Big Creek State Fishery Area

Big Creek meanders through this 1,316-acre property managed for trout fishing, hunting, hiking and wildlife viewing. The forests and lowland brush areas attract a variety of birds. Look for Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, Brown Thrashers and Gray Catbirds in the shrubs along the creek with Eastern Bluebirds and Savannah Sparrows in the meadows. Forested sections hold Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Whip-poor-wills, Nashville and Black-and-white Warblers. Blaze your own trail through this area, keeping an eye open for badgers and fox in the meadows, and mink along the creek. For anglers, Big Creek produces some nice trout.

Directions:From Sparta, travel 9 miles north on Hwys 27/71 to Cataract. The property lies to the northwest.

Gazetteer: Page 50, D-1.

Phone: 608/785-9000 (La Crosse WDNR).

Web site: Big Creek Fishery Area (#61)

Signature Species: Bald Eagle, Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey.

Rare Species: Hooded Warbler, Clay-colored Sparrow and Lincoln’s Sparrow.

Seasonality: Open all year.

Parking: Parking lot.

Nearest food & lodging: Sparta.