BROWNTOWN - There is enough water in Beckman Lake for people who want to participate in recreational activities but fishing isn't suggested - yet.
Steve Johnston of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said the lake filled up over the summer and fish were added in September, but most of the fish probably aren't yet big enough to take home.
"I would still recommend people fish in Zander's Lake," he said. "The chance of hooking something they could keep (here) is pretty small."
Zander's Lake is adjacent to Beckman Lake at the Browntown-Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area, located seven miles west of Monroe off Wisconsin 11.
Water in Beckman's Lake was drawn down in 2004 to replace a tin whistle, a prefabricated overflow tube that maintains the lake's level.
The tin whistle was installed in 1965 and had an estimated life of about 25 years.
Fish in the lake were removed to other ponds and lakes in the area.
Johnston said more than 100 northern pikes were added to the lake at the end of September.
Johnston said he's noticed people putting fish in Beckman Lake and strongly cautions against doing that. He said increasing and improving the fish population is like making a cake. Adding other ingredients isn't advisable.
"It's also illegal," he added.
Johnston said people have also asked why there are weeds in the lake. He said the weeds grew up when the water was removed from the lake and they will gradually disappear. For now, he said, the weeds will provide cover for growing fish against other predators.
While work was done to the lake, the shoreline was deepened, a boat ramp was replaced with a handicap accessible launch and a pier was built.
The Browntown-Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area contains 644 acres of recreational land, which includes prairie lands, wetlands and forest. Activities in the summer include hiking and picnicking, as well as nature walks. Winter activities include skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and hiking.
The park includes self-guided nature trails and areas to hunt both small game and deer.
Steve Johnston of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said the lake filled up over the summer and fish were added in September, but most of the fish probably aren't yet big enough to take home.
"I would still recommend people fish in Zander's Lake," he said. "The chance of hooking something they could keep (here) is pretty small."
Zander's Lake is adjacent to Beckman Lake at the Browntown-Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area, located seven miles west of Monroe off Wisconsin 11.
Water in Beckman's Lake was drawn down in 2004 to replace a tin whistle, a prefabricated overflow tube that maintains the lake's level.
The tin whistle was installed in 1965 and had an estimated life of about 25 years.
Fish in the lake were removed to other ponds and lakes in the area.
Johnston said more than 100 northern pikes were added to the lake at the end of September.
Johnston said he's noticed people putting fish in Beckman Lake and strongly cautions against doing that. He said increasing and improving the fish population is like making a cake. Adding other ingredients isn't advisable.
"It's also illegal," he added.
Johnston said people have also asked why there are weeds in the lake. He said the weeds grew up when the water was removed from the lake and they will gradually disappear. For now, he said, the weeds will provide cover for growing fish against other predators.
While work was done to the lake, the shoreline was deepened, a boat ramp was replaced with a handicap accessible launch and a pier was built.
The Browntown-Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area contains 644 acres of recreational land, which includes prairie lands, wetlands and forest. Activities in the summer include hiking and picnicking, as well as nature walks. Winter activities include skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and hiking.
The park includes self-guided nature trails and areas to hunt both small game and deer.