What the Red Cedar River offers anglers

The Red Cedar River is one of Wisconsin's most consistent walleye and smallmouth bass fisheries, flowing roughly 80 miles from its headwaters near Barron County south to the Chippewa River just outside Menomonie. The river holds a strong natural walleye population in its slower, deeper sections—particularly in the backwater pools and slack-water areas—alongside smallmouth bass that thrive in the current breaks and rocky structure. Musky are present but less abundant; they're a bonus rather than a reliable target. The river's character shifts dramatically depending on where you fish: the upper reaches are narrower and more current-driven, while the lower sections near Menomonie flatten into classic backwater habitat that holds fish year-round.

What makes the Red Cedar distinct from other Chippewa River tributaries is its accessibility and the sheer number of public access points. You can fish it from a canoe, a small johnboat, or wade the shallower sections, and you won't need a guide or special knowledge to find fish. The river responds well to standard walleye and bass techniques—live bait, crankbaits, jigs—and the fishing pressure is moderate enough that you can still catch quality fish without arriving at dawn.

Key Takeaways

  • The Red Cedar River holds walleye year-round in backwater pools and deeper slack-water areas, with spring and fall offering the most consistent action.
  • Smallmouth bass fishing is strong in current breaks, rocky structure, and around fallen timber, particularly from May through September.
  • Public access is abundant: the Menomonie area has multiple boat landings, and the river is canoe-friendly throughout most of its length.
  • Live bait (shiners, crawfish) and jigs work reliably for walleye; crankbaits and soft plastics produce for smallmouth in moving water.
  • Water levels fluctuate with dam releases upstream, so check conditions before you go and be prepared for current changes.

Walleye fishing in the backwater pools

Walleye in the Red Cedar are most predictable in the deeper backwater areas where current slows and sediment settles. These pools—particularly around Menomonie and in the lower river—hold fish that relate to depth and structure rather than current. Early morning and evening are prime, but unlike some walleye fisheries, the Red Cedar produces throughout the day if you're fishing the right depth. Aim for 8 to 15 feet of water in the backwater sections, and focus on the outside bends where the riverbed drops off.

Live shiners or crawfish under a slip bobber work exceptionally well, especially in spring (April through May) and fall (September through October). If you prefer casting, a 1/4-ounce jig tipped with a minnow or leech covers water efficiently and lets you feel the bottom structure. The walleye here aren't particularly large—most run 14 to 18 inches—but they're abundant enough that you can expect steady action if you're in the right pool. Winter fishing is possible through the ice in the deeper backwater areas, though access can be limited depending on snow cover and ice conditions.

Smallmouth bass in current and structure

Smallmouth bass thrive in the Red Cedar's current-driven sections, where they hunt in the slack water behind rocks, fallen trees, and bridge pilings. The river's rocky substrate and woody cover create ideal smallmouth habitat, and the population is robust enough to support both catch-and-release and harvest fishing. Fish the outside bends where current scours deeper holes, and work the inside edges where slower water meets the main flow.

Crankbaits that dive 4 to 8 feet work well in the deeper runs, while soft plastics—4-inch tubes or crawfish patterns—excel in shallower structure. Topwater early in the morning can produce explosive strikes, particularly in June and July. Smallmouth fishing peaks from May through September, though the river holds fish year-round. The average size is 12 to 15 inches, with occasional fish pushing 18 inches. Because the river is relatively narrow and wadeable in many sections, you can cover a lot of water on foot and sight-fish during low-light periods.

Seasonal patterns and water conditions

Spring (April through May) brings the most active walleye bite as fish move shallow to spawn and feed heavily before settling into summer patterns. Water temperatures in the 50s trigger aggressive feeding, and the backwater areas become crowded with fish. Smallmouth are slower to respond in early spring but become active by late May as water warms into the 60s.

Summer (June through August) shifts the focus to deeper water and early-morning fishing. Walleye retreat to the coolest backwater pools, and smallmouth move into deeper current breaks. The river can get warm and low by mid-July, which concentrates fish but also makes them more selective. Fall (September through October) is arguably the best time to fish the Red Cedar: water temperatures drop, walleye feed aggressively before winter, and smallmouth are still active. Winter fishing is possible but requires ice-fishing knowledge and access to safe ice; the river's current can keep sections open even in cold weather.

