Root River - Franklin - Wisconsin
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Root River – Franklin - Water Flow Chart
Root River – Franklin - Weather report & radar
Root River – Franklin - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Mid-day | 16-20 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| February | Midges | Mid-day | 16-20 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| March | Midges | Mid-day | 16-20 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Early Stones | Mornings & Evenings | 12-16 | Stimulator, Bitch Creek | |
| April | Blue Winged Olives | Mornings & Evenings | 18-20 | Pheasant Tail Nymph, WD40 |
| Midges | Mid-day | 16-20 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge | |
| Little Black Caddis | Evenings | 18-22 | X-Caddis, Elk Hair Caddis | |
| May | Blue Winged Olives | Mornings & Evenings | 16-20 | Pheasant Tail Nymph, WD40 |
| Little Black Caddis | Evenings | 18-22 | X-Caddis, Elk Hair Caddis | |
| Hendricksons | Afternoons & Evenings | 12-14 | Hendrickson, Red Quill | |
| June | Sulphurs | Afternoons & Evenings | 14-18 | Sulphur Parachute, Light Cahill |
| Light Cahills | Evenings | 12-14 | Light Cahill, Sulphur Parachute | |
| Green Drakes | Evenings | 8-10 | Green Drake, Coffin Fly | |
| July | Sulphurs | Afternoons & Evenings | 14-18 | Sulphur Parachute, Light Cahill |
| Terrestrials | All Day | 10-16 | Ant Patterns, Beetle Patterns | |
| August | Terrestrials | All Day | 10-16 | Ant Patterns, Beetle Patterns |
| Tricos | Early Morning | 20-24 | Trico Spinner, Trico Dun | |
| September | Terrestrials | All Day | 10-16 | Ant Patterns, Beetle Patterns |
| Tricos | Early Morning | 20-24 | Trico Spinner, Trico Dun | |
| Blue Winged Olives | Mornings & Evenings | 18-20 | Pheasant Tail Nymph, WD40 | |
| October | Blue Winged Olives | Mornings & Evenings | 18-20 | Pheasant Tail Nymph, WD40 |
| November | Midges | Mid-day | 16-20 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| December | Midges | Mid-day | 16-20 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
Root River – Franklin Access Points
The Root River, running through Franklin, is a popular spot for fly-fishing enthusiasts. Take note of the best access points:
- Lincoln Park: A tastefully planned area with an array of fishing spots. Easy public access makes it one of the most favored starting points.
- Quarry Park: Located further upstream, this spot offers tranquil settings, perfect for fly fishing. Be prepared for a bit of a hike to access the river though.
- Root River Parkway: Accessible off of 92nd street, it provides ample space for casting without worrying about any obstacles.
- Colonial Park: Offers a good stretch of the river and isn’t overcrowded. There’s a bit of walking involved to reach the best spots.
- Horlick Dam: Downstream of the Root River system, it’s a promising place to catch some trout or salmon.
Root River – Franklin Fishing Spots
The Root River in Franklin is a fantastic location offering various spots for fly fishing. If you’re looking to plan your next adventure, these are the ideal spots:
Quarry Park
- Known for its crystal clear waters and abundance of brown trout.
- Plenty of shaded areas perfect for hot summer days.
- River bends provide excellent spots to catch brook and rainbow trout.
- This spot has plenty of elbow room for fly casting.
- The stretch between Rapids Drive and the Horlick Dam is excellent for salmon and steelhead.
- Offers calm and shallow waters ideal for beginners.
- Surrounded by lush greenery providing a serene atmosphere.
- Great spot for large brown trout and occasional coho salmon during the fall run.
Root River – Franklin Local Fish Species
- Chinook Salmon: Also known as King salmon, they are the largest of all salmon species and a popular catch in the Root River.
- Brown Trout: Known for their strong fight, these are one of the most targeted fish by fly fishermen on the Root River.
- Rainbow Trout: Famous for their vibrant coloration and strong, aggressive fights, these fish are a favorite among anglers.
- Brook Trout: They are best known for their beauty and are an exciting catch for any angler.
- Steelhead Trout: They are a sea-run form of Rainbow Trout and provide a great challenge for fly fishermen due to their size and strength.
- Coho Salmon: They are smaller than Chinook Salmon but are still a popular catch due to their aggressive fights.
- White Sucker: A common freshwater fish, they are often taken for granted but provide a fun catch for any angler.
- Northern Pike: Known for their aggression and power, these fish provide a great challenge for fishermen.
About the Root River – Franklin
The Root River is an impressive natural beauty that snakes its way through the city of Franklin, Wisconsin. Named by Potawatomi Native American tribes who translated it as “River of Roots”, this stunning waterway emits an enchanting history.
It played a critical role in developing Wisconsin’s early industry. Think towering gristmills, utilizing the river’s power for grinding grain. This ignited a flow of prosperity in the booming grain market.
- In the 1830s, the river’s rapid water flow attracted settlers to establish gristmills and sawmills.
- By the 1840s, the fertile lands around the river produced enough wheat to make Wisconsin the nation’s leading grain producer.
- Fast forward to modern times, the Rhode Opera House is a historical gem located near the river’s basin, offering the perfect dose of culture and history.
Today, the river offers ample opportunities for recreational activities like kayaking, fishing, and nature walks. The Root River truly is the heart of Franklin’s ever-unfolding story.
Community Contributions
Be part of the fishing community!
No updates submitted for this river.
