The Onion River, along with its tributaries of Ben Nutt Creek and Mill Creek, flow through the Onion River Fishery Area and Stream Bank Protection Area which provide anglers access to 9.5 miles of class I brown trout water. The Golden Mast boat launch is located off Lacys Lane north of East Wisconsin Avenue. The average length was 5.8 inches with a maximum of 11.7 inches. MuskieFIRST | Madison ChainWhich lake?? Fishing Reports and The fall peak occurred in late September. In 2022, over 4,000 cohos were captured at the RRSF alone for the second-highest catch in the history of the facility. Species population information: Anglers recorded the second-highest lake whitefish harvest ever measured out of Wisconsin waters of Lake Superior in 2022, and lake whitefish was the second-most harvested species (following Lake Trout). won it for a 6 fish limit with a 5.8 lb. A total of 8 percent of pike were larger than 30 inches. Species population information: Laxey Creek in Iowa County contains a brook trout-dominated population throughout the upper 8.1 miles, which is listed as class 1 trout water. Access information: Numerous access points and public parking areas are available for trout anglers, especially throughout the Richard Hemp Fishery Area and along stream crossings from public roads. River segment length: All 16 miles of Woods Creek are designated as class I trout waters, Wisconsin Creek has almost 6 miles of class II trout water and North Otter Creek has 16 miles of class II trout water. Urban Fishing Waters - Include: Kenosha County: Anderson Park, Bong Childrens Pond; Milwaukee County: Brown Deer Park, Dineen Park, Estabrook Park, Franklin High School, Greenfield Park, Holler Park, Humboldt Park, Jackson Park, Juneau Park, Kosciuszko Park, McCarty Park, McGovern Park, Miller Park, Mitchell Park, Oak Creek Parkway, Saveland Park, Schoetz Park, Scout Lake, Sheridan Park, Washington Park, Wilson Park; Outagamie County: Appleton Memorial Pond; Ozaukee County: Harrington Beach Quarry, Mequon Rotary Park East and West, Pucketts Pond, Schowalter Park, Willow Brooke Park; Racine County: Gorney Park, Johnson Park, Lockwood Park, Pritchard Park, Quarry Lake, Reservoir Park; Rock County: Lions Park Pond; Sheboygan County: Kohler-Andrae State Park Pond, Sheboygan Quarry, Memorial Park, River Park Lagoon; Walworth County: Ceylon Lagoon, Congdon Park, Millpond Park Pond; Washington County: Boot Lake, Hartford Millpond, Homestead Hollow Park, Kewaskum Millpond, Regner Pond, Sandy Knoll Park, Wells Lake, Wiedenbach Park Pond; Waukesha County: Calhoun Park, Delafield Rearing Pond, Foxbrook Pond, Heyer Park North and South, Lapham Peak Pond, Lepper Dam Millpond, Lions Park-Overland, Menomonee Park, Minooka Park, Muskego Park, Nixon Park, Regal Park and Woodfield North and South. These wild fish, coupled with the densely wooded surroundings of the Brule River State Forest, help create a truly unique fishing experience. Access information: There are seven public boat launches on Lake Namekagon and numerous restaurants and resorts as well. Ice bite in Madison. Low water levels also contributed to the poor catch rate, as fish were seen but unable to be captured safely in time. Collections of data and tags from steelhead by anglers, USFWS and the DNR are enhancing our knowledge of steelhead and their important contribution to Lake Michigans valuable and diverse fishery. The town of Lake Mills runs Ferry Park landing on the west end and Elm Point launching on the southwest end. fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); Access information: The river has over 20 access points with parking areas and footpaths between U.S. Highway 2 and Lake Superior. Stream surveys during the summer of 2019 showed the highest abundance of trout was found just west of Cross Plains while the lower reaches had lower numbers but larger-sized fish were more common. Surveys in 2022 yielded a catch rate of 372 bluegills per mile, surpassing the statewide median of 117 fish per mile when compared to other similar lakes. Those inputs included harvest, effort, and age composition from commercial and sport fisheries and YOY data from trawling surveys. Access information: There are several boat ramps on Tainter Lake including Elk Point Resort and Northwest Landing off of CTH D on the northwest side of the lake, Lambs Creek Park on CTH G and Kleist Landing off of 540th Street. In Milwaukee County, ponds sampled included Greenfield Park, Humboldt Park, Juneau Park, Scout Lake, Sheridan