Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Trout River (No. 505)

Overview

Location

Within the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, Vilas County. T41N-R6E, Sections 14, 15, 16, 21. 108 acres.

Access

This area is best seen by boat. From Woodruff, go north on US Highway 51 about 9.5 miles to the Trout River.

Description

Description

The Trout River is a slow, warm, alkaline stream with clear water of high fertility. Flowing west from Trout Lake, it eventually joins the Manitowish River just west of the forest boundary. Averaging 30 feet in width and with a maximum depth of 3 feet, the river supports numerous rare animals including the state-threatened longear sunfish (Lepomis megalotis), pugnose shiner (Notropis anogenus), and greater redhorse (Moxostoma valenciennesi). Other rare animals are the splendid clubtail (Gomphurus lineatifrons) and round pigtoe (Pleurobema sintoxia). The stream bottom is primarily sand and gravel where the current is moderate to fast as compared to the muck substrate that is found on slower stretches. Patches of aquatic vegetation are common in the lower reaches. Trout River is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2007.

Maps

The WDNR's State Natural Areas Program is comprised of lands owned by the state, private conservation organizations, municipalities, other governmental agencies, educational institutions, and private individuals. Therefore, while the majority of SNAs are open to the public, access may vary accordingly. Public use restrictions may apply due to public safety, or to protect endangered or threatened species or unique natural features. Lands may be temporarily closed due to specific management activities. Users are encouraged to contact the land owner for more specific details.

The data shown on these maps have been obtained from various sources, and are of varying age, reliability, and resolution. The data may contain errors or omissions and should not be interpreted as a legal representation of legal ownership boundaries.

• Detailed Map [PDF, 271 KB]

Activities

Please come prepared for your visit. Amenities vary from site to site with most SNAs being primitive and without facilities. See Guidelines for Visitation for details.

Allowable Activities

Most DNR-owned SNAs allow:

• Hiking
• Hunting
• Fishing
• Trapping
• Skiing

Some exceptions apply. Properties closed to the public or closed to specific use, such as hunting, will be posted.

***For non-DNR-owned SNAs: Additional use guidelines may apply. Please verify any use restrictions with the landowner or contact the SNA Program. Landowners may require additional permits or restrict the number of hunters at a given SNA to provide a quality hunting experience. SNA landowners can be found at the bottom of each SNA description page.

Prohibited Activities

• Horseback riding
• Rock climbing
• Vehicles, including bicycles, ATVs, aircraft, and snowmobiles except on trails and roadways designated for their use
• Collecting of plants (including fruits, nuts, or edible plant parts), animals, fungi, rocks, minerals, fossils, archaeological artifacts, soil, downed wood, or any other natural material, alive or dead

Please note that a permit is required for scientific collection and research on State Natural Areas. For more information, contact Thomas Meyer, State Natural Areas Program Specialist.

For more information on rules governing state-owned SNAs and other state lands, please consult Wisconsin's Administrative Code Chapter NR 45 (exit DNR)