Ropes | Page 3A
Flotsam & Jetsam | Page 2B FISHERIES
Galley | Page 6A, 11B, 4C RECIPES
Fishery | Page 11A
Fishers of Men | Page 14A
Flotsam & Jetsam | Page 3C
Port of Call | Page 6B
Riggings | Page 9B
Port of Call | Page 6C
By Justin Runberg editor@theameryfreepress.com
As shoreline erosion threatens lake properties across the region, local experts are urging homeowners to rethink their landscaping—starting with putting away the lawn mower.
Shoreline health and management are usually on the minds of most homeowners with property on the lake. A major concern for many is shoreline degradation and erosion caused by natural wear and tear, as well as waves from boats and storm activity hitting it. Although these factors contribute to the shoreline’s deterioration over time, overdevelopment of the shoreline can also be a significant factor.
There is something you can do right now to help prevent further damage to your shoreline and keep it healthy and thriving. One of the simplest actions anyone can take immediately is not to mow the first 35 feet of the lake.
“The easiest, cheapest thing to do is just quit mowing the first 35 feet within the lake. So if you're at the ordinary high watermark, which is where the water's edge is, landward, the first 35 feet is considered the buffer zone,” Colton Sorenson, Water Resource Specialist for Polk County Land and Water said. “And the easiest thing you can do is just stop mowing. The reason is vegetation, the root systems helps actually hold the
shoreline in place.”
Doing this simple fix makes it serve as a last line of defense for your shoreline while also reducing erosion. Implementing this strategy also slows the water down and filters out some of the nutrients that go into your soil before reaching the water’s edge. Not only that, but it allows the sediment to settle rather than building up at the water’s edge.
One way to reduce mowing in that part of your yard is to add native flowers and plants, while avoiding planting non-native grasses. Not only will native plants be more effective and attract native species to enjoy your yard and scenery, but their root systems will also hold the soil together better than sod or regular grass. This is because the roots of native plant species extend much deeper into the ground than typical grass roots. This makes it more difficult for the soil to erode or split apart, thanks to the extensive root network.
Another way to protect your shoreline is to add some barriers against the damage caused by waves every day.
“There's a couple of options. One could be riprap to help armor the shoreline. The other is actually like a bio log that can be used that kind of help reestablish shoreline there, and they degrade over time,” Sorenson said. “But, hopefully, the root systems and everything from the plants you plant in and around those will kind of reestablish your shoreline and then protect it more in a natural way and look a lot more natural on the shoreline as compared to just rip rap.”
Although the bio log will eventually break down, the riprap will not. The natural fauna of the lake may begin to grow around them, but they are also tricky in the size needed for effective riprap. Depending on the rock used, it will have different requirements.
On average, riprap stones should be anywhere from at least 6 inches to no more than 48 inches in size. It has been described in the past as a type of armor for your shoreline. It is also a more permanent option compared to the bio log. The rocks will stay in place and break the waves as they reach your shoreline.
Sorenson recommends leaving the
riprap as a last resort compared to other options. Native plants and flowers are the best choices because they are native and designed to grow along shorelines, offering the best chance to prevent sediment loss. Although this is not always a practical option, the bio log and riprap can then be considered. One way to understand your shoreline and its degradation, if you’re
experiencing some, is to look back before development spread along the lake shores. It was natural vegetation, with logs protecting areas where they had fallen into the water.
With additional development, it also speeds up the decline of lake health by increasing eutrophication, something
that aging lakes will inevitably face. When large amounts of sediment are stirred up in the water, it leads to algae blooms that cover the water's surface. One pound of phosphorus released into the water can produce up to 500 pounds of algae.
Living by the lake requires a community effort, and everyone can contribute to preserving our natural resources.
“It takes everyone that lives on the lake, takes
everyone that lives in the watershed, to be being good stewards to reduce loading. But one thing to think of is, what happens directly on the lakeshore is going to have a bigger impact than something a mile away, that's still in the watershed, but doesn't directly affect you,” Sorenson said. “It takes a large rain event to move that kind of water to get it to the lake from there. So just really focusing on the area that's adjacent to the lake is going to have a major impact.” ■
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Sat. Aug. 9 - Roberts Brothers, 2-5 p.m.
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Sat. Aug. 23 - Scrapegoat, 2-5 p.m.
