Temporary fishery closure proposed due to drawdown of Grandmother Flowage

By Northeast Region August 23, 2016

Contact(s): Dave Seibel, DNR fisheries biologist, 715-623-4190, ext. 3112, David.Seibel@wisconsin.gov; Jennifer Sereno, DNR communications, 608-770-8084, Jennifer.Sereno@wisconsin.gov

TOMAHAWK, Wis. - A temporary fishery closure is being proposed to help protect fish populations in the Grandmother Flowage during a drawdown of water levels until repairs are completed later this fall.

Dave Seibel, a fisheries biologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, said citizens will have a chance to learn more and comment on the temporary closure at a public meeting scheduled for Aug. 29 at 5 p.m. at the Tomahawk Public Library, 300 W. Lincoln Ave. in Tomahawk.

The Grandmother Flowage is a 208 acre reservoir on the Wisconsin River in central Lincoln County. It runs for about 7 miles downstream from the Pride Dam (which forms Lake Mohawksin) to the Grandmother Dam.

Seibel said the flowage has an excellent fishery for walleye, muskellunge, northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, crappie and bluegill. It also contains healthy populations of forage species such as suckers, redhorse and minnows.

"A 14 foot drawdown is needed to permit maintenance by the dam's owner, Packaging Corp. of America," Seibel said. "The pool is expected to be refilled by early December but in the meantime, the department is seeking public input on a temporary closure of the fishery to prevent overharvest while the fish are concentrated in a smaller area. With a closure, we would anticipate minimal long-term impact to fish populations."

Stakeholders with questions or comments who are unable to attend the public meeting may contact Seibel at 715-623-4190, ext. 3112, or David.Seibel@wisconsin.gov. To learn more about the fishery, visit DNR.wi.gov and search "Grandmother Flowage."

Last Revised: Tuesday, August 23, 2016