Wisconsin
Namekagon River at Leonards
Location Snapshot
Namekagon River at Leonards is a northern Wisconsin river reach within the St. Croix drainage, distinct from the St. Croix mainstem farther downstream. Brook trout are the primary supported target, with brown trout adding coldwater variety and smallmouth bass appearing in warmer portions of the river.
Current River Rating
Poor · 39
Conditions are unfavorable based on the available readings.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Wait
Limited opportunity
Timing Outlook
No reliable fishing window is recommended while current river conditions remain Poor.
Why
- Water temperature is unfavorable for trout fishing.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Cautions
- Very clear skies may make trout more cautious in shallow water.
Timing Evidence
Air temperature is comfortable for a river trout trip.
Current Readings
- Flow
- 45.4 CFS
- Gage Height
- 1.38 ft
- Water Temperature
- 44.4 °F
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 9:00 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 05331833 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
38°F
Feels like
32°F
Wind
5 mph SE
Wind gust
11 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 4:45 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 5 AM
Clear
Temp 38°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Tue 9 AM
Clear
Temp 41°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Tue 1 PM
Clear
Temp 58°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 8 mph
Tue 5 PM
Clear
Temp 60°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 8 mph
Tue 9 PM
Clear
Temp 49°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Wed 1 AM
Clear
Temp 48°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Clear
High 61°F / Low 36°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 19 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Overcast
High 66°F / Low 45°F
Chance 5%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 20 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Overcast
High 69°F / Low 49°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 19 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Drizzle
High 68°F / Low 52°F
Chance 8%
Precip 0.02 in
Max gust 35 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
Brook trout are in the mixed fishery on the Namekagon River at Leonards, along with brown trout.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Namekagon River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
- Expectation
- Present
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Mixed wild and stocked
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Natural flow
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Dry flies
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Spinning
- Streamers
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
- Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Bayfield, Wisconsin
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Bayfield
Management Category
Scenic Riverway trout river
Regulation Scope
Namekagon River at Leonards.
Regulation Summary
Namekagon at Leonards: WDNR and NPS St. Croix Riverway rules. Confirm current official regulations.
Target Species
brook-trout, brown-trout, smallmouth-bass
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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