What the Red Cedar River offers

The Red Cedar River in Dunn County flows north from its headwaters near Menomonie toward the Chippewa River, covering roughly 40 miles of water that holds smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike. The river is narrow and winding through much of its course, with a mix of sandy and rocky bottom that creates pools and current breaks where fish hold. Access is straightforward — several public landings and road crossings make it possible to fish different sections without a long drive, and the water is manageable for anglers in small boats, canoes, or on foot.

What makes the Red Cedar distinct is its character as a transition river. It's not a massive impoundment, and it's not a tiny creek — it's a working-size stream where you can cover water efficiently and still find fish that aren't pressured constantly. The current is moderate most of the year, and the surrounding landscape is mixed forest and agricultural land, so the water stays reasonably clear except during heavy rain.

Key Takeaways

  • The Red Cedar holds smallmouth bass year-round and walleye in spring and fall, with northern pike present but less predictable.
  • Public access points exist at Menomonie, near the Tainter Lake dam, and at several road crossings downstream, so you can fish different sections without a shuttle.
  • Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most productive seasons for both bass and walleye.
  • Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — you need a current license, and daily bag limits and size restrictions vary by species and season.
  • The river is narrow enough for wading and small boats, but current and occasional deadfall mean you should scout access before committing to a trip.

Seasons and what to expect

Spring is the strongest season on the Red Cedar. From April through May, walleye move into shallower water to spawn and feed, and they're catchable on jigs, live minnows, and crankbaits near current breaks and the deeper pools. Smallmouth bass wake up during this window too, and they respond to soft plastics and topwater lures in the slower sections. Water temperature climbs from the low 40s to the mid-50s, and the river can be high from snowmelt, which actually concentrates fish in predictable holding areas.

Summer (June through August) is slower. The water warms into the 70s, and both walleye and bass move deeper or into shaded areas. Early morning and evening fishing can work, but midday is often unproductive. Many anglers skip the Red Cedar in summer and return in fall.

Fall (September through October) rivals spring. Walleye move back into shallower water as the water cools, and smallmouth bass become aggressive again as they feed before winter. The water temperature drops from the high 60s to the low 50s, and the river's current becomes more stable. This is when you can fish the middle of the day and still find active fish.

Winter (November through March) is possible but challenging. The river doesn't freeze solid in most years, but ice forms along the banks and in slow sections. Some anglers fish for walleye through the ice near deeper holes, but access is limited and conditions are unpredictable. Most fishing pressure happens from spring through fall.

Access points and how to reach them

The most developed access is at Menomonie, where the Red Cedar flows into the Chippewa. The Menomonie boat landing is on the west side of town and has parking, a paved ramp, and facilities. This is the primary takeout for floaters and the starting point for many trips downstream.

Tainter Lake, created by a dam on the Red Cedar just upstream of Menomonie, has its own public access on the north shore. This is a separate fishery — the lake holds walleye and northern pike and is calmer than the river itself, but it's worth knowing about if river conditions are too high or if you prefer lake fishing.

Several road crossings provide informal access upstream. County Road M crosses the river north of Menomonie, and there are pull-offs and informal access points at other crossings further north. These are useful for wading or launching a canoe, but parking is limited and you should scout the area before you plan a trip. The river narrows and becomes more technical upstream, so these sections are better for experienced paddlers or waders.

No shuttle service operates on the Red Cedar, so if you're floating, you'll need two vehicles or a willing friend. Many anglers fish a section and return to their starting point rather than floating the full distance.

Species and what works

Smallmouth bass are the most reliable fish on the Red Cedar. They're present year-round and respond to soft plastics (4- to 6-inch worms and crawfish imitations), topwater lures in low light, and small crankbaits. They hold around current breaks, fallen trees, and rocky areas. Spring and fall are best, but you can catch them in summer if you fish early and late in the day.

