Tainter Lake, body of water
Tainter Lake is a reservoir in Dunn County, Wisconsin, formed by damming the Red Cedar River. The lake is divided into two sections by a narrow channel, with the northern portion being shallower and better suited for fishing, while small docks and cottages dot the shoreline throughout.
The lake was created in the early 1900s when a dam was built on the Red Cedar River for hydroelectric power generation and flood control. The surrounding land had been heavily logged in the late 1800s, transitioning from dense pine forest to agricultural farms that shaped the region's development.
The lake is named after Andrew Tainter, a lumber industry businessman who championed the dam's construction. Weekend homes and a small community have grown along the shores, where local residents value fishing trips and sunset views over the water.
The lake is easy to reach with roads near the shoreline and parking areas available for visitors bringing boats, fishing gear, or picnic supplies. The northern section offers shallow water suitable for beginners, with fish cribs placed throughout to support fish populations.
The dam was originally built with timber in 1910 but later converted to concrete for durability and better flood management. In 2005, the dam received new inflatable spillway gates that maintain consistent water levels year-round, requiring residents to adjust their docks and boats.
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