Park, Washington Park, and Wilson Park. Species population information: The Gile Flowage provides a fantastic smallmouth opportunity for quality numbers of quality fish, located just next to Hurley. From North to South: Blackhawk Rd, off CTH-B, Hanks Dr. off Todd Rd., Boat Landing Rd. js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; Access information: There are many access points and DNR parking lots along the Kinni including off of Quarry Road, Hwy 35/65, Hwy 65, River Drive, Liberty Road, North River Road, CTH JJ, CTH J, Steeple Dr, Trout Brook Road and CTH N. Almost all of these road crossings have a parking lot or walk-in access point to get to the river along with fishing easements of DNR-owned land. Madison Chain Fishing Reports - Outdoors911.com A total of 49 percent of fish sampled were between 8-12 inches offering plenty of opportunity for harvest. Most brook trout range from 5-10 inches, but there is big fish potential throughout the stream. Current regulation: There is no minimum length limit, and the daily bag is 5. Access information: There are 11 public boat landings throughout the Chetek Chain. Long Lake is stocked with musky because natural reproduction is not at a level to sustain the musky population. Well return to estimate musky population density in both lakes from adults captured, marked and released in spring 2022 and recaptured in spring 2023 fyke netting surveys. Aaron OConnell, Fisheries Biologist, Shawano. Species caught included largemouth bass (young-of-year and adult), yellow perch, pumpkinseed, bluegill, yellow and black bullhead, and golden shiners. Additionally, there is a boat launch where trout anglers can access the Amherst Millpond portion of the Tomorrow River. The lakes include Mendota, Monona, Wingra, Waubesa and Kegonsa. Species population information: A total of 148 muskellunge were captured during a spring 2022 fyke netting survey on Lake DuBay. New Forum Madison Chain of Lakes - In-Depth Outdoors Lake Delavan, Geneva, and the Madison Chain of Lakes Fishing Report Skamania steelhead runs from late summer through fall, Chambers Creek steelhead run from late fall through spring and Ganaraska steelhead runs in the spring. Current Regulation: No minimum length limit and five-fish daily bag limit. Current regulation: General inland waters regulations apply. River segment length: 6.5 miles of class I trout water. Access information: Anglers can access from any of four different public boat landings. Of interest: In 2022, the DNR renovated 4,000 feet of in-stream habitat structures built in the late 1970s. A population estimate was completed in 2022, and the density was calculated to be 0.20 per acre, which is right in the middle of desired density for a class B musky fishery. The average-sized lake whitefish caught in Chequamegon Bay is likely 10 years of age or older, and whitefish up to 25 years old are often observed in the area. What a year on the Madison Chain. The mean length of fish was 12 inches and 25 percent of fish captured during the survey were larger than 14 inches. A total of 40,145 lake trout were harvested in 2021 lake-wide, which was 35 percent over the ten-year average harvest and the highest harvest on record since 2001. Lac LaBelle also has above-average smallmouth and walleye catch and release action with a below-average size structure. Check out the following websites for more details and maps. Monona & Waubesa are still Slow-No-Wake and over the 100 year high water levels. Species population information: Average length was 14 inches with a maximum length of 23 inches. The density of brook trout was poor compared to trout classification standards for this ecoregion. Of interest: Musky are not native to the Yahara River watershed and all the musky in the Madison Chain including Lake Monona are stocked. Most notably, 63 percent of the fish sampled were greater than 10 inches. Current regulation: The trout regulation is a daily bag limit of 2, with a minimum length of 12 inches. But, not sure how or where you'll make the most out of your time and have a lot of fun while on the water. That means they have the potential for a lot of growing up, with an excellent chance to reach trophy size. Access information: This exceptional cold-water resource can be accessed at road crossings on Airport Road and Sorenson Road in the lower section where there are wide sweeping bends and deep corner pools. We hope to sample additional ponds in future years. 