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Milwaukee Lakefront Fishing Guide

Wisconsin

Harbor and river mouth fishing for kings and coho on Lake Michigan.

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to Milwaukee Lakefront for chinook salmon and coho salmon. The best months overall are May to Nov. In October, chinook salmon and coho salmon are in season. There are 12 shops within 45 miles (2 fly, 10 bait and tackle); the closest is A & C Live Bait Inc. in Milwaukee, 2 mi away. Fox Chain O'Lakes is 45 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.

Best Months

May to Nov

In October

Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon

Methods

Spin, cast & bait

Season at a Glance

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F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

What You'll Catch

Milwaukee Lakefront Species

Chinook Salmon

Prime Now
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best: May to Oct

Coho Salmon

Prime Now
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best: Aug to Nov

Plan by Month

What to Use

Month
Fish

Nothing specific listed for October. Try a neighboring month. ● means in season that month.

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    Rod & Reel

    Recommended Setups

    Chinook Salmon

    Fly 10 ft 9 or 10 wt rod, sink-tip line, 15 to 20 lb leader.

    Spin / Cast 9 to 10.5 ft medium-heavy casting rod, line-counter or levelwind reel, 20 to 30 lb line.

    Coho Salmon

    Fly 9 to 10 ft 8 wt rod, sink-tip line, 12 lb leader.

    Spin / Cast 8.5 to 9 ft medium rod, 3000 spinning reel, 10 to 15 lb line.

    Matched to These Species

    Gear for Milwaukee Lakefront

    Rods

    Ugly Stik Bigwater Trolling Rod

    A long, forgiving trolling rod for downriggers and planer boards.

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    Spinners

    Mepps Aglia Inline Spinner

    A classic spinner for trout, bass, and salmon in moving water.

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    Within 45 Miles

    Shops Near Milwaukee Lakefront

    Make It a Trip

    Nearby Water

    Lakes & Reservoirs · Illinois · 45 mi

    Fox Chain O'Lakes

    A chain of connected glacial lakes in northern Illinois with muskie, walleye, and bass.

    Walleye · Muskellunge · Largemouth Bass

    Lakes & Reservoirs · Wisconsin · 72 mi

    Lake Winnebago

    Wisconsin's largest inland lake with walleye, white bass, and a sturgeon spearing tradition.

    Walleye · Yellow Perch · White Bass