Fall Runs

From the DNR:

50 places to fish from shore within 60 minutes of Milwaukee

MADISON – Like clockwork, it’s that time of year when trout and salmon begin staging in the river mouths and harbors – ready to run the course back to their spawning grounds.

And anglers looking to fish these spectacular runs can visit the new Lake Michigan Fall Fishing page of the Department of Natural Resources Web site for informational resources that highlight 50 places to fish from shore within 60 minutes of downtown Milwaukee.

“No need to put the fishing gear away just because summer is nearing its end,” says Brad Eggold, Department of Natural Resources Southern Lake Michigan fisheries team supervisor. “The spawning runs represent tremendous opportunities -- they’re close by, you don’t need a boat, and you have a high chance of success.”

“We developed these materials because we wanted to make it as easy as possible for anglers to find places to fish during these events.”

The resources include:

* A downloadable pocket-size brochure that lists the 50 locations and the dominant species available, and, and gives directions, distance and driving time from downtown Milwaukee. Printed copies will be available in the coming weeks at DNR service centers in southeastern Wisconsin.
* Google map showing photos of the fishing sites and detailed driving directions
* Advice on the fishing gear to use and the best times to go.

More about what anglers need to fish the spawning runs

Timing is everything, and although heavy rains can sometimes trigger earlier runs, this schedule gives anglers a good idea of when the runs can begin, peak and end:

* Chinook salmon – Sept. 1 to Oct. 15, peak in late September
* Coho salmon – Oct. 1 to Nov. 15 peak in late October
* Steelhead – Aug. 1 to Nov. 30 peak in late September, very dependent on water flows, especially in August
* Brown trout – Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, peak in early December

If you’re new to fishing the runs, get properly equipped by reeling in this gear before you go:

* Rod: 8- to 11-feet long, medium to heavy action.
* Reel: medium-sized spinning reel with good drag system.
* Line: 8- to 10-pound monofilament.
* Lure and tackle: Heavy duty ball bearing snap swivels for use with spoons like krocodiles, cleos, castmasters and daredevils will work great off piers and breakwalls.
* For bait fishing: Small hooks in sizes 4 to 6 with slip bobbers, split shot, three-way swivels and bell sinkers for use with spawn, minnows and wax worms.
* Miscellaneous gear: Long-handled landing net for fish up to 20 pounds, heavy duty stringer, needle nose pliers, extra spools of line, garbage bags, and warm clothes (weather conditions can change quickly on Lake Michigan).

Anglers 16 years old or older fishing Lake Michigan and its tributaries need a fishing license and Great Lakes Trout and Salmon stamp, or a two-day Sports Fishing License to fish for trout and salmon in the tributaries (up to the first dam or lake).

Check the “2009-2010 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations” for fishing regulations. Anglers should note that from Sept. 15 to the first Saturday of the following May, there is no hook and line fishing from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise in the tributaries.\

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Salmon Fishing isn't really my thing, but I wanted to make you aware of the options.

Cheers
CT