61 Reedsburg Dead Stream Flooding 
wildlife viewing | directions and facility information
Photos: © Bob Hess
This flooding is one of the largest managed wetlands in the northern Lower Peninsula. There is a state forest campground
near the Reedsburg dam on the south end of the flooding. No other
developments or improvements are found at this site, but the small boat
ramps beckon you to a wonderful wilderness experience.
Photo: © Phil Seng
The flooding is usually teeming with wildlife, and with a short trip
upstream in a non-motorized boat you can explore the 30,000-acre Dead Stream
Swamp-the largest
semi-wilderness area in the Lower Peninsula.
No motors of any kind are
permitted in the dead stream swamp. Motors are allowed on
boats in the flooding or the backwaters of the dam.
Bald eagle chicks are a mottled chocolate
brown color all over. They will not get
their distinctive white head and tail feathers
until they are 3-4 years old.
Click for larger image.
Photo: © Bill Bowerman
 Wildlife
Viewing
The extensive beds of wild rice that grow in the flooding are very
attractive to many kinds of waterfowl in the fall. Species that may be
seen here include buffleheads, goldeneyes, wood
ducks, Canada
geese, black ducks and mallards. Scaup,
mergansers, and loons are also seen here in the early spring right after
the ice breaks up. Spring is a great time to view waterfowl because many
of them are in their colorful breeding plumage. An active bald eagle nest
is visible on the opposite shore one of the boat ramps.
Bald eagles nest along the Dead
Stream Flooding. Eagles usually use
the same nest from year to year,
adding sticks and other material to it
each season. These nests can weigh
up to 2,000 pounds after many
years of use! Photo: © Bill Bowerman
Eagle viewing is very good during spring and through mid to late June
when young eaglets leave their nest. Several osprey platforms have been
placed in the flooding and most of them are used each year by nesting
ospreys. Ospreys are very common sightings on the flooding. Please do not attempt to approach the eagle or
osprey nests. Muskrats, mink, and river otters also make
this area their home, and may be seen by the stealthy observer.
This area is open to public
hunting. Contact the michigan
department of natural resources for affected seasons and locations.
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