Today's Best Fishing Times for
Milwaukee, United States 🇺🇸

Solunar
Weather
7-Day
Spots

How to use our fishing calendar

Planning your next fishing trip in Milwaukee, United States ? Today is a average day for fishing. Our comprehensive fishing almanac combines our popular solunar tables, moon times, sunrise and sunset times, and a 7-day fishing calendar so you always know the best fishing times in your area. We analyse major and minor solunar bite times, rate each day on a five-star scale, and pair it with localized weather forecasts so you can quickly tell whether today is a good day to fish without juggling multiple tabs. Be sure to bookmark this page so you never miss a bite. view bite times...

  • Check our unique Solunar Clock for precise solunar tables and the best moon phases.
  • Use the forecast calendar section to sync bite times with major weather changes.
  • Analyze the forecasted weather conditions, such as wind, barometric pressure and rain to plan your fishing session.
  • Jump to the 7-Day Fishing Calendar for an extended fishing forecast, then explore nearby fishing spots on the interactive map.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin offers outstanding multi-species fishing on Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee, Menomonee and Kinnickinnic Rivers, with trophy-class trout and salmon alongside excellent warmwater opportunities. Anglers come to Milwaukee for world-class urban shore fishing, reliable charter boat action, and year-round access to steelhead, brown trout, Chinook and coho salmon, walleye, smallmouth bass and panfish. read more...

Some of the best fishing spots near Milwaukee include: Milwaukee River, McKinley Park, Bradford Beach, South Shore Park, Port Washington Harbor, Menomonee River, Kinnickinnic River, Estabrook Park, etc. see full list

Sun and Moon Times

The sun will be at it's highest point at . Today we have 15:16 hours of daylight. For shallow water fishing the twilight periods are often the most productive fishing times, especially on days when a major or minor time will coincide with twilight. In low light conditions predators have better cover for their ambush and often hunt in shallow water.
  • Nautical Twilight begins:
    Sunrise:
  • Sunset:
    Nautical Twilight ends:
  • Moonrise:
  • Moonset:
  • Moon over:
  • Moon under:
  • Visibility:
    84%
  • Waning Gibbous - 84% illuminated Waning Gibbous
Next New Moon in ~11 days on 14th June
  • Distance to earth:
    399,539 km
    Proximity:
    14.5 %
We can compare the current moon distance to it's minimum and maximum distance from earth and express that as proximity. A high proximity means the moon is closer to earth. At 50% it would be at it's mean distance. A high proximity causes big tides, currents and has a direct effect on increased bite times. A proximity greater than 90% indicates a super moon.
Moon Phases for Milwaukee
Full Moon
Sun, 31 May
New Moon
Sun, 14 Jun
Full Moon
Mon, 29 Jun

Solunar Bite Times

Settings
Display Settings:
  • average Day
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Best fishing times:
  • major Time:
    02:59 am - 04:59 am
  • minor Time:
    07:37 am - 09:37 am
  • major Time:
    03:19 pm - 05:19 pm
  • minor Time:
    11:02 pm - 01:02 am
All times are displayed in the America/Chicago timezone and are automatically adjusted to daylight savings. The current timezone offset is -5 hours. Green and yellow areas indicate the best fishing times (major and minor). The center shows the current moon phase which is a Waning Gibbous at 84% lumination. According to the Solunar Theory, today is a average day for fishing, but you need to cross check this with the current weather forecast for a final decision. The next best fishing time ( ) starts in -2 hour and -7 minute. The gray time indicator displays the current local time.
America/Chicago • Thu, 4 Jun 01:51 • 43.039, -87.906
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Current Fishing Weather

Updating Weather Infos...

7 Day Fishing Weather

The weather plays an important role in fishing. Wind strenght and direction often determine where you can fish and where fish might be holding. Although high pressure is usually good for fishing, steep pressure changes often trigger feeding frenzies and are great times for fishing. Of course temperature has also a strong effect on fishing and comfort on the water. So make sure to cross check the weather forecast with the solunar fishing times to determine the best times to go fishing. The graph below shows you the 3 hourly weather progression over the next 7 days. Scroll the graph left or right to see more.
Selected Weather Station: Milwaukee, US
Temperature
Wave Height
Swell Height
Wind
Pressure
Humidity
Cloudcover
Rain Precipitation
UV Index
Retrieving Weather...

7 Day Fishing Forecast Calendar
Date Major Bite Times Minor Bite Times Sun Moon Moonphase
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S: 		Waning Gibbous moon phase
Waning Gibbous
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S: 		Waning Gibbous moon phase
Waning Gibbous
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S: 		Waning Gibbous moon phase
Waning Gibbous
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S: 		Third Quarter Moon moon phase
Third Quarter Moon
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S: 		Third Quarter Moon moon phase
Third Quarter Moon
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S: 		Third Quarter Moon moon phase
Third Quarter Moon
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S: 		Third Quarter Moon moon phase
Third Quarter Moon
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S: 		Waning Crescent moon phase
Waning Crescent
*bold times indicate best fishing times around sunrise or sunset

Fishing Overview Milwaukee

Milwaukee fishing centers on the productive waters of Lake Michigan and the connected Milwaukee River system, giving shore and boat anglers a rare mix of big-water trout and salmon plus classic Midwestern warmwater species. Understanding seasonal movements and key structures is crucial to staying on fish in this dynamic urban fishery.

