Lands_Content Page_Whalen Creek Fish and Wildlife Area

Whalen Creek Fish and Wildlife Area

Creek lined by trees with autumn colors

 

Whalen Creek Fishery and Wildlife Area is a 188-acre property located in central Washburn County, 1.5 miles north of Whalen Lake. Access can be found at the end of Jacobson Road or off the west side of Lakeside Road, 4 miles north of Trego.

The property consists of headwater springs and wetlands of Whalen Creek and beautiful rolling oak, aspen, mixed hardwood, pine and grass openings. The headwaters of Whalen Creek have been protected since the early 1960s with the purchase of the land and it is high-quality brook trout water. The reach of Whalen Creek running directly from Whalen Springs is a Class 1 trout stream.

The Wild Rivers State Trail runs through the property, parallel to Whalen Creek. This multi-use trail allows walking, bicycling, running, horseback riding, snowshoeing, dog sledding, cross-country skiing, ATVing and snowmobiling. Off-trail motorized use is not compatible with fishery area wetland and habitat management objectives.  

Management Objectives

Whalen Creek is managed to provide opportunities for public hunting, trapping, fishing and other outdoor recreation while protecting the qualities of the unique native communities and associated species found on the property. The aspen cover type is maintained through coppice cutting at rotation age to regenerate the type. Oak is maintained through timber management. The balance of the property is passively managed to protect the headwaters of the creek.

Visit the property planning for more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state.

Recreation

The Whalen Creek Fish and Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:

  • ATV trail
  • Birding
  • Cross-country skiing (no designated trail)
  • Fishing
  • Hiking (no designated trail)
  • Hunting
  • Snowshoeing
  • Snowmobiling trail
  • Trapping
  • Wild edibles/gathering
  • Wildlife viewing

Amenities

  • Bathroom - none.
  • Parking lot - Parking areas are available at the end of Jacobson Rd. or off the west side of Lakeside Rd.
  • Campground and size - none.
  • Trails, Types and Lengths - Wild Rivers State Trail cuts through the property.

Maps

Download a map of this property.

If you are interested in exploring this property further, you can access an interactive map.

Adopt a Fish or Wildlife Area

 

Find out more about how to adopt this wildlife area.