Lands_Content Page_Hay Creek Fishery Area

Hay Creek Fishery Area

DNR Fisheries Areas

Hay Creek

The Hay Creek Fishery Area includes 94 acres of land in fee title, which covers approximately 1.3 miles of stream. Fisheries easements provide public access along an additional 5.5 miles of stream. The combination of easements and fee title lands cover a majority of the stream frontage in the fishery area.

Hay Creek originates in agricultural lands and flows through wetlands surrounded by agricultural lands. Water quality of the stream is considered good, but agricultural activities do contribute a moderate level of nutrients. The stream is a very-low-gradient stream bordered by open wetlands in the upper half of the stream and tag alder and lowland hardwood trees in the lower portion.

The Hay Creek Fishery Area was initially approved for land acquisition in 1969. The current master plan for acquisition boundaries and management objectives was approved in 1981.

Location/Directions

Hay Creek Fishery Area is located in west-central Chippewa County, approximately 4 miles south of Bloomer.

Activities

Angling opportunities

Hay Creek is a class 1 brook trout stream. Ever since brown trout stocking was eliminated, Hay Creek has been overlooked by many anglers as a good brook trout stream. Fishing is limited to bridge crossings, shoreline angling, or wading. Fly fishing this stream is difficult because of the stream width combined with tag alder and reed canary grass along the banks. Occasionally, anglers can still catch brown trout in Hay Creek. Hay Creek flows into lower Duncan Creek where a native brown trout fishery has been developing in recent years.

Recreational Opportunities

  • Hunting - deer, turkey, pheasant, and small game
  • Trapping
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Fishing - brook trout
  • Bird watching

Objective

Hay Creek is managed as a naturally reproducing brook trout stream. Instream habitat work has been conducted to improve habitat conditions for all life stages of trout. Land is acquired from willing sellers to protect and improve trout habitat as well as 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 [exit DNR]