Wolf River Bottoms Wildlife Area - La Sage Unit
The Wolf River Bottoms Wildlife Area—LaSage Unit is located in west-central Outagamie County. Current state ownership stands at 486.05 acres. The property is entirely situated in the Wolf River floodplain, and the primary natural community here is a mature floodplain forest of silver maple, swamp white oak, and green ash where sensitive forest-interior birds (red-shouldered hawk and cerulean warbler) have been documented in the past. Also, there are impounded marshes, a shrub swamp, aspen stands, and a prairie restoration. The Wolf River runs along the entire eastern boundary of the property, allowing excellent access by boat. An historic “Indian crossing” of the Wolf River is located on the northern portion of the property. There is a major sturgeon spawning area on the river here, and there was a history of walleye spawning prior to flowage construction.
This property was previously owned by a private individual and was used as a hunting/fishing and vacation retreat. The Department purchased the property in 1998. Nearly 3 miles of dikes enclose 300 acres on 3 flowages with 7 water control structures and artesian wells.
The LaSage Unit is managed for woodland and wetland wildlife and to maintain a hydrologic connection between the river and off-channel aquatic habitats.
There is parking available on county Highway S. Various canoe access points are found along the eastern boundary of the property, where the Wolf River runs.
Management Objectives
The LaSage Unit of the Wolf River Bottoms Wildlife Area 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. Management includes the maintenance of continuous, extensive floodplain communities and a hydrologic connection between the river and off-channel aquatic habitats. Bottomland hardwoods are maintained by favoring silver maple and swamp white oak while retaining other native trees and understory species. The aspen cover type is maintained and currently found through timber management.
For more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state, visit the property planning page.
Recreation
The Wolf River Bottoms Wildlife Area-LaSage Unit offers many recreational opportunities:
- Birding
- Camping (see below for more details)
- Canoeing
- Cross-country skiing (no designated trail)
- Fishing
- Hiking (no designated trail)
- Hunting (noted for deer, turkey and small game)
- Kayaking
- Trapping
- Wild edibles/gathering
- Wildlife viewing
Amenities
- Bathroom - none.
- Parking lot - There is one parking area.
- Campground and size - There is one group canoe primitive site (permit/reservations required).
- Trails, Types, and Lengths - non-designated only.
- Other - There is a county-owned boat landing on the east side of the river and a county shoreline fishing area south of CTH S. Recreational activities on this property include shore fishing, birdwatching, hunting, trapping, canoeing/kayaking and boating on the Wolf River, sturgeon watching, hiking and snowshoeing.
Maps
Download [PDF] a map of this property.
If you are interested in exploring this property further, you can access an interactive map.
