Root River Report Update

This page contains the latest fishing information for the Root River and the DNR's Root River Steelhead Facility in Racine County. Check back for updates on the number of fish processed at the facility, eggs collected and future processing dates. Please note that fish are typically processed on Mondays and Thursdays depending on water conditions and the number of fish in the weir. 

Updates are posted at 4 p.m. every Tuesday or Wednesday from September through December, and from March through May. 

For the latest fishing information on Lake Michigan and the Bay of Green Bay, check out the Lake Michigan Outdoor Report. 

Root River Steelhead Facility

Lake Michigan trout and salmon are unable to successfully reproduce in Wisconsin streams. As a result, DNR fisheries crews collect eggs and milt from spawning fish to create the next generation of steelhead to challenge anglers.

Learn more: Steelhead Spawning at Root River Steelhead Facility

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Root River Fishing Report For October 10, 2021

The Root River saw a substantial increase in angling activity over the last week. Water levels increased while the temperature dropped bringing lots of salmon into the river. Anglers have been seen from the mouth all the way up to the dam. The majority of the angling activity has been taking place in Lincoln Park below the Steelhead Facility. Most anglers are using flies while others are fishing with spawn.

Due to the increase in angling activity, success has gone up as well. Large numbers of Chinook salmon are being caught as well as a few coho and steelhead. Most of these fish are being caught on flies of various color and size. Angling activity and success should continue to increase as the season progresses.

Root River Steelhead Facility Report

The second processing day at the Steelhead Facility was Monday, Oct. 11. A total of 455 fish moved into the facility since Oct. 7, which brought the season total to 934 fish. Processing will occur again on Thursday, Oct. 14.