Spring in Milwaukee kicks off with steelhead and brown trout running the Milwaukee, Menomonee and Kinnickinnic Rivers. Focus on deeper pools, current seams and the first substantial riffles upstream from the harbor. Drift spawn sacs, beads or small jigs under a float with 6–8 lb fluorocarbon leaders. In slightly stained water, chartreuse, orange and pink stand out; in clear flows, switch to natural egg and peach tones. Along the lakefront, browns and cohos stage near warmwater discharges, river mouths and inside the breakwalls, where small spoons, stickbaits and live shiners or fatheads produce well.

By early summer, salmon and trout push offshore and spread along temperature breaks. Charter boats trolling out of Milwaukee Harbor, McKinley Marina and South Shore target Chinook, coho and lake trout by running downriggers, planer boards and divers. Productive spreads usually mix flasher-fly combos, magnum spoons and meat rigs, with baits set to intersect the thermocline. Recreational trollers in smaller boats should key on subtle contour changes, bait balls and water color edges between roughly 60–200 feet, adjusting depths frequently until a pattern locks in.

Nearshore summer fishing shines for smallmouth bass, perch and mixed warmwater species. Work rocky shorelines, riprap, harbor walls and breakwaters with tube jigs, Ned rigs, and drop-shot setups for smallmouth. Natural greens, goby imitations and brown/purple patterns match the local forage. For yellow perch, anchor over patches of gravel or sandgrass and vertically jig small minnows, pieces of nightcrawler or ice jigs tipped with plastics tight to bottom. Dawn, dusk and overcast days typically offer the best action along Milwaukee’s highly pressured waterfront.

Fall brings another peak period as Chinook and coho salmon stage and run into the rivers. In the harbor and around the gaps, cast heavy spoons, crankbaits and glow stickbaits at low light, letting lures sink before starting a steady retrieve. Upstream, drift skein, spawn or bright yarn flies through travel lanes and deeper runs. At the same time, big browns prowl the harbor and marina basins; slowly work suspending jerkbaits, hair jigs and live minnows around pilings, seawalls and boat slips, using long casts and light leaders in clear water.

Winter fishing in Milwaukee revolves around harbor and riverside access. When conditions allow, browns, steelhead and occasional lake trout are taken from shore by floating spawn, casting slow-rolled spoons or working small marabou jigs and plastics deep and slow. On the Milwaukee River, target slower wintering holes and soft edges, keeping presentations downsized and using minimal shot to achieve a natural drift.

Across seasons and species, successful Milwaukee anglers pay close attention to water clarity, wind direction and subtle temperature changes. Cover water quickly until you make contact, then refine depth, speed and lure color. With abundant public access along the lakefront and riverwalk, combined with seasoned charter captains at local marinas, Milwaukee remains one of the Midwest’s most productive and accessible big-water fisheries.

The Best Fishing Spots around Milwaukee

Milwaukee River

Flowing through downtown into the harbor, the Milwaukee River offers urban multispecies fishing with steelhead in late winter–spring, Chinook and coho surges in fall, and warm-season smallmouth bass, northern pike, and occasional walleye. Shore anglers work bridges, riverwalks, and parkland, while small boats or kayaks can probe current seams and deep holes; clearer flows upstream near parks like Estabrook Park often shine in summer.

McKinley Park

Adjacent to the lakefront and marina, McKinley Park provides easy access to Lake Michigan with piers, rock edges, and nearby launch facilities. Shore casters score brown trout and spring coho on spoons and bait, while smallmouth prowl the rocks in summer; boats trolling out from the marina connect with Chinook, coho, and lake trout. It’s a central, well-frequented spot with quick runs north toward Bradford Beach or south to South Shore Park.

Bradford Beach

A wide, accessible beach on Lake Michigan, Bradford Beach is popular with surf casters targeting nearshore brown trout and coho in spring, roaming smallmouth bass and yellow perch in summer, and close-in salmon during fall runs. Early mornings and low-light periods can push fish tight; long casts with spoons, spinners, and minnows cover water along the sandbars and rock edges leading toward North Point.

South Shore Park

In Bay View, South Shore Park fronts a productive stretch of Lake Michigan with piers, rocks, and nearby marina access. Shore anglers find spring coho and brown trout, plus summer smallmouth and perch; small boats and kayaks can work the breakwalls and contour lines for Chinook and lake trout. Its central location makes it a common waypoint when moving between Milwaukee Harbor and southern shoreline structure.

