Guide To Fishing For Salmon In Wisconsin

All about fishing for Atlantic, chinook, coho, kokanee and pink salmon.

Wisconsin offers fantastic salmon fishing opportunities, particularly in Lake Michigan and its tributary rivers. The state is known for its vibrant salmon runs and attracts anglers from far and wide seeking to catch these prized sportfish.

One of the most sought-after salmon species in Wisconsin is the Chinook salmon, also known as the king salmon. Chinook salmon are known for their impressive size and powerful fighting ability. Anglers target them using a variety of techniques such as trolling with downriggers, casting spoons, or fishing with bait such as alewives or spawn sacs.

Another popular salmon species in Wisconsin is the Coho salmon. Coho salmon are prized for their acrobatic jumps and energetic fights. They can be targeted using similar techniques as Chinook salmon, such as trolling with spoons, flashers, or flies.

Lake Michigan's salmon fishing season typically peaks during the spring and fall. Spring offers opportunities for staging salmon near river mouths, while fall brings the annual spawning runs. Anglers can also target salmon in tributary rivers, such as the Milwaukee, Sheboygan, or Manitowoc Rivers, during the spawning season.

Wisconsin's salmon fishing is not only thrilling but also rewarding, as these fish provide excellent table fare. Whether you're trolling the open waters of Lake Michigan or casting in the rivers, the chance to hook into a powerful salmon is an unforgettable experience for any angler in Wisconsin.

Lake Michigan and Lake Superior are the primary waters for salmon fishing around Wisconsin. The tributaries flowing into these lakes also contain salmon at varying times of the year, especially during the spawn.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Wisconsin Record Salmon

The state record Atlantic salmon was caught from Lake Michigan.

The state record chinook salmon came from Lake Michigan.

The state record coho salmon was caught in Lake Michigan.

The record kokanee salmon was taken out of Upper Bass Lake.

The state record pink salmon was caught from Lake Michigan.

Wisconsin Salmon Fishing

The preferred method for catching salmon is fly fishing. Depending on the activity level, salmon may be caught on wet or dry flies, as well as a variety of other lures and baits.

About The Pacific Salmon Family

Pacific Salmon are born in and remain in freshwater streams for the early years of life. The number varies by species. Afterward they migrate to the Pacific Ocean waters where they bulk up and prepare for their once in a lifetime spawning run up the freshwater stream where they were born. They will instinctively return to their birthplace, spawn and die. They are found in the streams which empty into the ocean, and adjoining ocean waters.

The preferred method for catching salmon is fly fishing. Depending on the activity level, salmon may be caught on wet or dry flies. For more details check here for articles about fly fishing.

Salmon Organizations

Atlantic Salmon Federation

Atlantic Salmon Trust

Atlantic Salmon Museum

Pacific Salmon Commission

Pacific Salmon Foundation

Salmon fishing waters and information, by state.