Many outings will revolve around “anything that bites,” and bobbers and worms will surely get a workout. But there’s a lot of other opportunities, too.

Chinook salmon and rainbow trout have been smacking spoons and flies on the Big Pond, and smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, sheepshead, catfish and panfish are among the species hitting in Green Bay and its tributaries.

Salmon, steelhead and lake trout have been hitting three to six miles off shore at spots like Algoma, Kewaunee and Sturgeon Bay. Most of the fish are running between about 5 and 15 pounds, with an occasional Chinook going 20-plus.

Bay hot spots include the rivers, bays, harbors and reefs as well as some of the shoreline flats and points. Having access to a boat can certainly help, but it’s not necessary to get some action. There are docks, piers and shorelines that allow opportunities to cast and have a reasonable chance at having something bite.

For the latest tips, visit A&K Bait & Tackle in Marinette or North Shore Bait in Oconto. When in Door County, Howie’s Tackle & Archery is the place to stop. Howie’s, Algoma BP, Kewaunee BP, and Yacht Works Kewaunee all have salmon and trout gear as well as tickets for the 44th annual Kewaunee/Door County Salmon Tournament (July 10-19).

Pick up a copy of the 2026-2027 fishing regulations wherever licenses are sold, or find online at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/regulations.

Fight the bite

A warm, wet spring has provided ideal conditions for biting insects like mosquitoes and ticks.

Bites from bugs can be more than just an annoyance. Deer ticks can carry Lyme disease, and — while rare — mosquitoes can transmit several viruses.

Staying on trails reduces the likelihood of encountering ticks. When you can’t avoid the wooded, brushy or grassy areas, insect repellents can be used. For skin, the Department of Natural Resources recommends DEET (20-30 percent), Picardin (10-20 percent), IR3535 (15–20 percent) or oil of lemon eucalyptus (30-40 percent). Stronger concentrations of DEET and permethrin can also be used to treat clothes, shoes and gear.

Even if you’ve used repellents, it’s a good idea to heck yourself, others and pets for ticks daily. Take a bath or shower after spending time afield to make sure there are no hitchhikers.

If you find a tick, don’t squeeze, crush, burn or puncture its body. Instead, simply use a tweezers and gently but firmly pull it out. Clean the bite site with rubbing alcohol, then monitor for flu-like symptoms. Learn more at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/tick/bite-prevention.htm.

Disabled deer hunt

Landowners who are interested in sponsoring a gun deer hunt for hunters with disabilities have until July 1 to apply via an online portal. You can fill out an application at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/disdeer.

That same website allows eligible hunters with disability permits to learn more about a potential opportunity to participate on private land enrolled in the special hunt.

The regular gun deer hunt for hunters with disabilities statewide takes place the same weekend as the youth gun deer hunt, Oct. 10-11 this year. During those days, eligible hunters can hunt on public land or property they have permission without the need to have enrolled.
Those who enroll can hunt Oct. 3-9 on property that is sponsored and enrolled in the program. The sponsor list will be available July 15, and eligible hunters have until Sept. 15 to sign up on available properties.

Stay safe on water

Whether fishing from shore or in a boat, kayak or canoe, plan for safe outings while enjoying the water.

Always wear a properly-fitted life jacket that has a snug fit and is fastened when you’re on or near the water. Life jackets will keep you floating if you walk off an unexpected drop-off, a wave or current overpowers you, or you fall out of a boat.

Stay sober, too. Alcohol blurs a person’s judgment, reaction time and abilities. Watch out for sandbars, boulders, logs and other unseen dangers.

Finally, keep an eye on the weather and let someone know where you are going.