Ives Grove Park Accesson Root River
Clear skies and cool fall temperatures on the Root River
- 01Clear skies and cool fall temperatures on the Root River.
- 02USGS flow data is currently unavailable, but expect typical fall conditions for steelhead.
- 03Expect intermittent Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) activity, particularly on overcast days.
- 04Midges and tiny winter stoneflies (Little Snowflies, Winter Black Stoneflies, Tiny Winter Black Stoneflies) may be active.
- 05Focus on deeper runs, pools, and areas below current breaks, especially near Horlick Dam.
- 06Use a slower retrieve for streamers and a thorough dead-drift for nymphs in cooler water.
What to tie on at Ives Grove Park Access
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
San Juan Worm
Indispensable after any significant flow increase, these worms imitate dislodged aquatic annelids, a high-protein meal for hungry Steelhead in spring.
Buy at AmazonMother's Day Caddis
The prolific Mother's Day Caddis hatch is expected in late April through May, making this dry fly a perfect imitation for adult caddis when Steelhead are looking up.
Woolly Bugger (Black)
This versatile streamer imitates leeches and baitfish, and its movement in turbid water can trigger aggressive strikes from Steelhead.
Comparadun (BWO)
Blue-Winged Olive hatches are expected in May; this low-profile dry fly is excellent for selective Steelhead feeding on emergers and adults, particularly on overcast days or in clearer pockets.
Buy at AmazonPine Squirrel Leech (Olive)
Small leech patterns effectively mimic sluggish baitfish and annelids in cold water, enticing strikes from larger, lethargic Steelhead in early spring.
Flashback Hare's Ear
Excellent all-around nymph, highly effective in off-color and deeper water, mimicking various mayfly nymphs active in spring.
Buy at AmazonTungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs
A heavy stonefly nymph that is excellent for getting deep in the current and imitating large dislodged insects, crucial in high spring flows for Steelhead.
Buy at AmazonCopper John
A weighted attractor nymph that excels in faster currents and makes a fantastic point fly to get your rig to depth in high spring flows.
Buy at AmazonGlo Bug
Resident trout and char, including Steelhead, remain keyed into egg patterns year-round, particularly with the upcoming spring rainbow spawn and lingering salmon eggs, effective in turbid water.
Buy at AmazonWisconsin season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.