CHIPPEWA FALLS — Two significant fish habitat improvement projects on Lake Wissota have been completed, which should provide new fishing spots on the lake.
Xcel Energy and several local organizations have worked on the lake improvement plans in recent months.
“The projects are aimed at enhancing the aquatic environment and supporting the local fish populations and through partnerships with environmental organizations we’ve been able to support these types of projects,” said Xcel Energy environmental analyst Matt Miller in a press release Tuesday. “They are a testament to our collaborative efforts, and we are excited to see their positive impact on the fish populations and overall health of the lake.”
The first project, named “Fish Sticks,” was sponsored by the First Wisconsin Chapter of Muskies, Inc.. It featured installing clusters of 50 to 80 bundled trees anchored to the shoreline on Little Lake Wissota near Mermaid Bay.
“When the ice melted this spring, the clusters sunk, to create spawning and cover habitat for panfish with the goal of bolstering their population,” the press release states.
The second project, sponsored by the Chippewa Rod and Gun Club, created several new rock reef structures in the main basin of Lake Wissota, and placed in locations determined in consultation with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. These rock reefs will enhance spawning and feeding grounds for various fish species, contributing to a healthier and more diverse fish population.
“Our group had been looking for ways to improve fish habitat on Lake Wissota for several years,” said Josh Rabska, president of First Wisconsin Chapter of Muskies, Inc.
“In cooperation with the WDNR and Lake Wissota Improvement Association (LWIPA), we considered the ‘Fish Sticks’ project as a highly beneficial initiative and receiving a grant from Xcel Energy played a crucial role in propelling the project from planning to action. It’s an amazing example of a collaborative effort to enhance the Lake Wissota fishery for years to come.”
Each year, project ideas are submitted to the Lower Chippewa River Settlement Implementation Team, which was established in 2003 as part of the federal relicensing process of Xcel Energy’s Holcombe, Wissota, and Dells hydroelectric projects. This team includes members from Xcel Energy, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, WDNR, Wisconsin Conservation Congress, The River Alliance of Wisconsin, LWIPA and Lake Holcombe Improvement Association.
Since 2003, more than $200,000 has been allocated for fish habitat initiatives on Lake Wissota alone.