PESHTIGO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A long-awaited project in the City of Peshtigo is open for business.
Construction on the fish viewing platform was completed last fall, and it gives people a bird’s eye view of the river below, and the walleye are some of the first fish to be seen.
Downstream of the dam on the Peshtigo River the wooden platform stretches 160 feet across the water. Just below, schools of walleye move into the shallows to spawn.
“Before, where you got the ledge, you didn’t really get a good eye on the fish, but now with the platform, you can get a good distance out there. You get to see what’s there,” said Officer Derek Koronkiewicz Peshtigo Police Department.
The new fish viewing platform is open, and anglers did some scouting Thursday morning.
“It’s amazing. It shows you what is up here in the river, and it’s amazing to see how big some of them are,” said Ernie Lisser, Appleton.
“This observation platform is really nice, it’s fun. What do you see? Walleye, lots of walleye. So they’re just staging, waiting to get ready to spawn,” said Mike Rieden, Neenah.
To protect the spring migration, the Department of Natural Resources named part of the river a fish refuge, meaning angling is not allowed from the platform.
Koronkiewicz tells FOX 11 authorities will be in the area.
“I think wardens will be keeping an eye, or they’ll ask us to keep an eye out, and if we have any issues, we’ll let them know.”
A couple wooden benches need to be installed on the platform, and a commemorative brick-selling campaign is underway too. Mayor Cathi Malke tells FOX 11 that money will help cover some expenses.
“We are going to be putting up a camera system, so we don’t want anything destroyed. So that is one of the things we want to use the money for, for future maintenance of the project.”
The project price is about $500,000. City leaders say money from grants, and donations will help cover the cost.
Commemorative Bricks may be purchased through the City of Peshtigo. That phone number is (715) 582-3041.
Pricing for the brick tiles is $1,000 for an 18×24 tile, $500 for a 12×12 tile, and $200 for a 4×6 tile.
The deadline for ordering the brick tiles is Friday, April 30.
