Root River Report

This page contains the latest fishing information for the Root River and the DNR 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 March through May. 

Check out the Lake Michigan Outdoor Report for the latest fishing information on Lake Michigan and the Bay of Green Bay. 

Root River Steelhead Facility

Lake Michigan trout and salmon are unable to reproduce successfully 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 about steelhead spawning at the Root River Steelhead Facility.

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Root River Fishing Report March 20, 2025

Large numbers of steelhead continue to be seen in the lower Root River. Runoff from recent rain and snow means flows on the Root River rose to roughly 383 cubic feet per second, and continue to rise slightly. The river is more turbid than it was on Monday (March 17), making tougher fishing conditions.  However, fish are still being seen caught below the Root River Steelhead Facility. The water temperature in the river is in the low 40s.

Root River Steelhead Facility Report March 20, 2025

The Root River Steelhead Facility was started for the spring operating season on March 5. Our second processing/spawning day at the Root River Steelhead Facility for the spring 2025 season was Thursday, March 20. The next processing/spawning date at the Root River Steelhead Facility is scheduled for Monday, March 24.