Since 2013, we have been actively working to rebuild the Pickerel Chain Lake waterway fisheries.

What we do

Winter fish kills, due to lack of sufficient oxygen in the water, have periodically struck the Pickerel Chain, with earliest reports from the 1960s. The most recent event was in winter 2012-2013.  The non-profit Pickerel Chain Lake Association was established in 2013, with the goal of protecting and rehabilitating the interconnected waterway of Pickerel, Smoke, and Little Pickerel lakes (the Pickerel Chain).

PCLA is a 501(c)3 membership organization, open to anyone who supports our mission or owns land on or within one mile of the lakes.  

PCLA carries out a number of activities: 

  • restoring and sustaining a balanced and healthy fishery,

  • engaging in projects to prevent future winter kill occurrences,

  • conducting scientific research to understand water quality issues and take actions to improve conditions where possible,

  • monitoring for aquatic plant and invasive species issues,

  • communicating and educating on ways to enhance boating and recreational safety, and, 

  • cooperating and communicating with other lake users, bodies of government and their agencies, other lake organizations, and the general public.

In 2014, the PCLA installed a diffused air aeration system on Pickerel Lake. Diffused air and aspirating systems were installed on Little Pickerel Lake in 2017 and Smoke Lake in 2018. These systems are designed to create and maintain open water during the winter, allowing for atmospheric exchange of oxygen and should prevent fish kills and allow fish populations to recover.

We also participate in citizen’s monitoring of aquatic invasive species (AIS), lake water quality monitoring network (CLMN), and the Clean Boats Clean Waters program (CBCW).  The Pickerel Chain is one of the few lake ecosystems in the area without zebra mussels or eurasian watermilfoil and we are doing what we can to keep the lakes healthy.   Our latest Comprehensive Lake Management Plan was developed with the Oconto County Land Conservation Department and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in 2023. 

To maintain the aerators, purchase fish for stocking, pay boat inspectors, and establish a fund for AIS mitigation, we raise funds through grants, annual dues, and community activities including an annual lake picnic, held in July each year.