Fish Cribs

As some of you may know, the Long Lake Fishing Association installed a number of fish cribs in their lake this year. Fish cribs are assembled to look similar to a log cabin, filled with brush in order to provide sanctuary for smaller bait fish. These are held in place by a number of cement blocks and are assembled using rebar to hold the shape of the main body of the crib itself. Drew Wallace, the contact agent for fish & lake structure, was excited to hear that there is interest in installing fish cribs in Kettle Moraine Lake. Fish cribs are considered good structure that provides fishing opportunities for sportsmen. He is inquiring other departments within the DNR to find out if this may help us in future grant requests as the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program does. At the time of this publication, no decision has been relayed to the board.

The cribs themselves are not to exceed an 8′ x 8′ footprint with a maximum height of 8′. There is also a requirement of at least 5′ of water between the top of the crib and the surface of the water. Fish cribs may not be placed within 100′ of swimming beaches or swim rafts. The KMLA board has authorized discussion on this matter to be included in the annual meeting in June. If the vote following discussion permits the board to go forward with further planning and installation of cribs, individual home owners would be asked to give permission for placement directly in front of their shoreline. The cribs will be placed in 14′-16′ of water in ensure proper clearance for boating. This means that the cribs will be placed in the eastern end close to the deepest area of the lake.

At this point, the cement blocks & rebar are available to the project from generous donors. Volunteers would be needed in January of 2026 for the assembly of the cribs. The cribs are assembled on the ice and left to fall into place when the ice melts in spring.

Rob Lemke is heading up this project and can be reached at or by stopping in at his house at W985 Kettle Moraine Lane if there are any questions or concerns.