Lands_Content Page_Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area

Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area

DNR Fisheries Areas

The vast majority of the Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area is emergent marsh vegetation. The dominant flora is cattail, however, the marsh topography does allow for small hummocks of shrub-car vegetation and a limited amount of woodlot on the east/south east boundary. The open water is a mix of river channel above and below the lake-like widening that constitutes Lower Mud Lake itself. The river channel is relatively swift and rocky, whereas the lake portion is < 1 meter in depth, is well vegetated with submergent and emergent plants and has generally a rich organic substrate.

This wetland is extensive and has long met the life history and spawning needs of native northern pike populations. It represents a significant pass through area for walleye migrating to spawning riffles upstream. Waterfowl flock to the Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area as resting, feeding, and nesting grounds during spring and fall migrations.

Location/Directions

Access to the Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area is practicably restricted to access by water. From the Village of McFarland, access is from the Jaeger Landing off of Exchange Street, south of the outlet of Lake Waubesa on US Hwy 51. Access can also be had from the property's south side via a county easement east of the bridge on Dryeson Road. From either direction, the rocky nature of the Yahara River restricts access to small, shallow draft boats or canoe and kayak. Hidden Farm Road dead-ends on the property's eastern edge south from Elvehjem Road.

Activities

Recreational Opportunities

  • Hunting
  • Trapping
  • Hiking (no established trails)
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Fishing
  • Bird watching
  • Berry picking
  • Canoeing/kayaking/small craft boating
  • Geocaching (with property manager approval)

No overnight camping or fires are allowed. Signage indicates permitted and prohibited uses.

Objective

Maps

Contacts/Partners

For questions and comments contact:

Fisheries Biologist
Department of Natural Resources
3911 Fish Hatchery Road
Fitchburg WI 53711
608-910-1843