Wolf River Wisconsin Fishing Report
Updated 04/23/24
(Bottom Of Page)
Fly and Gear ordering and delivery: We can get flies to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. If you provide a budget for flies, we will select them to match the budget and get them to you on time for your trip. Please see the bottom of this column for ordering options.
We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. They make excellent gifts. Click Here To Order or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com.
Type of Stream
Freestone
Species
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
Brook Trout
(Stocked with Hold Overs – Some
natural reproduction. Estimated 70%
stocked and 30% wild trout)
Size
Medium – large
Location
Northeaster Wisconsin
Nearest Towns
Green Bay
White Lake
Season
General season starts first Sat. of
May to Sept. 30th.
Special Regulations
Special Catch and Release opening
and closing dates. There is a special
6 mile long catch and release section all season know as the Oxybow. Be sure and check with current regulations subject to change.
Access:
Good
Non-Resident License
State of Wisconsin
Weather
National Weather Service Link
Stream Flow Data:
Real Time USGS Data (Langlade)
Seasons:
There is a general season and a special catch and release season.
Spring:
Springtime can be tough fishing until the water levels recede. You may have to fish from a rubber raft.
Summer:
Early summer is usually the prime time to fish the river. Late summer can bring about marginal water temperatures especially in low water years.
Fall:
Fall can be great and the time the browns spawn.
Winter:
It is possible to catch trout on the better days.
Recommended Tackle & Gear
Fly Line:
4, 5 or 6 weight
Leaders:
Dry fly: 9 to 12 ft., 5 or 6X Nymphing:
71/2 ft., 3 or 4X, Streamers 0-2X
Tippets:
Dry fly: 5 or 6X, Nymphing: 3 or 4X,
Streamer 0-2X
Best Fly Rods:
Perfect Fly Supreme Four, Superb Five
or Ultimate Six
Fly Reels:
For 4/5/6 fly line
Fly Floatants and Misc Items:
Floatants, KISS Strike Indicators
Tools & Accessories:
Nippers, forceps, retractors, etc.
Fly and Gear ordering and delivery:
Email us at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations. We can get flies and gear to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. If you provide a budget for flies, we will select them to match the budget and get them to you on time for your trip. Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use. All orders are shipped free in the U.S. If under a $100 order requiring Priority mail is a charge of only $8.10. Orders over a $100 are shipped free via Priority Mail.
Copyright 2016 James Marsh
Fly Fishing The Wolf River Wisconsin
The Wolf River is a very beautiful stream and a good trout fishery for over sixty miles of its length. The uppermost thirty-four miles are available for the general public, but the lower mileage is reserved for the Menominee Indians. Most of the upper mileage has public access. The river is over ninety percent forested. Northern hardwood trees, spruce and fir line most of the stream.
The fishable section of the river begins below the Hunting River, a small tributary stream. Upstream of there, the river is considered a warm water fishery.
The Wolf is Wisconsin’s largest trout stream. Some of the stream’s tributaries, including the Hunting River, hold populations of brook trout. Most of the trout in the main river are browns along with some rainbows. The deep pockets and large number of rocks and boulders in the stream provide an excellent habitat for brown trout. The large trout are mostly holdovers from previous years and can become quite difficult to catch. There are also some wild trout, especially in the lower section below Lilly. Many feeder streams also have natural reproduction, especially the spring fed Hunting River.
The portion of the river from Pearson to Lilly is mostly slow flowing water with a soft bottom. Below there the river consist mostly of fast moving pocket water with riffles, pools and runs. There are sections of rapids. Rafters enjoy the river but cannot launch before 8:00 A.M., and must be off the water by 7:00 P.M.
Hatches on the Wolf River can be prolific. It has a large variety and population of aquatic insects as you will see in our hatch section. Some insects are unique to the river.
Fly Fishing Guide to the Wolf River
The strategies and techniques used for fly fishing the Wolf River depends on the water levels, season and hatches.
The Wolf River is much like a Western trout stream. It is fast enough that it is also a very popular rafting river. The current is very strong at times and in certain places. The water in the Wolf River average about fifty yards wide. It is slightly alkaline. The river is bordered with trees, some of which are huge. The water temperature can reach into the low eighties during the summer and is why the trout are regularly stocked. The trout find relief where small springs seep into the river during the hot summer.
