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: Steelhead Spawning at Root River Steelhead Facility.

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Root River Fishing Report for April 17, 2023

The Root River was running fast, and the waters were consistently murky. The water temperature was 48 degrees Fahrenheit. Anglers were successfully capturing rainbow trout (steelhead) using feather flies, strings, and spawn sacs. Suckers are also in the river.

Root River Steelhead Facility Report

The fifth and final processing day of the spring season at the Root River Steelhead Facility (RRSF) was Monday, April 17. The water temperature in the weir was 53 degrees Fahrenheit and flows in the river continued to drop. RRSF operation will resume in the fall.