Embarrass River, North Branch and Mainstem Embarrass Rive,Wolf River - New London and Bear Creek Watershed (WR09)
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Embarrass River, North Branch and Mainstem Embarrass Rive,Wolf River - New London and Bear Creek Watershed (WR09)
Embarrass River (291900)
33.45 Miles
0 - 33.45
Natural Community
Natural communities (stream and lake natural communities) represent model results that use predicted flow and temperature based on landscape features and related assumptions. Ranges of flow and temperature associated with specific aquatic life communities (fish, macroinvertebrates) help biologists identify appropriate resource management goals. Wisconsin Natural Communities.
Macroinvertebrate, Cool-Cold Headwater, Warm Headwater, COOL-Warm Mainstem, COOL-Warm Headwater, Large River
Year Last Monitored
This is the most recent date of monitoring data stored in SWIMS. Additional surveys for fish and habitat may be available subsequent to this date.
2024
Good
 
Outagamie, Waupaca
Trout Water 
Trout Waters are represented by Class I, Class II or Class III waters. These classes have specific ecological characteristics and management actions associated with them. For more information regarding Trout Classifications, see the Fisheries Trout Class Webpages.
No
Outstanding or Exceptional 
Wisconsin has designated many of the state's highest quality waters as Outstanding Resource Waters (ORWs) or Exceptional Resource Waters (ERWs). Waters designated as ORW or ERW are surface waters which provide outstanding recreational opportunities, support valuable fisheries and wildlife habitat, have good water quality, and are not significantly impacted by human activities. ORW and ERW status identifies waters that the State of Wisconsin has determined warrant additional protection from the effects of pollution. These designations are intended to meet federal Clean Water Act obligations requiring Wisconsin to adopt an 'antidegradation' policy that is designed to prevent any lowering of water quality - especially in those waters having significant ecological or cultural value.
Yes
Impaired Water 
A water is polluted or 'impaired' if it does not support full use by humans, wildlife, fish and other aquatic life and it is shown that one or more of the pollutant criteria are not met.
No

Fish and Aquatic Life

Current Use
The use the water currently supports. This is not a designation or classification; it is based on the current condition of the water. Information in this column is not designed for, and should not be used for, regulatory purposes.
Supported Aquatic Life
Waters that support fish and aquatic life communities (healthy biological communities).
Attainable Use
The use that the investigator believes the water could achieve through managing "controllable" sources. Beaver dams, hydroelectric dams, low gradient streams, and naturally occurring low flows are generally not considered controllable. The attainable use may be the same as the current use or it may be higher.
WWSF
Streams capable of supporting a warm waterdependent sport fishery. Representative aquatic life communities associated with these waters generally require cool or warm temperatures and concentrations of dissolved oxygen that do not drop below 5 mg/L.
Designated Use
This is the water classification legally recognized by NR102 and NR104, Wis. Adm. Code. The classification determines water quality criteria and effluent limits. Waters obtain designated uses through classification procedures.
WWSF
Streams capable of supporting a warm waterdependent sport fishery. Representative aquatic life communities associated with these waters generally require cool or warm temperatures and concentrations of dissolved oxygen that do not drop below 5 mg/L.

Overview

The main stem of the Embarrass River extends from Caroline in Shawano County, east and southward through Waupaca and Outagamie Counties to New London where it flows into the Wolf River. Major tributaries to the main stem include the Pigeon River, Mill, Maple, and Bear creeks. The river has a diverse fishery and is best known for its smallmouth bass. In addition to its fishery, the river also offers canoeing. The main stem of the Embarrass River is also an important sturgeon spawning stream up to the Pella Dam. Soil erosion rates in the watershed are critical, especially in the Grant Township area, with animal waste runoff also a problem.

From: Bougie, Cheryl A., Kosmond, Lisa D, and Watermolen, Dreux J. 1996. Wolf River Basin Water Quality Management Plan. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, WI.

Date  1996

Author  Cheryl Bougie

Historical Description

Embarrass River, T22N, RISE, Sec. 7(6), Area = 264.7 acres, Length = 27.3 miles, M.P.A. = 187 ppm.
The Embarrass River is one of Outagamie County's most important surface water resources. The river drains
the northwest corner of the county and contains hard, turbid water. The bottom consists mostly of firm sand
and silt in Outagamie County. The stream is best known for its smallmouth bass fishery. Other species
present include walleye, northern pike, various panfish, and an abundant supply of carp. Game use of the
area is very heavy by deer, waterfowl, furbearers, and an abundance of small game. The entire river is slow
and smooth flowing throughout Outagamie County. This river is a popular canoe route because it is scenic and
well suited for the amateur canoeist. Access is difficult within the county. One state, two county, and
three town road crossings or endings without parking provide the only public access.

From: Nelson, Linden M. and Ronald L. Fassbender, 1972. Surface Water Resources of Outagamie County:
Lake and Stream Classification Project. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, WI.

Date  1972

Author   Surface Water Inventory Of Wisconsin

Management Goals

Wisconsin's Water Quality Standards provide qualitative and quantitative goals for waters that are protective of Fishable, Swimmable conditions [Learn more]. Waters that do not meet water quality standards are considered impaired and restoration actions are planned and carried out until the water is once again fishable and swimmable

Management goals can include creation or implementation of a Total Maximum Daily Load analysis, a Nine Key Element Plan, or other restoration work, education and outreach and more. If specific recommendations exist for this water, they will be displayed below online.

