05-15-2009, 11:11 AM
MADISON - For great trout fishing this summer, anglers will want to check out a recently released report detailing new trout habitat improvement projects on more than 100 miles of streams in 35 counties, Wisconsin fish biologists say.
Such habitat projects often lead to eye-popping increases in fish populations at the habitat improvement sites, particularly a few years after work has been completed.
A recently released report on inland trout stamp revenue expenditures from 2004 - 07 details how $5,222,564 in trout stamp funds were spent, where habitat work was done, and summarizes projects that took place in 35 counties.
"Many anglers seek out streams with habitat work, knowing that good fishing will likely be found there," says Larry Claggett, Department of Natural Resources coldwater fisheries ecologist. "And since it takes a couple of years for the fish to respond, anglers should really start seeing the benefit of an improved fishery from projects in this timeframe."
Since 1978, anglers have had to purchase a trout stamp (now $10) to fish inland waters, with the funds going to restoring and improving trout habitat. Overall, the DNR fisheries program has restored more than 750 miles of trout stream, and each year, maintains many miles of previous habitat work and keeps more than 750 miles free of beaver dams in northern Wisconsin.
There is also a significant amount of revenue from general fishing license fee sales that supports inland trout habitat work. During 2004 to 2007, nearly an additional $1 million was spent on improving Wisconsin's inland trout streams.
Gilbert Creek in Dunn County is great example of habitat work well received.
In-stream trout habitat improvement projects completed on Gilbert Creek resulted in restoration of more than 2.5 miles of outstanding native brook trout water with densities up to 6,000 per mile, of which 700 per mile exceed the legal length limit of eight inches.
"The trout stamp program is very successful and directly benefits the angler," Claggett says. "Our goal is to make sure the trout are healthy, have good habitat and increased natural production, and that anglers have a great fishing experience. The program is as strong as ever thanks to trout anglers continued commitment to the sport and purchase of trout stamps."
Angler looking for more information on where the habitat work was completed can purchase a private book; Todd Hansen's 2008 "Map Guide to Improved Trout Waters of Wisconsin".
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Larry Claggett, fisheries biologist, (608) 267-9658.
Such habitat projects often lead to eye-popping increases in fish populations at the habitat improvement sites, particularly a few years after work has been completed.
A recently released report on inland trout stamp revenue expenditures from 2004 - 07 details how $5,222,564 in trout stamp funds were spent, where habitat work was done, and summarizes projects that took place in 35 counties.
"Many anglers seek out streams with habitat work, knowing that good fishing will likely be found there," says Larry Claggett, Department of Natural Resources coldwater fisheries ecologist. "And since it takes a couple of years for the fish to respond, anglers should really start seeing the benefit of an improved fishery from projects in this timeframe."
Since 1978, anglers have had to purchase a trout stamp (now $10) to fish inland waters, with the funds going to restoring and improving trout habitat. Overall, the DNR fisheries program has restored more than 750 miles of trout stream, and each year, maintains many miles of previous habitat work and keeps more than 750 miles free of beaver dams in northern Wisconsin.
There is also a significant amount of revenue from general fishing license fee sales that supports inland trout habitat work. During 2004 to 2007, nearly an additional $1 million was spent on improving Wisconsin's inland trout streams.
Gilbert Creek in Dunn County is great example of habitat work well received.
In-stream trout habitat improvement projects completed on Gilbert Creek resulted in restoration of more than 2.5 miles of outstanding native brook trout water with densities up to 6,000 per mile, of which 700 per mile exceed the legal length limit of eight inches.
"The trout stamp program is very successful and directly benefits the angler," Claggett says. "Our goal is to make sure the trout are healthy, have good habitat and increased natural production, and that anglers have a great fishing experience. The program is as strong as ever thanks to trout anglers continued commitment to the sport and purchase of trout stamps."
Angler looking for more information on where the habitat work was completed can purchase a private book; Todd Hansen's 2008 "Map Guide to Improved Trout Waters of Wisconsin".
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Larry Claggett, fisheries biologist, (608) 267-9658.