When Do The Salmon Run In Wisconsin? A Guide to Peak Salmon Seasons

Wisconsin is home to some of the best salmon fishing in the Midwest. Each year from late summer through fall, huge runs of Chinook, Coho, and other salmon species migrate up tributaries of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior to spawn This provides an incredible opportunity for anglers to catch trophy-sized fish But exactly when is the peak time to experience these spectacular salmon runs in Wisconsin?

In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the timing of the runs, top destinations fishing methods regulations, and more. Read on to plan your salmon fishing adventure!

Overview of Salmon Runs in Wisconsin

• Chinook salmon runs happen from July through October with the peak in September/October. These “king” salmon average 15-30 pounds.

• Coho salmon migrate a bit later from September through November, peaking in October. They average 6-15 pounds.

• Pink salmon and Kokanee also enter tributaries in the summer and early fall months.

• Major destinations include Lake Michigan tributaries like the Brule, Milwaukee, and Manitowoc Rivers. Lake Superior hot spots include the Sioux, Cranberry, and Flag Rivers.

• Try casting spoons, spinners, crankbaits, skein bags, and flies to intercept salmon during the spawn.

When To Target Each Salmon Species

The exact timing of salmon runs varies a bit each year depending on water conditions. But here are the typical peak months to target the most popular salmon:

Chinook Salmon

• Brule River: Mid-September – October

• Kewaunee River: Late September – October

• Manitowoc River: Late September – late October

• Sheboygan River: Late September – October

• Milwaukee River: Late September – October

• Green Bay tributaries: Late September – October

Coho Salmon

• Brule River: Mid-September – November

• Flag River: Late September – October

• Cranberry River: Mid-September – October

• Sioux River: Late September – October

• Kewaunee River: Late September – October

• Green Bay tributaries: Late September – November

Pink Salmon

• Brule River: July – August

• Milwaukee River: June – August

• Green Bay tributaries: June – August

Kokanee Salmon

• Green Bay tributaries: April – October

Top Salmon Fishing Destinations

The Lake Michigan shoreline offers salmon fishing from Kenosha north past Green Bay. Key rivers include:

• Brule River: Famous for its wild steelhead and salmon runs. One of the most popular and heavily fished streams.

• Milwaukee River: Urban fishing through downtown Milwaukee. Easily accessible and holds good runs of salmon.

• Sheboygan River: Runs right through Sheboygan and gets a strong push of fall salmon.

• Manitowoc River: Similar to the Sheboygan, this river flows through Manitowoc into Lake Michigan.

• Kewaunee and Ahnapee Rivers: Located in Kewaunee County, both rivers see salmon runs.

• Door County Streams: Fish Creek, Sturgeon Bay, and other streams on the peninsula’s east side hold salmon.

Up along Lake Superior, the south shore tributaries in Bayfield and Ashland Counties offer excellent salmon fishing:

• Sioux River: One of the more consistent and productive salmon streams in the region.

• Flag River: Known for its salmon and steelhead fishing opportunities below U.S. Highway 2.

• Cranberry River: Sees runs of coho salmon every fall.

• Pikes Creek: Relatively small stream with great access to catch migrating salmon.

Top Techniques for Salmon

When salmon enter the rivers, they are focused on spawning, not eating. This makes them more challenging to catch. But a variety of techniques can entice them to strike:

• Cast inline spinners, crankbaits, spoons and vibrax spinners. Bright colored lures work well in stained water.

• Drift egg sack imitations, skein bags, and egg flies along current seams where salmon hold.

• Backbounce cured salmon eggs along pool edges and log jams.

• Swing streamer flies and leech patterns through deeper runs and pools.

• Focus on low light periods like early morning or evening when salmon are most active in the streams.

• Fish near river mouths as salmon stage before moving upstream. Cast spoons, spinners, and crankbaits.

Salmon Fishing Regulations

Make sure you understand and follow all regulations:

• A Wisconsin fishing license and Great Lakes salmon stamp are required to target salmon.

• There are daily bag limits and size restrictions for each salmon species. Identify your catch!

• Many popular salmon rivers have special regulations like tackle restrictions and closed fishing zones. Read the regulations carefully before fishing a new stream.

• The general inland fishing season opens in May, but there are extended seasons on some Lake Superior tributaries in the fall to target salmon.

Plan An Epic Salmon Fishing Adventure

If you time it right to match the peak migration months, Wisconsin’s salmon runs offer a world-class fishing experience. From the scenic northwoods streams to accessible urban rivers, there are opportunities for anglers of all levels.

Follow this guide to key destinations, techniques, and seasons. Gear up with waders, salmon skein, casting spoons, and your favorite rod. Then get out there and experience the thrill of battling one of these hard-charging Lake Michigan or Lake Superior salmon!