This river can run very high and fast during the early spring season. Flows can reach as high as 2000 cfs yet run as low as 50 cfs during periods of low water. It can be very difficult to wade at in the Spring. Some prefer to fish it from a rubber raft. Later in the season, it settles down and is wadable. It can be very dangerous to wade and it is a good idea to use a wading staff. Deep holes are easy to step into if you are not careful. There are some rapids that are difficult to wade anytime and some that cannot be waded at all.
State owned access is available along highway #55 and at several bridges. The Military Park access north of Lilly is an excellent location. There are many other access points.
The large boulders in the stream create deep holes and the perfect habitat for large brown trout. Nymph fishing in the deep holes can be very effective if done correctly. From Pearson downstream to Lilly the river gradually declines. The flow is generally slow compared to some sections and there are only a couple of areas of fast water. From Lilly downstream to the Indian Reservation, the river drops at a much greater decline. There are many sections of rapids. This is the area that attracts most of the rafters and fast water kayaks. It is also the water that the trout prefer during warm weather. The trout will seek the highly oxygenated water during hot weather and warm water temperatures. This is also the section of the river that has some natural reproduction of trout. It cannot sustain the population the state wants it to have and supplemental stocking is done.
The rainbow trout that exist in the stream are mostly found in the tributaries, especially those below Pearson and near seepage from springs. These tributary streams also provide small stream fishing for browns and brook trout.
There’s a special six mile long catch and release section that starts at the railroad trestle at Hollister and extends downstream to Dierck’s Irrigation Hole.
To fish the river successfully, you must be able to fish the many hatches. The trout can become very selective on some of the insects. Dry fly fishing is normally very good then but otherwise you are better off fishing nymphs or streamers. The high sticking method of fishing nymphs works great in the faster sections of the river. In the upper, slow moving water, it may be necessary to make downstream presentation but otherwise, fish in an upstream direction.
Wolf River Fishing Report:
02/27/2020 We are starting reports again.
The river has a good bit of slush ice and lots
of bank ice. Water temperatures are in the
mid thirties. Midges are hatching.
03/22/2020 Stream levels are currently high
and the water stained. Midges, winter
stoneflies and maybe some little BWOs are
hatching.
04/17/20 The river is still running high, too
high to wade safely. It should fall out and
clear soon. Warmer weather will bring on
some new Spring hatches soon.
05/12/20 The stream levels are just a little
above normal level and in good shape,.
There are lots of hatches taking place.
send us an email for a list:
sales@perfectflystore.com
05/29/20 The stream levels are high but
falling. There are good hatches taking
place. Fish when it drops a little more.
06/11/20 The river is currently up high, too
high to wade and fish. Fish as soon as it
drops. Good hatches are going on.
06/24/20 The stream level is up again too
high to wade but falling fast. Trout were
being caught in good numbers before the
high water. Good hatches are taking place.
07/06/20 The stream levels are high
again. Trout are being caught by our
customers in good numbers when the
levels are okay.
07/19/20 The stream levels are very high
again. Fish as soon as it drops again.
Trout are being caught by our customers
when the levels are okay.
08/01/20 The river is up high again. Fish as
soon as it drops back down. We get good
reports from customers when it is fishable.
08/22/20 The river is still a good bit above
normal levels. It can be waded safely in a
few places. Hopefully, it will fall back out
soon. Good hatches and good reports of
catches when the stream levels are down.
09/18/20 The river is still a little above
normal levels but can be waded in places
with caution. There are some very good
hatches and our customers are reporting
good catches.
10/02/20 The stream levels are still a little
high but you can wade with caution in
many places and fish from the bank. Our
customers are still sending in good reports.
10/23/20 The stream is high right now
due to recent rain. Fish as soon as it falls
back out. We were getting some very
good reports from customers.
11/16/20 we have been getting good reports
from customers fishing the C ^ R section.
BWO, midges and our sculpin and leech
pattern streamers are working.
12/18/20 We are getting good reports from
customers when stream levels are okay.
The are in good shape now.
12/29/20 The stream is cold and a little
high. Midges and Winter stoneflies are
hatching good.
01/17/21 We didn’t receive any reports this
past week. Stream levels are a little high
and there is lots of slush ice.
02/03/21 There is still a lot of slush and bank
ice. Some shelf ice in slow water sections.
Wait until it warms up a little.
02/28/21 The water is still too cold to provide
decent opportunities, It is possible to catch
trout on midges but fish the slower moving
water.
