On Saturday, over two dozen volunteers worked tirelessly building man-made fish crib reefs for the Michigamme Reservoir in Crystal Falls.

Approximately 20 fish crib reefs that are 5 feet high and 8 feet in length and width will be built.

Once warmer weather comes, the reefs will break through the ice and fall to the bottom of the reservoir, creating a habitat for fish wildlife.

Biologist Bill Ziegler says the fish cribs also creates a better habitat for the fisherman. He added "fishing on a weed bed is a good place" for anglers to wheel in a catch.

"It also provides valuable cover that was lost over time ever since the reservoir was built," said Ziegler.

The crib reefs are placed together in a zig-zag pattern to maximize their habitat potential.

Fisheries research reveals that a reef made of a number of cribs has more habitat value than individual cribs placed around the lake, while the zig-zag pattern maximizes their habitat value.