Caves Creek Fishery Area

Caves Creek fishery area is high-quality trout water. The waters are generally crystal clear. There have been stream bank improvement projects throughout the system, enhancing the already excellent fishing opportunities. The state ownership is 823 acres of fragmented parcels stretched along the stream's 14-mile corridor. Some acres are held in perpetual easement intended to protect the stream shorelines and provide access to fishermen.

The clear, spring-fed waters of Caves Creek have areas of natural brook trout reproduction throughout its 12.1 miles of stream length. Caves Creek is regarded as one of the better brook trout streams in southern Wisconsin. Fishing pressure is heavy on stream sections accessible to the public.

The vegetative cover is rich with diversity, with a large portion being lowland brush and swamp hardwoods to upland forests and grasslands. Additionally, many old agricultural fields have been abandoned and are reverting to natural vegetation; others have been planted into pine plantations, converted into native prairies, or continued to be farmed in share crop agreements. This unique mix of woods, water, and fields provides prime habitat for a variety of game and non-game species, as well as offering a pleasant satisfaction to all who visit this natural and beautiful area.

Recreational opportunities are a year-round occurrence and seemingly endless, from fishing and hunting to canoeing and snowshoeing. There exist numerous parking areas scattered about the entire stretch of the property, providing ample access points.

Land along Caves Creek was first acquired for fishery purposes in 1962. Caves Creek is a class 1 brook trout stream. The project includes about six miles of the creek to be managed and improved for trout fishing and other recreational uses such as hunting and trapping. The project will protect important spawning areas, allow trout habitat management, and provide public access for fishing, hunting, and other recreational uses.

Location/Directions

The Caves Creek Fishery Area is located in northwestern Marquette County, about two miles northwest of the Village of Westfield. US Highway 51 runs through the center of the property, approximately 65 miles north of Madison.