03/17/21 There is still a lot of slush ice in
the water. Wait until it warms a little.
04/30/21 Stream levels are fine and Quill Gordons, Blue Quills, Little Brown stoneflies, and Little Black caddis are hatching. You should be able to catch plenty trout.
05/09/21 The stream is near a normal level and in good shape with clear water. The season is open and we are expecting to get some good reports soon. There are some very good hatches.
05/16/21 The river is flowing a good bit below normal level. Trout are being caught by our customers in good numbers. There are multiple hatches taking place. Call or write us for a recommended fly list.
05/22/16 The stream is back up to normal levels and in good shape. You should be able to catch plenty trout.
05/30/21 The stream levels are up high but falling down fast. It should be in good shape again very soon. We have been getting good reports from customers. There are lots of insects hatching.
06/08/21 The stream levels are down to a normal level and the water clear. We received two good reports from yesterday. Good hatches are taking place. Email us at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations.
06/20/21 The river is flowing a little below normal levels and clear. There are multiple hatches taking place and we are getting some good reports from customers. Email us at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response.
07/03/21 The stream levels are just a little above normal and the river in good shape. We are getting good reports from customers. There are some good hatches and dry fly fishing is good.
07/14/21 The stream levels are down to normal and we should be getting good reports again. We were prior to the last heavy rain. Good hatches continue.
07/20/21 The stream is flowing at a normal level and in good shape. We continue to get some very good reports from customers.
07/28/21 The stream is a little above normal but in good shape. We are getting more good reports thanks to good hatches.
08/05/21 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. We continue to get good reports from customers. Good hatches are taking place.
08/15/21 The stream is a little above normal level in good shape. We get good reports from customers most every day. Good hatches.
08/23/21 The stream levels are just a little above normal levels and in good shape. We received three good reports from customers fishing this past week. Good hatches are taking place.
08/31/21 The stream is still a little above normal but allows plenty of good wading water. We are still getting some good reports from customers.
09/09/21 The stream is just a little above normal and in good shape. There are some good hatches taking place and we continue to get good reports from customers.
09/18/21 The Wolf River is in great shape flowing at a normal level. We are getting some good reports from customers fishing it. There are good hatches taking place.
09/27/21 The river is flowing just a little above a normal level and in good shape. We are getting good reports from customers on a regular basis.
10/07/21 The river is near a normal level and in good shape. We continue to get good reports from customers when the levels are okay. There are good fall hatches taking place.
10/18/21 The stream is at a normal level and clear. There are some good hatches and we received three good reports from customers fishing this past week. Catch and release only in the special C and R area.
10/29/21 The stream is still flowing at a normal level and clear. Good hatches are taking place. Our sculpin and leech articulated streamers are catching some large ones.
11/05/21 The stream is flowing a little below normal level in good shape. We are getting good reports from customers catching good numbers of trout.
11/14/21 The stream is flowing at a normal rate and level. We received two good reports from customers fishing the C and R section this past week.
11/23/21 The C and R section is still turning out some trout. Our articulated sculpin streamers are working good. There are midge and BWO hatches.
12/04/23 There are still good hatches and the levels are okay. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week.
12/12/21 We are not sure about the water levels but it was okay recently because we got some good reports.
12/21/21 The stream level is just a little above normal. We received one good report this past week from a customer. Midges are hatching good.
12/29/21 We didn’t receive any reports this past week.
01/07/22 We still didn’t get any reports from anyone fishing this past week. There are good midge hatches taking place and you should be able to catch trout.
01/14/22 The stream is in okay shape, cold but with good midge hatches. We have been getting good reports from customers fishing the C & R section. midges and our sculpin and leech
pattern streamers are working.
01/22/22 We received one good report this past week from a customer. Winter stoneflies and blood midges are hatching.
01/30/22 We didn’t receive any reports this past week from anyone fishing. The stream levels are up some.
02/07/22 We still didn’t receive any reports probably due to high water levels but it should drop and clear soon.
02/15/22 The stream is very cold except in the upper sections near the spring outlets. We didn’t receive any reports from anyone fishing this past week.
02/23/22 We didn’t receive any reports from anyone fishing this past week. Conditions are okay near spring outlets and small tributaries.
03/03/22 The stream is cold everywhere except near spring outlets. There are good Blood midge and Winter stonefly hatches taking place.