56 percent of the fish measured were at least 8 inches. Of interest: The Wheeler Lake Association holds an annual fishing jamboree in February. Current regulation: 40-inch minimum length, the daily bag limit of 1. posted by Whiskerkev on February 13, 2012 at 9:44 pm. Current regulation: Different for lower and upper rivers. The special panfish regulation went into effect in 2016 and has worked with improving bluegill size structure and average length. The Kinni is considered one of the best brown trout streams in the Midwest with high densities of trout and many miles of fishing easements and public land owned by the DNR within the Kinnickinnic River Fishery Area that provide access to the stream. Current regulation: Varies by waterbody, see the trout regulation pamphlet. Of interest: Lake Redstone was created in 1965 following the construction of the current dam on Big Creek. In 2022, a late spring electrofishing survey found largemouth bass density and average size in the top 10th percentile, compared to similar lakes statewide. The estimate for walleye in the legal size range was right around 20,000. Relative abundance is considered very high (>90th percentile) compared to other lakes like Parker Lake. off Schnacky Rd. Of interest: Lake Mohawksin gets its name from the last syllable of its three main tributaries: the Somo River (Mo), the Tomahawk River (hawk), and the Wisconsin River (sin). 76 percent of the fish measured were at least 6 inches. The average length was 7.8 inches with a maximum of 17.8 inches. Species population information: Pike in Smith averaged over 23 inches, with 14 percent over 28 inches. Crooked Lake 14 acres; Small boat landing; Stocked with yearling brook trout Jack Lake 86 acres; Boat landing; Stocked with large fingerling rainbow trout Pence Lake 26 acres; Boat landing; Stocked with large fingerling brown trout Rogers Lake 14 acres; Walk-in access; Stocked with yearling rainbow trout Shadick Spring 4 acres; Disabled fishing dock; Stocked with yearling rainbow trout Townline Lake 16 acres; Boat landing; Stocked with yearling rainbow trout, - Dave Seibel, Fisheries Biologist, Antigo, Lakes: Ament Lake 16 acres; Walk-in access; Stocked with yearling brook trout Henson Lake 6 acres; Small boat landing; Stocked with large fingerling brook trout Larson Lake 12 acres; Walk-in access; Stocked with yearling rainbow trout Moraine Lake 10 acres; Walk-in access; Stocked with yearling rainbow trout Tahoe Lake 7 acres; Walk-in access; Stocked with large fingerling rainbow trout. This project improved both instream trout habitat and angler access. Yearling steelhead that was stocked in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2022 were clipped (adipose fin) and tagged internally with a tiny 1-mm coded wire tag (CWT) as part of a cooperative and lake-wide program with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to evaluate wild production, movements, growth, and stocking practices. The fish captured were in great condition and eager to put up a fight. The Onion River downstream from CTH E is managed with the yellow regulation: 8-inch minimum length limit, 3 fish bag limit, and no gear restriction. Wyona Park is located on County Road G, just east of the village of Wyocena. The entire river from the headwaters east of Cross Plains to the HWY 14 bridge in Mazomanie is classified as class 1 trout water. The daily bag limit is 5. Current regulation: The regulation for catfish is no minimum length limit with a 10-fish daily bag limit and a 25-fish total daily bag limit. Anglers can find a fun harvest opportunity during both open and hard water periods. The catch rate from the Tichigan Creek survey was 410 fish per mile which ranks it around the 90th percentile when compared with all other class III brook trout waters statewide. Lake size: 74,850 acres and 97 miles of open water. 11 years, 3 months ago. You can also launch downstream on Lake Waubesa and navigate upstream through the Yahara River channel to reach Monona. Pike ranged from 11-40 inches with an average length of 23 inches. There is also an ADA-accessible fishing pier at the north end landing. The observed length range was 3.4 to 10.0 inches with an average length of 6.8 inches. The channel catfish's average length was 22.7 inches with an average weight of 4.25 pounds. He began fishing tournaments in the early 1990's and has fished the In-Fisherman Professional Walleye Trail (PWT), North American Walleye Association (NAWA), Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC), World Walleye Association (WWA), FLW, and Mercury Nationals in the years since. Access information: There are 5 public boat landings at Lake Monona scattered at each corner of the lake, all of which are owned and operated by the city of Madison or Dane County Parks and require daily launch passes. Adult saugers were 6 to 17 inches with the largest measuring 17.5 inches and CPUE was 50 adult saugers per hour. Anglers are encouraged to report tags and catch information by email: DNRFHWautomaFish@wisconsin.gov, phone: 920-787-5683, or mail: Wautoma DNR office (427 East Tower Drive, Suite 100, Wautoma WI 54982). Only catch-and-release bass fishing is allowed during the rest of the year. Wisconsin Creek has access off Wisconsin Creek Road and Daumitz Road, north of State Hwy 70. The largest flathead catfish was 40.2 inches and 30.0 pounds. Current regulation: 26-inch minimum length limit, 2 fish daily bag limit. https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/lands/boataccess.html https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/lakemichigan/TributaryAccess.html. Because of fluctuating water levels and a history of winter fish kills, the lake is aerated each winter. Of interest: Annual fall electrofishing surveys in 2013-2022 show very low rates of natural recruitment to Pulaski Lakes walleye population with only two barely detectable year classes produced in the last decade. Those hoping to catch and release preferred- and memorable-size fish 38 and 42 inches or to keep a legal-size musky 40 inches should seek out and fish larger waters. Panfish have a daily bag limit of 15, but only 5 of any one panfish species can be kept. Results from this survey indicate anglers should have a good opportunity for decent numbers of quality fish. Madison Area - Outdoors911.com Of interest: Near Tichigan Lake is the Tichigan Wildlife Area, a 1,280-acre property in northwest Racine County. Species population information: A 2021 survey on the Onion turned up 1,185 brown trout per mile, which ranks in the 75th percentile for similar streams statewide. The catch rate from the Whitewater Creek survey was 276 fish per mile which ranks it around the 60th percentile when compared with all other class II brown trout waters statewide. As with many wild stocks, environmental factors such as river and lake water temperature and river flow can significantly influence the numbers of fish and the timing of river migration; this can challenge anglers of all skill levels. The percentage of fish 40 inches was greatly improved from the previous survey in 2010 when 15 percent of muskies sampled were 40 inches. In 2020, the U.S. Forest Service placed approximately 45 trees around the east island and 15 trees around the west island to enhance fish habitat. Access information: There are numerous access points around Big Green Lake. Current regulation: No minimum length limit and a daily bag limit of 25. His full report of fishing out of Burnham Harbor is in the "LAKEFRONT" report. Species population information: A total of 847 black crappies were captured in a spring 2022 fyke netting survey for a catch rate of 56.5 black crappies per net night. Anglers are encouraged to report tags and catch information by email: DNRFHWautomaFish@wisconsin.gov, phone: 920-787-5683, or mail: Wautoma DNR office (427 East Tower Drive, Suite 100, Wautoma WI 54982). We captured two muskies 50 inches or larger: a 50-inch, 30-pounder, and a 50.2-inch, 31-pounder. Flathead catfish's average length was 25.4 inches with an average weight of 8.01 pounds. A coded wire tag study is also underway to evaluate natural reproduction and growth. Species population information: Big Sand Lake supports an abundant largemouth bass population and provides good angling opportunities. 3 of the 8 Musky reported over 50"s this year are of the Leech Lake strain. Access information: Several DNR Fishery Area-owned lands and DNR streambank easements along with accessible road crossings from Cross Plains down to Mazomanie. Madison Chain of Lakes Dane County, Wisconsin Be the first to write a review Wisconsin drives SEE OFFERS THE 2023 SUBURBAN Today's Fishing Forecast Fishing looks to be moderately active with peak fishing times around 7-9 AM and 7-9 PM. The directed effort is average for class B waters but angler catch rates were twice as great as other similar class B waters. Anglers should look forward to a high-quality perch fishery in 2023. My name is Jeff Hanson and I have been a resident of Madison, Wisconsin and fished the Madison Chain my