Picnic Point Fishery Area

Picnic Point Fishery Area includes 58 acres of agricultural fields and 53 acres of brush/wooded habitat. There is over 3700 feet of pristine Lake Winnebago shoreline. The upland habitat has historically been used for agricultural production but is being converted to tall-grass prairie, short-grass prairie, and oak savanna.

In the summer of 2008, the State completed the transfer of surplus land from the Department of Health Services (DHS) to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to become a State Fishery Area with the goal of ensuring the property will remain in a natural state in perpetuity. The deed transfer states "...property shall be maintained in its natural, scenic and open condition and is restricted from any development or use that would impair or interfere with its conservation values and purposes." There are also historical accounts of lake sturgeon spawning at the site.

The Winnebago Mental Health Institution retains, by deed restriction, a 5.0 acre exclusive use area in the northeast corner of the property. The property contains numerous archeological and cultural sites. The property is part of a game refugee that was established by Administrative Code in 1929 and it is located within Oshkosh City limits. Therefore hunting and trapping are not allowed.

The Picnic Point Advisory Committee developed a management plan for the Picnic Point property in conjunction with the DNR that included public comment. There was general agreement that the property should be kept in a natural state for the benefit of wildlife, fish, and public enjoyment through nature based recreation. The committee believed the primary purpose of the property is to function as fish and wildlife habitat, to preserve the local archeological sites, and to provide an area for the public to enjoy Lake Winnebago and the surrounding shoreline through non-motorized, nature based recreation.

Location/Directions

Go north of Oshkosh on County Hwy A and turn right on Snell Road 1/4 mile. The property lies along the west shore of Lake Winnebago.