By Justin Runberg editor@theameryfreepress.com
When thinking of state animals, many come to mind. For Minnesotans, it may be the majestic loon, but here in Wisconsin, it is the Muskellunge. This species holds a special place in the state’s culture and happens to be one of the largest freshwater fish in the lakes. Dating back to 1955, the
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Muskellunge became the official state fish. Additionally, Wisconsin has set more world records for this fish than anywhere else. The current state and world record was caught in waters not far from Polk County. Hailing from the Chippewa Flowage, the Musky weighed 69 pounds and 11 ounces.
Many lakes within Polk County offer the sought-after prize for any angler lucky enough to catch one. Multiple musky tournaments are held each year in the area, with the most recent taking place on Deer Lake.
Musky make up a significant part of the tourism industry throughout the state and within the county. The state offers some of the best musky fishing in the world and helps boost local economies. People spend, on average, over 100 hours trying to land one of these trophies. As it is one of the biggest fish in the lakes they inhabit, they present a unique challenge and thrill to anyone aiming to pull one into the boat. Although catching them is exciting, it is recommended that you catch and release this species. This is because, over their lifetime and through eating smaller fish, they can absorb harmful substances that may affect human health. For more information on how much fish is safe to eat, check out Wisconsin’s recommendations at the Wisconsin DNR website.
The Muskellunge looks quite distinct compared to other fish in the lake. As part of the Pike family, muskies are long, powerful fish that can grow significantly larger than many other species. For instance, some lakes in Polk County have muskies that reach about 40 inches, but they can grow even bigger. The musky’s mouth is unique. Like the Northern Pike, it is filled with sharp teeth inside. It also features a duckbill snout that opens wide when hunting. Not only do they have canines, but the roof, tongue, and bottom of the mouth also have brushlike teeth. If an angler isn’t careful, they risk cutting their fingers when removing the hook. The overall appearance and coloration of the species can vary slightly from one fish to another; however, they are the only pike with dark vertical bars or spots on a lighter background. A less common fact in the aquatic world is hybrid fish. Since Northern Pikes and muskies often share the same lakes and belong to the same family, they can sometimes crossbreed. This results
from a Northern male and a musky female creating a tiger musky.
The region, filled with rivers and lakes, is home to some of the state's most heavily populated areas. Thanks to stocking, musky have been introduced to southern lakes and now make up a quarter of the state's population. The highest concentrations are found in the headwaters of the Chippewa, Flambeau, and Wisconsin rivers. Populations of these species average about three fish per acre of lake.
This species is solitary and usually stays close to its home range in the water. They prefer larger lakes with both deep and shallow areas of the waterway. They also remain near weeds
to use as cover when ambushing prey that comes within sight. The musky favors cooler waters and tends to stay in the cooler parts of the waterways. Although they prefer cold over warm water, they can withstand temperatures up to 90 degrees for short periods. The musky waits for prey to approach before lunging out to catch and eat it. Its diet is diverse and includes fish, muskrats, ducks, shrews, mice, and even frogs. Feeding habits can be irregular. Studies show a direct relationship between a musky’s diet and its growth. A lake may have many smaller fish, but if none are the right size, it can limit the musky’s growth. Unlike the walleye, the musky needs
clear water to hunt effectively. Once the water turns turbid, it becomes harder for the fish to catch its next meal. Muskies replenish their populations from mid-April to late May when water temperatures are between 50 and 60 degrees. The mating pair moves to shallower waters with muddy bottoms and dead vegetation. Side by side, they travel a few hundred yards along a shoreline, releasing eggs and sperm. Females typically lay between 20,000 and 180,000 eggs, with some of the larger females laying even more. Spawning lasts several days, and the adults return to the same spot each
year. After spawning, their parental duties end, and the eggs develop on their own. Eggs can hatch in as little as two weeks and grow up to 13 inches long. On the first day, the fry feed on zooplankton before switching to fish after a few days. They grow rapidly during their first three years. Males and females reach maturity after about four to five years at around 30 inches long. Their lifespans are relatively long for fish, with most living to about 8 years, and some nearly reaching 20 years.
