An investigation is underway by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) into a fish kill that killed hundreds of trout in the state’s fly fishing region.
A WDNR press release stated that Isabelle Creek, a tributary stream that flows through the Kinnickinnic River Region, was affected by the die-off.
In an area characterized by more famous trout waters like the Rush River, the Trimbelle River, and the Kinnickinnic River, the Isabelle is a lesser-known stream.
It flows through the northwestern edge of the Driftless Area, and, despite its small size, can produce fantastic fishing.
According to the WDNR, parts of the stream can provide important habitat for trout spawning.
“DNR staff observed dead fish in Isabelle Creek flowing south along County Road C in Ellsworth,” the press release states. “So far, DNR staff have observed over 600 dead trout and a variety of dead forage fish species in Isabelle Creek. DNR staff has been onsite several times since August 17.”
A local fly shop employee tells Field & Stream that the Isabelle Creek has brown and brook trout.
According to Brian Schubert of Lund’s Fly Shop in River Falls, Wisconsin, brown trout that were stocked once upon a time are the most popular fish.
“According to my knowledge, the original stocking genetics are naturally producing brown trout.”
“It’s not really a high-density stream,” Schubert says. “
The die-off could have a significant impact on Isabelle Creek fishing,” he says.
“For a stream of its size, 600 is a considerable number. It could negatively impact the trout population in the stream depending on its area.”
The WDNR reported last week that a bacterial disease called columnaris is the cause of yet another large-scale fish kill along the Fox and Green Bay Rivers, primarily of adult channel catfish.
While no estimated number was provided, the DNR has declined to offer Field & Stream further specifics about the Isabelle Creek die-off.
The investigation is still ongoing, but they plan to make information available as it becomes available.
Sources: Fieldstream
