With over 300 miles of shoreline, there are plenty of places to launch your kayak in Door County whether chasing smallmouth bass or just out for a fun time paddling on our beautiful Green Bay or Lake Michigan.  

I won’t have space to list all the launches, but this should get you started.  I suggest you do some exploring and take advantage of Google Maps.   One of the best and there are dozens of these up and down the peninsula, are roads that dead-end at the water.  The key to any of these launch points is making sure your vehicle is off the road when you park.  

Throughout the county, there are many public and private boat launches that if you are using a kayak trailer you can launch by just paying the fee.   I’ve used the launches in Ellison Bay and on both North Bay and Moonlight Bay.  For Sturgeon Bay, I’ve used the launch at Sunset Park, and on a couple of occasions with the kayak on my vehicle, I’ve launched off the beach.   Launching at beaches is a great place, but usually, best on weekdays or before the crowds show up on weekends.  Other good beaches to launch are Otumba Park, Murphy Park, and public beaches in most communities.  For the more secluded Rowleys Bay and Mink River, there’s a nice kayak launch next to the fishing pier.  And, as you’d expect both Potawatomi and Peninsula State Parks have kayak specific launches and plenty of parking.  

There are beautiful scenery and plenty of water birds to view when paddling from virtually any launch point in Door County.  You might even get lucky and spot an eagle soaring over the water or above the trees.   Three weeks ago, Becky and I had the thrill of hearing the haunting call and then seeing a pair of Loons on Lake Michigan just east of Sturgeon Bay.  For you smallmouth bass anglers, many of the launches I mentioned, and you will discover can put you onto some very good spots to catch and ideally release those smallies.  As you all know I love chasing smallies and the excitement level ratchets up when in your kayak.

It’s the perfect time of the year to get out in your kayak and enjoy Door County!  As always, if you have any kayak or kayak fishing questions email me at kayakfishingwisconsin@gmail.com