As is the case with most major state rivers, shore access is typically best below dams on the Rock. One of the most productive spots is the tailwaters of the Indianford dam just downstream from Lake Koshkonong. Another good site for shore ‘eyes exists on Blackhawk Island above 10,400-acre Koshkonong. In Janesville, there is better access below the Monterey dam, but fish also congregate in the Centerway dam tailwaters. Farther south, there is some limited access below the Beloit dam just west of Highway 51 across from Beloit College. Access is much better below the dam at Jefferson, but you certainly won’t be fishing alone.

Contacts: Riverfront Resort, Blackhawk Island, (920) 563-2757; Dick’s Tackle & Bait, Beloit, (608) 362-8712.

WOLF RIVER
The Lake Winnebago System is Wisconsin’s premier walleye factory. When the fish leave Winnie and move up into the marshes to spawn, it is a pure spectacle on both natural and human levels.

Variations of the venerable Wolf River rig are still popular here, from the Highway 41 bridge up past Fremont and beyond. The most popular bait is a Milwaukee shiner presented on a floating jighead or some bizarre combination of beads and spinners. Of course, the basic jig also works, too.

The run occurs each spring like clockwork sometime between April 10 and April 20. Millions of fish make the run inland from the big lake to the marshes over a few hours, and slide back downstream over a few days a little higher in the water column.

The Rainbow Park piers in Oshkosh and the Neenah lighthouse are popular walleye spots in the spring. Once fish are in the river, any sharp bend or necked-down area has potential. The Winneconne Bridge and Omro Park offer a couple of super options.

Contact: guide Greg Karch, (920) 303-9960; Critter’s Wolf River Sports, (920) 582-0471, or at WolfRiverSports.com.

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Wisconsin has many, many more rivers with a spring gold rush you can cash in on from shore. The Kickapoo, Red Cedar, Yahara and Chippewa rivers top the list of “sleepers.” Get out your waders!

Find more about Wisconsin fishing and hunting at: WisconsinSportsmanMag.com.