Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Menomonee River - Wauwatosa - 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 Nymphs and Midges Morning and late afternoon 16-24 Beatis Nymphs, Zebra Midges
February Nymphs and Midges Morning and late afternoon 16-24 Beatis Nymphs, Zebra Midges
March Blue Wing Olives Early afternoon 18-20 Bar's Emerger Blue Wing Olive
April Blue Wing Olives, Caddis Flies Early afternoon 14-18 Bar's Emerger Blue Wing Olive, Elk Hair Caddis
May Sulphurs, Caddis Flies Early Morning and Evening 14-18 Sparkle Dun Sulphur, Elk Hair Caddis
June Green Drakes, Sulphurs Evening 10-14 Green Drake Parachute, Sparkle Dun Sulphur
July Terrestrial Insects, Tricos Morning and Evening 14-20 Foam Beetles, Trico Parachute
August Terrestrial Insects, Tricos Morning and Evening 14-20 Foam Beetles, Trico Parachute
September Terrestrial Insects, Blue Wing Olives Afternoon and Evening 16-20 Foam Beetles, Bar's Emerger Blue Wing Olive
October Blue Wing Olives Afternoon 18-20 Bar's Emerger Blue Wing Olive
November Nymphs and Midges Morning and late afternoon 16-24 Beatis Nymphs, Zebra Midges
December Nymphs and Midges Morning and late afternoon 16-24 Beatis Nymphs, Zebra Midges

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

The Menomonee River in Wauwatosa is a great place for fly fishing, featuring both easy access points for beginners and more challenging spots for seasoned anglers. Here are some of the best spots:

  • State Street Bridge: This spot offers a deep pool and easy access, ideal for beginners. Water clarity is good here, important for spotting fish.
  • Hoyt Park: A popular area with decent water depth. Wading is possible in sections, creating opportunities to cast for trout and smallmouth bass.
  • Harwood Avenue: This section is a local favorite with rocky banks and moderate currents, attracting various species including pike and walleye.
  • Below Mayfair Road: An underrated spot, often less crowded. Suitable for fly fishing from the banks or wading, with a variety of common gamefish.

Best Access Points

The Menomonee River in Wauwatosa presents several great access points for fly fishing. Some of the best include:

  • Menomonee River Parkway: This picturesque parkway has numerous public access points to the river that are ideal for fly fishing.
  • Hart Park: Situated near the river’s downtown stretch, Hart Park offers easy river access. Fly fishers can find a diverse range of fish species here.
  • Jacobus Park: Jacobus Park, nested on a bluff overlooking the river, allows access to a tranquil and uncrowded fishing spot.
  • Mayfair Collection North Bank Trail: This trail alongside the river grants an easy approach to multiple promising fishing areas.

    • These access points meet every fly fisher’s needs, offering diverse locales for peaceful, rewarding fishing sessions on the Menomonee River in Wauwatosa.

Local Fish

  • Chinook Salmon: Known as King Salmon, they are one of the most targeted fish by flyfishing enthusiasts on the Menomonee River.
  • Brook Trout: This native fish is highly sought after by the local fly fishers.
  • Steelhead Trout: These are a type of rainbow trout, that return to the river to spawn, making them an exciting catch for many.
  • Brown Trout: These fish are prevalent and provide a challenge for the fly fisher in the Menomonee River.
  • Smallmouth Bass: Although not typically considered a fly fishing species, Smallmouth Bass offers a fun change for local fly fishers in the Menomonee River.
  • Walleye: With a strong presence in the river, they add to the diversity of species available for fly fishing.
  • Northern Pike: Known for their aggressiveness and strength, these fish provide an exhilarating fly fishing experience.
  • Coho Salmon: Although not as abundant as the Chinook, they are still a prevalent species that is targeted by local fly fishers.

About The River

Flowing through the very heart of Wauwatosa, the Menomonee River has been a vital life source and influence over the town’s development and its history. Originally, the Potawatomi tribe first inhabited the area. They recognized the river’s value as a food source and means of travel, and the city’s name, Wauwatosa, indeed means “firefly” in their language.

  • The late 1800s saw Wauwatosa start to industrialize, with the Menomonee River driving flour mills and factories.
  • Throughout the early 1900s, the river played a crucial role in Wauwatosa’s textile industry.
  • In the 1960s, conservation became a significant concern, leading to the creation of the Menomonee River Parkway.
  • Today, the river continues to be an integral part of the community, offering opportunities for recreation such as fishing, boating, and scenic trails.

This is more than a story of a river; it’s the tale of a community shaped by its flow, a testament to the enduring connection between people and their environment.

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