Hey there fellas,

I was wondering if anyone out there has fished off of government breakwater in Mckinley park in Milwaukee,  I am wanting to spend a few days in late sept. early Oct. fishing this area for KING salmon and have never done it before.  a couple of quick questions,  first is the parking free in the park?  Second is do they allow wheeled carts or coolers on the breakwater.  #3 I know Lake Michigan has a two rod limit, and was looking to set one up for casting spoons/stick baits while the other would have live bait on it, but I am not sure what people use, ( I would assume golden shiners, or chubs would work). # 4 in all my reading I understand that the salmon fishing is very hit and miss in the harbor, and is related to weather, usually need an east blowing wind for 3 days or more to make the cold water well up at the mouth of the harbor to draw the kings into the shallows, is this tried and true or is it just a luck of the draw thing, if you happen to be their when they are shallow you will hit them.

Ok for now I think I am done asking questions, just really like this club and forums, it is always exciting learning new ways and species to fish, and is much more exciting when you can use the stuff you learn hear to do a self planned trip and make it work.

any info would be great, if someone out there fishes this area and would want to set a time to meet, even better.  I come from the madison area though so it will probably need contact several days in advance so I can plan the trip.

thanks for any info in advance

 

My body may be at the computer, but my mind is "gone fishin".

King salmon (chinook) spawn in the fall and will come into rivers, harbors etc. where they were initially stocked or spawned. At the time of year you are planning, fish in the harbor will either be spawners which have stopped eating and will only give a reaction strike or juveniles of 2-3 years of age. The juvies will look for water in the mid 40s, so fishing will be best after a couple of days of wind out of the west. Brown trout are another option at that time of year. Tom
Lifer in NE Illinois

I launch out of Mcknly, and yes there is a fee. Tthere is a walkway out to the point for easy access. You can try google earth and view right down to the water and check it out. Also you can try lakefrontwebcam.com and see live video as to when people are out there. I see people out all the time just hit or miss. You can also try spawn sacks now through winter. As the fish are starting grow them. Best time to go in the harbor is during the winter. Brown and rainbow trout make up the main catch. Any harbor will have them. The best info for the harbors would be to go to lakelink.com click on fishing reports then wisconsin reports. Scroll to lake mich,millwaukee cnty. There you will find all you will need. GOOD LUCK

   Also you can have 3lines as per state rules.