Water level fluctuates based on dam releases upstream, particularly at the Barron County dams. High water can make the river murky and current-heavy, pushing fish into slack-water refuges. Low water concentrates fish in the deeper pools but can make navigation difficult. Check the USGS water gauge for the Red Cedar near Menomonie before you go; a moderate level (around 3 to 4 feet) is ideal for most fishing.

Public access and boat launch locations

The Menomonie area has the most developed public access. The City of Menomonie maintains a boat launch on the Red Cedar just upstream of the Chippewa River confluence, with parking and facilities. This is the primary takeout point for float trips and the easiest access to the lower river's best walleye habitat. The launch is free and open year-round, though winter access depends on snow removal.

Upstream, there are informal access points and canoe landings scattered along the river, particularly in the Barron County sections. These are often unmarked or maintained by local conservation groups, so ask at local bait shops for current conditions and locations. The river is canoe-friendly for most of its length, with manageable current and few major obstacles, making it ideal for anglers who prefer a slower pace and want to explore multiple pools in a single trip.

Tackle and techniques that work

Walleye respond consistently to live bait presentations: a slip-bobber rig with a live shiner or crawfish, or a simple jig-and-minnow combo cast into deeper water. A 1/4-ounce jig is standard; heavier jigs are rarely needed because the current is gentle in the backwater areas. Spinner rigs work but are less reliable than live bait in this river. Bring a variety of minnow sizes (2 to 4 inches) because fish can be selective depending on season and water clarity.

Smallmouth fishing calls for a different approach. Crankbaits in shad or crawfish patterns, cast parallel to structure and worked with a steady retrieve, produce strikes in deeper runs. Soft plastics—tubes, crawfish, or small swimbaits—excel in woody cover and around rocks. A 6.5 to 7-foot medium-action rod with 8 to 10-pound braid gives you the sensitivity to feel structure and the backbone to set the hook in current. Topwater lures early in the morning can trigger aggressive strikes, especially in summer.

Musky are rare enough that most anglers don't target them specifically, but if you're interested, large swimbaits (8 to 10 inches) or bucktail spinners fished in the deepest backwater pools are your best bet. Expect to fish a long time for a single musky; the Red Cedar is not a musky factory.

Regulations and what to know before you go

Wisconsin's statewide walleye regulations apply: a 15-inch minimum length and a daily bag limit of five fish. Smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum and a five-fish daily limit. Musky are catch-and-release only with a 40-inch minimum length. A Wisconsin fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older; you can purchase a daily or annual license online or at any bait shop in Menomonie.

The Red Cedar is not a trophy fishery, but it is a consistent one. Most anglers fish for numbers and a meal rather than wall-hangers, and the river rewards that approach. The water is generally clear to slightly stained, so standard presentations work without modification. Respect private property along the banks—much of the river runs through private land—and use only the designated public access points.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish the Red Cedar year-round?

Yes. Walleye and smallmouth are present all year, though winter requires ice-fishing knowledge and safe ice access. Spring and fall offer the most active fishing; summer requires deeper water and early-morning trips. Winter fishing is possible but less predictable due to current and ice conditions.

Is the Red Cedar better for walleye or smallmouth?

Both are strong, but walleye are more abundant and easier to locate in the backwater pools. Smallmouth require more active searching in current and structure, but they're more aggressive and fight harder. Choose based on your preference for technique and pace.

What's the best time of year to fish the Red Cedar?

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are peak seasons. Water temperatures trigger active feeding, and both walleye and smallmouth are aggressive. Summer can be productive early in the morning, but midday fishing is slow. Winter is possible but requires specialized gear and knowledge.

Do I need a boat to fish the Red Cedar?

No. Much of the river is wadeable, and canoes are ideal for exploring multiple pools. A small johnboat gives you access to deeper backwater areas and lets you cover more water, but it's not required. Many anglers fish successfully from shore or by wading.

How far is the Red Cedar from Menomonie?

The main public access (the city boat launch) is within Menomonie itself, on the lower river just upstream of the Chippewa River confluence. Upstream sections are a short drive away in Barron County. The entire fishery is within 30 minutes of downtown Menomonie.