Rocky Run Fishery Area

Rocky Run Creek is a long, low gradient stream which originates from Mud Lake in Lowville Township and flows into the Wisconsin River. The broad stream valley is generally bordered by steep valley slopes, which isolate it from surrounding land uses. The stream valley contains a diversity of land types, and plant and animal communities. Rocky Run Fishery Area includes the Rocky Run Oak Savanna State Natural Area.

An eight-mile section of Rocky Run Creek (downstream of Hwy 22 and upstream of the railroad crossing) is classified as trout water. Within this section, the upper six miles are designated as class 2 trout water and the lower two miles are designated as Class 3 trout water. While the dominant species is brown trout, stream surveys have reported many other native fish species such as brook trout, white sucker, blacknose dace, brook stickleback, central mud minnow, black bullhead, creek chub, bluntnose minnow, fantail darter and Johnny darter. The creek also supports stocked populations of rainbow trout. The DNR typically stocks Rocky Run Creek with wild-strain (feral) brown trout and Erwin strain rainbow trout.

Location/Directions

Rocky Run Fishery Area is a 737-acre property located in Columbia County. From Rio, take County Hwy B west 6 miles to Dunning Road, then north 1/2 mile to access point. Or, from the intersection of State Highways 16 and 22 south of Wyocena, go south on 22 1.9 miles to the Rocky Run Fishery Area parking area west of the road.