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.

Sign up to receive updates on the Root River Steelhead Facility.

Root River Fishing Report Sept. 30, 2025

Last week’s rainfall triggered a number of coho to start running up the river, but the majority of Chinooks remain in the harbor. The river is low and clear, and the water temperature is still warm. The temperature dips to the mid-60s at night but rises to the low-70s during the day. 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 second fish processing day was Monday, Sept. 29. Flows in the river had been dropping steadily since Thursday and are now holding fairly steady at about 30 cubic feet per second, but some fish continue to move into the facility. Our next processing day is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 2.

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!