James Stevens here from Wind Rose North Outfitters. We're only 1 mile from the Menominee River and a block from the Menominee Marina on Green Bay. The water has warmed up to 40° and for the past week I have been targeting Walleye almost every night. I've been fishing the Marinette side of the Hattie street bridge with my Daiwa RG661MXS Walleye Rod and Regal 2500 spinning reel. I like a deep diving husky jerk this time of year. I cast as far as I can and start reeling it in. I give it a few light twitches and pauses that the Walleye just can’t resist.
It’s still pretty cold down out there at night so I recommend you dress in double layers. I like my Simms sweatshirt under my Aftco jacket. I throw some Rain pants over my jeans and have a great pair of Keen Revel boots to keep my feet warm and dry. One of my most valuable items is a pair of Simms Half Finger gloves. Personally I bring 2 pairs for how cold your hands can get while holding your rod.
My best bites are usually from 7:00-8:30pm, after that they still bite just not as much. But it's no secret, so I recommend you get down there a little before 6:30pm or you might not get a spot.
I am extremely happy with how good it's been this year! My favorite lure is the deep diving Rapala Husky Jerk, size HJ-12 in colors Clown and Pink Fire UV. If you don’t like using Husky Jerks you can try a Smithwick Rattlin Rouge or an X-rap XR-10. While clown is a must, it can pay to experiment with other colors - you just might get that next BIG BITE!
If you like to fish, the spring walleye run in the Menominee River is a the perfect tradition to start enjoying with friends and family. Plenty of parking in both Marinette and Menominee.