03/11/22 We still didn’t get any reports from anyone fishing this past week but trout can be caught especially upstream near the springs.
03/19/22 The river is still very cold but warmer in the upper section near springs. There are good blood and cream midge hatches taking place.
03/27/22 We are starting to get good reports again. Fish the uppermost section of the river near the springs. Good hatches of BWOs, and midges are taking place.
04/04/22 The stream is flowing just a little above normal level in good shape. Good hatches continue to take place. Fish as near the springs as you can for warmer water.
04/20/20 Sorry for the missed report. The stream is flowing higher than normal but should come back down fast. We have been getting a few good reports lately but just a few. It should get better very soon.
04/28/22 The stream is flowing just a little above normal level and in good shape otherwise. There are good hatches taking place and we have received a good report from a customer fishing yesterday.
05/06/22 The stream is down to just a little below normal level and in good shape. We are getting good reports from customers. Good hatches continue to take place.
05/14/22 The stream is flowing a little above normal. We didn’t receive any reports this past week but you should be able to catch fish. Let us hear from you.
05/22/22 The stream is still well above normal but could be waded with caution in some places. Good hatches are taking place and dry fly fishing is starting to be good.
05/29/22 The stream is a little above normal but can be waded with caution in places. Good hatches continue to take place. You should be able to catch plenty trout.
06/06/22 Stream levels are fine and the water mostly clear. We are getting some very good reports from customers. Multiple hatches are taking place.
06/13/22 Two more good reports from customers came in this past week. Stream levels are fine and the water mostly clear. There are a lot of insects hatching and dry fly fishing is good.
06/20/22 Stream levels are near normal and the water clear. We received three good reports from customers fishing this past week. Very good hatches are taking place.
06/27/22 Stream levels are still in good shape with clear water. We received two more good reports from customers fishing it last week. Good hatches continue.
07/03/22 Conditions remain good. We received two more good reports from customers fishing this past week.
07/11/22 Stream levels are a little below normal levels but okay. We received three good reports from customers fishing this past week. Good hatches continue to take place.
07/18/22 Stream levels continue to be a little below normal with clear water. There are good hatches taking place and our terrestrials are starting to work good.
07/25/22 The stream is flowing just a little below normal level and in good shape. We received two good reports from customers fishing recently. There are some good hatches taking place.
08/08/25 The stream is still flowing near a normal level in good shape. We received three good reports from customers fishing this past week. Good hatches continue to take place.
08/15/22 Stream levels are above normal a lot but falling down fast. It should be in good shape very soon. We are getting good reports when the levels are okay.
08/29/22 Sorry for the missed report. Stream levels are currently a little above normal but okay. Some places may be tough wade. Good late summer hatches continue to take place.
09/06/22 The stream is flowing just a little below normal level and clear. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week. Good late summer hatches are taking place.
09/13/22 The river is in okay shape and turning out some good catches of trout. All sections are producing.
09/20/22 The stream is flowing near a normal level and clear. We received another good report from a customer fishing it this past week.
09/27/22 The stream is flowing just a little below normal level in good shape. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week. Good hatches continue to take place.
10/09/22 Conditions remain good. The stream is still a little below normal but not to low to affect the catching. Good late season hatches continue to take place.
01/02/23 Stream conditions are not good due to ice. Good winter hatches continue.
02/04/22 Ice is still a big factor. Suggest waiting until it warms up a little.
02/27/23 The river has a good bit of slush ice and lots of bank ice. Water temperatures are in the high thirties. Midges are hatching.
03/12/23 There is still a lot of ice in the C and R section. Midges are hatching and trout can still be caught but it may be slow. Suggest waiting until it warms up a little.
03/17/23 The stream is okay from a level standpoint but it is very cold. There’s lots of slush and bank ice but it should start to warm up soon.
03/25/23 You should be able to catch and release trout on midges, light greens and creams, aquatic worms, Winter stoneflies and little BWO nymphs.
04/05/23 The stream level is a little above normal and the water clear. Good hatches continue to take place. We haven’t received any reports from anyone. Let us hear from you.
04/22/23 We received one good report about a week ago. The water is very high right now. Give it a couple of days to drop and clear.
05/03/23 Stream levels are still very high. Give it some more time to drop and clear. You could let us help you get your flies and gear together.
