The Trout Stream
Solutions to these problems come in many forms, all taking hard work and foresight. While many solutions have been used for decades, newer ideas also are put to work. For instance, old Christmas trees are used now to create brush bundles that are laid along the banks to narrow a stream. Narrowing the stream causes a faster water flow which can lower the temperature of the water. At first, visitors to the streams may wonder about the piles of old trees but in a season or two, they aren’t noticeable as vegetation and soil build a new stream bank.
DNR crews also build overhead bank structures causing a shelf where fish can hide. They sink pilings into the stream bed and then cover the shelf with natural materials.
Brushing is an ongoing job. Removal of vegetation that encroaches on the stream is important for several reasons. First, lack of sunlight prevents aquatic plants from growing in the stream. No aquatic plants and there are no food sources within the growth of plants for trout. Also, the wrong vegetation at stream’s edge can mean weakening of the bank. Trees fall into the stream taking the bank with them and soon the stream widens, slowing the flow of water. While trees can be good, too many or the wrong kind can mean loss of habitat for trout.
“Tag alder is a big problem,” said Bartz. “We take a lot of tag alder down when we brush.”
Beaver can be another problem as well as live stock and cattle crossing areas. Cooperative work with land owners can control livestock damage to trout streams.
The January 2008 edition of Wisconsin Trout Unlimited reported on the extensive work done by the Central Wisconsin Chapter of the group. Loads of volunteers including some from Rawhide Boys Ranch and Fox Valley Technical College worked with the Trout Unlimited Central Wisconsin Chapter and the DNR to improve the habitat on several streams in Waushara and Marquette Counties. This includes a plan for Lawrence Creek where, because of bank erosion, the width of the stream has grown from 10 to 12 feet to as wide as 25 feet slowing the water down and making it too warm and shallow for trout.
The DNR does surveys and studies for its own work and in cooperation with groups like Trout Unlimited. Workers sometimes tag fish, stun fish to weigh measure and clip fins, and compare numbers from year to year. This work helps maintain populations and helps with early detection of a problem.
Maps of the trout streams of the state including those in Marquette and Waushara Counties can be obtained from the DNR and downloaded from their website at http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/species/trout/streammaps.html. You can access their website at any public library if you don’t have your own computer or are not computer knowledgeable. The county DNR offices can also help you obtain the maps. In Waushara County, the office is located at 427 E Tower Drive in Wautoma. In Marquette County there is a field station at 363 Church St in Montello.
