Kewaunee River
river in Wisconsin
Kewaunee is a popular Great Lakes tributary for fly anglers chasing salmon and steelhead in season and streamer/baitfish patterns for resident browns at other times.
Fall salmon runs (Chinook and Coho) are in full swing
- 01Fall salmon runs (Chinook and Coho) are in full swing, creating egg-laying opportunities for steelhead and resident trout.
- 02Steelhead are actively entering the river, drawn by the spawning salmon and cooler water temperatures.
- 03Expect intermittent Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches, especially on overcast afternoons.
- 04October Caddis, a large fall caddis, may also be present on the surface, offering a chance for dry fly action.
- 05Resident brown trout will be actively feeding on eggs, baitfish, and any available insects.
Past reports week by week
10 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Hot Pink Bunny Leech
Coho salmon are known to aggressively strike anything pink; this pattern is a highly effective imitation of leeches and baitfish for these active fish.
Comet
Effective attractor streamer for fall-run steelhead and coho salmon, mimicking baitfish in the current.
Buy at AmazonBlood Dot Egg
Crucial imitation of salmon eggs, a primary food source for opportunistic steelhead and trout below spawning salmon in the fall.
Buy at AmazonGlo Bug
Highly effective egg pattern during salmon and steelhead spawning runs, attracting aggressive strikes.
Buy at AmazonEgg Sucking Leech
Versatile streamer combining the attraction of an egg with a leech or dying flesh, deadly for anadromous fish in the fall.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger
A classic streamer imitating leeches and baitfish, consistently effective for predatory steelhead, salmon, and resident brown trout in cooling fall waters.
Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun
Matches the consistent fall BWO hatches, effective for selective trout or steelhead feeding on emergers and adults on overcast days.
Buy at AmazonOctober Caddis (Dry)
Imitates the largest caddis hatch of the year in fall, drawing aggressive strikes from opportunistic steelhead and trout looking for a substantial meal.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Kewaunee County Park Access
Downriver public park access with parking and shore-fishing for migrating trout and salmon.
Kewaunee Harbor / Mouth
The mouth and harbor are primary fall-run hotspots for salmon and steelhead chasers.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Tight Lines Fly Fishing Company
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Wisconsin season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
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Quick answers
Common questions about Kewaunee River.
What flies work best on Kewaunee River?
Our top scored fly patterns for Kewaunee River right now are Mother's Day Caddis (80% confidence), Elk Hair Caddis (80% confidence), Flashback Hare's Ear (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Kewaunee River?
Kewaunee River holds Steelhead. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Kewaunee River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Kewaunee River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.