entire life. Madison Area Fishing Report - June 30th, 2023 Hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July weekend! It is operated by the Town of La Valle and there is a fee for launching there. Shore fishing can also be found at Nagawaukee County Park and the public fishing pier in downtown Pewaukee. Current regulation: Three walleyes greater than 15 inches, individuals 20-24 inches must be released and only 1 walleye over 24 inches is allowed. Wisconsin Fishing Report 2023 Since its implementation, the walleye population has dramatically recovered, and the size structure has greatly improved. June 17, 2017 In "Buzz Bite Report" June 29, 2018 In "Buzz Bite Report" Spring electrofishing surveys conducted in 2022 sampled 1,229 bluegills with a catch rate of 94.9/mile (ranked 53rd percentile). The near-record catch follows a strong catch in 2021 (ranked fifth) and indicates Winnebago system yellow perch are doing well. Zach Woiak, Fisheries Biologist, Black River Falls. That 8 to 18 seems to be the best depth near the rocks. In our sample, walleyes were 10 to 29 inches with the largest measuring 29.3 inches and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) was approximately 27 adult walleye per hour. Access information: Meder Lake has a nice boat launch just off Hien Road. Of interest: Lake Wyona is an impoundment of Duck Creek and provides quality fishing opportunities for panfish and largemouth and smallmouth bass in addition to northern pike. To date, Pulaski Lake has received 6,267 large fingerlings averaging 6.8 inches. Species population information: Bluegill is the most abundant panfish and has a good size structure in Big Sand Lake. Jason Breeggemann, Fisheries Biologist, Green Bay. Harvest estimates for brown trout in Wisconsin waters of Lake Michigan was 9,178 fish, with 31 percent being harvested in Green Bay waters. The main pattern right now is finding schools of fish offshore in 15 to 25 feet of water. Current regulation: 50-inch minimum length limit, 1 fish daily bag limit. Northern pike ranged from 8.8 to 35.9 inches, averaging 19.6 inches. So, if you ever come across a tagged lake trout in Lake Superior, be sure to relay the tag number to the Bayfield DNR Office to learn the often-fascinating history of the fish you just caught. Of interest: Anglers have reported improved catch rates of muskellunge on Lac LaBelle. Species population information: Brown Trout are the primary trout species caught in Pine Creek. Among the 161 walleyes captured in fyke nets, 85 percent were at least 15 inches, 42 percent were legal fish 18 inches or longer, and 19 percent were at least 20 inches. Current regulation: The Onion River upstream from CTH E, including Mill Creek and Ben Nutt Creek, is currently managed with special regulations: 12-inch minimum length limit, 2 fish bag limit, and only artificial lures may be used. Adult density was near the average value for Walleye populations in northern Wisconsin that are sustained primarily by stocking. A second is located on the north end of the lake and is operated by Sauk County; there is a fee associated with launching a boat at this landing, also. Species population information: The Crawfish River from River Bend Resort just south of Hubbleton downstream to Milford was sampled for channel and flathead catfish during the summer of 2022. Current regulation: Fifteen panfish may be kept, but no more than five of any one species. The maximum reported depth is 40 feet. The average weight of age-3 female Chinooks in 2022 was 19.6 pounds based on known age-3 fish from fin clips at Strawberry Creek. During a 2020 sample, fish averaged 21 inches with fish up to 39 inches observed. Madison Chain Fishing Reports The post spawn bass and walleye fishing on the chain is still good the smallmouth largemouth bass we caught the day on Mendota were relating to rockbars 12'-18' on leeches. Current regulation: Daily bag limit of 2 with a 26-inch minimum length limit. The shallow nature of Big Muskego Lake and its abundant aquatic plants attract anglers that prefer canoeing or kayaking in a wild and secluded setting hosted by abundant waterfowl. The average length decreased slightly from 18.6 inches to 18.2 inches. and slow-growing, which means they require a little more protection than most fisheries to prevent overharvest. If fishing with people who have other vehicles and have time for a long day of fishing, try shuttling by leaving a vehicle at one access point, then fishing downstream or upstream to the