Wisconsin Lake Research Finds Submerged Trees Boost Fish-Supporting Capacity

A habitat restoration project in northern Wisconsin found that adding 140 whole trees to Sanford Lake increased the lake’s ability to support fish, according to research reported by Wired2Fish.

Researchers placed trees into the 92-acre lake to restore structural habitat. The submerged wood supported algae and small invertebrates and provided shelter and feeding opportunities for fish.

Wisconsin DNR researcher Greg Sass said the project approximately doubled fish community production. This does not mean every fish species doubled in number: the finding concerns the lake’s overall ecological productivity and carrying capacity.

Source: Wired2Fish, October 2026.