Walleye are the prize catch. They're most active in spring (April and May) and fall (September and October), when they move into shallower water. Jigs tipped with live minnows or soft plastics work consistently. Crankbaits that reach 8 to 12 feet are effective in deeper pools. Walleye are most active at dawn and dusk, but in spring they'll bite through the day.

Northern pike are present but less predictable. They're scattered throughout the river and respond to larger lures — spinnerbaits, swimbaits, and topwater plugs. They're most active in spring and fall, but they're not the primary target for most anglers on this river.

Panfish (bluegill and crappie) inhabit slower sections and backwater areas, especially near Tainter Lake. They're not a main draw, but they're a reliable option if you want to fish with kids or take a break from chasing bass and walleye.

Regulations and licensing

Wisconsin fishing regulations apply to the Red Cedar. You must have a current Wisconsin fishing license, which you can purchase online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website or at any licensed vendor. Licenses are available for one day, three days, or a full year.

Smallmouth bass have a minimum size of 12 inches and a daily bag limit of five fish. Walleye have a minimum size of 15 inches and a daily bag limit of five fish. Northern pike have a minimum size of 24 inches and a daily bag limit of one fish. These regulations can change, so check the current Wisconsin fishing guide before you go.

The Red Cedar is not a special regulation water, so standard statewide rules apply. No special permits or stamps are required beyond the base fishing license.

Practical details for your trip

The Red Cedar is narrow — in many sections it's only 40 to 60 feet wide. This means you can cover water efficiently, but it also means you need to be aware of deadfall and low-hanging branches. Scout your access point before you commit, especially if you're bringing a boat. Canoes and small jon boats work well; larger boats can get stuck or damaged.

Current varies by season and recent rainfall. In spring, the river can run high and fast, which concentrates fish but also makes wading dangerous. In summer and fall, the current is gentler. Always check recent water levels and conditions before you go — the USGS maintains a gauge at Menomonie that shows real-time flow data.

Wading is possible in many sections, especially in summer and fall when water levels are lower. Wear a life jacket if you're wading in current, and be aware that the bottom can be slippery. Felt-soled wading boots or cleats help.

The river is open to the public, but respect private land. Most access is through public landings or road crossings, but if you're wading or floating, stay in the water and don't cross private property.

When to avoid the Red Cedar

Heavy rain makes the river high, murky, and dangerous. If the USGS gauge shows flow above 1,500 cubic feet per second, fishing is poor and wading is risky. Wait for the water to clear and drop before you go.

Summer midday fishing is slow. If you're planning a summer trip, fish early morning (before 9 a.m.) or evening (after 6 p.m.) for the best chance at active fish.

Winter access is limited and conditions are unpredictable. Unless you're specifically targeting ice fishing, plan your Red Cedar trips for spring through fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish the Red Cedar?

No. You can wade many sections, especially in summer and fall when water levels are lower. Wading gives you access to areas that boats can't reach and is often more productive for smallmouth bass. A boat is useful for covering distance and reaching deeper pools, but it's not required.

What's the best time to fish for walleye?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are best. Walleye are most active when water temperature is between 50 and 65 degrees. Fish early morning and evening, or all day in spring when the water is still cool. Jigs tipped with live minnows are the most reliable method.

Can I float the Red Cedar in a canoe?

Yes, but scout the route first. The river is narrow and has deadfall, especially upstream of Menomonie. Spring is the easiest time to float because water levels are higher. You'll need two vehicles or a shuttle partner to float the full distance. Many anglers fish a section and paddle back instead.

How far is the Red Cedar from Madison or Milwaukee?

Menomonie is roughly 90 miles northeast of Madison and 140 miles east of Milwaukee. It's a two-hour drive from Madison and a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Milwaukee. The river is accessible as a day trip from either city.

What should I bring for a spring trip?

Bring a life jacket, wading boots or cleats, a net, and a headlamp or flashlight for early morning fishing. Spring water is cold, so wear layers and bring a rain jacket. Bring jigs, soft plastics, and live minnows for walleye, and topwater lures for bass. Check the weather and water conditions before you leave.