What You'll Find at Toft Point

Toft Point Natural Area is a 687-acre preserve on the Door County peninsula that juts into Green Bay, offering shoreline access and shallow-water fishing for panfish and bass. The property sits between Sturgeon Bay and the village of Jacksonport, with a mix of hardwood forest, wetlands, and about a mile of rocky shoreline. The water here is cold and clear — typical of Green Bay's northern reaches — and the shallow bays and rocky structure hold smallmouth bass, walleye, and panfish year-round.

The natural area is managed by The Nature Conservancy and open to the public, though access is limited to foot traffic only. There are no boat launches on the property itself, so you'll need to fish from shore or launch elsewhere and approach by water. The rocky bottom and submerged structure make this a productive spot during spring and fall when fish move into shallower water to feed.

Key Takeaways

  • Toft Point offers shore fishing for smallmouth bass, walleye, and panfish along a rocky Green Bay shoreline managed by The Nature Conservancy.
  • Access is foot traffic only; there are no boat launches on the property, so plan to fish from shore or launch from nearby public ramps.
  • Spring and fall are most productive, when fish move into shallow water; summer can be slow in the shallows due to warm water and algae.
  • A Wisconsin fishing license is required, and you must follow all state regulations for species, seasons, and bag limits in Green Bay.
  • The preserve closes at sunset, and overnight camping is not permitted on the property.

Getting There and Access

Toft Point is located on County Road T, roughly 10 miles northeast of Sturgeon Bay. From Sturgeon Bay, take Highway 42 north toward Jacksonport, then turn east on County Road T and follow signs to the preserve entrance. There is a small parking area at the trailhead, with room for about a dozen vehicles. The lot is unattended and has no facilities beyond a kiosk with information about the property.

Once parked, a trail system leads through the woods to the shoreline — roughly a half-mile walk to reach the water. The trails are maintained but can be muddy in spring and after rain. Wear waterproof boots and bring a headlamp if you plan to fish early morning or evening, since the preserve closes at sunset and the trail back is unlit.

If you want to fish by boat, the nearest public launch is at Sturgeon Bay's city marina, about 15 minutes south by water. From there, you can motor north along the shore and fish the Toft Point rocks and shallows. The water depth ranges from 3 to 15 feet along the shoreline, with the shallowest areas closest to shore.

Species and Seasonal Patterns

Smallmouth bass are the primary draw here. They spawn in the rocky shallows in May and June, making that an excellent time to fish. In summer, they move to deeper water offshore, but return to the rocks in September and October as water cools. Fish live shiners, crawfish, or small crankbaits along the rocky structure in 4 to 8 feet of water.

Walleye are present but less predictable from shore. They tend to stay deeper during the day and move shallow at dawn, dusk, and night. If you fish after dark with a headlamp, jigging or casting small soft plastics near the rocks can produce walleye, especially in spring and fall. Summer walleye fishing from shore is slow.

Panfish — bluegill, crappie, and perch — are abundant in the shallower bays and near weed beds. They are most active in spring and early summer, and again in fall. A simple bobber and live minnow setup will catch panfish consistently. The wetland areas behind the shoreline hold good populations, though you'll need to wade or launch a small boat to reach them.

Winter fishing is possible but challenging. The shoreline can ice over, and access becomes difficult. Some anglers fish through the ice in the shallow bays, but the preserve's foot-traffic-only rule means you cannot drive a vehicle onto the ice.

Regulations and Licensing

Wisconsin requires a valid fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website, at sporting goods stores, or at the Sturgeon Bay city marina. A daily license costs less than a full-season license if you plan only one or two trips.

Green Bay is part of Wisconsin's inland water regulations, which means standard state bag limits and season dates apply. Smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum size and a daily bag limit of five fish. Walleye are 15 inches minimum with a daily limit of three. Panfish have no minimum size and a daily limit of 25 combined. Check the current Wisconsin fishing guide before you go, as regulations can change year to year.

The Nature Conservancy asks visitors to stay on marked trails and respect the preserve's conservation mission. Do not remove plants, disturb wildlife, or leave trash. Pack out everything you bring in, including fishing line and lures.

What to Bring and When to Go

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the best times to fish Toft Point. Water temperatures are moderate, fish are active in the shallows, and the weather is usually stable. Summer can be productive early and late in the day, but midday fishing is slow as fish retreat to deeper water. Winter is possible but requires ice-fishing experience and patience.

Bring a headlamp or flashlight if you plan to fish early morning or evening — the trail back to the parking lot is dark after sunset. Wear layers; Green Bay wind can be cold even in summer. Waterproof boots are essential, as the trail can be wet and the rocky shore is slippery. Bring a small tackle box with soft plastics, crankbaits, live shiners, and jigs. A net is useful for landing fish from the rocks.

The preserve has no facilities, so bring water and snacks. Cell service can be spotty, so let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. There are restaurants and lodging in nearby Jacksonport and Sturgeon Bay if you want to make a longer trip of it.

Nearby Fishing and Lodging

If Toft Point does not produce or you want to explore other options, Sturgeon Bay offers several alternatives. The city marina has a public launch and access to the main bay, which holds walleye, pike, and perch. Egg Harbor, about 20 minutes north, has a public boat launch and charter services if you want to fish deeper water or hire a guide.

Lodging ranges from budget motels to upscale resorts. Sturgeon Bay has chain hotels and local inns within a few miles of the water. Jacksonport, closer to Toft Point, has smaller inns and bed-and-breakfasts. Most places fill up in summer and fall, so book ahead if you plan to visit during peak season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I launch a kayak or canoe at Toft Point?

No. The preserve does not have a launch area, and the rocky shore makes it difficult to land a small boat safely. If you want to fish by kayak, launch from Sturgeon Bay's city marina and paddle north along the shore to reach Toft Point. The paddle is about 15 minutes in calm water.

What's the best bait for smallmouth bass here?

Live shiners and crawfish work well, as do small crankbaits and soft plastics in natural colors. The rocky structure holds crawfish, so bass are conditioned to feed on them. Cast along the rocks in 4 to 8 feet of water and work your lure slowly.

Is there a fee to fish at Toft Point?

No. The preserve is open to the public at no cost. You only need a Wisconsin fishing license, which you can purchase online or at a sporting goods store.

Can I fish at night?

The preserve closes at sunset, so night fishing is not permitted. Plan your trip to end before dark, or fish from a boat anchored offshore if you want to fish after sunset.

How crowded does Toft Point get?

It is rarely crowded. Most anglers fish the main Sturgeon Bay area or charter boats offshore. Toft Point sees steady but light foot traffic, especially on weekdays. You will likely have the shoreline to yourself or share it with a handful of other anglers.