Mecan River Fishery Area

The Mecan River Fishery Area contains some of the finest trout streams in central Wisconsin. Most of the water is class 1 brown and rainbow trout streams that receive heavy public fishing use. The waters are generally crystal-clear and support excellent natural trout reproduction through 31.1 miles of the total 48.7 miles of stream length. Chaffee and Wedde Creeks and the Mecan River are three of only a few streams in the entire state that have naturally reproducing rainbow trout populations.

All the properties within the Mecan River Fishery Area are located in southwest Waushara County and northwest Marquette County. The headwaters of all four streams originate in Waushara County and flow south or southeast. Wedde Creek is a tributary to Chaffee Creek, while Chaffee and Little Pine Creeks are direct tributaries to the Mecan River. The Mecan River System is a major tributary of the Fox River watershed in the Lake Michigan drainage.

The vegetative cover of the uplands is rich with diversity, from lowland brush and woodlands to upland forests and grasslands. Additionally, many old agricultural fields have been abandoned and are reverting to natural vegetation; others have been planted into pine plantations, converted into native prairies, or continued to be farmed in share-crop agreements. This unique mix of woods, water and fields provides prime habitat for a variety of game and non-game species, offering a pleasant satisfaction to all who visit this natural and beautiful area.

Portions of the Wisconsin Ice Age Trail traverse through the fishery area, with the occasional loop providing a structured and safe trail, allowing the casual hiker to enjoy what the area has to offer. Recreational opportunities are a year round occurrence and seemingly endless, from fishing and hunting to canoeing and snowshoeing. There are numerous parking areas scattered about the entire stretch of the property, providing ample access points.

There are 36 parking lots located along the Mecan River System. Most of these are small areas designed to accommodate ten cars or less.

Location/Directions

The Mecan River Fishery Area is located in central Wisconsin, about 35 miles southeast of Stevens Point.