Menomonee River - Wauwatosa - Wisconsin
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Menomonee River – Wauwatosa - Water Flow Chart
Menomonee River – Wauwatosa - Weather report & radar
Menomonee River – Wauwatosa - General 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 |
Menomonee River – Wauwatosa 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.
Menomonee River – Wauwatosa 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.
Menomonee River – Wauwatosa Local Fish Species
- 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 Menomonee River – Wauwatosa
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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