The Musky is a prized trophy both in history books and inside your boat. That is why the Wisconsin DNR helps manage the species by releasing about 130,000 Musky fingerlings each year to keep a healthy population for anglers. For anyone seeking a thrill or wanting to experience Wisconsin’s top fishing waters, get ready for the fight of a lifetime with the legendary Muskellunge. ■
Sundays: Worship 10:15 a.m. • Coffee Fellowship 9:30 a.m. Pastor Laurie Kenyon Woods
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Outdoor Service: 10 am on August 31 Always followed by coffee fellowship 715-755-2562 • 1947 110th Ave, Dresser WI 54009 www.BethesdaLutheran.ws
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Sunday Worship 9:00 A.M. 1816 - 108th St./Co. Rd. I Balsam Lake, WI Come & Worship With Us 1115 Mains Crossing Ave. • Amery, WI 715-268-9291 • www.balsamlutheranchurch.org All Are
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Georgetown Lutheran Church
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East of Milltown & Balsam Lake
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uploaded to YouTube or Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/ Georgetown.Church Communion Every Sunday Sunday Worship 10:30 am www.georgetownlutheran.net
REDEEMER LUTHERAN - LCMS
600 Keller Ave. S., Amery 715-268-7283 redeemerlutheranchurch-amery.com
EDWARD CLEMENS, PASTOR
Join us for weekly online or in person worship on Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
240 W. Elm St. • Amery
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West Denmark Lutheran Church
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715-472-2383
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715-307-3927
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Worship Sundays 10 am 8:30 a.m. Meditation Hour
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Reconciling in Christ Green Congregation
Acres: 187
Total Shoreline: 2.6 miles
Maximum Depth: 58 feet
Town of Gar eld, Town of Osceola Polk County, Wisconsin
By Justin Runberg editor@theameryfreepress.com
Long before a trout bends a fishing rod in Polk County, it’s likely been carefully raised in a local hatchery—part of a behind-the-scenes effort to sustain the state’s billion-dollar fishing industry.
Wisconsin is famous for its top fishing spots across the state. Even here in Polk County, people from all over come to enjoy our 400 lakes. With fishing being such an important industry in the state, it’s no surprise that they sometimes need to restock fish populations through stocking. However, to stock the lakes, the fish must first be raised and grow large enough to survive on their own in the waterbodies they occupy. Fisheries play a crucial role in ensuring these operations succeed and can also breed the fish needed to keep populations healthy.
There are two fisheries nearby, located in St. Croix Falls and Osceola. Both work
to effectively rear different trout species for local water bodies. These facilities are cold water hatcheries that primarily raise various trout species. They hatch and raise Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout, including some feral strains of Brook Trout.
“We raise here are domestic strains meaning they've been basically raised those fish in captivity their entire life. It's a domesticated strain that basically has been brought in and raised in the hatchery system,” Eric Brandt, Hatchery Supervisor. “Then we have brood stock of those strains of fish here at these hatcheries, and we take eggs from those brood stock every year. Those fish have spent their entire lives in our hatchery, two and three years old, basically, and then we collect eggs from those brood stock. And then those eggs hatch at our facility.”
The feral aspect of rearing
| FROM 2B
fish works a little differently. Specifically, in Osceola, they have a feral strain of Brook Trout. Brandt and others go out to collect the feral strain by visiting Hay River and gathering eggs from the existing Brook Trout population.
They then take those eggs back to their facilities and fertilize them. Once fertilized, these fish are raised in the fishery before being released back into the water.
The feral practice is conducted to
preserve the wild genetics and traits within the Brook Trout population. Ultimately, the approach to rearing the fish is guided by two main goals. The first is to help stock the water in the spring, ensuring that anglers can enjoy
catching fish throughout the season. The second goal is more focused on restoration efforts. For example, Brook Trout are the native trout species
in Wisconsin. When collecting wild genetics and raising the young, the goal is to restore these native populations. Typically, Brook Trout are released back into the water in the fall.
Operations for fisheries are simple in how they effectively raise the fish.
“Both of these hatcheries are pretty simple in terms of operation, pretty basic in that both of them are operating with groundwater, basically,” said Brandt. “So they're pretty simple in the terms that we're taking water out of the ground, whether it's our springs or groundwater collection. At both of these hatcheries, the water is coming out of the ground cold and clean, perfect for raising trout.”
Both systems include indoor tanks and outdoor raceways. The basic life cycle of fish at this facility starts with spawning and brood stock, which they are currently working on. Each week, workers collect eggs and fertilize them. These eggs are then placed in a nursery to wait for hatching, which takes about a month. Near hatching, they are moved to rearing trays where the young fish spend their first month. During this period, they rely on nutrients from their yolk sac, or fry sac. Once they are large enough to eat food, they are moved into tanks within the hatchery. Since they are still small, workers feed them small commercial fish food. As they grow, they are moved to larger tanks, and after a few months, they are transferred to outdoor raceways where they stay until they are released. Fish are usually released at about one and a half years old. Some are kept longer to prepare for the next year's spawning and breeding stock.
