Beckman and Zander lakes are the cornerstone of Cadiz Springs
State Park. Encompassing 629 acres of which 600 are preserved for
wildlife, Brown-Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area is the perfect
Southern Wisconsin destination for nature lovers. Two lakes boast a
combined water surface of 95 acres. The park also encompasses a
segment of Zander Creek, a clear-running stream supporting
populations of rainbow and brown trout.
Fishing
Fishing for both warm and cold water species is very popular at
the Browntown-Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area. Zanders Creek, a
managed creek feeding the two lakes, is stocked annually with
rainbow and brown trout. Both lakes contain largemouth bass, as
well as abundant panfish which provide an enjoyable challenge to
many young anglers. Beckman Lake also contains northern pike,
bluegill, and catfish. Because of the 95-acre combined surface area
of the two lakes, only electric motorboats are permitted.
Picnic Areas
Visitors to the area find a full complement of picnic facilities
with convenient parking near both lakes. Picnic areas contain
shelters, tables, grills, playground equipment, water and
restrooms. All picnic sites have a lake view.
Nature and Hiking Trails
Surrounding Zander Lake, a two-third mile self-guided nature
trail weaves together a variety of natural habitats including a
marsh, a lake, a forest, a stream, a meadow, and a pine plantation.
Along this trail, walkers may find numerous song birds, five
species of frogs, killdeer, northern brown water snakes, muskrats,
and snapping, painted turtles. The endangered Blandings turtles and
many species of water-loving birds are also in the area.
Currently, the lake had gone through a drawdown in preparation
for major repair and fish habitat improvement projects. This year,
the DNR plans to refill Beckman Lake and restocking Beckman Lake
with bluegills, largemouth bass and northern pike.
The best place to access this cache is to enter the park and go
to the beach area. Approaching from this way would require you to
enter the park and pay for a pass. In or out of state people can
purchase an hour pass for $5.00. That should be long enough to find
the cache, but not enough to fully enjoy this park.