Root River Report update
Root River Report
The following information is the latest fishing information for the Root River in Racine. We will post new information to this site every TUESDAY or WEDNESDAY 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 check out our Lake Michigan Outdoor Report for the latest fishing information on Lake Michigan and Green Bay.
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.
Open House
The annual Root River Steelhead Facility Open House will be held on Saturday, October 12 from 9AM - 3PM. DNR crews will lead guided tours and demonstrate fish processing at the facility, and volunteers from local fishing clubs will teach kids casting, knot tying, fly casting, fly tying, display a Lake Michigan trolling boat, and more.
Root River Fishing Report for September 30, 2019
The Root River saw a major increase in activity this week as the King salmon run starts to come into full swing. While activity on the river increased, the lakefront saw a decrease in fishing activity. Very few boats were seen on the lake and not as many anglers were fishing from shore.
Upstream of the Weir: There was a slight increase in the number of anglers fishing above the Steelhead facility this week. Most of the anglers were targeting King salmon, but some of the anglers were also targeting Coho, Steelhead, and Brown trout. Most anglers were either using fly fishing tackle or spawn. Despite the slight increase in fishing activity only two fish were caught throughout the week. One King salmon and one Steelhead were both caught using flies during creel survey times. Water levels increased slightly while water clarity remains low.
Downstream of the Weir: The river downstream of the Steelhead facility saw a major increase in fishing activity. Most of the anglers were also targeting Kings, with some targeting Coho, Steelhead and Brown trout as well. Even though many more anglers were fishing below the facility this week, no catches were reported during creel survey times. The water levels below the facility also increased slightly and the clarity was low as well. The water temperature in the river was about 64 degrees.
Root River Steelhead Facility Report
Our fourth Fall 2019 processing day at the Root River Steelhead Facility was Monday, September 30. The water level on the Root River continues to rise after significant amounts of rain over the weekend. When we began processing this morning, flows were around 292 cfs. The river continued to rise throughout the day, and more rain is expected tomorrow and Wednesday. The water remains turbid with poor clarity. The water temperature in the weir was 60 degrees F. The biggest fish of the season thus far has been a 32.25lb Chinook! The next processing day will be Thursday, October 3.
| TOTALS as of: September 30, 2019 | ||||
| Rainbow Trout | Chinook Salmon | Coho Salmon | Brown Trout | |
| Total Captured | 3 | 353 | 47 | 1 |
| Passed Upstream | 2 | 189 | 47 | 1 |
| Taken to Hatchery | ||||
| Spawned at Facility | ||||
| Egg Take | ||||