable for larger boats and supports a more developed fishing infrastructure than upstream sections. Rental boats and guide services operate here, and the area has motels, restaurants, and tackle shops.
Walleye fishing in the impoundment is productive year-round but peaks in spring (April through May) and fall (September through October). Summer requires deeper presentations and night fishing. Trolling crankbaits and live-bait rigs along the dam face and deeper structure produces consistent results. Jigging in 30 to 50 feet of water with live minnows works throughout the year. Pike are present and can be caught on larger baits and lures. The impoundment also holds largemouth bass in shallower areas and around vegetation.
Seasons and Conditions
Spring (April through May) is the most productive season on the Menominee. Walleye move into shallower water to spawn, pike feed aggressively before spawning, and water clarity is often good. Water temperatures range from 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Flows are typically high due to snowmelt and dam releases, which can make wading unsafe in the upper river but concentrates fish in deeper holes downstream.
Summer (June through August) requires adjustment. Walleye move deeper and become less active during the day. Water temperatures climb into the 70s, and algae growth can reduce visibility. Night fishing and deep presentations become necessary for walleye. Pike and bass remain catchable in early morning and late evening. Perch fishing remains consistent in deeper water throughout the day.
Fall (September through October) returns to spring-like conditions. Walleye and pike feed aggressively as water temperatures drop. Water levels often drop as dam releases decrease, which can improve wading access in the upper river. Visibility improves, and daytime fishing becomes productive again. This is an excellent time to fish all sections of the river.
Winter (November through March) is possible but challenging. The river does not freeze solid in most sections due to current and dam releases, but ice can form along the edges and in slack-water areas. Some anglers fish through the ice in the lower impoundment, but access is limited and conditions are unpredictable. Many anglers focus on other waters during winter.
Regulations and Licensing
The Menominee River is a border water, and regulations differ between Wisconsin and Michigan. You must follow the regulations of the state where you are fishing. If you are fishing from the Wisconsin shore or a Wisconsin boat launch, Wisconsin rules apply. If you are on the Michigan side, Michigan rules apply. The river itself is shared, so confirm your exact location before you fish.
Wisconsin requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. Michigan requires a license for anyone 17 and older. Both states offer daily, annual, and non-resident licenses. Walleye, pike, and bass have specific season dates, size limits, and daily catch limits that vary by state and sometimes by section of the river. Perch and panfish have different regulations. Check the current regulations with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources before you fish; regulations change annually.
Some sections of the river have special regulations. The impoundment behind the dam may have different rules than the free-flowing sections upstream. Certain areas may be closed to fishing during spawning seasons. Contact the local DNR office or a tackle shop in Niagara, Pembine, or Menominee for current information specific to where you plan to fish.
Tackle and Techniques
Walleye fishing on the Menominee responds to live-bait presentations and crankbaits. A 6-foot medium-action spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line works for most situations. Jigs in the 1/4- to 1/2-ounce range tipped with live minnows (shiners, chubs) or crawfish are standard. Crankbaits in the 2- to 4-inch range, especially those that dive to 8 to 15 feet, produce in spring and fall. Trolling with live-bait rigs (a spinner blade ahead of a live minnow) works well in the impoundment and middle river.
Pike fishing requires heavier tackle. A 6.5- to 7-foot medium-heavy rod with 12- to 20-pound line handles pike and the structure they inhabit. Large jigs (3/8 to 3/4 ounce), spinnerbaits, and crankbaits in the 4- to 6-inch range are effective. Pike will strike topwater lures in low-light conditions. Live minnows (4 to 6 inches) on simple rigs also work, especially in spring.
Perch respond to small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) tipped with live minnows or small crawfish. Vertical jigging in deeper water is the most productive technique. Panfish (bluegill, crappie) respond to small jigs, live minnows, and worms fished under a bobber in shallower areas and around vegetation.
Getting There and Where to Stay
The Menominee River is accessible from several towns on both the Wisconsin and Michigan sides. Niagara and Pembine, Wisconsin, are the primary bases for upper and middle river fishing. Both towns have public boat launches, tackle shops, and basic services. Marinette, Wisconsin, is the largest town on the Wisconsin side and serves the lower impoundment. Menominee, Michigan, is the primary base on the Michigan side and has the most developed fishing infrastructure, including marinas, guide services, and accommodations.
From Green Bay, Wisconsin, Niagara is roughly 50 miles north via US-41 and WI-101. Pembine is about 60 miles north. Marinette is about 40 miles north via US-41. Menominee, Michigan, is accessible from Marinette by crossing the Menominee River bridge. Lodging ranges from small motels in Niagara and Pembine to larger hotels and resorts in Marinette and Menominee. Campgrounds are available near most towns. Plan ahead during peak seasons (spring and fall), when rooms fill quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license from both Wisconsin and Michigan to fish the Menominee?
No. You need a license from the state where you are fishing. If you fish from the Wisconsin shore or launch, you need a Wisconsin license. If you fish from the Michigan side, you need a Michigan license. If you are unsure which state's water you are in, stay on the Wisconsin side or confirm with a local tackle shop before you fish.
What is the best time of year to fish the Menominee?
Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are most productive for walleye and pike. Water temperatures are moderate, fish feed aggressively, and daytime fishing works well. Summer requires deeper presentations and night fishing for walleye. Winter is possible but challenging and less popular.
Can I wade the Menominee, or do I need a boat?
The upper river near Niagara is wadeable in many spots during normal water levels, especially in late summer and fall. The middle and lower sections are better fished by boat due to depth and width. Always check water levels before wading; dam releases can raise the river quickly and make wading unsafe.
Where is the best public boat launch on the Menominee?
It depends on which section you want to fish. Niagara and Pembine have launches for the upper and middle river. Marinette, Wisconsin, and Menominee, Michigan, have launches for the lower impoundment. The impoundment launches are the most developed and have parking and amenities. Call ahead to confirm conditions, especially in spring.
What size walleye and pike can I keep?
Size and catch limits vary between Wisconsin and Michigan and change annually. Check the current regulations with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources or Michigan Department of Natural Resources before you fish. A local tackle shop in Niagara, Pembine, or Menominee can also provide current limits for the section where you plan to fish.