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Sand Creek Fishery Area (Chippewa and Dunn Counties)

DNR Fisheries Areas

The Sand Creek Fishery area includes 213 acres of land in fee title, which covers approximately 2 miles of stream. Fisheries easements provide public access along an additional 6.4 miles of stream. The combination of easements and fee title lands cover a majority of the stream frontage in the fishery area.

Sand Creek is a small stream that originates in a wetland complex and flows through agricultural lands. Spring Brook is a major tributary to Sand Creek. Water quality of the stream is considered good, but agricultural activities do contribute to low levels of nutrients. The stream is a low-gradient stream with an excellent wetland buffer along with a majority of its length. Riparian vegetation consists primarily of tag alder, lowland hardwoods, and reed canary grass.

Sand Creek is a class 1 brook and brown trout stream, while Spring Brook is managed for brook trout. Both streams are highly productive for brook trout. Brown trout are present primarily in the Dunn County portion of Sand Creek, and many spend their summer where Sand Creek flows into the Red Cedar River. In fall, many large brown trout can be found in the lower reach of Sand Creek as they migrate upstream to spawn. Fishing is limited to bridge crossings, shoreline angling or wading. Fly fishing opportunities are limited due to the narrow width of the stream and trees and brush along the banks.

Location/Directions

Sand Creek Fishery Area is located in northwest Chippewa County and northeast Dunn County, immediately southwest of the Village of New Auburn.

Activities

Angling opportunities

Fishing for brown and brook trout is limited to bridge crossings, shoreline angling or wading. Fly fishing opportunities are limited due to the narrow width of the stream and trees and brush along the banks.

Recreational Opportunities

  • Hunting - deer, grouse, turkeys, wood duck, and small game
  • Trapping
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Fishing - brook and brown trout
  • Bird watching

Objective

The Sand Creek Fishery Area is managed for naturally reproducing brook and brown trout populations.

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