Juneau
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Fish and Aquatic Life
Overview
A soft water, drainage impoundment located on the Wisconsin River that is the fourth largest lake within the state. The water level is controlled by a hydroelectric power dam having a 30-foot head owned by Wisconsin River Power Company. The water has a light brown color, is alkaline, and has a low transparency. Northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, black bullhead, and brown bullhead are the significant game fish species. Carp, redhorse, buffalo, white sucker, bowfin, and burbot are also present. Partial winterkill and summerkill conditions occasionally occur. Commercial fishing for rough fish and bullhead has been carried on in the past. Industrial pollution is a problem. There is public access from county-owned parks in Adams and Juneau Counties and numerous road ends; there are commercial facilities; there is one organizational camp; and there are over a hundred dwellings on the flowage. Much of the frontage is owned by the Power Company and expanded developments, including a state park, are now under consideration. Muskrat are significant and beaver are present in backwater areas. Several species of puddle ducks use the flowage for nesting and during their spring and fall migrations.
Source: 1969, Surface Water Resources of Juneau County Castle Rock Flowage, T16N, R4E, Section 13 Surface Acres = 13,387, S.D.F. = 6.05, Maximum Depth = 36 feet
Date 1969
Author Aquatic Biologist
Historical Description
Jim Kreitlow (NOR) documented dissolved oxygen standards violations while sampling the lake in the mid 1990s. Dissolved oxygen concentrations below 5 mg/l were generally found during the early morning hours, probably a result of algae respiration. Values for pH above 9.0 were documented in 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997 (9 of 107 samples).
The cause of this impairment is likely a result of excessive nutrient loading (phosphorus) from point and nonpoint sources in the watershed. As a result, the flowage is very eutrophic with abundant algae growth.
The Petenwell and Castle Rock Flowages Comprehensive Management Plan was completed in 1996. This report indicates severe algal blooms cause periodic shifts in dissolved oxygen. During photosynthesis, dissolved oxygen values are high (11-12 mg/l) but during respiration, they can drop below 5.0 mg/l (Storet, 1992 was referenced). The report also indicates blue-green algae are the dominant phytoplankton in the Petenwell and Castle Rock Flowages. The report also references sediment sampling has been completed in both flowages, however additional sampling is recommended. Previous sampling found high levels of 2,3,7,8-TCDD and 2,3,7,8-TCDF in the sediments. PCBs and mercury have also been detected at limited sampling sites. Currently, a fish consumption advisory exists on the flowage for PCBs, dioxin and mercury.
Date 2006
Author Aquatic Biologist
Recommendations
Habitat Restoration - Shoreland
Educate and engage residents
Adams County proposes to provide educational and technical assistance to the public and Adams County lake organizations for the installation of shoreline buffers on waterways so they comply with the Adams County Shoreland, Wetland, and Habitat Protection Ordinance.
Cost-Share Agreement
Adams County proposes to provide up to 75% of the cost of shoreland restoration practices to lake front property owners on Castle Rock Lake. Grant funds will be distributed to fund removal of sea walls, minor bank re-shaping, placement of rip-rap, establishment of vegetative buffers and implementation of individual stormwater management plans.
Lake Classification
Adams County proposes to wrap up its county-wide lake classification effort. Major project elements to include: 1) completion of water sampling, 2) development of lakes classification report and individual lake summaries, 3) development of a powerpoint presentation, 4) four public meetings, 5) expansion of shoreline restoration packet.
Lake Classification
Adams County continue its lake classification efforts through collecting and assessing chemical and biological data on all lakes within the county that afford public access. Major project componants to include: 1) collection and assessment of chemical and biological data, 2) development of a "library" of information for public use, 3) development of management recommendations, 4) I&E for riparians and lake users.
Lake Classification
Adams County proposes to initiate a Lakes Classification effort to assist in comprehensive plan development for communities surrounding its lakes with public access. Phase 1 elements, to be funded with this grant, include: 1) delination of surface watersheds and flow patterns, 2) delineation of ground watersheds, 3) identification and mapping of land uses, 4) inventory and mapping of shoreline erosion and development problems, 5) identification and mapping of sensitive/critical areas and natural heritage habitats, 6) verification of wetland delineations, 7) delineations of lake watersheds, 8) development of lake maps
TMDL Implementation
The Petenwell and Castle Rock Stewards (PACRS) propose to initiate a public education campaign to inform members of the public about the organization's work on behalf of improved water quality on the Petenwell and Castle Rock flowages in Adams and Juneau counties. Major project elements to include: a) signage at public boat landings, b) distribution of informative place mats to area restaurants, c) development of future communications planning, d) water quality monitoring, and e) development of an annual report.
Management Goals
Wisconsin's Water Quality Standards provide qualitative and quantitative goals for waters that are protective of Fishable, Swimmable conditions [Learn more]. Waters that do not meet water quality standards are considered impaired and restoration actions are planned and carried out until the water is once again fishable and swimmable
Management goals can include creation or implementation of a Total Maximum Daily Load analysis, a Nine Key Element Plan, or other restoration work, education and outreach and more. If specific recommendations exist for this water, they will be displayed below online.
Monitoring
Monitoring the condition of a river, stream, or lake includes gathering physical, chemical, biological, and habitat data. Comprehensive studies often gather all these parameters in great detail, while lighter assessment events will involve sampling physical, chemical and biological data such as macroinvertebrates. Aquatic macroinvertebrates and fish communities integrate watershed or catchment condition, providing great insight into overall ecosystem health. Chemical and habitat parameters tell researchers more about human induced problems including contaminated runoff, point source dischargers, or habitat issues that foster or limit the potential of aquatic communities to thrive in a given area. Wisconsin's Water Monitoring Strategy was recenty updated.
Grants and Management Projects
Monitoring Projects
| WBIC | Official Waterbody Name | Station ID | Station Name | Earliest Fieldwork Date | Latest Fieldwork Date | View Station | View Data |
|---|
| 1345700 | Castle Rock Lake | 10000534 | Castle Rock Lake | 9/1/1992 | 9/30/2017 | Map | Data |
| 1345700 | Castle Rock Lake | 10017440 | Castle Rock Lake -- Buckhorn State Park- Nr 19th And 36th | 4/19/2012 | 7/13/2014 | Map | Data |
| 1345700 | Castle Rock Lake | 293160 | Castle Rock Lake - Buckhorn State Park Beach | 6/16/2003 | 8/28/2024 | Map | Data |
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Watershed Characteristics
Castle Rock Lake is located in the Lower Yellow (Juneau Co.) River watershed which is 261.05 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily forest (43.70%), wetland (43.70%) and a mix of open (6.60%) and other uses (6.00%). This watershed has stream miles, lake acres and 65,343.09 wetland acres.
Nonpoint Source Characteristics
This watershed is ranked Low for runoff impacts on streams, Low for runoff impacts on lakes and Low for runoff impacts on groundwater and therefore has an overall rank of Low. This value can be used in ranking the watershed or individual waterbodies for grant funding under state and county programs.However, all waters are affected by diffuse pollutant sources regardless of initial water quality. Applications for specific runoff projects under state or county grant programs may be pursued. For more information, go to surface water program grants.