This time of year, I always get some requests for information on fishing the Rock River. It's only natural given that as the ice gives out, the Rock River is one of the closest fishing options. The fact that the walleye and whitebass are set to make their spring runs is just icing on the cake.
First off: Here's a blurb from the DNR's 2011 Fishing Report:
Rock River — Enjoy the simplicity and excitement of white bass fishing on the Rock River in northern Jefferson and Dodge counties in late April through early May. Boat launches in Fort Atkinson and Jefferson offer good access to the Rock and Crawfish rivers as this species moves upstream from Lake Koshkonong each spring. While angling for these plentiful fish, keep an eye out for tagged fish, part of an ongoing fish study aimed to evaluate the Jefferson dam fish passage effectiveness.
The fish passage serves to improve movement,reproduction and recruitment of fish species, such as sauger and walleye, by providing uninterrupted river access from the Indianford dam at Lake Koshkonong to the lower Watertown dam. Tags used in the study resemble two-inch, fluorescent pink pieces of spaghetti and are located near the base of the fish’s dorsal fin (the fin along the top of the back). Each tag contains a unique number that identifies the fish. Anglers should report tagged
fish, along with catch date and location, tag number, length, whether the fish was kept or released, and angler’s name and address to Laura.StremickThompson@wisconsin. gov or (920) 387-7876.
Anglers are asked to not remove tags from fish they release.
In 2009, underwater cameras were installed within the fish passage to monitor fish movement. To date, white bass, walleye, northern pike, channel catfish, bullhead species, bigmouth buffalo, white sucker, common carp and freshwater drum have been documented using the fish passage.
The public can access live streaming video from the cameras via www.biotactic.com, click on BRAVO, then select Node 6.
Next Some Fishing Report Links:
Water Resources Links:
Public Boat Launches:
Note, the launch at HWY 26 is blocked off. If you want to access the mouth area, there is a paid launch at a bar on Blackhawk Island.
Links to JSOnline Articles about Fishing the Rock River in Springtime:
Link to the fish passage camera:
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