Natural Resources

The Peshtigo River, Peshtigo Harbor Wildlife Area, and Green Bay offer a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities for City residents to enjoy. Fishing, hunting, boating, picnicking, camping, bird watching, hiking and biking are some of the many activities these areas offer.

Peshtigo River

The swimming area is now deeper after the draw down.

The Peshtigo River flows through the center of the City and drains into Green Bay approximately five miles southeast of Peshtigo. The BPM dam, the last of six dams on the river, is located in Peshtigo. The dam creates a small flowage in the western part of the City.

The areas above and below the dam are popular fishing spots. That part of the river in the Peshtigo area contains warm water fish populations of northern pike, walleye, large mouth bass and pan fish. In recent years the area below the dam has become a popular brown and rainbow trout fishing area.

The flowage area above the dam is also a popular water skiing, jet ski, and swimming area. A small beach is located adjacent to Badger Park.

The boat access above the dam in Peshtigo is at a launch in River Front Park off North West Front Street. Boat access below the dam is now available off South East Front Street near City Garage. Walking access is available along a railroad right of way directly below the dam. This is a popular walk-in area for fishing. Parking in the area is limited.

Peshtigo Harbor

The Peshtigo Harbor, a state wildlife area, is located at the mouth of the Peshtigo River approximately three miles southeast of Peshtigo. The wildlife area consists of about 2,500 acres of wetland, upland, forest and meadows. A ten acre meadow area is somewhat unusual for the Peshtigo area and is designated a scientific area.

The harbor area itself is made up of older rive channels and cutoff areas that now form numerous lagoons and wetlands. The harbor provides excellent habitat for waterfowl and is a popular waterfowl hunting area. Approximately 300 acres of the harbor area is set aside as wildlife refuge. The purpose of the refuge is to hold waterfowl during the hunting season.

The forested area of the harbor provides excellent habitat for upland game. Deer, squirrel and grouse hunting are popular activities.

The harbor area is also a popular fishing area, particularly during the spring spawning run for perch and northern. Brown and rainbow trout are also common.