Summary of Fish Communities in Underwood Creek, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, April 2021

Open-File Report 2026-1060
Prepared in cooperation with Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District
By: , and 

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Abstract

Portions of Underwood Creek in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin were reconstructed beginning in 2010 to allow for improved fish habitat and better management of streamflow during storm events. Four reaches of Underwood Creek were sampled in April 2021 for fish abundance by species to evaluate the status of fish communities after reconstruction efforts were completed. A total of 25 fish species were collected during the April 2021 sampling events. Reach D, a recently restored reach, contained the most fish species (14) and individuals (391). White suckers (Catostomus commersonii) were present in three of four reaches, fulfilling one of the success metrics outlined in the Underwood Creek restoration plan. Another success metric, collection of young of year northern pike (Esox lucius), was not met in this sampling event. However, spawning steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were observed in several reaches, indicating that reconstruction allowed for suitable habitat and passage for some migratory fish.

Suggested Citation

Bell, A.H., LaFond-Hudson, S., Stefaniak, O.M., Romano, J.T., and Sullivan, D.J., 2026, Summary of fish communities in Underwood Creek, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, April 2021: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2026–1060, 17 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20261060.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Summary of fish communities in Underwood Creek, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, April 2021
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2026-1060
DOI 10.3133/ofr20261060
Publication Date February 24, 2026
Year Published 2026
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Upper Midwest Water Science Center
Description Report: vi, 17 p.; Data Release; Dataset
Country United States
State Wisconsin
City Milwaukee
Other Geospatial Underwood Creek
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Additional publication details