Anglers will likely noticed improved trout fishing in the Wabeno area in upcoming years.
DNR crews are working in Wabeno to improve the fishing next to the town park and elementary school.
Great Lakes Stream Restoration Manager for Trout Unlimited, Laura MacFarland, says the goal is to make the trout fishing better, especially near the town's barrier-free fishing platforms...
"...For the last couple of years we've been working with a host of partners to improve trout habitat in the North Branch of the Oconto River through the Town of Wabeno. This week is a very exciting week as crews have broken ground on the location of an old mill dam We've been trying to remove this mill dam that was breached in the 1950's to improve brook trout habitat..."
MacFarland says they hope to speed up the river flow. The faster speed helps chill the water, as trout love colder water. It also scours out the old sediment in the channel revealing gravel that trout love to live and spawn in.
She says more work will be done in 2019..
"...Next year we hope to continue our collaboration with the Department of Natural Resources to remove a second dam structure that is located upstream from Cavour St. This one is adjacent from Highway 32 as your coming into town from the north. Ultimately, the goal is to have three dams gone..."
Besides Trout Unlimited and the DNR, the Forest County Potawatomi Community, Town of Wabeno, Wabeno school district and the Friends of Wabeno also are involved in the project.