Every year, various fish species are raised and released into Wisconsin’s waters. Some years need more fish, while others need fewer. It all depends on the quotas set by the DNR.
“These biologists that do the population surveys, stuff like that, they're the ones who are out in the field basically kind of checking on the health of these different fisheries for these different surveys, stuff like that, talking to fishermen, and doing surveys,” Brandt said. “Keeping a gauge on the
Welcome to beautiful Balsam Lake, a village living in natural harmony. Established in 1905 the Village of Balsam Lake rests on the southwest shore of Balsam Lake in one of the most prime tourist locations of northwest Wisconsin. Whether you are looking to relax or take part in a wide variety of activities, both on and off shore, the Village of Balsam Lake is the place for you! The Village is nestled on the largest lake in the area, (2,054 acres), which is teeming with fish to satisfy the most avid of anglers. The unique shoreline stretches 65 miles and the lake is dotted with picturesque islands and bays. Fine Dining and casual eateries abound and over 50 businesses provide a vast array of services.
health of these different fisheries, and then they come up with stocking quotas for what the hatcheries need to produce for these different species of fish to kind of help these different fisheries. And they'll let us know each year or each quota year, basically, then they'll come up with a list for us, saying, ‘Here's the different species that we raise.’”
Although each hatchery and fishery operates somewhat differently depending on the fish species they handle, they are essential. Their significance largely comes from the
major industry that fishing supports in Wisconsin. Moreover, they help highlight and maintain native species populations and improve what already exists. Brandt and others working in the industry are individuals who enjoy and value the outdoors. One of their main goals in working in the fishery is to keep that culture alive, conserve the wild resources we have, and enhance what we currently possess to ensure the health of natural resources for the future. ■
Compiled with assistance from AI tools.
Home sales across Polk County increased by 28.3% in June compared to the same month last year, providing new momentum to the summer housing market, according to the Wisconsin REALTORS ® Association’s latest report. The county’s median home price rose 10.1% year-over-year to $325,000. That price growth was slightly above the state average of 4.6%, but decreased from the double-digit increases seen in previous years. Economists see this slowdown in price
growth as a possible factor for better affordability—and a positive sign for easing inflation.
“The moderation in prices is good for buyers and good for the economy,” said Dave Clark, economist and WRA consultant. “It also raises the odds of interest rate relief later this year.”
Inventory improves, but the market still favors sellers
Polk County’s housing supply increased in June, with 5.4 months of inventory on the market—up from 4.2
months last year. That’s getting closer to the six-month mark that signals a balanced market, but sellers still hold the advantage in most price ranges.
Homes in the county are also selling faster. The average days on the market decreased to 58 from 83 a year earlier.
Across the broader North region, which includes Burnett and Washburn counties, home sales increased by 14.7%, and the median price rose 5.2% to $299,950. The North also became
the first region in Wisconsin to achieve a balanced six months of housing supply—thanks in part to strong gains in more rural areas.
Statewide, June home sales increased by 8.1%, and prices rose to a median of $340,000. Year-to-date, sales remain flat across the state—up only 0.1% from the first half of 2024—while the median price has increased by 6.7%.
In Polk County, year-to-date sales have increased by 26.4%, and the
Did you know? Polk County’s June home sales were the second highest in the North region, trailing only Oneida County.
Map art: Karen Engelbretson May, 2022
2025 • No. 6 • August 8 - August 21, 2025
Total Acres 217 Total Shoreline 6.6 miles
By Justin Runberg editor@theameryfreepress.com
Polk County lakegoers might spot an unusual visitor this summer — the freshwater jellyfish — a harmless species whose appearance offers a unique peek at lake ecology.
Jellyfish are unusual creatures that grab the attention of onlookers whenever one washes up on a beach or is seen in the wild. More often than not, people tend to think of jellyfish as ocean animals, not something that lives in the freshwater lakes of Wisconsin. However, few realize that there is one species that inhabits some lakes within Polk County.
The freshwater jellyfish is a unique species because it is not normally found in the state’s water systems. Although other species have invaded their habitats, the freshwater jellyfish isn’t considered invasive. This makes it one of the few visitors that simply coexist with their environment.
