Fishing Thrives in Wisconsin Dells Despite Chilly Conditions

Anglers brave the cold for the scenic beauty of the Wisconsin River

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:19am

Despite the frigid temperatures and icy conditions on the Wisconsin River in late March, anglers were still able to enjoy a day of fishing in the scenic Wisconsin Dells region. The author describes dropping the boat in the water as chunks of ice floated by and the mercury barely rose above freezing, with a strong north wind adding to the chill.

Why it matters

The Wisconsin Dells is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty, and fishing is a key draw for visitors to the area. Even in the early spring when the weather is still cold, the stunning scenery and wildlife of the Wisconsin River can make for an enjoyable outdoor experience for anglers.

The details

The author and a companion braved the chilly conditions on the Wisconsin River, with the temperature hovering just above freezing and chunks of ice floating in the water as they launched their boat. A strong north wind of up to 20 miles per hour added to the chill, but the author noted that the weather was expected to warm up later in the day.

  • On March 23, the author and a companion went fishing on the Wisconsin River in the Wisconsin Dells region.

The players

Wisconsin Dells

A popular tourist destination in Wisconsin known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing on the Wisconsin River.

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The takeaway

Even in the early spring when the weather is still cold, the stunning scenery and wildlife of the Wisconsin River in the Wisconsin Dells region can make for an enjoyable outdoor experience for anglers willing to brave the chilly conditions.