You Catch it, They Cook it: Water-to-Table Fishing in Wisconsin
The “water-to-table” dining experience is making waves with foodies and fishing enthusiasts. The concept is simple. You reel it in. Restaurant chefs cook it up. It can’t get any fresher than that!
Here are some restaurants that offer this unique meal during fishing season, along with charter services waiting to help you fill your platter. It’s a fun way to dine and celebrate a great day of fishing.
Palmyra
Rushing Waters Fishery and The Trout House
Nestled on 80 acres of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, the trout farm and restaurant provide a tranquil fishing and culinary experience.
It's open year-round, and no fishing license is required. Poles, bait and cleaning are included.
The Shore lunch menu, offered Wednesday through Saturday, features your fresh-caught rainbow trout (battered and fried or pan seared), seasonal vegetables, potato pancakes and applesauce.
Kenosha
This lakefront spot has a dock for boats and plenty of outdoor/indoor seating for gazing at the water. The chef will prepare up to one pound of fish per person, serving it fried, blackened, or lemon pepper broiled. Fries and coleslaw come as sides.
Owned by U.S. Coast Guard-licensed Capt. Rich Tanner, the service offers two sport fishing boats and welcomes beginners. Fishing for salmon and trout is their full-time business.
Kenosha Charter Boat Association
Located in the Simmons Island Marina, the service employs more than ten USCG-licensed captains, providing charters to groups of all sizes.
Port Washington
Located in the picturesque Port Washington Marina, the charter service offers four large, clean and fully-equipped boats. Their USCG licensed captains have more than 90 years of collective experience.
Oconto
Located on the banks of the historic Oconto River on the bay of Green Bay, this favorite area eatery offers its “You Catch, We Cook” option for local anglers and charter boat guests. The chef prepares and seasons your catch as you prefer it. Potato and coleslaw is included. A fish-cleaning station is on-site if needed.
USCG-licensed Capt. Steven Paulsen has been fishing for walleyes for 25 years and is an avid fishing tournament competitor. He loves to share his techniques on how to catch the monster walleye.
Baileys Harbor
The Gordon Lodge & Top Deck Restaurant and Bar
Captivating guests for more than 80 years, this resort is tucked away on quiet peninsula between North Bay and Lake Michigan. The restaurant prepares six tantalizing entrees featuring your catch, including a broiled salmon with Door County cherry barbecue sauce. Your fish comes with the starch of the day and a seasonal vegetable. Lunch is a grilled fresh catch on a toasted bun with homemade tartar sauce and coleslaw.
Explore more farm-to-table dining experiences at Wisconsin's pizza farms!
