DNR, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, partner to restock Door Co. lake

Metro Wire Staff

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recently partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Fish Hatchery in Genoa, Wis., to stock largemouth bass and bluegill into the Forestville Flowage, a 65-acre lake in Door County.

Between 2019-2021, the Door County Soil and Water Conservation Department and the Door County Facilities and Parks reduced the water level of the Forestville Flowage to create improved fish habitat following restored water levels.

In mid-October, 2,351 largemouth bass, averaging 3.3 inches, and 47,949 fingerling bluegills were stocked into the Forestville Flowage. The largemouth bass were provided by the DNR’s Northfield Lake Fish Rearing Station in Jackson County and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Fish Hatchery in Genoa, Wis., provided the bluegills. The DNR stocked all of the fish.

“With water levels restored, largemouth bass and bluegill stocking efforts aim to reestablish fish populations and create future opportunities for anglers,” said Nick Legler, DNR Fisheries Biologist.

On average, bluegill reach six inches in four years, and bass grow to 14 inches in four to five years, which will lead to enhanced fishing on the flowage. In addition to providing angling opportunities, stocked bass and bluegill may also benefit the ecosystem of the flowage by helping control carp populations through predation or consumption of tiny carp fry.

More information about fishing in Wisconsin is available on the DNR website here.