Milwaukee River - Milwaukee - Wisconsin
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Milwaukee River – Milwaukee - Water Flow Chart
Milwaukee River – Milwaukee - Weather report & radar
Milwaukee River – Milwaukee - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | 20-22 | Zebra midge, Griffith’s gnat |
| Caddisflies | Morning/Evening | 14-18 | Elk hair caddis | |
| February | Midges | Afternoon | 20-22 | Zebra midge, Griffith’s gnat |
| Stoneflies | Afternoon | 10-12 | Golden stone, Rubberleg stone | |
| March | Blue Winged Olives | Overcast days / late afternoon | 16-20 | Pheasant tail nymph, WD-40 |
| Stoneflies | Warmest part of day | 10-12 | Golden stone, Rubberleg stone | |
| April | Blue Winged Olives | Overcast days / late afternoon | 16-20 | Pheasant tail nymph, WD-40 |
| Hendricksons | Afternoon/early evening | 12-14 | Hendrickson dry fly, Pink lady | |
| Caddisflies | Afternoon/early evening | 14-18 | Elk hair caddis | |
| May | Hendricksons | Afternoon/early evening | 12-14 | Hendrickson dry fly, Pink lady |
| Sulphurs | Afternoon/early evening | 16-20 | Sulphur dry fly, Sulphur nymph | |
| Caddisflies | Afternoon/early evening | 14-18 | Elk hair caddis | |
| June | Sulphurs | Afternoon/early evening | 16-20 | Sulphur dry fly, Sulphur nymph |
| Light Cahills | Evening | 14-16 | Light cahill dry fly, Light cahill nymph | |
| Caddisflies | Afternoon/early evening | 14-18 | Elk hair caddis | |
| July | Tricos | Morning | 20-24 | Trico spinner, Trico dun |
| Light Cahills | Evening | 14-16 | Light cahill dry fly, Light cahill nymph | |
| Caddisflies | Afternoon/early evening | 14-18 | Elk hair caddis | |
| August | Tricos | Morning | 20-24 | Trico spinner, Trico dun |
| Caddisflies | Afternoon/early evening | 14-18 | Elk hair caddis | |
| September | Blue Winged Olives | Overcast days / late afternoon | 16-20 | Pheasant tail nymph, WD-40 |
| Caddisflies | Afternoon/early evening | 14-18 | Elk hair caddis | |
| October | Blue Winged Olives | Overcast days / late afternoon | 16-20 | Pheasant tail nymph, WD-40 |
| Caddisflies | Afternoon/early evening | 14-18 | Elk hair caddis | |
| November | Midges | Afternoon | 20-22 | Zebra midge, Griffith’s gnat |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | 20-22 | Zebra midge, Griffith’s gnat |
Milwaukee River – Milwaukee Access Points
The Milwaukee River in Milwaukee offers excellent spots for fly fishing. Here are some of the most accessible points:
- Estabrook Park: This park is known for its easily accessible shorelines and deep pools where fish like to gather. It’s a perfect spot for beginners.
- Kletzsch Park: This is a fantastic place for more experienced anglers due to the wilder current and rocky structures that attract a wide variety of fish species.
- Lincoln Park: With a fish ladder and wading areas, this park provides unique fishing experiences. The calm pools and shallow areas are perfect for fly fishing.
- Thiensville Village Park: This park features a dam and deep runs, making it an ideal spot for catching larger fish. It’s a popular spot due to its easy accessibility and picnic areas.
Milwaukee River – Milwaukee Fishing Spots
The Milwaukee River in Milwaukee offers a multitude of spots that are perfect for fly fishing. Here are a few you should not miss:
- Kletzsch Park, located in the city of Glendale, provides ample space for fly fishing with its clean waters and scenic views. Local anglers often catch brown trout and smallmouth bass here.
- Estabrook Park is a renowned spot known for its rich salmon run during the fall. Its dam area is a popular choice amongst fly fishers.
- Lincoln Park is an ideal spot because it has numerous deep pools and undercut banks that are ideal for catching both trout and salmon.
- Grant Park lies on the lower reaches of the Milwaukee River and has proven to be an excellent location thanks to its long, swooping bends and soft bottom that attract various species of fish.
Milwaukee River – Milwaukee Local Fish Species
- Brown Trout: The Milwaukee River is known for its abundant brown trout throughout the year.
- Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, they are highly sought after for their size and fight.
- Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth Bass are another popular fish targeted for fly fishing on the Milwaukee River.
- Steelhead: A form of Rainbow Trout, these fish are exciting to catch especially in the spring and fall runs.
- Coho Salmon: Fly fishing for Coho is common in the spring and fall seasons due to their aggressive takes.
- Northern Pike: Known for their strength and size, Northern Pike provide a thrilling challenge for fly fishers.
- Walleye: The Milwaukee River offers good fly fishing opportunities for Walleye especially during early spring and fall.
- Musky: Despite being elusive targets, Musky are a favorite for many fly fishers due to their size and aggression.
About the Milwaukee River – Milwaukee
The Milwaukee River holds a special part in the vibrant history and the urban charm of Milwaukee city. It’s a heartwarming sight meandering right through the city’s downtown region. The river has been a lifeblood to the Native American tribes such as Menominee and Potawatomi who originally populated the area.
In the 19th century, the river became a major influence on the city’s industrial growth. Flour mills, tanneries, and breweries took advantage of its power and convenience. This led to a booming economy attracting immigration from Europe.
Fast forward to the 21st century, the Milwaukee River is a vibrant focal point providing recreational activities including:
- Fishing – it’s home to more than 40 species of fish
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Riverwalk – a long trail following the Milwaukee River, adorned with art installations.
Protection efforts have ensured the river thrives, making Milwaukee a truly riverside city.
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