Stream Improvement

Stream improvement structures are commonly used on Wisconsin streams.  Due to habitat degradation, structures have become important to protect, restore, and improve trout carrying capacity of the stream. Structures are used to create more habitat, may help insect populations, cool and oxygenate the water, and may create spawning habitat.  Structures can improve streams to the point where streams can produce fisheries that aren't supplemented by hatchery fish. Many streams need structures to either protect existing habitat or to create habitat that was lost. Most of the following information comes from Robert Hunt's book, Trout Stream Therapy (University of Wisconsin Press).

1. Stream Bank Fencing--One of the easiest and most effective things that can be done to protect a stream. Used to keep cows from accessing the stream. If damaged streams are given the opportunity, they may heal themselves.
2. Riprap--A simple and economical technique used to stabilize stream banks. It constricts the stream a little, provides shelter and hiding places for small fish and insects, and another advantage is that it makes walking difficult for cows.
3. Midchannel Deflectors--These provide pocket water and holding lies. They deflect current leaving slack water in front of and behind the log or boulder. Most people only fish behind the boulders but next time you are on a stream, wade up to a boulder and see if the front side of the boulder isn't deeper and has a pocket of slack water.
4. Brush Structures--Mostly used on Central and Northern Wisconsin streams. When debrushing a stream, the brush can be made into bundles and mats. This narrows the stream causing accelerated currents, concentrates current flow to outside bends causing undercut banks, and provides temporary cover for small fish and invertebrates. It also acts to trap sediment which will eventually cover the structure and make it look like a natural stream bank.
5. Undercut Bank Structures--Commonly used through out the state and occur in different styles but their function is to create an undercut bank and usually deflect current and narrow the stream.  Some forms of these are: bank cover and current deflector, skyhook structure, double half-log structure, and lunker structure. Things to look for are a solid rock face and logs along the stream. Undercut banks provide prime lies, giving fish shelter, protection from current, and food is brought to them by current.
6. Dam Structures--They narrow the stream causing a pool upstream and a plunge pool downstream. They can also be used to oxygenate a stream.

If you own land along the Prairie River and would like to have some stream improvement done, contact one of the organizations listed below for more information

Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP)

• Purpose: To develop or improve fish and wildlife habitat on privately owned land.
• Practices: Seeding, fencing, instream structures, etc.
• Eligibility: Almost any type of land is eligible, including ag and non-ag land, woodlots, pastures and streambanks.
• Public Access: Not required.
• Contract: Normally 10 year contract to maintain habitat. Up to 75% of restoration costs, to a maximum of $10,000. Other organizations may provide the remaining 25% cost-share.

• Contact: NRCS

Trout Unlimited

Wisconsin River Valley (395) -- John Meachan President
1111 Marquardt Rd.
Wausau WI 54403
715-675-4920 - Home
715-675-1997 - Work
http://www.wrvtu.org/