What You'll Find on the Suamico River

The Suamico River is a 40-mile system flowing through Brown and Oconto counties into Green Bay, known for smallmouth bass and walleye in its lower and middle sections. The river holds a solid population of 12- to 16-inch smallmouth, with occasional fish pushing 18 inches, and walleye fishing improves from late spring through fall. The upper river above the dam near Suring holds some northern pike and panfish, but most serious anglers focus on the lower 15 miles between Suring and the mouth.

Current and structure define the Suamico. The river is narrow—30 to 50 feet wide in most places—with a sandy bottom, occasional rock, and plenty of fallen timber. Water clarity varies with recent rainfall; after heavy rain it can turn off-color for a few days, but it clears quickly. The lower section near the mouth has more tidal influence from Green Bay, which affects water levels and fish positioning, especially near the Highway 41 bridge and downstream.

Key Takeaways

  • Smallmouth bass fishing is best from May through September, with early morning and evening hours producing more strikes than midday.
  • Walleye bite hardest in May and June, and again from September through October, in deeper holes and along current breaks.
  • The lower river from Suring downstream to Green Bay is the most productive section; the upper river above the dam is shallower and better for pike and panfish.
  • Public boat access is available at Suring (Suring Park) and at the mouth near Suamico (Suamico Shores County Park), with a carry-in at the Highway 41 bridge.
  • Wisconsin fishing regulations apply; check current season dates and possession limits on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website before you fish.

Seasons and What Bites When

Smallmouth bass fishing peaks from May through September. Early season (May and early June) produces good numbers of fish in 6 to 12 feet of water near current breaks and fallen timber. Midsummer (July and August) requires moving to deeper holes and fishing early or late in the day; midday fishing slows considerably. Fall (September and early October) brings another strong bite as water cools, with fish moving back into shallower structure.

Walleye fishing is most consistent in May and June, when fish move into the river from Green Bay to spawn and feed. Fish the deeper holes—8 to 14 feet—and current seams with live bait (shiners or crawlers) or small jigs. A second walleye window opens in September and October as water cools again. Summer walleye fishing is possible but requires night fishing or very early morning in the deeper pools.

Northern pike are present year-round in the upper river above the Suring dam, with best results in spring (April and May) and fall (September and October). Panfish—bluegill, crappie, and pumpkinseed—are available throughout the open season but are not the river's main draw.

Access Points and How to Get There

Suring Park is the primary public boat launch on the Suamico River, located in the town of Suring on County Road S. The ramp is concrete, well-maintained, and has parking for 15 to 20 vehicles. From here you can fish upstream (limited by the dam a short distance up) or downstream toward the mouth—most anglers head downstream. The park has restrooms and is open year-round.

Suamico Shores County Park sits at the river's mouth near the village of Suamico, off County Road C. This is a smaller facility with a single-lane ramp and limited parking, but it puts you in the lower river where walleye and larger smallmouth congregate. The area near the mouth has more tidal influence and can be productive in spring and fall.

A carry-in access exists at the Highway 41 bridge near Suamico, though parking is limited to roadside spots. This is useful for kayak or canoe fishing and puts you in the middle section of the river. The river is navigable by small motorboat throughout the lower and middle sections, though the upper river above Suring becomes narrow and shallow.

Tackle and Techniques That Work

For smallmouth bass, use 1/4- to 3/8-ounce jigs tipped with crawfish or tubes, cast tight to fallen timber and current breaks. Crankbaits in the 2- to 3-inch range (especially crawfish patterns) work well in spring and fall. Topwater lures produce strikes in early morning and evening, particularly in May and June. A 6- to 7-foot medium-power spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound braid or monofilament is standard.

Walleye fishing calls for live bait—shiners or nightcrawlers—fished on a simple slip-sinker rig or a 1/8- to 1/4-ounce jig. Work the deeper holes and current seams slowly. Small crankbaits (1.5 to 2.5 inches) also take walleye, especially at dawn and dusk. A 6-foot medium spinning rod with 6- to 8-pound line is adequate.

Northern pike in the upper river respond to larger lures—3- to 4-inch crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics. Use a wire or heavy fluorocarbon leader to prevent bite-offs. Panfish are caught on small jigs, live minnows, or crickets in shallow weedy areas.

Regulations and What You Need to Know

Wisconsin fishing regulations apply on the Suamico River. Smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum length limit with a daily bag of five fish. Walleye have a 15-inch minimum with a daily bag of three fish. Northern pike have a 24-inch minimum with a daily bag of one fish. Panfish (bluegill, crappie, sunfish) have no minimum size and a daily bag of 25 fish combined.

You must have a valid Wisconsin fishing license to fish the river. Licenses are sold online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website, at sporting goods stores, and at bait shops in the area. Check the current season dates before you go—walleye and pike seasons can open and close on specific dates, and bass season runs year-round but with catch-and-release only outside the open season.

The river is open to public fishing, but respect private property along the banks. Do not trespass on posted land, and ask permission before accessing the river from private property.

When to Fish and Weather Patterns

Spring (April through May) brings rising water levels and cooler temperatures—ideal for walleye and early smallmouth. Water levels can fluctuate with snowmelt and rain, so check conditions before launching. Overcast days and light rain often produce better fishing than bright sun.

Summer (June through August) means warmer water and lower levels. Fish early (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late (6 p.m. onward) for best results. Midday fishing is slow unless you target deeper holes. Water clarity is usually good in summer unless recent heavy rain has muddied the river.

Fall (September through October) is excellent for both smallmouth and walleye as water cools. Water levels drop further, concentrating fish in deeper pools. This is often the most productive season for consistent action. Winter (November through March) closes pike and walleye seasons, though smallmouth can be caught year-round under Wisconsin regulations.

Nearby Services and Lodging

The town of Suring (population around 400) has a few small restaurants and a gas station but limited lodging. The larger city of Oconto, about 15 miles south, has motels, restaurants, and a full-service bait shop. Green Bay, 20 miles south, offers all amenities including hotels, restaurants, and multiple tackle shops.

Bait and tackle are available at local shops in Oconto and Green Bay. Suring itself has limited services, so plan accordingly. The nearest hospital is in Oconto or Green Bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish the Suamico River year-round?

Smallmouth bass can be fished year-round under Wisconsin regulations, though catch-and-release only applies outside the open season. Walleye and pike have specific season dates that vary by year—check the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website for current dates before you fish.

What's the best time to catch walleye on the Suamico?

May and June are peak walleye months as fish move into the river from Green Bay. September and October provide a second strong bite as water cools. Fish deeper holes (8 to 14 feet) with live bait or small jigs, especially at dawn and dusk.

Is the Suamico River good for beginners?

Yes. The river is narrow and manageable, with clear structure (fallen timber and current breaks) that makes it easy to locate fish. Smallmouth bass are forgiving and abundant, making them a good target for newer anglers. The lower section near Suring Park is the easiest to fish.

Do I need a boat to fish the Suamico?

A boat is helpful but not required. The carry-in access at Highway 41 works well for kayaks and canoes. Bank fishing is possible in some areas, though public access from shore is limited. A small motorboat or jon boat is ideal for covering the river efficiently.

How far is the Suamico River from Green Bay?

The river mouth is about 20 miles north of downtown Green Bay. Suring Park is roughly 25 miles north of Green Bay. Both are within an hour's drive of the city, making the Suamico a reasonable day trip from the Green Bay area.