Fishing Legacy and History

The Nortons have been guiding on Big Green Lake for four generations. For almost 100 years it has been a family tradition to successfully guide anglers.

John Norton, Mike's great-grandfather, relaxing by Big Green Lake. He was the founder of the Norton fishing guide dynasty.

Mike Norton's grandfather, Joe, rowed fishermen around Big Green Lake and then cooked them a shore lunch on the lake's west end.

Mike's father, Bud, guided fishermen on Big Green Lake for 58 years. He started the ice shanty business in 1946 and pioneered the pontoon fishing boats.

Captain Bud Norton was inducted into the Fishing Hall of Fame in 1984.

Mike Norton grew up immersed in the fishing industry. His early years were dedicated to helping his father, Bud, fishing and guiding. By his late twenties, he was a full-time guide on Big Green Lake, the Fox River, and, for a short time, on Lake Michigan. He continues to pursue the family tradition of guiding anglers with the same passion as those before him.