What Stephenson Island Offers

Stephenson Island is a small, shallow-water destination in Wisconsin's Door County waters, roughly two miles northeast of Sturgeon Bay. It sits in Green Bay and attracts anglers targeting walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass in depths that rarely exceed 20 feet. The island itself is undeveloped and closed to landing, but the surrounding waters — particularly the flats and drop-offs within a half-mile radius — hold fish year-round, with spring and fall producing the most consistent action.

The appeal here is straightforward: you can fish productive structure without a long run from the launch. Sturgeon Bay's public ramps are five minutes away by boat, and the shallow, rocky bottom creates the kind of holding water that concentrates fish. The area works best for anglers with small to mid-sized boats or kayaks; the water is protected enough that you do not need a large offshore rig, but you do need to respect the rocks and variable depth.

Key Takeaways

  • Stephenson Island's shallow flats and rocky structure hold walleye and pike year-round, with peak fishing in May through June and September through October.
  • Launch from Sturgeon Bay's public ramps — either the city ramp on the bay or the Sturgeon Bay Canal Station — both within five minutes of the island.
  • Fish depths of 8 to 18 feet using live bait (shiners, crawfish), jigs, or crankbaits; the bottom is rocky and snags are common, so bring extra tackle.
  • Wisconsin fishing licenses and a trout stamp (if targeting any trout species) are required; check current regulations for walleye and pike bag limits in Door County waters.
  • The island is closed to landing year-round; fish from your boat or kayak only, and stay at least 100 feet offshore during nesting season (April through June).

Seasons and What to Expect

Spring (May and early June) brings the most aggressive walleye bite around Stephenson Island. Water temperatures in the 50s push fish into the shallower flats to feed, and live shiners or crawfish under a slip bobber work consistently. Expect to fish 10 to 15 feet of water; the rocky bottom holds warmth and attracts baitfish. Pike are also active but less predictable — they respond to larger presentations like 4- to 6-inch shiners or spinnerbaits.

Summer (July and August) slows the shallow-water bite as fish move to deeper, cooler structure. Stephenson Island becomes less productive during peak heat, though early morning and late evening sessions can still produce walleye in 15 to 20 feet. Many anglers shift focus to other Door County locations during this window.

Fall (September and October) rivals spring for consistency. Cooling water pushes fish back into the shallows, and the bite intensifies in late September through mid-October. Jigs tipped with live bait or small crankbaits work well. Pike fishing also improves as they feed aggressively before winter.

Winter (November through March) is possible but challenging. Ice forms on the bay, and open-water fishing near Stephenson Island requires a larger boat and willingness to run in cold conditions. Some anglers fish the area through ice, but access and safety vary year to year depending on ice thickness and bay conditions.

How to Launch and Navigate

The nearest public launch is the Sturgeon Bay City Ramp, located on the bay side of Sturgeon Bay at the foot of Michigan Street. It has concrete lanes, parking for trailers, and a small fee (typically $5 to $10 per day, though rates vary). From the ramp, head northeast into Green Bay; Stephenson Island is roughly two miles out. A GPS waypoint or chart is helpful, but the island is visible on clear days.

The Sturgeon Bay Canal Station, run by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is another option on the canal side of town. It has fewer amenities but is free and also puts you within five minutes of the island. Both ramps are suitable for boats up to 20 feet; larger vessels can launch but may find the facilities tight during peak season.

Navigation is straightforward in calm conditions but requires caution. The water around Stephenson Island is shallow and rocky; depths can drop from 12 feet to 6 feet quickly. Use a fish finder to read the bottom and avoid the rocks. Stay at least 100 feet offshore year-round, and during nesting season (April through June) maintain that distance to protect nesting birds.

Tackle, Bait, and Techniques

Live bait is the most reliable approach. Shiners (4 to 6 inches) under a slip bobber work for walleye in 10 to 15 feet; crawfish on a jig head are equally effective and cover more water. For pike, use larger shiners (6 to 8 inches) or switch to spinnerbaits and crankbaits that mimic baitfish. The rocky bottom means snags are frequent, so carry extra jigs, hooks, and line.

