Fishing
The Park offers a variety of Lake Michigan habitat, including the Quiet Water and Maritime Basins between the World Festival Grounds and the island, the inner harbor on eastern Park boundary, and the harbor entrance to the river estuary at the south of the Park. Anglers are present and welcome at all times of the year.
Fish
The basins and surrounding waters hold a surprising variety of fish species. The basins hold large and smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleyes, suckers, bullhead, carp, crappies, perch, and bluegills. Seasonally a variety of Great Lake trout and salmon species enter the basins. Anglers use the Park the year around, including a die-hard group of ice anglers who are out even on the coldest days.
Links
DNR Fishing Report
DNR WI Fish Species Page
Invasive Species
The DNR as well as many other universities and organizations are studying non-native species that are causing changes to Lake Michigan’s ecosystem. The staff at Lakeshore State Park are sampling and monitoring native and non-native species that inhabit the Park lands and water, using crayfish and minnow traps, benthic organism samplers, and plankton nets as part of the Park’s Lake Michigan educational programs. Commonly encountered species include zebra and quagga mussels, round gobies, and carp.
Regulations
A fishing license is required for anyone 16 years of age or older. A Great Lakes Salmon/Trout Stamp is required when fishing for these species. The Park is open 24 hours a day to anglers, and fishing is permitted from any shoreline. We ask that anglers avoid walking on prairie restoration areas.
Access the DNR link below to learn of the specific rules and regulations that apply while fishing in Lakeshore State Park and the waters of Lake Michigan.