Lake Wissota Fish Habitat Improvement Projects Completed

Two Lake Wissota projects meant to improve the aquatic environment and support the fish population have officially been completed.

Xcel Energy announced the completion of the projects in a press release this week. The utility company partnered with local organizations on two separate projects seeking to support the long term growth of the fish population.

The First Wisconsin Chapter of Muskies, Inc. sponsored the first project, named “Fish Sticks.” The project saw the installation of bundled trees near Mermaid Bay. Officials anchored clusters of up to 80 bundled trees to the shoreline over the winter. As the ice melted this spring, the bundles sank into the water and created a more protected breeding ground for panfish. Officials hope the added cover will bolster the population of the fish in Lake Wissota.

The other project saw the creation of new rock reef structures in the main basin of the lake. The rock reefs aim to provide a safe spawning and feeding ground for various species. The Chippewa Rod and Gun Club sponsored the project. Officials hope the reef will improve the health and diversity of the various fish species in Lake Wissota. The organizations worked with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to determine the most effective locations for the structures.

The projects were approved by the Lower Chippewa River Settlement Implementation Team. Established in 2003, the organization has invested over $200,000 for fish habitat initiatives in Lake Wissota.

The efforts also come as wildlife officials aim to cut down on the spread of aquatic invasive species. Some of those invasive species, like sea lamprey in Northern Wisconsin, are capable of doing significant damage to native fish populations.