SPRING FISHING TECHNIQUES AND HOT SPOTS
Spring means one thing to anglers in Milwaukee, STEELHEAD!! Starting early in March during the first of the late winter thaws, the steelhead start moving up the area's tributary streams to spawn. Unlike salmon that die after they spawn, these fish return once again to the lake. These silver beauties also tend to readily hit, and they usually take to the air once they are hooked. The best baits for steelheads are Sweedish spinners and fresh spawn. With the DNR's latest stocking programs, these fish are fast becoming the shore anglers favorite species.
Likewise, as the days get longer and the water begins to warm, smelt start to move in along the shores of Lake Michigan to spawn. Also, brown trout follow the spawning smelt in close to shore; therefore, this gives shore anglers an excelent oportunity to hook into one. Because smelt are usually fairly long and skinny, the best baits to use for them are long slender spoons, stick type crank baits, and of coarse, live golden shiners.
North Aveneau Dam
This dam is located on the Milwaukee River in Ceasar's Park. This is the primary spot to catch steelhead in the spring. The best bait here is spawn fished under a bobber or with an egg sinker cast out into the current. Lures work good here too, but due to the shallow water and numerous snags, I wouldn't use my best lures.
Oak Creek
This small stream is located entirely in Grant Park and has easy access. There is a one mile stretch of the river below the dam that is fishable. Most of this stretch is wadeable for those of you who like to fly fish, egg imatations work best in pink or chartreuse. This area is also perfect for casting a spinner or soaking some spawn under a bobber.
The Summerfest Grounds
This area is located at the mouth of the Milwaukee River. Fish in the river mouth early in the spring for steelhead, not withstanding a switch over to the lake area for browns. For the steelhead use golden shiners or fresh spawn fished just off the bottom. For the brown trout try golden shiners or cast blue and silver spoons or crank baits.
Doctor's Park
The walk down to the beach here is fairly long and steep. However, the beach offers six jetties to fish off of, but, some of them are partially submerged. This spot is great for browns. I usually just cast here but I have seen people catch fish on dead smelt or golden shiners. This spot is best after periods of west winds.