When Do Salmon Spawn in Wisconsin? A Guide to Peak Spawning Seasons

Salmon fishing is a popular pastime in Wisconsin, with anglers flocking to Lake Michigan and Lake Superior each year to try and catch trophy-sized Chinook, Coho, Pink, and other salmon species during their spawning runs. But exactly when do the different types of salmon spawn in Wisconsin’s waterways?

The timing of the salmon runs varies by species, so it’s important to know when each fish is peaking in the rivers and tributaries. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the peak spawning seasons for salmon in Wisconsin.

Chinook Salmon

The largest salmon found in the Great Lakes, Chinook or King salmon, are the first to enter Wisconsin’s spawning streams each fall. These mighty fish start their spawning run as early as late August, with the peak occurring in September and October.

Some of the most popular rivers for targeting Chinook salmon during the peak of their spawn include:

• Brule River – Mid-September through October
• Manitowoc River – Late September through late October
• Sheboygan River – Late September through October
• Milwaukee River – Late September through October
• Menominee River – Late September to late October

Anglers also find success catching Chinook salmon in September and October near the mouths of rivers that flow into Green Bay, such as the Peshtigo and Oconto

Coho Salmon

After the Chinook finish spawning, Coho salmon enter the tributaries on their journey upstream to spawn. Although smaller than King salmon, Coho are aggressive fighters that are known for their aerial acrobatics when hooked.

The peak months for targeting Coho salmon runs are October and early November. Hot spots include

• Brule River – Mid-September into November
• Flag River – Late September through October
• Cranberry River – Mid-September through October
• Sioux River – Late September through October
• Milwaukee River – October through early November
• Menominee River – October to early November

Brown Trout

While not a Pacific salmon like Chinook and Coho, Lake Michigan’s brown trout also make spawning runs up tributaries in the fall months. Lean and powerful, brown trout swarm gravel beds to prepare their spawning redds.

For targeting trophy-sized brown trout on their spawning run, focus on these rivers during October and November:

• Brule River – Late September through November
• Manitowoc River – Mid-October through November
• Sheboygan River – October through November
• Milwaukee River – October through November
• Menominee River – October through November

Why Fall is Peak Spawning Season

Salmon and trout spawn in the fall months because it allows their offspring to grow large enough through the winter to have the best chance at survival when they emerge from the gravel in spring.

When water temperatures cool and flows are adequate, mature salmon sense it’s time to migrate from Lake Michigan and Lake Superior into their natal streams and tributaries to continue the spawning cycle.

How to Target Spawning Salmon

Fishing for salmon during the spawning run requires different tactics than during the rest of the season. Here are the best methods for hooking into fresh-from-the-lake salmon in Wisconsin’s rivers:

• Backbounce roe bags and drift egg sacks through deep holes and current seams.
• Cast spinners, spoons, and crankbaits near river mouths as staging fish wait to move upstream.
• Fly fishing with streamers and egg patterns fished on swing techniques is deadly during the salmon run.
• Backtroll plugs along current edges in the early mornings and evenings.
• Float shallow riffles and runs in a drift boat, casting to holding and rolling fish.
• Use natural bait like cured salmon eggs and live minnows.

Regulations and Ethical Fishing

When salmon fishing in Wisconsin, be sure to:

• Obtain a valid Wisconsin fishing license and Great Lakes salmon stamp.
• Follow all size limits, bag limits, and tackle restrictions.
• Never target spawning salmon or brown trout on their redds.
• Carefully release non-target species like steelhead and brown trout.
• Avoid wading in spawning areas.

Practicing ethical angling ensures we can protect the legendary salmon fisheries of Wisconsin for generations to come.

Salmon Spawning Season Opportunities

Here are some top rivers and streams to consider outside of the Lake Michigan tributaries:

• Lake Superior streams like the Bad, White, and Marengo produce salmon runs.
• The Root River near Racine enters Lake Michigan and gets fall salmon.
• The urban Milwaukee River offers salmon at the doorstep of the city.
• Green Bay tributaries like the Fox, East Twin, and West Twin receive salmon runs.

Don’t overlook smaller streams and urban fisheries when chasing spawning salmon in Wisconsin.

Plan Your Trip

From the quiet headwaters to the vast Great Lakes, Wisconsin provides the ultimate setting for an unforgettable salmon fishing adventure each fall.

Use this guide to identify the migration timing for different salmon species. Pick your target fish, preferred places, and techniques and get ready for hot action during the peak spawning months between September and November.

With world-renowned salmon fisheries, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next Wisconsin salmon spawning run fishing trip today!

In Wisconsin, fish spawning temperatures vary by species, but generally occur when water temperatures reach between 40-80 degrees Fahrenheit, primarily during the spring months.