Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Kinnickinnic River - at S. 11th St - Wisconsin

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Midges Warmest part of day #20-#24 Zebra Midge, Griffith's Gnat
Winter Stoneflies Midday #16-#20 Black Stonefly Nymph
February Midges Warmest part of day #20-#24 Zebra Midge, Griffith's Gnat
Winter Stoneflies Midday #16-#20 Black Stonefly Nymph
March Early Black Stoneflies Midday #14-#18 Black Stonefly Nymph, Adult Patterns
Blue Winged Olives Overcast days, Midday-Afternoon #18-#20 BWO Dry Fly, Emerger Patterns
April Blue Winged Olives Midday-Afternoon #16-#20 BWO Dry Fly, Emerger Patterns
Caddis Late Afternoon-Evening #14-#18 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
May Mayflies (Various) Midday-Evening #12-#16 Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph
Caddis Afternoon-Evening #12-#16 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
June Mayflies (Various) Midday-Evening #12-#16 Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph
Terrestrials All day #10-#14 Ant Patterns, Hopper Patterns
July Terrestrials All day #10-#14 Ant Patterns, Hopper Patterns, Beetle Patterns
Tricos Early Morning #20-#24 Trico Spinner, Trico Dun
August Terrestrials All day #10-#14 Ant Patterns, Hopper Patterns, Beetle Patterns
Tricos Early Morning #20-#24 Trico Spinner, Trico Dun
September Terrestrials All day #10-#14 Ant Patterns, Hopper Patterns, Beetle Patterns
Blue Winged Olives Overcast days, Midday-Afternoon #18-#22 BWO Dry Fly, Emerger Patterns
October Blue Winged Olives Overcast days, Midday-Afternoon #18-#22 BWO Dry Fly, Emerger Patterns
Midges Warmest part of day #20-#24 Zebra Midge, Griffith's Gnat
November Midges Warmest part of day #20-#24 Zebra Midge, Griffith's Gnat
Winter Stoneflies Midday #16-#20 Black Stonefly Nymph
December Midges Warmest part of day #20-#24 Zebra Midge, Griffith's Gnat
Winter Stoneflies Midday #16-#20 Black Stonefly Nymph

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

Fly fishing on the Kinnickinnic River, fondly known as “the Kinni,” offers a number of excellent hotspots, several of which can be found near S. 11th St. These include:

  • State Park Area: Located on the state park’s grounds, this area is home to a large number of trout and offers a beautiful, serene setting.
  • River Falls Junction: Right at the intersection of S. 11th St., this spot offers excellent fishing positions along the riverbank and large numbers of fish.
  • Kinnickinnic State Park: An well-preserved natural area, the state park section of the river makes for an fantastic fly fishing spot.
  • Terminus of S. 11th St: At the very end of S. 11th St., where it meets the river, you’ll find an excellent spot with plenty of fish.

Remember, the Kinni is catch-and-release, so be sure to respect local regulations and the river’s ecosystem.

Best Access Points

The Kinnickinnic River is a popular destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. The best access point on this urban waterway is at S. 11th St.
  • Public Parking: Ample public parking is available near the access point ensuring easy access to the fishing spot.
  • Great Fish Variety: The River is known for its thriving population of Brown Trout and fishing is excellent throughout the year.
  • Picnic Areas: There are picnic tables and green spaces near the river bank for an enjoyable outdoor experience.
  • Nearby Amenities: This location is surrounded by eateries and shops, allowing fishers to acquire any necessary supplies conveniently.
  • Well maintained: The area is always well kept, with regular pollution control checks and cleaning.
Remember to adhere to all fishing regulations and enjoy a fun-filled day of fly fishing on the Kinnickinnic River!

Local Fish

  • Brown Trout – The brown trout is a common target for fly fishers. This species prefers cooler waters and can be found throughout the year in the Kinnickinnic River.
  • Brook Trout – Being native to Wisconsin, Brook Trout are often targeted by fly fishers. They are particularly attracted to artificial flies.
  • Rainbow Trout – The Rainbow Trout, known for its vibrant colors and fighting spirit, makes for a great challenge for fly fishers.
  • Cutthroat Trout – Although not as commonly found as other species, fly fishers may still manage to catch a Cutthroat Trout, prized for their unique ‘cutthroat’ marking.
  • Whitefish – In addition to trout, Whitefish are also found in the Kinnickinnic River. Their taste makes them a popular target among fly fishers.
  • Smallmouth Bass – Smallmouth Bass make for an exciting catch due to their size and fighting spirit. They are a popular target among both novice and seasoned fly fishers.
  • Northern Pike – The Northern Pike is a common predatory fish found in the Kinnickinnic River. It is a challenging target for fly fishers because of its voracious appetites.
  • Walleye – A versatile species often found in the Kinnickinnic River, the Walleye provides fly fishers an excellent fishing experience due to their cautious nature.

About The River

Meet the Kinnickinnic River, a fascinating member of Milwaukee’s urban landscape. Flowing through the heart of the city, it’s named after the Native American term for what’s mixed and parallels S. 11th St. What makes this river so intriguing?

  • It’s the smallest and most urbanized of the Milwaukee River Basin watershed.
  • Its diverse history spans thousands of years, as it served as a crucial hub for Native American tribes, early settlers, and industrial growth.
  • Despite its size, it has a remarkable capacity to sustain life. From the steelhead trout who visit its waters each spring, to its diverse bird population, the river’s resilience is noteworthy.

Over the years, the river has faced considerable challenges- pollution and waste disposal leading the list. However, thanks to revitalization efforts, it’s slowly regaining its vitality and has become a symbol of urban renewal. Visiting the Kinnickinnic River at S. 11th St. means witnessing the beautiful blend of history, industry, nature, and redemption.

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