Rum River Fishery Improvements at Milaca

This project involves the restoration of fish habitat. The project site is located on the Rum River at Rec Park in the City of Milaca. The Rum River is known for its exceptional smallmouth bass fishery. There is an annual "Ragin Rum River Big Bass Tournament" that is held at Rec Park. Walleye, bluegill, crappie and northern pike are also found along the river in lesser amounts. Currently the Rum River at this location has a low-head dam. The dam has eliminated the natural transport of fine sediments. As a result pool and riffle habitats upstream of the dam have been covered with sediments. In addition the dam has eliminated the migration of fish upstream. The overall project includes Dam removal and the re-establishment of the pool and riffle habitat along this segment of the River. This project has been promoted by the DNR Area Fisheries Manager.