Gilbert Creek and Hay Creek classified as Class I trout waters

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has classified the following waters in the Town of Lucas as Class I trout waters:

• 5.44 miles of Hay Creek

• 15.2 miles of the South Branch Gilbert Creek, North Branch Gilbert Creek and Gilbert Creek (reclassified from Class II)

The classification is based upon a survey which indicates this portion of stream contains a self-sustaining population of brook trout and contains trout spawning habitat and naturally producing fry, fingerling and yearlings in sufficient numbers to utilize the available trout habitat without stocking.

The Department shall waive any hearing requirement on this classification unless a written request for a hearing is received before March 19, 2026. Requests should be sent to Kasey Yallaly, 890 Spruce St. Baldwin, WI 54002.

A Class I Trout Stream is a stream or portion thereof with a self-sustaining population of trout. Such streams contain trout spawning habitat and naturally produced fry, fingerling, and yearling in sufficient numbers to utilize the trout habitat; or contains trout with 2 or more age groups, above the age of one year, and natural reproduction and survival of wild fish in sufficient numbers to utilize the available trout habitat and to sustain the fishery without stocking.

A Class II Trout Stream is a stream or portion thereof that contains a population of trout made up of one or more age groups, above the age one year, in sufficient numbers to indicate substantial survival from one year to the next, and may or may not have natural reproduction of trout occurring; however, stocking is necessary to fully utilize the available trout habitat or sustain the fishery.

A Class III Trout Stream is a stream or portion thereof that requires the annual stocking of trout to provide a significant harvest; and does not provide habitat suitable for the survival of trout throughout the year, or for natural reproduction of trout.