Port Washington Harbor

A short run north of Milwaukee, Port Washington Harbor is renowned for consistent trolling and casting for Chinook, coho, steelhead, brown trout, and lake trout. Spring coho inside the harbor give way to summer offshore bites, while fall kings push close for pier and wall anglers. Many Milwaukee-area anglers trailer or charter here when conditions or bait concentrate fish, then return south toward Milwaukee Harbor as patterns shift.

Menomonee River

Feeding into the Milwaukee River near downtown, the Menomonee River’s urban stretches hold smallmouth bass, northern pike, and carp through the warm months, with occasional steelhead and salmon near the confluence during migrations. Shore access via paths, bridges, and parkway segments lets anglers target current breaks, eddies, and deeper bends, often as part of a multi-spot outing that also includes the Milwaukee River.

Kinnickinnic River

The Kinnickinnic flows into the harbor near Bay View and sees seasonal pulses of steelhead in late winter–spring and Chinook/coho in fall, with warm-season opportunities for smallmouth and carp. Shore anglers work bridge pools and lower-river bends, then often transition to nearby lakefront spots like South Shore Park or Milwaukee Harbor as fish push in and out with conditions.

Estabrook Park

Along the Milwaukee River north of downtown, Estabrook Park is a well-known access point for smallmouth bass, northern pike, and seasonal steelhead and salmon moving upstream. Anglers wade or work from shore around riffles, pools, and park pathways; summer topwater for smallmouth can be excellent, while cool-season flows draw trout and salmon migrating from Milwaukee Harbor.

Interactive Fishing Map for the greater Milwaukee area

Beaches and Bays are ideal places for land-based fishing. If the beach is shallow and the water is clear then twilight times are usually the best times, especially when they coincide with a major or minor fishing time. Often the points on either side of a beach are the best spots. Or if the beach is large then look for irregularities in the breaking waves, indicating sandbanks and holes. We found 3 beaches and bays in this area.

Milwaukee Bay - 2.33126712355km , Donges Bay - 18.32658635561km , Bass Bay - 23.43530608737km

Harbours and Marinas can often times be productive fishing spots for land based fishing as their sheltered environment attracts a wide variety of bait fish. Similar to river mouths, harbour entrances are also great places to fish as lots of fish will move in and out with the rising and falling tides. There are 2 main harbours in this area.

McKinley Marina South - 1.99504663951km, McKinley Marina - 2.19838574209km

We found a total of 40 potential fishing spots nearby Milwaukee. Below you can find them organized on a map. Points, Headlands, Reefs, Islands, Channels, etc can all be productive fishing spots. As these are user submitted spots, there might be some errors in the exact location. You also need to cross check local fishing regulations. Some of the spots might be in or around marine reserves or other locations that cannot be fished. If you click on a location marker it will bring up some details and a quick link to google search, satellite maps and fishing times. Tip: Click/Tap on a new area to load more fishing spots.

Menomonee River - 0.84466394801km , McKinley Marina South - 1.99504663951km , McKinley Marina - 2.19838574209km , Milwaukee Bay - 2.33126712355km , Milwaukee Dam - 2.35162823385km , Texas Rock - 5.93920686227km , Estabrook Park 2WP142 Dam - 6.98773362146km , Lincoln Creek - 8.00016062121km , Underwood Creek - 10.54880312157km , Brantwood Lake - 11.17216169263km , Little Menomonee River - 14.15178626326km , Dale Creek - 14.51167301659km , Koepmier Lake - 15.31803910974km , Oak Creek - 15.65876439139km , Whitnall Park Pond - 16.35843143301km , Northridge Lakes G 3180 Dam - 16.81261295313km , Upper Kelly Lake - 17.19271824719km , Lower Kelly Lake - 17.59278669381km , Donges Bay - 18.32658635561km , Lac Du Cours - 18.57411655966km , Tamarac Swamp - 21.0692412063km , Poplar Creek - 21.63672396399km , Little Menomonee Creek - 21.70579745349km , Dumkes Lake - 21.77295250727km , Thiensville 2WP535 Dam - 22.06021371587km , Husher Creek - 22.15884256594km , Linie Lac - 23.26761766448km , Bass Bay - 23.43530608737km , Little Muskego Dam - 24.26064825766km , Pit Lake - 24.40171836838km , Pewaukee River - 24.62962716383km , Saratoga Mill Dam - 26.39485037768km , Ruck Dam - 29.15013439432km , Hoods Creek - 29.46416173773km , Columbia Mills Dam - 29.53898746456km , Pewaukee Hi.2 Dam - 29.58662853802km , Cedarburg Woolen Mill Dam - 29.94361820818km , Redwing Creek - 30.07130858293km , Pebble Creek - 30.11588670496km , Lake Denoon - 30.25175687248km

Harbours and Marinas Beaches Bays Wharfs Points,Reefs,etc
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