Jig-and-minnow combinations are the workhorse setup. Use 1/4- to 3/8-ounce jigs in white, chartreuse, or natural colors; tip with a live shiner or crawfish and work the bottom slowly. Cast toward the island's perimeter and work the drop-offs where depth changes. Walleye often hold tight to rocks, so precision casting matters.

Crankbaits (shallow-diving, 6 to 12 feet) work well in spring and fall when fish are aggressive. Stick to natural colors — browns, silvers, and blacks — and retrieve steadily along the structure. Pike will chase crankbaits more readily than walleye, but both species respond in the right conditions.

Regulations and Licensing

Wisconsin requires a current fishing license for anyone 16 and older. Licenses are available online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website, at sporting goods stores, and at some launch facilities. A daily license costs less than a season license if you fish only occasionally.

Door County waters fall under Wisconsin's general walleye and pike regulations. Walleye bag limits and size restrictions vary by season and water body; check the current DNR fishing guide for Green Bay and Door County specifics before you launch. Pike regulations are similarly variable. The DNR updates these rules annually, so verify before each trip.

If you target any trout species (lake trout or brown trout are present in deeper Door County waters), you will need a trout stamp in addition to your base license. Stephenson Island's shallow water is not typical trout habitat, but it is worth knowing if you plan to explore other nearby locations.

What to Bring and Prepare For

Bring a fish finder or GPS unit; the shallow, rocky bottom is easier to navigate with electronics, and a finder helps you locate the structure where fish hold. A detailed chart or map of the area is also useful. Sturgeon Bay's public ramps have parking, but spaces fill quickly on weekends, so arrive early or plan a weekday trip.

Weather on Green Bay can change quickly. Even though Stephenson Island is only two miles from shore, wind and waves can build fast. Check the forecast before launching, and do not venture out if conditions are deteriorating. A life jacket is required by law and essential in cold water.

Bring extra tackle — the rocky bottom claims hooks and jigs regularly. Pack a variety of jig weights (1/4 to 3/8 ounce), hooks, and line. If you use live bait, bring a well-aerated bait bucket or aerator; shiners and crawfish do not survive long in warm, stagnant water.

Nearby Alternatives and Extensions

If Stephenson Island is slow or conditions are poor, several other Door County locations are within 10 to 20 minutes by boat. Horseshoe Island, also in Green Bay, offers similar shallow-water walleye and pike fishing. Egg Harbor, on the bay's west side, has deeper structure and a different fish population. Baileys Harbor, to the north, is known for smallmouth bass and walleye in rocky coves.

If you want to stay in Sturgeon Bay itself, the canal and the bay's inner waters hold walleye and pike year-round, though they are often smaller than fish in the open-water structure around Stephenson Island. The canal is also a good option on windy days when the open bay is too rough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I land on Stephenson Island?

No. The island is closed to landing year-round to protect nesting birds and wildlife. Fish from your boat or kayak only, staying at least 100 feet offshore. Violations can result in fines.

What is the best time of year to fish Stephenson Island?

May through June and September through October are most productive. Spring and fall water temperatures push walleye and pike into the shallow flats where Stephenson Island's structure concentrates them. Summer is slower as fish move deeper.

Do I need a boat, or can I kayak?

Kayaks work well for Stephenson Island, especially in calm conditions. The shallow water and nearby structure are ideal for kayak fishing. Stay aware of boat traffic and weather, and wear a life jacket. A small motorboat is easier in wind and allows you to cover more water.

What size fish can I expect?

Walleye around Stephenson Island typically range from 12 to 18 inches, with occasional fish to 22 inches. Pike are often 18 to 26 inches. The shallow structure does not produce trophy fish consistently, but it holds a good population of keeper-sized fish.

Is there a launch fee, and where do I park?

The Sturgeon Bay City Ramp charges a small daily fee (typically $5 to $10). The Sturgeon Bay Canal Station is free. Both have parking for vehicles and trailers. Arrive early on weekends, as spaces fill quickly during peak season.