I've been fishing the Flowage since 1956 and 99% of the visible wood at full pond has been removed or has sunk. When I started the wood was either vertical, leaning or sawed off stumps at various water levels. As time past, ice would continue to knock down the vertical wood and move loosened wood and leaners to different locations and occasionally relocates wood even today. In the early 60's, when the water levels would rise, it would be nothing to have floaters every 20-40 yards. People removing drift wood have ruduced the number and size of log jams by 80%. Having said all of this, the most dangerous wood to boaters are the vertical stumps. Those which remain anchored in the bottom and have been cut-off at various heights. The leaners have a tendency to show them selves by rising and droppimg with the water levels. In the Fall however, after the water temps drop to 40 or less they become more dense and drop below the surface.

For the person new to the Flowage it is best to be very cautious until one has had the opportunity to travel in low water. I feel that the most dangerous level for me is when the water level is below 4 feet. There are stumps under the water that I have rarely or not seen at all and I'm very cautious. When drifting, I have bumped up against old vertical wood in 23 feet of water.

I have a Hummin Bird 788c with the Wisconsin Lake chip in it that shows the contour lines at one foot intervals. This year is my first year with it. I found out how little I know about the twists and turns of the old river and creek beds and how quickly one can be on an old bank where trees had stood. When running the Flowage I still rely most on what I know from experience, however the navigation tool on the fish finder is a real aid in continuing to learn what's under me. It is also invaluable when running at night.

Bottom line is, how much time have you spent on the Flowage and do you "know" that your route is safe from experience. If not, be careful and run slower.