Hovey Lake Fish And Wildlife Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Hovey Lake Fish and Wildlife Area is a nature reserve located in the state of Wisconsin, USA.
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Summary
It is considered one of the most beautiful and diverse outdoor recreation areas in the Midwest. The reserve consists of more than 7,000 acres of land and water and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Some of the good reasons to visit the Hovey Lake Fish and Wildlife Area include birdwatching, hiking, fishing, and hunting. The area is home to more than 150 species of birds, including bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and great blue herons. Visitors can also enjoy hiking the various trails that run throughout the reserve. Fishing is also popular, with Hovey Lake containing a variety of fish species, including bass, crappie, and bluegill. Hunting is also allowed during the appropriate seasons.
One of the main points of interest within the reserve is Hovey Lake itself, which is a natural glacial lake. The lake is a popular spot for fishing and boating and is home to a variety of waterfowl. The reserve is also home to several other lakes, ponds, and streams.
One interesting fact about Hovey Lake Fish and Wildlife Area is that it was once part of a larger wetland ecosystem that covered over 100,000 acres in the region. Over the years, much of the wetland was drained for agricultural purposes. However, the reserve still contains some of the last remaining wetlands in the area.
The best time of year to visit Hovey Lake Fish and Wildlife Area depends on the activity you plan to engage in. Spring and fall are considered the best seasons for birdwatching, while summer is ideal for fishing and boating. Hunting is typically allowed during the fall and winter months. Overall, Hovey Lake Fish and Wildlife Area is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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