Monitoring

Monitoring the condition of a river, stream, or lake includes gathering physical, chemical, biological, and habitat data. Comprehensive studies often gather all these parameters in great detail, while lighter assessment events will involve sampling physical, chemical and biological data such as macroinvertebrates. Aquatic macroinvertebrates and fish communities integrate watershed or catchment condition, providing great insight into overall ecosystem health. Chemical and habitat parameters tell researchers more about human induced problems including contaminated runoff, point source dischargers, or habitat issues that foster or limit the potential of aquatic communities to thrive in a given area. Wisconsin's Water Monitoring Strategy was recenty updated.

Grants and Management Projects

Project Name (Click for Details)Year Started

Monitoring Projects

WBICOfficial Waterbody NameStation IDStation NameEarliest Fieldwork DateLatest Fieldwork DateView StationView Data
291900Embarrass River10052593Embarrass River downstream of Hintz Road and upstream of open water station 100367439/17/20249/24/2024MapData
291900Embarrass River10035165Embarrass River - Area of Open WaterMapData
291900Embarrass River10036743Embarrass River - Area of Open WaterMapData
291900Embarrass River10015897Embarrass River at St. Johns Street New LondonInverts Were Collected From Rip-Rap Alongshore11/2/199511/2/1995MapData
291900Embarrass River10036429Embarrass River - Area of Open WaterMapData
291900Embarrass River10021192Embarrass River (17)7/30/20077/30/2007MapData
291900Embarrass River10033493Embarrass River at New London Hwy 544/7/201110/22/2024MapData
291900Embarrass River10021889Embarrass R at Spur Rd4/8/20089/3/2008MapData
291900Embarrass River10036535Embarrass River - Area of Open WaterMapData
291900Embarrass River10036584Embarrass River - Area of Open WaterMapData
291900Embarrass River10007658Embarrass River at Confluence With Bear CreekMapData
291900Embarrass River10021759Embarrass River- New LondonMapData
291900Embarrass River10021188Embarrass River Betw. CTH F & Cherry Rd (16)7/29/20077/29/2007MapData
291900Embarrass River10036082Embarrass River - Area of Open WaterMapData
291900Embarrass River10044317Embarrass River (WBIC=291900) at Hwy F9/17/20159/17/2015MapData
291900Embarrass River693022Embarrass River - St New Lond1/14/197512/19/1995MapData
5016042Unnamed10033862Unnamed Creek at CTH I access at private drive within ~20m N of highway7/6/201110/23/2014MapData
291900Embarrass River10021190Embarrass River South Of Spurr Road (19)7/30/20077/30/2007MapData
291900Embarrass River10021187Embarrass River App 0.5 River Mi. Upstream From Cty Hwy Xx (15)7/29/20071/1/2015MapData
291900Embarrass River10035633Embarrass River - Area of Open WaterMapData
241300Wolf River693013Wolf River - Bordens Inc New London O-F 0011/14/19767/2/1984MapData
291900Embarrass River10055742Embarrass River 30m DS Cherry Rd Access8/31/20218/31/2021MapData
291900Embarrass River10021191Embarrass River In New London At Pfeifer Park (20)7/30/20077/30/2007MapData
291900Embarrass River10011957Embarrass River - Spurr Rd. DownstreamMapData

Watershed Characteristics

Embarrass River is located in the North Branch and Mainstem Embarrass Rive watershed which is 312.62 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily agricultural (39.30%), wetland (26.10%) and a mix of forest (22.90%) and other uses (11.70%). This watershed has 488.32 stream miles, 1,175.84 lake acres and 51,339.03 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked High for runoff impacts on streams, High for runoff impacts on lakes and High for runoff impacts on groundwater and therefore has an overall rank of High. This value can be used in ranking the watershed or individual waterbodies for grant funding under state and county programs.However, all waters are affected by diffuse pollutant sources regardless of initial water quality. Applications for specific runoff projects under state or county grant programs may be pursued. For more information, go to surface water program grants.

Natural Community

Embarrass River is considered a Macroinvertebrate, Cool-Cold Headwater, Warm Headwater, COOL-Warm Mainstem, COOL-Warm Headwater, Large River under the state's Natural Community Determinations.

Natural communities (stream and lake natural communities) represent model results and DNR staff valiation processes that confirm or update predicted conditions based on flow and temperature modeling from historic and current landscape features and related variables. Predicated flow and temperatures for waters are associated predicated fish assemblages (communities). Biologists evaluate the model results against current survey data to determine if the modeled results are corect and whether biological indicators show water quaity degradation. This analysis is a core component of the state's resource management framework. Wisconsin's Riverine Natural Communities.

Cool (Warm-Transition) Headwaters are small, sometimes intermittent streams with cool to warm summer temperatures. Coldwater fishes are uncommon to absent, transitional fishes are abundant to common, and warm water fishes are common to uncommon. Headwater species are abundant to common, mainstem species are common to absent, and river species are absent.

Cool (Cold-Transition) Headwaters are small, usually perennial streams with cold to cool summer temperatures. Coldwater fishes are common to uncommon (<10 per 100 m), transitional fishes are abundant to common, and warm water fishes are uncommon to absent. Headwater species are abundant to common, mainstem species are common to absent, and river species are absent.

Warm Headwaters are small, usually intermittent streams with warm summer temperatures. Coldwater fishes are absent, transitional fishes are common to uncommon, and warm water fishes are abundant to common. Headwater species are abundant to common, mainstem species are common to absent, and river species are absent.

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