Lands_Content Page_Elk Creek Fishery Area

Elk Creek Fishery Area

DNR Fisheries Areas

The Elk Creek Fishery area includes 330 acres of land in fee title, which covers approximately 3.3 miles of stream. Fisheries easements provide public access along an additional 10.8 miles of stream. Streams in the fishery area are all class 1 trout streams. Elk Creek supports a good population of brown trout with brook trout present near the confluence of the tributaries. Greater numbers of brook trout are present in the upper portion of Elk Creek. The larger tributaries, such as Big Elk Creek, support equal numbers of brook and brown trout, while the small tributaries contain primarily brook trout.

Elk Creek is a medium-size stream that flows through agricultural lands. The fishery area is large and includes Elk Creek, Big Elk Creek, and seven small, unnamed tributary streams. Water quality of the stream is considered good, but agricultural activities do contribute a moderate level of nutrients. Elk Creek is a moderate-gradient stream bordered by a narrow wetland strip in the upper portion with tag alder and open meadow along its banks. The lower portion of Elk Creek flows through the higher ground with floodplain forest. Streambank erosion is a problem in the lower half due to sandy soils and higher streambanks. The tributaries to Elk Creek flow through a mixture of tag alder, open meadow, and upland woodlands.

Location/Directions

Elk Creek Fishery Area is located in southwest Chippewa County and southeast Dunn County, nine miles west of Chippewa Falls.

Activities

Angling opportunities

Fishing is limited to bridge crossings, shoreline angling, or wading. Elk Creek offers some of the best fly fishing opportunities in Chippewa County because of habitat improvements and the greater stream width.

Recreational Opportunities

  • Hunting - deer, grouse, turkeys, wood duck, and small game
  • Trapping
  • Hiking
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Fishing - brown and brook trout
  • Bird watching

Objective

Elk Creek and its tributaries are managed to protect and improve naturally reproducing brown and brook trout populations and to provide access for anglers.

Maps

Contacts/Partners

For questions and comments contact:

Fisheries Biologist
Department of Natural Resources
1300 W Clairemont Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54701
715-369-8848

Management Partner:

Wisconsin Clear Waters Chapter of Trout Unlimited