other access point where the other vehicle is parked. Fishing dock. Species population information: Big Green Lake currently supports a low-density muskellunge population that provides trophy (>50 inches) fishing opportunities for anglers. The run began in early July, and most fish passed from late July through late August. Fishing Info - Capital City Muskies Inc Of interest: One of the largest springs in the area enters this stream near its headwaters and is protected by a DNR streambank easement. Madison Chain of Lakes (WI) Fishing Report - AnglingBuzz There is no minimum length limit for largemouth bass, but largemouth bass from 14 to 18 inches may not be kept, and only 1 fish over 18 inches is allowed. Species population information: A total of 1,592 walleye were captured during a spring 2022 fyke netting survey on Lake DuBay. Access information: The Coon Creek Watershed includes some of the best angler access in the Driftless Region, with over 38 miles of public streambank access. Species population information: This lake holds a high density of northern pike with fish up to 35 inches. Access information: The river has over 20 access points with parking areas and footpaths between U.S. Highway 2 and Lake Superior. River segment length: 1.2 miles from the confluence with unnamed stream 129660 0 downstream to the mouth (confluence with Dell Creek). Dave Seibel, Fisheries Biologist, Antigo. Madison Chain of Lakes - Wisconsin Fishing Reports - Lake-Link Access information: There is an excellent boat landing located along the north shore of Big Sand Lake on Boat Landing Lane, not far off Hwy 17. The Parker Lake Association works with the DNR to improve the fishery's habitat through these actions and protect water quality and a healthy diverse aquatic plant community. The Mid-Lake Reef Complex is a refuge for lake trout. Access Information: There are numerous access points around Big Green Lake. Because of this, most of Whitewater Lake is quite shallow with a mean depth of only 8.3 feet. Current regulation: There is no size limit for panfish and up to 25 individuals can be kept. Come to the Capital City Muskies Inc meeting this Monday, the speaker is talking about fishing the Madison Chain and you'll be surrounded by other local muskie fishermen who you could talk to about it. Species population information: Yellow perch- The 2022 trawl recorded the second-highest catch of adult yellow perch since the beginning of the survey in 1986. Access information: Lake Noquebay can be accessed from a boat ramp located on the south side of the lake in Lake Noquebay County Park or from the public landing on the northwest side. Popular bait choices include nightcrawlers, leaf worms, butter worms, and hellgrammites. Anglers commonly target the many reefs around the system and fish in anywhere from 6-15 feet of water. Got out on the chain this past weekend. Madison, WI Fishing Report 6-16-2016. A catch rate of 16.9 northern pikes per net night ranks in the 95th percentile for lakes in Wisconsin, indicating high densities of northern pike can be found in Cedar Lake. Only one percent of muskies in Mason and Evergreen lakes grew to 38 inches or longer, and only one 44-inch musky attained legal size. We appreciate the extra information provided by tag returns and will provide you with the tagging history. The daily limit is 5. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing and a public beach. Be aware of the ice holes if you are fishing in the lake in the winter. According to our creel survey in Superior and Port Wing, WI, the harvest was mainly comprised of age-4 fish, which ranged between 15-17 inches in 2022. However, anglers willing to meet the challenge could be rewarded with some superb trophy potential opportunities. Access information: Tichigan Wildlife Area and Tichigan Springs and Fen State Natural Area encompass most of the trout-classified portion of Tichigan Creek. Of interest: A variety of angling regulations are in place in the Coon Creek Watershed. Seemed like better action with the cloud cover. Buzz Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility (BAFF) in Kewaunee. This was the Cystic Fibrosis charity tournament launched out of Lake Farm Park on Lake Waubesa. Of interest: Several miles of trout habitat improvement work has been completed on the Kinnickinnic River and the Kiap-TU-Wish Chapter of Trout Unlimited holds many brushing workdays on the river each winter to improve instream and upland habitats and to improve fishing access.