What You'll Find at Irvington Campground

Irvington Campground sits on the Red Cedar River just outside Menomonie, Wisconsin, and it's one of the most accessible spots in the area if you want to fish without driving far from town. The campground itself is a small, quiet operation with a handful of sites right along the river, and the fishing access is straightforward—you can walk from the camping area directly to the water. The Red Cedar here holds walleye, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish, with the walleye bite strongest in spring and fall.

The character of this stretch is different from the upper Red Cedar. The river widens and slows as it approaches the dam pool, creating deeper holes and flatter current than you'll find upstream. That slower water is where the walleye congregate, especially around structure—fallen trees, rock piles, and the deeper channels along the outside bends. If you're new to the Red Cedar system, Irvington is a good place to start because the campground gives you a base to fish multiple times without the drive.

Key Takeaways

  • Irvington Campground offers direct river access to a slower, deeper section of the Red Cedar that holds walleye, smallmouth bass, and catfish year-round.
  • Spring and fall are the strongest seasons for walleye; summer fishing is possible but slower, and winter access depends on whether the campground remains open.
  • The river here is wider and deeper than upstream sections, so jigging and live bait work better than casting shallow-water lures.
  • You'll need a Wisconsin fishing license and a Red Cedar River stamp; the campground office can point you to the nearest place to purchase them.

Walleye Fishing in the Dam Pool

The Red Cedar dam creates a pool that backs up through this section, and that pool is where most of the walleye hold. Early morning and evening are your best windows—walleye move shallow to feed at low light, and you can work the edges of the deeper channels with a jig and minnow or a live leech. A half-ounce jig tipped with a fathead minnow is a solid starting point; work it along the bottom in 8 to 15 feet of water.

Spring (April through May) is when the walleye bite is most reliable. The water is cooler, the fish are feeding hard after spawning, and they haven't scattered into the deeper summer haunts yet. Fall (September through October) is nearly as good—the water cools again, and walleye move back into shallower structure. Summer fishing is possible but requires patience; the fish go deeper and bite more selectively, often in the early morning hour or after dark.

Smallmouth Bass and Catfish

Smallmouth bass are present year-round in this section and often overlooked by walleye anglers. They hold around the same structure—fallen trees, rock outcrops, and the deeper edges—but they're more aggressive and will chase a small crankbait or tube jig. If you're fishing for walleye and not getting bites, switching to a 2-inch tube in brown or green can turn a slow day into a productive one. Smallmouth here run 12 to 18 inches on average, with occasional fish pushing 20 inches.

Channel catfish are another option, especially if you want to fish at night or bring kids along. They're less technical than walleye—a chicken liver or cut shad on a simple three-way rig, cast into the deeper holes and left to sit, will catch catfish consistently from late spring through early fall. Catfish bite best after dark and in the hour before sunrise. They're not as prized as walleye in Wisconsin, but they're fun, they fight hard, and they're a different kind of fishing if you want a break from the jig-and-minnow routine.

Seasons and Water Conditions

Spring is the most reliable season. Water temperatures climb from the 40s into the 50s and 60s, walleye move into predictable shallow-water zones, and the bite is consistent. You don't need to fish dawn and dusk exclusively—midday can work too. By early June, the water warms into the 70s, and the walleye bite slows noticeably. They're still there, but they're deeper and more selective.

Summer (June through August) is the slowest season for walleye. The water temperature climbs into the 70s and 80s, and walleye retreat to the deepest, coolest holes. If you fish summer, focus on the deepest parts of the dam pool, fish early morning or after dark, and be prepared for a slower bite. Fall is excellent again—as water cools in September and October, walleye move back into medium depths and feed aggressively before winter.

Winter fishing at Irvington depends on whether the campground stays open. If it does, ice fishing is an option on the slower, deeper sections, though the Red Cedar can be tricky to ice safely because current keeps some areas open. Check with the campground before planning a winter trip.

Tackle and Technique

For walleye, keep it simple: a jig-and-minnow or jig-and-leech combination will catch most of your fish. A half-ounce jig is standard; go lighter (1/4 ounce) in shallower water or slower current, heavier (3/4 ounce) if you're fishing deep or in wind. Minnows work best in spring and fall; leeches are excellent in summer when the water is warm. Cast toward structure, let the jig settle to the bottom, and work it with short hops—lift a foot or two, let it fall back on a semi-slack line, and repeat.

For smallmouth, a 2-inch tube jig, a small crankbait, or a 4-inch soft plastic work well. Smallmouth are more aggressive than walleye and will chase a lure, so you can work faster and cover more water. For catfish, a simple three-way rig with a 2-ounce sinker, a 12-inch leader to your hook, and a chicken liver or cut shad is all you need. Cast it out, set the rod in a holder, and wait.

Getting There and What to Bring

Irvington Campground is located on County Road M, a few miles south of Menomonie. From downtown Menomonie, head south on Highway 25, then follow signs to the campground. The drive is about 10 minutes. The campground has a small office where you can pay for a site and ask about current conditions. Sites are basic—no hookups at most—but they're affordable and the river access is immediate.

Bring a Wisconsin fishing license and a Red Cedar River stamp, which you can purchase at the campground office or at most bait shops in Menomonie. Bring your own tackle; there's no shop at the campground, though Menomonie has several bait and tackle stores within a short drive. If you're camping overnight, bring a cooler, food, and a headlamp for early morning fishing. The campground has vault toilets but no shower facilities, so plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Irvington Campground?

No. You can fish from shore along the campground and from the bank upstream and downstream. A boat gives you access to deeper water and more structure, but shore fishing is productive, especially in spring and fall when walleye move shallower.

What's the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and evening (two hours before sunset through dark) are most productive for walleye. Smallmouth bite throughout the day but are more aggressive at low light. Catfish bite best after dark.

Can I fish here in winter?

It depends on whether the campground is open and whether the river is safely frozen. The Red Cedar has current that can keep sections open, making ice safety uncertain. Contact the campground before planning a winter trip.

What size fish should I expect?

Walleye average 12 to 16 inches with occasional fish in the 18 to 20-inch range. Smallmouth run 12 to 18 inches. Catfish vary widely but often reach 15 to 25 pounds. These are typical for this section of the Red Cedar.

Is there a boat launch at the campground?

Irvington Campground is primarily a shore-fishing access point. If you have a boat, check with the campground office about launch options; some nearby areas have public launches, but they're not at the campground itself.