Root River Report

At the Root River Steelhead Facility, northeast of Racine in Lincoln Park, two 5x6 foot viewing windows thrill visitors who watch fish migrate upstream on their spawning runs.

The following information is the latest fishing information for the Root River in Racine. We will post new information to this site every TUESDAY at 4:00 pm from September through December and from March through May. We will also update the number of fish processed at the Root River Steelhead Facility to give you the exact number of fish passed upstream. Depending on water conditions and number of fish in the weir, fish are usually processed on Mondays and Thursdays.

In addition, you can call our Lake Michigan Fishing Hotline at (414) 382-7920 to hear the latest fishing information for Lake Michigan and its tributaries or check out our Lake Michigan Outdoor Report

Root River Steelhead Facility

Lake Michigan trout and salmon don't successfully reproduce in Wisconsin streams, so DNR gives Mother Nature a hand. Watch fisheries crews collect eggs and milt from spawning fish to create the next generation of steelhead to challenge anglers on the big pond.

• Steelhead Spawning at Root River Steelhead Facility [VIDEO Length 3:16]

Root River Fishing Report for December 12, 2011

Water and flow conditions

The water temperature is currently 34 degrees and both the water level and velocity are low for this time of year.

For up to date river conditions, check out the USGS web site of stream flow conditions [exit DNR]  in Wisconsin.

Fishing Information

Out of 45 people interviewed there were ten browns and 4 rainbows caught. Most of the fish were caught at Lincoln Park both up and downstream from the weir. A few fish were caught at Horlick dam. Fish were being caught on a mixed bag of spawn sacs and flies. There are currently no more salmon in the river and all of the fishing effort is concentrated on brown and rainbow trout

Root River Steelhead Facility Report