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Amnicon Falls
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Fishing
Fishing at Amnicon Falls State Park
Although better known for or its scenery than its fishing, the Amnicon River sometimes produces excellent catches. A warm water stream, it flows north into Lake Superior.
Below the park it changes from a fast-flowing river to one that is slow, wide and meandering. A variety of species that live in the lower river and Lake Superior migrate up the Amnicon to spawn each year. Thus, the best fishing is downstream from the Lower Falls.
One of the native fishes that is occasionally caught in the park is the famous Wisconsin muskellunge. The best time to catch one is midsummer.
Another warm water resident of the river is the walleye. In addition to native fish in the river, spawning runs of Lake Superior walleyes takes place in the spring. During the summer, Lake Superior fish move in and out of the river at various times. Although the population is not large, fishing for walleyes can, at times, be good.
The northern, cousin to the musky, is sometimes caught in the river also. Be certain you know the difference between the two species since size and bag limits are different. If unsure, check at the park office before trying your luck.
Rainbow trout that live in Lake Superior are often called steelhead. They migrate up tributary streams in spring to spawn. Stocking of this trout has been done in the river in the past. Occasionally small rainbows are caught in the river indicating possible reproduction.
In 1986 and 1987, 70,000 chinook salmon were also stocked in the Amnicon River. Spawning runs of these fish, as well as those stocked or naturally produced in other Wisconsin and Minnesota streams, still occur here each fall. Since the Amnicon is a warm water river, reproduction is not successful here. Stocking in Wisconsin streams has now been stopped while a search is underway for a more disease resistant strain.
As any angler knows, success is mostly luck, though being in the right place at the right time is important. Get current information on seasons, size and bag limits and check at the park office. All anglers 16 years and older must have a fishing license. In addition, anyone fishing for or keeping trout must have a trout stamp.
For more information, ask William Eldred, (715) 398-3000.
For more about the area (links exit DNR):
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