“While it's here and it's in a few places, it isn't invasive in that it doesn't have adverse effects to the ecology or to human health or the economy, which under our state statutes, those are sort of the criteria. It has to have these documented effects or likely effects,” Dreux Watermolen, manager of the analysis services section of the Wisconsin DNR said. “So, because it's not like the zebra mussel, which is now widespread in lots of lakes and having ecological impacts, we wouldn't call it invasive. That's a minor thing, but I think an important distinction. So nonnative and introduced, but not invasive.” When people brought aquatic plants to the United States from other countries, similar to invasive species,
the freshwater jellyfish hitched a ride and has since spread to over 20 states. In Wisconsin, the small creature can be found in about 30 counties, inhabiting over 100 lakes.
The animal group that includes jellyfish has about 11,000 different species, most of which are marine, as you'd expect in the ocean. This group also includes corals and sea anemones. They all belong to the hydra classification, which is a common model organism in many biology
classes, and the freshwater jellyfish falls under this category. There are only a small number of jellyfish, totaling around 10 to 14 species. This species was first seen in the state back in the late 1960s and is generally found in the Yangtze River area of China. Many studies have examined the species within the state and have shown that the freshwater jellyfish has a complex life cycle, which can sometimes make them difficult to find. When the jellyfish are born, they
form a tiny polyp that grows on the lake bottom. Eventually, they grow and develop into the medusa stage, which looks somewhat like what you would expect a jellyfish to look like. On average, if you blink, you might miss them. The freshwater jellyfish only grows to about the size of a nickel. While growing, the species feeds on zooplankton.
Freshwater jellyfish are also preyed upon by other species sharing the same habitat. An interesting fact is that scientists at the DNR make fish vomit to see what they are eating. They found that, because they are so small and easily digestible, they are rarely found inside the stomachs of fish. The only predator that actively seeks out the jellyfish is the crayfish species living in the lake. In a controlled aquarium setting, crayfish have been observed eating jellyfish.
Similar to other jellyfish, the freshwater jellyfish also uses a stinging cell. This stinging cell helps capture and stun zooplankton for digestion. This is true for all species within the animal kingdom, including jellyfish and others. The average lifespan of a jellyfish is a little over a year. The process of creating new polyps occurs in late summer.
“There are other times when the polyp will release reproductive cells, and they'll be fertilized and will form another life stage. You can kind of think of it as maybe a larva, and that will grow into the Medusa,” Watermolen. “And the Medusa will then interact with other Medusa and produce new polyps.
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Lake Wapogasset/Bear Trap Lake Association announces this year’s outstanding volunteers and century families. On September 6th Ryan Hanson and Dick Ambruster will be recognized at Shoreview Supper Club on Pike Lake in Amery for their outstanding contributions to the successful attainment of association goals and programs. Since 1999, there have been 49 recipients of this award. Additionally, the association will recognize two new families to the Century Club. Joyle Anderson turned 99 this year and was born on the family homestead on Bear Trap Lake. The Freiteg family (A.k.a. Friday Creek) homestead is east of
Wapogasset in 1895. The Century Club began recognizing families last year, acknowledging seven other families. They include Guanella 1871 (Hickory Point Resort), Hallquist 1887, Boe 1912, Nelson 1915, Hawley 1921, Anderson 1923, Seidl 1924. The dinner and program will take place on September 6th at the Shoreview Supper Club. There will be social hour at 4:30 p.m., followed by a buffet dinner. For information about these outstanding individuals and/or the century families, call Karen Ohm at 715-268-5735.
The Wapogasset/Bear Trap Lake association was formed August 24, 1911. It is one of the oldest lake associations in the state of Wisconsin. ■
And so that process typically happens when the Medusa form, it's typically in that late summertime frame. And then the Medusa will produce new polyps, and the Medusa will pass away. Those polyps will overwinter in a dormant stage. It's a complicated life cycle, um, and the medusa aren't formed every year.”
There is a population of these jellyfish in local lakes that might appear this year. However, at the same time, no one will see them for maybe one or two years, or up to five years. In some years, they will bloom, and people may see a large population of jellyfish swimming for a short period before disappearing back into the depths.
Since the freshwater jellyfish doesn't harm other animals or its habitat, it becomes an even more fascinating species to look for when exploring the county's lakes. It's also a unique experience to see a jellyfish in a natural setting without going to the ocean. When you're out on the water this summer, keep your eyes open for one of Wisconsin’s best-kept secrets. ■
