Flowage Wildlife & Nature
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BIRDS OF THE TURTLE-FLAMBEAU SCENIC WATERS AREA The Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area, located in southern Iron County in north Wisconsin, is an area rich in diversity of wildlife habitats. This diversity provides important migratory and breeding habitat for many species of birds. The Turtle-Flambeau Flowage and its shoreline, the different types of wetlands, and surrounding forests and forest openings all vary in vegetative composition and benefit many species. Observations are best made by getting out on the water in a boat or canoe. Access is available at any of the six public boat landings on the flowage. Early morning and early evening are normally the best time to observe wildlife, including birds. Be quiet and patient and the birds will give you a show. The uniqueness of the Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area is due to its diverse expanse of water that dominates the landscape. Most recreational use of the area centers on the water. Birds associated with water , like loons, osprey, and eagles, receive the most attention from visitors. This is a great place to get out in a boat or canoe and see some of Wisconsin's rarer birds, including merlins. However, don't overlook the surrounding uplands and wooded islands. Diverse stands of northern hardwoods, early successional aspen and birch, boreal conifers, white pine and hemlock, and open bogs provide habitat for almost all birds you would expect to find in northern Wisconsin. The spring warbler migration can include many different species and high numbers of birds. Even some of the grassland sparrows can be found in the sedge meadows and patterned bog adjacent to the Flowage |
Flowage in the Summer
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Fishing, Boating, Sailing, Sightseeing... The Fishery in the Turtle Flambeau Flowage The Turtle-Flambeau Flowage provides the best of north woods fishing experiences. The Flowage supports a diversity of native warm water fish species including walleye, muskellunge, northern pike, smallmouth and largemouth bass, lake sturgeon, and a variety of panfish. Recent research findings have enabled fisheries biologists to apply the latest management techniques on the Flowage for improving the quality of fishing. New species specific regulations are in effect. Angler compliance with the new regulations is essential to realize the maximum improvement in the fishery. 1997 Fishery Assessment A comprehensive fisheries survey was completed in 1997. Information was collected on all gamefish species to determine the health of populations in regards to size structure, population densities, fishing pressure and angling success. Evaluation of the fishery involved extensive sampling of the fish population which began shortly after ice-out. Netting crews captured a total of 13,252 walleyes during the initial "marking" period which lasted about 10 days. These fish were marked with a fin-clip to distinguish between the fish marked during the netting period and those later captured during the "recapture" run. The recapture run involved 17 electro fishing boats which sampled the entire 221 miles of shoreline in one night. The recapture sample allows biologists to determine the population density at a 95% confidence level utilizing a formula based on the ration of marked to unmarked fish. Survey crews returned on several occasions throughout the spring to sample musky and smallmouth bass to gain a better understanding of the status of these species as well. WALLEYE The walleye population in the Flowage continues to be dominated by fish under 18 inches in length. Only 11% of the total adult walleyes sampled were 18 inches or larger. However, 40% of the adult fish are 15 inches and over. The average length of walleye harvested during 1997 was 13.5 inches and in their fifth summer of growth. The average size of fish harvested is somewhat smaller than experienced 20 years ago where 14.6 inches was the average size walleye kept. Although catches of "trophy" size fish are not uncommon, future walleye management may include special regulations for improving the overall size structure. The 1997 fisheries survey also included a walleye natural reproduction assessment. Department fisheries biologists have monitored young-of-the-year production annually since 1984. Walleye reproduction averaged 16.2 fingerling/acre/year during the 1980's During the 1990's average reproductive rates more than doubled at an average of 33.4 fingerlings/acre/year produced. The graph shown below illustrates the natural variation in walleye year class strengths. Exceptional natural walleyes reproduction was experienced in 1994 and 1996. The 1997 year class proved to be the largest recorded single year class produced with over 63 fingerlings/acre produced. These strong natural year classes will support the walleye fishery in the Flowage for many years into the future. MUSKELLUNGE AND NORTHERN PIKE An important objective of this survey was to determine the capability of musky to naturally reproduce and the need for supplemental stocking. Historically, annual plants of 2,500 fingerling musky were made to supplement the limited natural reproduction. Preliminary results indicate continued musky stocking is necessary if this fishery is to be maintained. The 40 inch minimum size limit, which went into effect in 1992, is intended to maximize natural musky reproduction and enhance the trophy features of this fishery. The benefits of this regulation in regards to a self-sustaining population may not be realized for several years. Northern pike provide good action for anglers of all ages on the Flowage. Pike abundance is estimated at two fish per acre although only 3% of the population are larger than 23.0 inches. Growth rates are near average a high mortality after six years of age is believed responsible for few fish growing to trophy size. SMALLMOUTH BASS Information gathering on the smallmouth bass population during the 1997 survey, revealed substantial improvements in size structure are taking place over the past few years. 