Ice fishing season in Wisconsin means long, cold hours on the lake, and a good snack can make those hours a lot better. Smoked fish is a classic choice because it travels well, needs no cooking, and pairs easily with crackers and cheese in the shanty.
From the tip of Door County to the shores of Lake Superior and the Milwaukee suburbs, these six fish markets have been keeping Wisconsin coolers full for years. Here is where to stock up on smoked whitefish, trout, salmon, and more before the first hole gets drilled.
1. Charlie’s Smokehouse, Ellison Bay, WI
Way up near the top of the Door Peninsula, a stop on WI-42 has been a smoked fish tradition for a long time. Charlie’s Smokehouse sits at 12731 WI-42 in Ellison Bay, and it keeps the focus right where it belongs.
Traditional smoked fish is the specialty here, with salmon, trout, and whitefish leading the lineup. The whitefish dip is another signature item, and it is an easy one to pack for a day on the ice.
The shop also carries a variety of meats and cheeses, so building a full shanty snack spread takes just one stop. Sampler packages of smoked fish make thoughtful gifts too, especially for Wisconsin transplants who miss the taste of home.
Hours run daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Saturday afternoons tend to be the busiest, so a weekday morning visit usually means a shorter wait.
Call 920-854-2972 with questions before making the drive north.
2. Susie Q Fish Company, Two Rivers, WI
Timing matters at Susie Q Fish Company. Show up at the right moment and the smoked salmon and whitefish might still be hot from the smoker.
This long-standing, family-owned market at 1810 East St in Two Rivers sits in a Lake Michigan fishing town with deep roots in the trade. The shop specializes in high-quality smoked fish along with fresh local seafood.
The smoked selection goes beyond the usual suspects. Trout, herring, and whitefish all share space in the case, which makes it a great spot for anyone who likes a little variety in their ice fishing snack bag.
Weekday hours are 8 AM to 5 PM, with Friday stretching to 5:30 PM and Saturday running 9 AM to 3 PM. The shop is closed Sundays.
Monday mornings and Friday daytime hours can get busy, so plan accordingly. The phone number is 920-794-8434.
3. Bodin Fisheries, Bayfield, WI
Lake Superior is the source here, and the fish does not have to travel far. Bodin Fisheries brings in daily catches of whitefish, lake trout, herring, smelt, and burbot, then sells them as fresh fillets, smoked fish, or frozen.
That lake-to-plate approach makes this Bayfield shop stand out from markets farther south. If you want smoked fish from the same big lake that northern ice anglers know so well, this is the place to grab it.
The flavored smoked salmon deserves a look too. Cajun smoked salmon and maple salmon give you a sweet and spicy option to mix in with the classic whitefish.
The storefront at 208 Wilson Ave has been redesigned, and it makes for an easy stop while exploring town. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with Sundays closed.
Reach the shop at 715-779-3301.
4. Bearcats Fish House – Green Bay, Green Bay, WI
Brown sugar salmon is the item people keep coming back for at Bearcats Fish House. It sits alongside Cajun smoked salmon and regular smoked salmon, giving Green Bay anglers three solid ways to fuel up.
Signature smoked salmon is the star at this Velp Avenue market, but the selection runs deeper. A wide range of fresh fish fills the counter, and a freezer section offers frozen catches to stash for later.
I would save this one for the big stock-up trip before the season opens. You can grab smoked fish for the shanty and frozen fillets for a fish fry at home in one visit.
Find it at 2223 Velp Ave. Hours are 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Thursday, 8 AM to 5:30 PM on Friday, and 9 AM to 2 PM on Saturday. Friday afternoons and Saturdays draw the biggest crowds.
Call 920-434-1636.
5. Schwarz Fish Company, Sheboygan, WI
Some fish markets feel brand new. Schwarz Fish Company is not one of them, and that is exactly the appeal.
This old-fashioned fish house sits right next to the harbor at 828 Riverfront Dr in Sheboygan, and it has been part of the riverfront for a long time. Fresh and smoked fish fill the cases, with the smoked salmon earning plenty of attention.
Prepared dinners are also on offer, which is handy on a busy night after prepping gear. The staff are friendly and easy to talk with about what to pick up.
Hours vary by day, so check before heading over. The shop opens at 8 AM Monday through Thursday, closing at 6 PM Monday and Thursday and at 3 PM Tuesday and Wednesday.
Friday runs 10 AM to 7 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 2 PM, and Sunday is closed. The number is 920-452-0576.
6. Empire Fish Company, Wauwatosa, WI
Milwaukee-area anglers do not have to drive to the lakeshore towns for good smoked fish. Empire Fish Company in Wauwatosa covers that need with a big, well-stocked market.
The shop at 11200 W Watertown Plank Rd offers a wide variety of fresh fish and quality shellfish, plus a strong smoked fish lineup. The Tuscan Garlic smoked salmon is a flavor you will not find at every counter, and it adds a fun twist to a cooler full of classics.
Parking is easy thanks to a free lot. There is no restroom, so plan your stops around that.
Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM, with Sundays closed. Friday afternoons get busy, while Monday evenings are usually quiet.
Call 414-259-1330 before you go.
Wherever you fish this winter, a stop at one of these six markets means a better day on the ice. Grab extra, because smoked fish has a way of disappearing fast once the tip-ups go quiet.
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