HomeMy WebLinkAboutFish Sticks Project InformationFISH STICKS PROJECT INFORMATION PROVIDED BY DNR
Due to shoreline development and operation of lock and dams, much of the natural
woody habitat has been lost resulting in less woody habitat available for fish and
wildlife populations on the lower Fox River and Winnebago System. Over 85 fish
species have been shown to rely on woody habitat during at least part of their life
histories (Sass 2009). The addition of woody habitat at these locations should provide
spawning and refuge habitat for many fish species including smallmouth and
largemouth bass, various panfish species, channel catfish and flathead catfish.
Fishery surveys have shown that fish diversity and abundance can increase in areas
with large amounts of woody habitat leading to a more robust fishery and better fishing
opportunities for anglers. The Winnebago Waterways Lake Management Plan (2020)
evaluated woody habitat abundance on the Winnebago System and indicated a strong
need for woody habitat addition. The frequency of in-lake shallow woody habitat for
Lake Winnebago (excluding Calumet County) was 1 per 3 miles, Lake Butte des Morts
was 1 per 26 miles, and Lake Poygan was 1 per 4 miles. This fish sticks project would
help address area habitat loss, restore woody habitat for fish and wildlife populations,
and work toward fulfilling the Shoreline Management Implementation Activity 1.2e in
the Winnebago Waterways Lake Management Plan.
Potential Fish Stick Install Locations At Menominee Park
Typical Fish Stick Installation