What to expect at Simmons Island Beach

Simmons Island Beach sits on the eastern shore of Door County, a narrow peninsula that juts into Lake Michigan between Green Bay and the open lake. The beach itself is a public access point with a sandy bottom, shallow water near shore, and a rocky shelf that drops off as you move deeper. The water here is cold year-round — even in summer it rarely exceeds 65°F — and the shoreline faces northeast, which means it takes the full force of wind and waves when weather moves in from that direction.

The beach is best known for smallmouth bass and walleye in spring and fall, though pike and perch show up depending on the season and water temperature. Summer fishing is slower because the water warms and fish move to deeper structure offshore. Winter ice fishing is possible when the ice is thick enough, but conditions vary year to year and you should check local reports before committing to a trip.

Access is straightforward: there is a public parking area near the beach, and you can wade or launch a small boat from the shore. The beach itself is not crowded with anglers, which makes it a quieter option than some of the more famous Door County spots, though that also means fewer local reports and less information floating around about what is biting on any given day.

Key Takeaways

  • Simmons Island Beach faces northeast and takes heavy waves when wind comes from that direction, so check the forecast before you go.
  • Spring and fall are the most productive seasons for smallmouth bass and walleye; summer fishing slows as water temperature rises.
  • You can wade from shore or launch a small boat, and parking is available near the beach access point.
  • Water temperature stays cold year-round, so wear a wetsuit or heavy layers even in summer if you plan to wade for extended periods.
  • Wisconsin fishing regulations apply here, including daily catch limits and season dates that vary by species.

Spring fishing for walleye and bass

Spring is when Simmons Island Beach produces most consistently. As water temperature climbs from the 40s into the 50s in April and May, walleye move into shallower water to feed before spawning, and smallmouth bass follow the same pattern. The rocky shelf that runs along the beach is ideal habitat for both species — walleye use it as a travel corridor, and bass hunt along the transition zone where sand meets rock.

Early morning and late evening are most productive, especially on overcast days when light is low. Jigs tipped with live minnows or soft plastics work well for both species. If you are wading, work the drop-off gradually — cast parallel to shore first, then work your way deeper in small increments. The water is still cold enough that fish are sluggish, so work your lure slowly and give them time to react.

Spring also brings herring and smelt spawning runs, which concentrate predators. If you see baitfish activity near shore, focus your effort there. Walleye in particular will position themselves to intercept spawning runs, so a small silver spoon or a jig mimicking a smelt can be effective.

Summer conditions and what changes

By June, water temperature climbs into the 60s and fish behavior shifts noticeably. Walleye move to deeper water and structure offshore, where they spend the day in cooler, darker zones. Smallmouth bass disperse — some stay shallow in rocky areas with shade or current, but many move to deeper structure as well. The shallow water near Simmons Island Beach becomes less productive for both species.

If you fish here in summer, focus on early morning before the sun gets high, or fish the deeper water beyond the drop-off if you have a boat. Shore fishing is possible but requires patience and lower expectations. Perch and pike may be more reliable than walleye or bass during this period, though neither is may provide.

Summer also brings more boat traffic and recreational swimmers, which can disturb fish and make the beach less appealing for serious anglers. If you are planning a summer trip, consider shifting your effort to other Door County locations or waiting for fall when conditions improve.

Fall fishing and the second peak season

September through November brings a second strong bite, similar to spring but often more intense. As water cools back into the 50s and 40s, walleye and smallmouth bass move shallow again, and they are feeding aggressively to build energy reserves for winter. The same techniques that work in spring — jigs, soft plastics, and live minnows — are effective in fall, and fish often bite throughout the day rather than just at dawn and dusk.

Fall weather in Door County is unpredictable. Winds can shift quickly and waves can build fast, so check the forecast and be prepared to leave if conditions deteriorate. The upside is that fewer anglers fish in fall, so you may have the beach to yourself and the fish are less pressured than they are in spring.

