A Proud Fishing Heritage
Long before Green Bay became known for paper and football, it was a fishing community. The bay of Green Bay and the surrounding waters of Lake Michigan have supported commercial fishing for centuries, providing whitefish, yellow perch, lake trout, and other species to families and markets throughout the Midwest. Fishing villages along the Door Peninsula and the lakeshore still carry on this tradition today.
Fish is central to Wisconsin culture, from the beloved Friday fish fry to the Door County fish boil. Modern fishery companies combine traditional techniques with sustainable practices, while innovative aquaculture farms are bringing fresh, locally raised fish to consumers year-round.
How We Selected These Fishery Companies
We evaluated commercial fisheries, smokehouses, fish markets, and aquaculture operations based on quality, sustainability, heritage, reputation, and their connection to the Green Bay region and Wisconsin waters.
The Top 10 Fishery Companies Serving Green Bay
1. Hickey Bros. Fisheries
Based in Baileys Harbor on the Door Peninsula, Hickey Bros. Fisheries is a multi-generation commercial fishing family harvesting Lake Michigan whitefish. Its fresh catch supplies restaurants, markets, and fish boils throughout Northeast Wisconsin.
2. Charlie's Smokehouse
Located in Gills Rock at the tip of the Door Peninsula, Charlie's Smokehouse is known for smoked whitefish, salmon, and trout prepared using traditional methods. Its smoked fish and spreads are favorites among locals and visitors.
3. Bearcat's Fish House
Bearcat's Fish House in Ellison Bay offers smoked fish, fresh fillets, and specialty fish products. Its family-run approach and authentic flavors have earned it a loyal following.
4. Henriksen Fisheries
Henriksen Fisheries in Ellison Bay is a long-standing commercial fishing operation supplying fresh whitefish to restaurants and markets. It plays a key role in keeping the Door County fish boil tradition alive.
5. Susie Q Fish Market
Located in Two Rivers along the Lake Michigan shoreline, Susie Q Fish Market is a beloved family fish market offering fresh and smoked fish, including whitefish, chubs, and salmon. Its products reflect generations of lakeshore fishing expertise.
6. Bodin Fisheries
Bodin Fisheries in Bayfield is a historic commercial fishing and fish processing business on Lake Superior. Its whitefish, lake trout, and herring are prized throughout Wisconsin, including in Green Bay markets.
7. Rushing Waters Fisheries
Rushing Waters Fisheries in southern Wisconsin raises rainbow trout in spring-fed ponds. Its fresh and smoked trout products are available in markets and restaurants across the state.
8. Superior Fresh
Superior Fresh in Northfield operates one of the largest indoor aquaponics facilities in the world, raising Atlantic salmon and growing leafy greens. Its sustainable model offers fresh, locally raised salmon to Midwest consumers.
9. Nelson and Pade
Nelson and Pade, based in Montello, is a pioneer in aquaponics systems and education. Its technology and training help farmers, schools, and entrepreneurs raise fish and produce sustainably.
10. Wisconsin Aquaculture Association
The Wisconsin Aquaculture Association represents fish farmers across the state, promoting best practices, education, and market development. Its members supply fish for food, stocking, and bait throughout Northeast Wisconsin.
Trends in Wisconsin Fisheries
Sustainability is a top priority for Great Lakes fisheries. Commercial harvests are carefully managed through quotas and monitoring to protect fish populations. Invasive species and changing water conditions present challenges, prompting fisheries to work closely with researchers and regulators.
Aquaculture and aquaponics are growing rapidly, providing a reliable supply of fresh fish regardless of season. Consumers increasingly value traceability, local sourcing, and responsibly harvested seafood, creating opportunities for Wisconsin fisheries to differentiate their products.
How to Choose Quality Local Fish
When buying fish, look for clear eyes, firm flesh, and a fresh, mild aroma. Ask where and when the fish was caught or raised. Supporting local fisheries and fish markets ensures fresher products, supports regional jobs, and helps preserve Wisconsin's fishing heritage. Restaurants can enhance their menus by featuring Great Lakes whitefish and perch sourced from regional fisheries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are most popular in Green Bay?
Yellow perch, whitefish, walleye, and lake trout are local favorites. Perch and walleye are fish fry staples, while whitefish stars in the traditional Door County fish boil and is often smoked.
Is Great Lakes fish sustainable?
Great Lakes commercial fisheries are regulated through quotas, licensing, and scientific monitoring. Choosing fish from licensed regional fisheries supports responsible harvest and local fishing families.
What is a fish boil?
A fish boil is a Door County tradition where whitefish, potatoes, and onions are cooked in a large kettle over an open fire, finished with a dramatic boil-over that removes excess oils before serving.
Final Thoughts
From Door County fishing families to cutting-edge aquaponics farms, Wisconsin's fishery companies provide fresh, flavorful fish that defines regional cuisine. These ten companies represent the heritage, quality, and innovation that make the Green Bay area a special place for seafood lovers.
Many Green Bay families also enjoy fishing themselves, from ice fishing on the bay during winter to summer trips for walleye and perch, which deepens local appreciation for fresh fish.