Commercial Fishing

In the 1800’s fishing tugs were numerous on the Menominee River and the Green Bay waters of the Lake Michigan. There were an estimated 60 to 80 boats working out of the Menominee River Harbor. The waters were full of herring, perch and lake trout. The fish were processed in Marinette and Menominee and then sent to market.

The fishing industry itself was started in the area by American Fur Trading Company which had access to markets worldwide and was very beneficial to the Economy of the area. Menekaunee (east Marinette) was called Fish Town. During the winter months with ice on the river and bay a fishing sail sleigh was used to move the nets and fish. Today these waters are not as great for commercial fishing as they were but have become a great Sports Fishery known throughout the Midwest.

Annual Smelt Run of Days Gone By…..

During the early part of the 1900’s through the 1950’s every year in the spring, usually April, a smelt run would occur on the Menominee River. At the height of the run, a Smelt carnival was held, special trains would run up here from cities throughout state bringing fisherman and their families up to enjoy not only the fishing but the many festivities including parades, selection of a Smelt Queen, smelt wrestling and many a good smelt fry.

In 1934 two fishermen gathered in 4200 pounds of smelt in just 5 hours. In 1938 local fisherman caught over 1000 tons of smelt. By the late 1930’s the Green Bay smelt catch reached 6 million pounds per year. 100’s of tons of smelt were processed and shipped from Menominee and Marinette to parts all over the United States.

View these Displays and much more on your next visit to Marinette Counties Historical Museum!