05/13/23 The stream is still very high. It has been much of the time for the past ten days.
05/24/23 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. Good hatches are taking place. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week.
06/06/23 The stream is flowing at a low level and clear. There are good hatches taking place. You will need to use caution to stay hidden from the trout.
06/13/23 The stream is flowing a little below a normal level. Very good hatches are taking place. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week.
06/25/23 The stream is flowing a good bit below normal. In some cases, you will need to stay low and as hidden from the trout as possible. We received two good report from this past week.
07/02/23 Stream level is still a little below normal and the water is clear. We received two more good reports from customers fishing this past week. Good hatches are taking place.
07/13/23 The stream is flowing clear at a normal level. We received three good reports recently. Good hatches continue to come off.
07/22/23 The stream is flowing at a normal level with clear water. Very good hatches are taking place. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week.
08/03/23 The stream is in good shape flowing at a normal level and clear. There are very good hatches taking place. We received two more good reports from customers fishing it this past week.
08/08/23 The stream is still flowing at a normal level and clear. There are several different insects hatching and our terrestrial patterns are also starting to work good.
08/18/23 Conditions remain good. We continue to get good reports from customers fishing it. Good hatches continue to take place.
08/26/23 The stream is still in very good shape with normal levels and clear water. Late season hatches are coming off good.
09/02/23 Good hatches continue to take place. The stream level is in good shape and you should be able to catch good numbers of trout.
09/09/23 Conditions are very good. Stream levels are normal and the water clear. Good late season hatches continue to come off and we continue to get good reports.
09/16/23 The stream is still flowing at a normal level and clear. Good hatches are still taking place and we are still getting good reports from customers.
09/23/23 Stream levels are still normal and the water is in good shape with good late season hatches. Using Perfect flies will help you match the hatches.
09/30/23 The regular season ends today.
10/07/23 Catch and release season in in effect. Good late season hatches are taking place. We received one good report from a customer fishing yesterday.
10/19/23 Stream levels are a little low but are okay. Great Autumn Brown Sedge hatches are taking place along with other insects.
10/27/23 The stream is flowing near a normal level and clear. There are some good hatches and we received a good report from a customer fishing this past week. Catch and release only in the special C and R area.
11/02/23 Conditions remain good. We received another good report from a customer fishing yesterday.
11/07/23 Catch and release section is open – regular season is closed. Conditions are good. Good stream levels and good late season hatches.
11/14/23 The stream is flowing near a normal level and clear. Good hatches continue to come off.
11/21/23 The stream is flowing just a little below normal level in good shape. Good hatches of midges and little BWOs continue to come off.
12/07/21 The usgs gauge isn’t working but the levels are okay. Try our cream midge with the larva and pupa rigged in tandem.
01/01/24 The stream is cold and near a normal level. Midges and Winter stoneflies are hatching good.
01/21/24 There is a lot of slush and bank ice. Some shelf ice in slow water sections. Wait until it warms up a little.
02/03/24 The water is still very cold and the USGS gauge isn’t working. Trout can be caught on light green midge larva and pupa as well as red or blood midge larva and pupa. Winter stoneflies are also hatching.
02/16/24 The stream level is unknown due to ice in the USGS gauge but trout are being caught and released. There are good winter stonefly and Midge hatches taking place.
02/25/24 We still can’t get a reading from the USGS site due to ice but the stream level are okay. Good hatches continue. We received our first good report from a customer in a long time.
03/03/24 The stream is flowing near a normal level. We cannot get the exact reading due to ice in the gauge. Good midge and winter stonefly hatches are still taking place.
03/16/24 Sorry for the missed report. The stream is flowing just a little below normal level and clear. We are getting good reports from customers catching and releasing trout. Cream and light green midge larva and pupa, and Winter Stoneflies are hatching.
03/26/24 The stream is flowing near a normal level and clear. Good Winter stonefly and Midge hatches are taking place.
03/30/24 The stream is flowing near a normal level with clear water. We had one good report from a customer catching and releasing several trout this past week.
04/06/24 Conditions are still good. You should be able to catch and release trout on light green and cream Midges, aquatic worms, Winter stoneflies and little BWO nymphs.
04/16/24 The stream is flowing a little below normal level and clear. Good hatches continue to take place. We received one good report from a customer fishing yesterday.
04/23/24 Conditions are good. Good stream levels and good hatches are taking place.
Email us at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations.