Overview

Muskellunge Creek is a spring-fed tributary to Rattlesnake Creek. Streambank erosion is a major source of sediment to the stream (Smith and Ball, 1971). Although historically, a limited smallmouth bass fishery was found in the lower reaches of Muskellunge Creek, today the fishery of the creek is dominated by relatively pollution tolerant forage fish. Only a few smallmouth bass can still be found in the lower reaches of the stream (Wang et.al., 1996). Overall, the IBI ratings, indicators OF environmental degradation, for Muskellunge Creek were somewhat better than Kuenster and ranged from fair to poor with one very poor. Habitat quality when rated for Muskellunge Creek indicated either good or fair condition (Wang et.al., 1996). Recent macroinvertebrate samples found the stream to have fairly poor water quality. Approximately 10% of the sampled macroinvertebrates were mayflies, caddisflies and stoneflies, while over 70% of the samples were midges (Marshall, 1999). Midges typically indicate environmental degradation that may be attributed to agricultural non-point sources of pollution (Gamman, 1993).

Date  2001

Author   Aquatic Biologist

Historical Description

From: Smith, Tom D., and Ball, Joseph R., Lake and Stream Classification Project. Surface Water Resources of Grant County, Department of Natural Resources, 1972. Surface Area = 2.30 acres, Length = 3.8 miles, Gradient = 42 ft./mile, Flow = 2.0 c.f.s.

A spring-fed stream beginning two miles northeast of North Andover a~d flowing in a southerly direction to enter Rattlesnake Creek 2.5 miles west of Beetown. This is a fairly wide stream with rubble and gravel being the predominant bottom types. The stream banks are heavily eroded and 90 percent of the surrounding land is used to pasture cattle. A limited smallmouth bass fishery is found in the lower reaches, and forage species are common throughout. Game assets include muskrats, raccoon, squirrels, deer, and ruffed grouse. A few migratory waterfowl may also be seen. At least four earthen dams with resulting farm ponds have been built in the watershed in an effort to control the rapid runoff and subsequent bank erosion. Feedlot runoff is a potential problem along the main stream and its tributaries. Three rural dwellings adjoin the stream, and four bridge crossings aid public access.

Date  1972

Author   Surface Water Inventory Of Wisconsin

Impaired Waters

Muskellunge Creek (957600) from was assessed during the 2016 listing cycle; the regional biologist recommended listing for degraded biological community based on current and historical Poor mIBI scores. This water is considered impaired and not meeting its Fish and Aquatic Life use.

Date  2015

Author  Aaron Larson

Condition

Wisconsin has over 84,000 miles of streams, 15,000 lakes and milllions of acres of wetlands. Assessing the condition of this vast amount of water is challenging. The state's water monitoring program uses a media-based, cross-program approach to analyze water condition. An updated monitoring strategy (2015-2020) is now available. Compliance with Clean Water Act fishable, swimmable standards are located in the Executive Summary of Water Condition in 2018. See also the 'monitoring and projects' tab.

Reports

Recommendations

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

Monitoring Projects

Watershed Characteristics

Muskellunge Creek is located in the Lower Grant River watershed which is 129.75 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily agricultural (56%), grassland (25.40%) and a mix of forest (16.50%) and other uses (1.90%). This watershed has 310.53 stream miles, 33.46 lake acres and 298.95 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked Not Ranked for runoff impacts on streams, Not Available 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.