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 Oct. 6, 2025

The river is low and clear, and the water temperature is still warm, but there is a chance of rain during the week and air temperatures are supposed to be cooler. Good numbers of coho can be found throughout the river, and some Chinooks as well. Anglers have been fishing from Washington Park up to the Horlick dam.

Root River Steelhead Facility Report

The Root River Steelhead Facility was started for the fall season on Sept. 16, and our fifth fish processing day was Thursday, Oct. 9. Flows in the river remain low at roughly 24 cubic feet per second, but this is an increase since early in the week and more fish have moved upstream. Our next processing day will be Saturday, Oct. 11.

We will be holding the annual Root River Steelhead Facility Open House on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees can take guided tours and see fish-spawning demonstrations, learn about Lake Michigan fishing methods, try casting fly rods, catch a backyard bass and learn how to tie flies. Thanks to partnerships with Salmon Unlimited, Trout Unlimited and the Milwaukee Great Lakes Sport Fishermen, there will be educational fishing stations and a Touch of the Wild education trailer on-site, allowing attendees to get a hands-on connection with nature. This free event will be held rain or shine, so please join us!