Racine, Wisconsin is known for its excellent salmon and trout fishing. The Root River gets a lot of attention here in the spring and fall. Take a look below to learn more about the fishing in this area.
Lake Michigan out of Racine
There are plenty of fishing charters that operate out of Racine. Anglers catch chinook salmon, coho salmon, brown trout, steelhead and lake trout in the Lake Michigan waters out of Racine. In the fall, big numbers of salmon and trout will move into the harbor and then up into the Root River to spawn. Anglers do fish from shore in this area and some will ice fish for brown trout all winter long right in the harbor.
Root River
The Root River is a very popular river for salmon and trout fishing. The DNR runs the Root River Steelhead Facility, which is used for collecting eggs and fish for hatchery purposes. It is open during the spring and the fall and it makes for a cool place to visit. People can watch fish through the viewing windows as these fish hang out in a holding pond until they are passed upstream by workers.
The river provides good fishing depending on the water flow in the spring and fall. With good water flows, it is easier for salmon and trout to move upriver. The easier it is to move upriver, the better it is for spreading these clean fish out throughout the river. When the water is low, many fish will die before making it to some of the good fishing areas upstream of the steelhead facility.
Root River Access Points
Take a look at the map below to learn where to access the Root River.
Spring Runs
In the spring, anglers target steelhead mostly, but some brown trout can be caught too.
Fall Runs
In the fall, anglers catch big chinook salmon to go along with coho salmon, steelhead and brown trout.
Browns Lake
Browns Lake is a 397 acre lake located in Racine County. It has a maximum depth of 44 feet. Fish include largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye and panfish. The water is moderately clear. According to the DNR, largemouth bass and northern pike are abundant in the lake while walleye and panfish are listed as present.
Fox River – Racine County, WI
The Fox River winds through the communities of Waterford, Rochester and Burlington in western Racine County. Anglers can access the river at several local parks. This part of the river offers pretty good fishing for a variety of species. Anglers target walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, catfish and a variety of panfish. The Rochester Dam attracts a good amount of anglers and can be a good fishing spot at times.