Late October and November can be excellent, but water temperature drops into the 40s and below, so dress warmly. If you are wading, a wetsuit becomes necessary rather than optional. The payoff is that fish are concentrated and hungry, and a single productive morning can yield more fish than several spring trips.

Winter ice fishing and access

Ice fishing is possible at Simmons Island Beach when ice thickness reaches at least 4 inches, though 6 inches is safer and more comfortable. Ice conditions vary significantly from year to year — some winters the ice is thick and stable by December, while other years it never forms reliably. Before you commit to a winter trip, check local ice reports from Door County fishing forums or tackle shops in the area.

When ice is present, walleye and perch are the primary targets. Set up over the drop-off in 15 to 25 feet of water, where walleye hold during winter. Jigging with live minnows or small spoons is standard. The advantage of winter fishing is that you can fish from a stable platform and cover more water by moving holes, but the disadvantage is that fish are less active and bites can be slow.

Access to the beach is the same in winter as in other seasons, but parking may be difficult if snow accumulates. Bring a vehicle with good traction and check road conditions before you drive out.

Regulations and what you need to know

Wisconsin fishing regulations apply at Simmons Island Beach. You must have a valid Wisconsin fishing license, which is available online or at any bait and tackle shop. Daily catch limits, minimum size requirements, and season dates vary by species and change year to year, so check the current Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fishing guide before you fish.

Smallmouth bass have a five-fish daily limit with a 12-inch minimum size. Walleye limits and seasons vary depending on the specific water body and time of year — Door County waters have their own regulations, so verify the current rules for the area you plan to fish. Pike and perch have their own limits as well.

The beach itself is public access, but respect private property boundaries. Parking is available at the designated access area, and you should not trespass on adjacent land. If you are launching a boat, use the designated launch area and follow any posted guidelines.

Getting there and what to bring

Simmons Island Beach is located on the eastern shore of Door County, roughly 20 miles northeast of Sturgeon Bay. From Sturgeon Bay, take Highway 42 north toward Egg Harbor, then follow local roads to the beach access point. GPS coordinates or a detailed map are helpful because the access area is not heavily signed. Most tackle shops in Sturgeon Bay or Egg Harbor can give you directions.

Bring a fishing license, your rod and reel, and tackle appropriate for the season — jigs, soft plastics, and live minnows cover most situations. If you are wading, wear a wetsuit or heavy layers and bring a net if you plan to land fish. Sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses reduce glare off the water and help you spot fish. A headlamp is useful for early morning or evening fishing.

The beach has no facilities, so bring water and snacks. Cell service can be spotty in some areas of Door County, so do not rely on your phone for navigation or emergency contact. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to fish Simmons Island Beach?

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through November) are most productive. Water temperature is in the 40s and 50s, which brings walleye and smallmouth bass into shallow water. Summer is slower because fish move deeper as water warms. Winter ice fishing is possible but depends on ice thickness, which varies year to year.

Do I need a boat to fish here, or can I wade?

You can wade from shore and catch fish without a boat. The rocky shelf and drop-off are accessible from the beach, and many anglers fish successfully by wading. A boat lets you reach deeper water and cover more ground, but it is not required.

What species can I catch at Simmons Island Beach?

Smallmouth bass and walleye are the primary targets in spring and fall. Pike and perch are also present, especially in summer and fall. Herring and smelt spawning runs in spring can concentrate predators and improve your chances.

Is the water really that cold?

Yes. Lake Michigan water at Simmons Island Beach rarely exceeds 65°F even in summer, and it drops into the 40s by fall. In spring and winter it is in the 30s and 40s. A wetsuit or heavy layers are necessary if you plan to wade for more than a few minutes, even in summer.

What should I do if the weather turns bad while I am fishing?

Leave immediately. Simmons Island Beach faces northeast and can build dangerous waves quickly when wind shifts. Check the forecast before you go, and do not stay if conditions are deteriorating. The fish will be there another day, but rough water and cold water can be life-threatening.