Litte Menomonee River - Milwaukee - Wisconsin
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Litte Menomonee River – Milwaukee - Water Flow Chart
Litte Menomonee River – Milwaukee - Weather report & radar
Litte Menomonee River – Milwaukee - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Midday | #18-#24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Winter Stoneflies | Midday | #14-#18 | Black Stonefly Nymph | |
| February | Midges | Midday | #18-#24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Winter Stoneflies | Midday | #14-#18 | Black Stonefly Nymph | |
| March | Blue Winged Olive | Midday | #18-#20 | BWO Dry Fly, Pheasant Tail Nymph |
| Little Black Caddis | Late Afternoon | #18-#20 | Elk Hair Caddis (Black) | |
| April | Blue Winged Olive | Midday | #16-#18 | BWO Dry Fly |
| Little Black Caddis | Late Afternoon | #16-#18 | Elk Hair Caddis (Black) | |
| May | Sulphurs | Evening | #16-#18 | Sulphur Dry Fly |
| Caddis | Late Afternoon | #14-#16 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| June | Light Cahills | Evening | #14-#16 | Light Cahill Dry Fly |
| Caddis | Late Afternoon | #14-#16 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| July | Terrestrials | All Day | #10-#16 | Ants, Beetles, Grasshoppers |
| Tricos | Early Morning | #20-#24 | Trico Spinner | |
| August | Terrestrials | All Day | #10-#16 | Ants, Beetles, Grasshoppers |
| Tricos | Early Morning | #20-#24 | Trico Spinner | |
| September | Blue Winged Olive | Midday-Evening | #18-#20 | BWO Dry Fly |
| Terrestrials | All Day | #10-#16 | Ants, Beetles, Grasshoppers | |
| October | Blue Winged Olive | Midday-Evening | #18-#20 | BWO Dry Fly |
| October Caddis | Late Afternoon | #10-#14 | Elk Hair Caddis (Orange) | |
| November | Midges | Midday | #18-#24 | Zebra Midge |
| Blue Winged Olive | Midday | #18-#20 | BWO Dry Fly | |
| December | Midges | Midday | #18-#24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Winter Stoneflies | Midday | #14-#18 | Black Stonefly Nymph |
Litte Menomonee River – Milwaukee Access Points
Little Menomonee River in Milwaukee offers an abundance of fly fishing opportunities. Here are the best access points:
- Fairy Chasm Road: This location is considered ideal for fly fishers, providing easy access to the river’s waters.
- Lime Kiln Park: Located off of Green Bay Avenue, it features a wide river access point and is also home to many species of fish.
- Mill Road: Accessed off of West Mill Road, this location offers fruitful fishing holes where anglers can leisurely cast their lines.
- County Line Road: Providing ample shoreline, it’s a favorite among local anglers due to its easy accessibility and diversity of fish species.
- Mequon Road Bridge: One can find a variety of species around this access point, providing a challenging but rewarding fishing experience.
- You can generally park along the road near these access points, but always check for any parking restrictions and respect private property.
- Local regulations may apply, so it’s always best practice to check with the Department of Natural Resources before you go.
Litte Menomonee River – Milwaukee Fishing Spots
The Little Menomonee River in Milwaukee offers a host of optimal spots for fly fishing aficionados.
- In the Water Stone Bank area, trout are abundant, making it a preferred spot for most anglers.
- The Granville section of the river provides a serene environment, favoring a calm day of fly fishing.
- At the Pilgrim Road crossing, deeper pockets of water hold larger, more challenging catches.
- The falls near the Malls can be great places to fish in spring, when the trout are most active.
- The area near the Dretzka Park Golf Course also provides plentiful aquatic vegetation for trout to thrive.
Litte Menomonee River – Milwaukee Local Fish Species
- Brown Trout: One of the most elusive and prized catches for fly fishermen in Little Menomonee River.
- Rainbow Trout: Known for their acrobatic leaps and hard fighting, making them an exciting target for fly fishing.
- Brook Trout: Native to Milwaukee waters, they are often found in cold, spring-fed streams.
- American Eel: Though not a typical target for fly fisherman, they do reside in the Little Menomonee River and offer a distinct challenge.
- White Sucker: Commonly found in the Little Menomonee River, they present an easy target for beginners to the sport.
- Smallmouth Bass: An exciting target for fly fisherman, due to their aggressive behavior and strength.
- Walleye: Known for their elusive nature, contributing to the thrill of the chase for fly fishermen.
- Northern Pike: A highly aggressive species and large in size, presenting a formidable challenge for even experienced fly fishermen.
About the Litte Menomonee River – Milwaukee
The Little Menomonee River is a striking natural feature of Milwaukee, brimming with a fascinating history. Once used by Native American tribes, particularly the Menominee, the river was crucial for survival – providing fish for food and routes for trade and travel.
Throughout the 19th century, settlers leveraged the river’s power for flour and sawmills, stimulating Milwaukee’s growing industry. However, this industrialization unfortunately led to environmental damage and the need for the river’s restoration became apparent.
- 1910-1920: The river underwent massive clean-up efforts to restore its natural beauty and wildlife.
- 1970: The Little Menomonee River became a focus of the Clean Water Act, resulting in further restoration endeavors.
Today, this little but mighty river stands as a testament to Milwaukee’s past, a symbol of resilience, and a key aspect of the city’s natural landscape, enjoyed for fishing, boating, and serene walks along its banks.
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