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 April 4, 2022

The Root River experienced another increase in angling activity over the past week. More anglers are being seen fishing along all stretches of the river up to the dam. Anglers are continuing to target steelhead using a variety of baits. Fly fishing rods are very common along the river, with some anglers using long spinning rods as well. The catch rates increased this week, and anglers caught a large number of steelhead as well as a few browns. Fish were caught on a variety of baits including, spawn, flies, tube jigs, and even spinners. Some anglers preferred using afloat while others went without it. Water levels at the beginning and middle of the week were continuing to drop, but snowstorms at the end of the week increased the water level significantly. The increase in water level decreased the water clarity throughout all stretches of the river. The current went up as well. The water temperature at the steelhead facility by the end of the week was 41 degrees.

Root River Steelhead Facility Report

Our third steelhead spawning day at the Root River Steelhead Facility was Monday, April 4. Rains over the past week have raised flows in the river, and good numbers of fish are still moving into the facility. The water temperature in the facility was 41 degrees. Our next spawning day is scheduled for Monday, April 11. The following are the cumulative numbers of fish handled this spring: