Engle Creek Springs Fishery Area

The Fishery Area receives considerable use by hunters and trappers for an area of its size. Hunting pressure is directed mainly towards white-tailed deer and ruffed grouse. The Fishery Area has considerable aesthetic value and is a strip of wildland in a mostly agricultural area. As a result, there are other recreational and educational activities such as nature hiking and berry picking.

The species composition of waters in the Fishery Area is characteristic of a coldwater fishery, and both the spring ponds and stream are managed for brook trout. A few brown trout, the mottled sculpin, and brook sticklebacks represent the remaining coldwater species. Natural reproduction is adequate enough to that native brook trout are abundant in the stream. In contrast, no known natural reproduction of trout exists in the spring ponds, and until a fish barrier was constructed recently, periodic movements of northern pike into the ponds from the Yellow River destroyed many trout.

Eight other fish inhabit the fishery area including such panfishes as the black crappie, brown and black bullhead. Minnow species found include the white sucker, creek chub, mud minnow, and Johnny darter. The brook lamprey is also present.

A variety of birds and mammals inhabit the Fishery Area both seasonally and permanently. Approximately 90 bird species and 24 mammal species are believed to inhabit the area. Primary bird species that have management potential are upland game birds such as the ring-necked pheasant and ruffed grouse, and migratory species such as woodcock, wood ducks, mallards, and blue-winged teal. Game species, including white-tailed deer, squirrels, and cottontails are common. Furbearers such as muskrat, beaver, and mink are common and provide trapping opportunities.

Location/Directions

Engle Creek Springs Fishery Area is west of Rice Lake and south of State Hwy 48 and County Hwy P along 14½th Street in Barron County.