Door County Sees Boost in Ice Fishing Conditions

Recent wintry weather has led to 20 inches of ice on Green Bay, providing a strong start to the season.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 7:23pm

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After three less than average seasons, ice fishing guide JJ Malvitz says 2026 is off to a great start in Door County, with about 20 inches of ice on the Bay of Green Bay. The Port of Green Bay has suspended shipping for the season, giving ice anglers confidence to get out on the water. Malvitz offers fishing trips to anglers looking to catch whitefish in 60-100 feet of water, with each person allowed to keep 10 whitefish. Anglers are enjoying the camaraderie and the easy fishing, though experts warn that no ice is ever considered 100% safe.

Why it matters

Door County is a popular destination for ice fishing, but the past few seasons have seen less than ideal ice conditions. This year's strong start to the season is welcome news for the local economy and outdoor enthusiasts who rely on a robust ice fishing season.

The details

Ice fishing guide JJ Malvitz says the recent Arctic temperatures have led to 20 inches of high-quality ice on the Bay of Green Bay, a significant improvement over the past three seasons. Malvitz offers guided trips to anglers looking to catch whitefish in 60-100 feet of water, with each person allowed to keep 10 whitefish. Anglers are enjoying the camaraderie and the relative ease of catching the whitefish, though experts warn that no ice is ever considered 100% safe.

  • The Port of Green Bay has recently suspended shipping for the season.
  • The past three seasons have seen less than average ice conditions in Door County.

The players

JJ Malvitz

Owner of JJ's Guide Service, an ice fishing guide service in Door County.

Kyle Sheehy

A Sturgeon Bay resident who is fishing for whitefish on the ice for the first time in about eight years.

Pat Fuge

A Sturgeon Bay resident who is enjoying the camaraderie and ease of catching whitefish with the help of a guide.

Justin Alexander

A guide who demonstrated the proper technique for getting whitefish out of the hole and onto the surface.

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What they’re saying

“We're sitting on about 20 inches of ice right now, and it's really good ice conditions across the Bay of Green Bay. Just recently the Port of Green Bay announced that they've suspended shipping for the season. So it's really giving a lot of ice anglers a lot of confidence to get out there.”

— JJ Malvitz, Owner, JJ's Guide Service

“It's the first time that I've been out in probably eight years. The ice hasn't been great, so it's great to get back out here, and catch a little whitefish.”

— Kyle Sheehy

“We enjoy that camaraderie that we're out here. And they're pretty easy fish to catch, when we've got a great guide working for us. But they're good eaters, so it's a lot of fun.”

— Pat Fuge

What’s next

Experts warn that no ice is ever considered 100% safe, and advise anglers to take precautions like bringing a charged cell phone and informing others of their whereabouts before venturing out.

The takeaway

This year's strong start to the ice fishing season in Door County is welcome news for the local economy and outdoor enthusiasts, after several less than ideal seasons. The combination of ample ice coverage and the return of anglers eager to enjoy the camaraderie and easy fishing for whitefish suggests a promising season ahead.