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In Travel & Visitors Guide
Milwaukee fishing guide
 
By OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writers

Last updated Aug. 8, 2004 at 5:16 a.m.
Tags: fishing, charters, lake michigan, mckinley marina, milwaukee river


Note: The contents of this guide were checked for accuracy when this article was updated on Aug. 8, 2004 at 5:16 a.m. We continually update the thousands of articles on OnMilwaukee.com, but it's possible some details, specials and offers may have changed. As always, we recommend you call first if you have specific questions for the businesses mentioned in the guide.

Grab your fishing gear and tackle these great fishing locations in the Milwaukee area. Lake Michigan isn't the only catch in the city; there are plenty of other freshwater bodies that are great for fly and reel fishing. But, if the big lake is your goal, check out a fishing charter. And don't forget to make sure you've got everything you need. We've added a short list of some great places to get bait, tackle and more.

North Avenue Dam
Located on the Milwaukee River in Caesar's Park, the North Avenue Dam is a prime spot for an abundance of steelhead fish. Since fishing in a current is very different than fishing in a lake, it is recommended that bobbers and egg sinkers are used to cast out into the current. Don't bring your best lures though, the water is very shallow and you could catch a snag.

Oak Creek
Fly fishing, anyone? Located in Grant Park, this small stream below the dam is a great place to fly fish. Bring your best fishing gear here, cast away your spinner and soak some spawn under a bobber.

The Summerfest grounds
Have the best of both worlds at this fishing area located at the mouth of the Milwaukee River. Fish in the river during the early morning hours for steelhead or switch over to Lake Michigan for browns. For you fishing pros it is recommended that you use golden shiners or fresh spawn for steelhead and blue and silver spoons for brown trout.

Doctor's Park
This fishing beach offers six jetties from which to fish off, but some of them may be partially submerged after strong east winds. Brown trout is the best catch here. Bring your hiking boots though. The walk down to the beach is very long and steep.

South Shore Yacht Club
The South Shore Yacht Club is located by the south gap of the break wall in Lake Michigan. Pike are here every day. Casting may be difficult due to the abundance of docked boats and weed beds. For the pros, crank bait and silver and blue spoons are recommended. For more information call (414) 762-9819.

McKinley Marina
1750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive, (414) 273-5224
Take your family or friends to this large neighborhood park and marina. Although this park has little wildlife habitat, it is excellent for dock fishing and boat tours. Boat ramps, beaches and on-beach activities are available.

Kletszch Park
The fishing is fantastic where the Milwaukee River tumbles down a little waterfall, and you'll find a lot of regulars out there at almost all times. But there are homes directly across the river from the park, so please be courteous.

Fishing Charters

A-Ahoy Lucky Boy Charters
5600 W. Burnham St., (414) 543-9003 or (414) 645-2379
Captains Eddie and Shirley can offer you a fun fishing experience on Lake Michigan aboard the "Lucky Boy." They have more than 20 years experience of fishing on the lake and can help turn you into a pro. They teach the novice and guide experienced fisherman. All fishing equipment is furnished. License, stamps, and food are available.

Leisure Time Charters
1919 S. Marina Dr., (262) 781-1704

Join Captain Mike Pjevach for a Port of Milwaukee Lake Michigan fishing charter. Fish aboard the "Pagasus II," a 37' Sea Ray Express. With the help of Captain Mike, tackle some bait and catch plenty of salmon, coho, brown trout and lake trout.

McKinley Marine Charters
1750 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr.

Little Dipper, (262) 252-4426
Located at the foot of Lafayette Hill is the Little Dipper fishing charter, ready to catch you as you reel your line out into Lake Michigan.

Maritime, (414) 247-1660
Enjoy a half or full-day trip of fishing on Lake Michigan in this 30 foot fishing vessel.

Captain Jack Remus, (414) 482-2336
If you catch nothing you pay nothing on this 33-foot fishing charter.

Take 5, (414) 871-FISH
Take a fishing charter, fireworks trip or a boat ride and have a reel great time right on Lake Michigan in this fabulous fishing vessel.

Fishing stores

The Fly Fishers, 8601 W. Greenfield Ave., (414) 259-8100
www.theflyfishers.com
Local and regional guides, classes and everything you need for fly fishing.

Laacke & Joys, 1433 N. Water St., (414) 271-7878
One of the city's best sporting good shops also carries everything you need for fishing and offers demos on the Milwaukee River, behind the shop, located on the northern edge of downtown.

Fishin' Hole, 3115 E. Layton Ave., (414) 481-6888
Located in the heart of Cudahy, the Fishin' Hole also has a fishing hot line, (414) 481-9090.

Bait Mart/Sportsmen's Den, 5325 W. Villard Ave., (414) 464-2287
Fishing and hunting licenses, live bait and fishing supplies. Open seven days a week and 24 hours a day (in season).

Buttrum's Sporting Goods, 5464 N. Port Washington Road, (414) 967-1980
www.buttrum.com
Great selection of live bait, fishing tackle and fly fishing gear, located on the north shore.

Jack's Jigs, 2545 S. Delaware Ave., (414) 482-2336
Located in the heart of Bay View, Jack's is the perfect place to gear up for fishing near South Shore marina or downtown.

Add your favorite fishing hole (if you're willing to share it), tackle shop or charter company by using the talkback feature below. Happy angling!

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gwoydean Laacke and Joys is closing down their fishing department. They have only a limited ...
OMCreader Cozen Beguile said: Best time and place to fish is Oct.- Dec., early mornings, ...

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