38% of the total fish sampled were larger than 15 inches in length with many fish approaching 20 inches. The special harvest regulations implemented in 1996 and a general catch and release attitude among anglers are resulting in major improvements in the size structure of this population. A comprehensive evaluation of this management program is slated for the year 2000. Biologists forecast the Flowage smallmouth bass population will be one of the best fisheries in the State if current regulations are followed and catch and release attitudes persist. CHIPPEWA INDIAN HARVEST A 1983 federal court decision reaffirmed the rights of Chippewa Indians to hunt, fish and gather wild foods within the ceded territory of northern Wisconsin. The Flowage has supported a walleye spearfishing harvest since 1984. Safe harvest levels are determined annually so that the combined harvest of anglers and spearfishers does not endanger the future of the walleye population. This is the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage! If you have a boat, slip it into the water; Venture out far enough to lose sight of the landing, and look around. You're treated to a view of nature of wild beauty and all its splendor similar to the view seen more than 100 years ago by native Americans, fur traders and early settlers of northern Wisconsin. The Turtle Flambeau Flowage was created in 1926 when Chippewa and Flambeau Improvement Company built a dam on the Flambeau River which topped 16 small lakes and flooded more than 14,000 acres. There are 195 islands and over 230 miles of shoreline to explore. About 95% of the shoreline is in public ownership. The Flowage also provides the best of northwoods fishing experiences. The Flowage supports a diversity of native warm water fish species including walleye, muskellunge, northern pike, small mouth and largemouth bass, lake sturgeon, black crappie, bluegill and rock bass. THE FALLS Here at the Turtle River inlet is the most important spawning area for walleyes in the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage. Each year in late April and early May, thousands of walleyes move in and spawn on the rocks and boulders below the falls. During the great depression of the 30's, the State of Wisconsin built a fish hatchery with Civilian Conservation corps labor on what is now the west side of the park. When the hatchery was closed in the late 40's the hatchery buildings became property of Iron County. The observation platform over the river was built on the remains of one of the hatchery buildings. Because of the heavy concentration of walleyes in this area during spring, these fish are sometimes used as a source of walleye spawn for propagation and stocking programs. Hatchery crews net and takes the fertilized eggs to the warm water fish hatchery at Spooner for hatching and rearing. This spawn removal does not affect the walleye population. Walleyes are such prolific spawners that many more eggs are produced than will ever survive in the wild. Spawn removal is only a small percentage of this surplus. However, as a bonus, a minimum of 10 percent of the walleye that hatch from these eggs are stocked back into the Flowage. The number of walleyes produced naturally will vary from one year to another. This variability is not caused by spawn-taking operations, but is a result of such phenomena as water temperature changes during the spawning period. The site now occupied by Lake of the Falls Campground has been used for camping since the early 1900's. In 1957 development of the west side campground as part of Iron County's park system began. More progress came in 1967 with the development of campsites on the east side, including a well and electrical hookups. Please feel free to visit the falls and old fish hatchery site on the west side of the park. Also, you are welcome to picnic, camp or just enjoy the park if you like. Daily park use and camping permits are available from a park caretaker. The Turtle River was one of the travel routes used by the Indians for many years prior to arrival of the fur traders. It was also used by French voyageurs as a secondary route to Lac du Flambeau. The main fur trading route into the region followed a combination overland and water trail from the mouth of the Montreal River on Lake Superior through present day Mercer, down the Manitowish River to the Bear River and then upstream to Lac du Flambeau. Boating Boating on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage can be memorable in many ways. You do need to exercise caution the Flowage has an abundance of stumps, logs, and rock bars. Water levels continue to be raised or lowered to benefit downstream hydroelectric plants. Even if you think you know your way around these changing water levels mean you must slow way down in some areas. A guide is recommended for first time visitors - activities like water skiing and jet skiing have some areas, but very limited. |
Flowage in the Winter
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Snow, Snow, Snow... With all the Flowage has to offer, there's no excuse to spend your winters indoors. Many of our member resorts are open year round to allow you to experience the inimitable beauty of a northern winter first hand. Don't take our word for it - come see for yourself. Instead of sagging under the weight of a dirty, slush filled season in the city, come on up and break the crust of winter by fishing the frozen waters of the Turtle Flambeau Flowage. Miles of cross country ski trails will lure you away from the mind numbing TV screen, whose artificial images can't compete with the wonders of winter wildlife up close and personal. Escape the noise of the workaday world as you don snowshoes to trek into the solitude of tall balsam forests, where frost crystals dance in the sunlight and the only sound is the whirring of chickadee wings. This area is noted for its heavy snowfall, which comes early and stays late each year. Iron County has over 325 miles of marked and maintained snowmobile trails, and many of our resorts cater to winter sports enthusiasts. Special snowmobile maps are available by writing to the Secretary, Turtle-Flambeau Flowage Association, Route 2, Butternut, WI 54514 Another popular way to enjoy our generous snowfall is cross country skiing, which combines the enjoyment of sightseeing with the added benefit of aerobic exercise, a heart friendly activity recommended by most doctors. For the less health conscious and more action oriented, some of the finest downhill skiing is available in the Ironwood, Michigan area, just a short drive to the north of the Flowage. It offers five major ski hills, plus the western hemisphere's only ski-flying hill. Of course, with all the water here, it's no surprise that ice fishing has blossomed into one of our most popular winter sports here on the Flowage. You can take your place among hundreds of hardy anglers, patiently waiting for their tip-ups to signal another Flowage-size crappie, bluegill, or even an occasional northern pike. |