What Kewaunee County Park offers

Kewaunee County Park sits on the Lake Michigan shoreline in the village of Kewaunee, about 40 miles north of Green Bay. The park is a working waterfront with a public boat launch, fishing pier, and sandy beach access—all free to use. The main draw for anglers is the pier and nearshore waters, which hold walleye, perch, and lake trout depending on the season. The park also has a small campground with about 30 sites, picnic areas, and a playground, making it a practical base for a Lake Michigan fishing trip rather than a destination park on its own.

The park's real value lies in its location. Kewaunee Harbor is a working commercial fishing port, and the public facilities sit alongside active docks. This means the water is productive—commercial boats work these waters year-round—but also that the park itself is modest and sometimes busy with truck traffic. If you want a quiet retreat, this is not it. If you want to fish Lake Michigan without a boat or expensive charter, this is one of the few places in Wisconsin where you can do it from shore.

Key Takeaways

  • The public fishing pier is open year-round and requires no permit; walleye and perch are most common in spring and fall, lake trout in winter.
  • The boat launch is free and suitable for small to medium boats; the harbor can be rough in wind, so check conditions before launching.
  • Camping is available April through October at roughly $20 to $30 per night; sites are first-come, first-served and fill quickly on weekends.
  • Kewaunee is a commercial fishing port, so expect working boats, noise, and limited privacy—plan for a functional fishing trip, not a wilderness experience.

Fishing seasons and what to expect

Spring (April through May) is the strongest season for walleye and perch from the pier. Water temperatures climb into the 40s and 50s, and both species move into shallower water to feed. Perch are the most reliable catch—they school heavily and will take small jigs or live minnows. Walleye bite best at dawn and dusk. Expect crowds on weekends; the pier is narrow and fills up quickly.

Summer (June through August) is slower for pier fishing. Lake trout move deeper as surface water warms, and walleye become scattered. Many anglers switch to the boat launch and fish offshore, or they fish the pier at night when walleye feed. Perch remain catchable but are less concentrated than in spring.

Fall (September through October) brings another strong bite. Walleye and perch move back into shallower water as the lake cools. Lake trout also become more active. This is the second-best season after spring, and the weather is often more stable than in spring. Water temperatures drop into the 50s and 40s by late October.

Winter (November through March) is for lake trout and hardy anglers. The pier remains open, but ice can form on it and conditions are harsh. Lake trout bite through the winter in the deeper water just offshore. A boat is more practical than the pier in winter, but some anglers fish the pier in calmer conditions. Check the forecast before you go.

Boat launch and nearshore fishing

The public launch is a single-lane concrete ramp at the north end of the park, maintained by Kewaunee County. It is free and open year-round during daylight hours. The ramp is suitable for boats up to about 25 feet, though larger boats can launch if conditions are calm. Parking for trailers is limited—there are roughly 15 to 20 spaces—so arrive early on weekends or plan a weekday trip.

Kewaunee Harbor can be rough in wind. Lake Michigan is a big water, and a 15-knot wind can make the harbor entrance choppy and the nearshore waters uncomfortable for small boats. Check the National Weather Service forecast and the harbor conditions before you launch. Local bait shops near the park can tell you what the water looked like that morning.

Nearshore fishing (within a mile of shore) is productive for walleye, perch, and lake trout. Most boats fish depths of 20 to 60 feet depending on the season. Walleye congregate around structure—drop-offs, rocky areas, and old pier pilings. Perch school in shallower water, often 15 to 30 feet. Lake trout prefer deeper, cooler water and are most reliable in fall and winter. A GPS and a fish finder are nearly essential for consistent success.

Camping and facilities

The campground has about 30 sites, most with electric hookups. Sites are first-come, first-served; there is no online reservation system. Nightly rates are roughly $20 to $30 depending on whether you choose a site with electricity. The campground is open April through October; winter camping is not available. Facilities include a bathhouse with showers, a dump station, and picnic tables at each site.

The campground fills quickly on summer weekends and holiday weekends. If you plan to camp in July or August, arrive by Friday morning or plan a weekday stay. Spring and fall weekends are less crowded but still busy. The park does not hold sites by phone, so you must arrive in person to claim a spot.

Beyond camping, the park has a sandy beach suitable for swimming, a playground, and picnic areas with grills. The beach is not monitored by lifeguards. The park is also home to a fish cleaning station, which is useful if you plan to keep your catch.

Regulations and what you need to bring

Wisconsin fishing regulations apply. You need a current Wisconsin fishing license to fish from the pier or boat. Licenses are available online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website, at bait shops in Kewaunee, or at many sporting goods stores. A daily license costs less than a full-season license if you are visiting for just a few days.

Walleye, perch, and lake trout all have size and bag limits that change year to year. Check the current Wisconsin fishing regulations before you fish. Lake trout have special rules—some waters have slot limits or catch-and-release-only periods. The DNR website has the details for Lake Michigan.

Bring your own tackle, bait, and equipment. There is no bait shop at the park itself, but Kewaunee has several shops within a few miles. Live minnows, shiners, and crawlers are standard for walleye and perch. Lake trout respond to spoons, tube jigs, and live bait. Bring more tackle than you think you will need—the rocky bottom and structure near Kewaunee can snag and break lines.

How to get there and what to know before you go

Kewaunee County Park is in the village of Kewaunee on Highway 42, about 40 miles north of Green Bay and 30 miles south of Sturgeon Bay. From Green Bay, take Highway 41 north to Highway 29 east, then Highway 42 north into Kewaunee. The park is well-signed from the highway. Parking is free and plentiful except on busy summer weekends.

Cell service is reliable in the village but can be spotty on the water. Bring a paper map or download offline maps if you plan to boat. The nearest hospital is in Sturgeon Bay, about 30 miles away. Kewaunee has a grocery store, gas station, and several restaurants, so you can resupply without leaving the area.

The park is exposed to Lake Michigan weather. Wind and waves can change quickly. If you are boating, wear a life jacket, carry a radio, and file a float plan with someone on shore. The water temperature is cold year-round—even in summer it rarely exceeds 65 degrees—so a wetsuit or survival suit is wise if you plan to spend hours on the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish the pier without a boat?

Yes. The public fishing pier is open year-round and is the main shore-fishing option at the park. You need a Wisconsin fishing license, but no permit or fee to use the pier itself. Spring and fall are the best seasons for walleye and perch from the pier. The pier can be crowded on weekends, especially in spring.

What is the best time of year to fish Kewaunee?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are the strongest seasons. Walleye and perch move into shallower water and bite reliably. Summer is slower from shore, though boats can find fish offshore. Winter is for lake trout and experienced anglers only.

Do I need a boat to fish here?

No. The pier is productive and requires no boat. However, a boat opens up more water and deeper fish, especially in summer and winter. If you do not have a boat, the pier and beach access are your main options.

Is the campground open year-round?

No. The campground is open April through October. Winter camping is not available. Sites are first-come, first-served and fill quickly on weekends, so arrive early or plan a weekday stay.

What should I bring for a day trip?

Bring a Wisconsin fishing license, tackle suited to walleye and perch (small jigs, live minnows), sunscreen, and layers—Lake Michigan weather changes fast. If you plan to boat, bring a life jacket, radio, and a map. Bait shops in Kewaunee can supply live minnows and other tackle if you do not want to bring your own.