Namekagon River Fishery Area (Remnant)

The Namekagon River fishery area is dominated by aspen stands of varying age classes interspersed with stands of oak, white birch and lowland brush. The property borders the Namekagon River which is a designated wild and scenic river [exit DNR] because of its wild and scenic values. The property provides public access to the river for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hunting, trapping and other compatible outdoor recreational activities.

The waters of the Namekagon River are generally shallow and rocky and not suitable for the use of boats. The Namekagon is a very popular river for canoe and kayak day trips. Numerous launch and pull-out sites managed by the state, counties and National Park Service are available along its course.

The Namekagon River upstream from Hayward is a cold water habitat and has received national recognition for its quality fishing. Naturally reproducing brown and brook trout are plentiful. The section from Hayward downriver to its confluence with the St Croix is a transition zone. Here trout become fewer and smallmouth bass begins to dominate, while walleyes and northern pike begin to increase in numbers. Other species in the river sought by anglers include muskellunge, lake sturgeon, catfish, white and yellow bass and panfish.

The Namekagon River fishery area was formed when the Wisconsin Conservation Commission purchased 108.7 acres in 1962 and an additional 43.8 acres in 1963. The project intended to provide public access to the Namekagon River while also providing a public fishing and hunting area. Today the department manages unimproved river access, in cooperation with the National Park Service, to provide users of the river a launch/pull-out site.

Location/Directions

The fishery area is located east of Springbrook along the south bank of the Namekagon River. To get to the western parcel travel .7 miles east of Springbrook on U.S. Highway 63 and turn south on Larson Road and travel an additional 1.9 miles and arrive at the property. The eastern parcel is located an additional 4 miles west on Larson Road and then .5 miles north on County Hwy E. There is a landing, managed in cooperation with the National Park Service, to access the Namekagon River on the western parcel.