WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is closing the fishing season on Wausau Dam Lake for 2019.
DNR fisheries biologist Tim Parks says it’s due to a planned reduction in the water levels above the dam by up to 14 feet for maintenance on the structure. When that happens, he says it would cause fish to cluster together.
“it would literally be like shooting fish in a barrel,” said Parks. That’s because with less room to spread out, fishermen wouldn’t have to look too far to find their prized catch. That could lead to certain species of fish being overexploited, or over-fished.
“A lot of this is a precaution, and it’s a standard tool that we use when we have draw-downs,” added Parks. “We want to protect the population to make sure that we have a quality fish population in the future.”
The restricted area will run from near the bridge at County Road WW in Brokaw to just south of the dam at East Stewart Avenue. Anyone caught fishing in that area before the ban is lifted could be subject to fines or other punishment.
The draw-down is expected to last through early Winter, Parks says there is no exact timeline on when it will be lifted.
A public informational meeting on the matter is set for 5:30 PM on April 15th at the Wausau Public Library, 300 1st St, in Wausau. Anyone with further questions or concerns on the issue is asked to attend the session, or contact Parks directly at Timothy.Parks@wisconsin.gov or 715-498-0420.
Parks says he’s already spoken with several groups in the area and they have supported the decision.
