Like most river systems in the state of Wisconsin, the Rock River offers great opportunities for multiple species of fish. The Rock River has a great walleye, catfish and white bass population. They can all be caught in a multitude of ways. In spring, the best presentation is the plain jig and minnow.
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What kind of fish are in the Rock River WI?
The river yields such diverse species of fish as northern pike, walleyes, bluegills, white bass, smallmouth and largemouth bass. It is renowned for the ample population of channel and flathead catfish.
Where can I fish on the Rock River?
Dams at Rock Island, Milan, Sterling, Dixon, Oregon, Rock-ford and Rockton produce fast, turbulent water, and these tailwaters are good spots for walleyes, sauger and white bass. The river generally averages about 15 feet in depth in the main channel, but between Dixon and Sterling, depths may drop to 50 feet.
Are there sturgeon in the Rock River in Wisconsin?
It was caught last week in the Rock River and later released back into the river. While not official until genetic testing confirms it, the conditional new state record shovelnose sturgeon was caught last week on the Rock River, just upstream of the Quad-Cities.
Is the Rock River Wisconsin clean?
ROCKFORD — The Rock River is the dumping ground for more toxic chemicals from industry than all but one river in the state, but the main source of its pollution comes nearly 100 miles downriver from here.
Can you swim in the Rock River in Wisconsin?
It is illegal to swim in the Rock River in Rockford, which is why Rockford Park District Police officers patrol Shorewood Park and Levings Lake, making sure no one gets hurt. Detectives say swimming in open water can be dangerous due to the river currents.
Is fishing above a dam good?
Whether it’s a small earthen berm backing up your local pond, or a hundred feet of concrete holding back a massive reservoir, dams are great places to catch bass. They hold some of the deepest water in any impoundment, provide ample cover in the form of rocks, and host tremendous populations of baitfish and crayfish.
Where does the Rock River begin and end?
Rock River, nonnavigable stream in the north-central United States that originates north of Horicon Marsh, near Brandon in Fond du Lac county, eastern Wisconsin, and flows in a generally southwesterly direction to join the Mississippi River at Rock Island, Illinois.
How many walleye can you keep in Wisconsin?
See the Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations for lake-specific regulations and exceptions. The total statewide daily bag limit is five walleye.
Can you fish walleye year round in Wisconsin?
Originating in Wisconsin, the Rock River meanders southwest, through the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, entering Illinois north of Rockford. It continues flowing in a southwesterly direction, through Oregon, and finally enters the Mississippi River at Rock Island, Illinois.
What is the legal length of walleye in Wisconsin?
No fishing allowed. The minimum length is 15″, but walleye, sauger, and hybrids from 20″ to 28″ may not be kept, and only 1 fish over 28″ is allowed.
What is the best sturgeon bait?
A Wisconsin fishing license is also required. The lakes are open to continuous year-round fishing for all species unless specified.
What’s the biggest fish ever caught in Wisconsin?
The adage “fresh is best” applies to sturgeon fishing. Types of recommended bait include crawfish, fresh water clams, salmon eggs or carcasses, shad and other small fish. If fresh bait isn’t available, adding scents to the bait will catch the attention of the sturgeon.
Why is the Rock River Brown?
Procai Sturgeon The largest sturgeon ever brought in with a rod and reel on Wisconsin waters was a 170.5 pound sturgeon caught on Yellow Lake by John J. Procai on September 22, 1979.
Is it safe to swim in the Wisconsin River?
Erosion from river banks brings soil into the river, changing the color. After heavy storms, many rivers run brown from all the runoff flowing into the river.
Can you drink water from the Wisconsin River?
If you wade in the river, wade in pairs and walk on the upstream end of the sandbars. Current — Avoid flow through hazardous such as tree branches overhanging the shoreline. Even in slow water, these can sweep you out of your boat or capsize your craft. Do not swim against the current.
What fish are in the Rock River Beloit WI?
A good fishery of walleye, catfish, panfish and northern pike exists between Fort Atkinson and Lake Koshkonong. Below Lake Koshkonong, the fishery changes to crappie, northern pike, channel catfish, walleye and largemouth and smallmouth bass. There is a particularly good bass population between Janesville and Beloit.
How clean is Koshkonong?
Water Quality For a Shallow Lowland lake, this is considered Poor. Shallow Lowland lakes do not stratify, or form separate layers of water, during the summer months and have watersheds greater than 4 square miles in area. Lake Koshkonong has been monitored by volunteers since 2001.
What lures to use at a dam?
While it is possible to filter river water, we strongly suggest you bring enough water to last the entire trip. This works out to about 1-1.5 gallons per person per day for drinking, cooking, and washing.
Should I fish above or below a dam?
- Nearby points. “I especially like ‘finger points’ close to dams that jut out with a slow taper toward the river channel,” Lowen said.
- Rockpiles.
- Offshore humps.
- Diversion walls.
- Miscellaneous submerged objects.
What do you fish the bottom of a dam with?
Are there catfish in the Rock River?
Crankbaits are an essential lure for many bass anglers. They are easy to throw, can cover a lot of ground, and the fish love them. The good thing about crankbaits is they will dive to a specific depth. In general, a 4-8 foot diver is a perfect depth for many dams.
Can you kayak on the Rock River?
Channel catfish are extremely abundant in the Rock River in most all areas. In 2017 a survey was done on the Rock River from Dixon to Sterling to check the status of the channel catfish. Data from a total of 244 channel catfish were collected.
Is Rock River open for boating?
The Rock River and Turtle Creek in the greater Beloit area offer some wonderful paddling opportunities. The Confluence is located right in the center of the Rock River Trail, a nationally recognized trail initiative.
What is the Rock River used for?
for the entire Rock River in Winnebago County with no restrictions. Current Conditions: For current river conditions, and any further updates, contact the Sheriff’s Office at (815) 319-6300, or the Rock River information telephone line at (815) 319-6444. Visit this NOAA website for current river levels.