Fishing Near Kenosha Wisconsin

Fishing near Kenosha, Wisconsin, provides a range of opportunities due to its proximity to Lake Michigan and various inland waters. Here’s a guide to some top fishing spots, species you can target, and useful techniques to enhance your fishing experience.

Top Fishing Spots Near Kenosha, Wisconsin

1. Lake Michigan (Kenosha Harbor)

• Species: Salmon (Chinook and Coho), trout (lake and brown), perch, and bass (smallmouth and largemouth).
• Best Areas:
  • The harbor area and nearby piers are great for fishing.
  • Look for fishing boats near the breakwalls and out in deeper water.
• Fishing Techniques:
  • Trolling with spoons, plugs, or live bait can be effective for salmon and trout.
  • Casting from the piers with jigs or spinners can yield good catches of bass and perch.

2. Simmons Island Park

• Species: Panfish, bass, and northern pike.
• Best Areas:
  • The park offers access to the lake with a sandy beach and piers.
• Fishing Techniques:
  • Use bobbers with live bait for panfish.
  • Spinnerbaits and soft plastics can be effective for bass.

3. Kenosha’s Pike River

• Species: Northern pike, smallmouth bass, and panfish.
• Best Areas:
  • The lower reaches near the harbor and any slow-moving sections.
• Fishing Techniques:
  • Casting with topwater lures and spoons is great for pike.
  • Use jigs and live bait for bass and panfish.

4. Chain O’ Lakes

• Species: Largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill.
• Best Areas:
  • Look for weedy areas and drop-offs in the various lakes.
• Fishing Techniques:
  • Use slip bobbers with live bait for crappie.
  • Spinnerbaits and soft plastics work well for bass.

Additional Fishing Locations

5. Bong State Recreation Area

• Species: Bass, panfish, and pike.
• Best Areas:
  • Several small lakes and channels within the park provide good access.
• Fishing Techniques:
  • Fly fishing can be effective for panfish in the summer.
  • Use topwater lures for bass, especially in the early mornings.

6. Fox River

• Species: Walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass.
• Best Areas:
  • Look for deeper holes and current breaks, especially near dams.
• Fishing Techniques:
  • Drift fishing with jigs and live bait for walleye.
  • Use crankbaits or plastic worms for bass.

Fishing Techniques and Tips

1. Seasonal Patterns

• Spring: Focus on spawning areas for walleye and bass; shallow waters are ideal for panfish.
• Summer: Fish early in the morning or late in the evening; target deeper water during the day.
• Fall: As temperatures cool, fish become more active; target areas near spawning runs.
• Winter: Ice fishing can be productive for panfish and pike. Check local ice conditions before heading out.

2. Recommended Gear

• Rods and Reels: Medium-action spinning rods for versatile use; heavier gear for pike.
• Bait and Lures: Live bait (minnows, nightcrawlers) is effective; jigs, crankbaits, and spinners for artificial lures.

Local Bait and Tackle Shops

• Kenosha Bait & Tackle: Offers a good selection of live bait and fishing gear.
• Cabela’s in Richfield: A larger store with a wide variety of fishing supplies.

Community and Resources

• Fishing Reports: Websites like Wisconsin DNR provide current conditions and fishing regulations.
• Local Fishing Groups: Joining online forums or local Facebook groups can keep you updated on fishing tips and spots.

Safety Tips

• Wear Life Jackets: Always have flotation devices when boating.
• Be Weather Aware: Check forecasts before heading out and be prepared for changing conditions.
• Follow Local Regulations: Ensure compliance with size and bag limits.

Kenosha offers a great variety of fishing experiences, from the shores of Lake Michigan to the rivers and lakes nearby.

For more fishing tips and advice and to find the very best fishing guides in America visit us at www.usfishingguides.com. At USFG we bring only the very best guides in the United States together under one roof to ensure you have the most amazing experience possible. Learn More Today!

Check us our page on Facebook, at US Fishing Guides

We also created a group to share tips and advice at Fishing US

Fishing Near Kenosha Wisconsin