Every spring, the Wolf River whispers its annual secret—the walleyes are on the move. But for those who know the rhythm of this stretch of water, the 2025 season kept them guessing. With steady water levels and rollercoaster temperatures, anglers were left scouting early, always checking their favorite haunts for submerged structures, new snags, and shifting current breaks that move and reshape with the water.
It starts in early April, boots in the mud and eyes on the surface. Every day on the river is a bit of a gamble—“you should’ve been here yesterday,” they’ll say with a grin—but that’s half the fun. Before the magic words—“The Run is On”—ripple up and down the banks, there’s the waiting. It’s time-consuming, sure, but there’s peace in it too. Sandhill cranes stalk the shallows, blue herons glide like shadows, and bald eagles perch in the distance. You’re not just fishing. You’re watching the river breathe.
The signs are all there for those who pay attention. When frogs begin to croak, the marshes have warmed to 42–50 degrees, prime spawning temps. Another tell? A reddish coat of tree buds dusting on the sidewalks. When that happens, get your gear. The walleyes are coming.
The locals have their methods: vertical jigging upriver with a live minnow and 3/8 or 5/16 oz jigs, three-way rigs with floating jigs, even flies, leeches, and crawlers once the water warms. Some favor a fan-jigging approach, popping their lures 2–3 feet off bottom and letting them drop—fast. They say the walleyes are tired and hungry on their journey back to the lake, striking at anything that floats in their path. Whatever your preferred method, one thing holds true: you can’t catch fish without a line in the water.
And when the walleye bite starts to fade, the river keeps giving. Watch for the lilacs to bloom. That’s when the white bass flood the Wolf, making for a fast-paced, family-friendly bite. Warm weather, shallow runs, and shoreline access mean anyone can join in, whether from a boat, a bridge, or a bucket on the bank.
Then comes the grand finale: the sturgeon spawn. If you’ve never witnessed it, make it a point this spring. Towering, ancient fish surge through the shallows in a prehistoric ritual that’s both humbling and unforgettable. Thanks to tireless work from the DNR and organizations like Walleyes and Sturgeon for Tomorrow, the Wolf River remains one of Wisconsin’s most treasured and accessible fisheries.
So, dust off your tackle box, keep an eye on the buds and blooms, and make time for the river. Whether you’re after fillets, memories, or just a few quiet hours watching the water move, spring on the Wolf has something for everyone.
