Public informational meeting set on temporary closure of fishing in Lake Altoona
For Antigo Times
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will hold a public informational meeting Dec. 3 on a temporary closure of fishing at Lake Altoona.
Anglers in the area are likely already aware that the lake has been drawn down for dam repairs. The emergency dewatering began on Oct. 12 and is currently complete at 10 feet below the normal water level. Lake Altoona will remain drawn down until the dam repairs have been completed, estimated to be in early spring.
The Lake Altoona fishery, which features healthy populations of walleye, perch, bass, northern pike, bluegill and crappie, will be vulnerable to over-harvest during the ice fishing season given the lowered water level, said Joseph Gerbyshak, DNR fisheries biologist.
The closure will begin Dec. 4 and remain in place until further notice. The closure extends from the mouth of the Eau Claire River and Lake Altoona downstream to the Lake Altoona Dam.
DNR will share more information at a public meeting on Thursday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. at the DNR Service Center, 1300 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire, Wis.
