Summary of fish communities in Underwood Creek, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, April 2021

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.