Maunesha River, Maunesha River Watershed (UR05)
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Maunesha River, Maunesha River Watershed (UR05)
Maunesha River (837500)
18.59 Miles
13.21 - 31.80
Natural Community
Cool-Cold Mainstem, Cool-Cold Headwater, Cool-Warm Mainstem, Cool-Warm Headwater
Year Last Monitored
2024
Poor
 
This river is impaired
Low DO, Degraded Habitat
Total Phosphorus, Sediment/Total Suspended Solids
 
Dane
Trout Water 
No
Outstanding or Exceptional 
No
Impaired Water 
Yes

Fish and Aquatic Life

Current Use
Restricted Aquatic Life
Attainable Use
Default FAL
Designated Use
Default FAL

Historical Description

Maunesha River (Waterloo Creek) -T8N, RI2E, Sec. 12, Surface acres = 85, Length = 20 miles, Stream order = III, Gradient = 5.8 ft/mile, Base discharge = 67 cfs.
This large stream drains parts of Columbia, Dane, Jefferson, and Dodge Counties, and empties into the Crawfish River in Dodge County. Much of the watershed in Dane County is ditched and drained wetland. A large percentage is in cropland and soil loss is high. Deansvllle Marsh is a large, slightly disturbed wetland adjoining the river. The Department of Natural Resources owns 1,459 acres in the marsh, including 4 miles of frontage on the river. This area provides hunting for pheasants, waterfowl, small game, and deer. Impoundments are found above the Villages of Marshall and Waterloo (Jefferson County). Siltation and agricultural runoff are problems above the Marshall Millpond but water quality is good. Below the Village of Marshall water quality is poor due to the fact that the Marshall wastewater treatment plant is presently overloaded. A new plant Is scheduled for completion In June 1983.
The rIver has been chemically treated to remove rough fish several times in the past and largemouth bass, northern pike, channel catfish, and walleye were restocked. The bass and northern pike have some good survival and growth rates, but informatIon on the catfish and walleye has been unattainable. Carp, bullheads, panfish, and forage species are also present. The possibility of developing a smallmouth bass fishery above Marshall Millpond has been suggested but is not likely. Access is avaIlable at numerous road crossings, at one county park which has a boat ramp, and through the publIc lands in the Deansvllle Marsh. The Deansvllle Marsh is a popular huntIng area for deer, rabbits, and pheasants.
Fish species: central mudminnow, northern pike, common carp, central stoneroller, common shiner, southern redbelly dace, bluntnose and fathead minnow, creek chub. white sucker, yellow bullhead, blackstrlpe topminnow. green sunfish, pumpkinseed, bluegill, largemouth bass, and fantail darter.

From: Day Elizabeth A.; Grzebieniak, Gayle P.; Osterby, Kurt M.; and Brynildson, Clifford L., 1985. Lake and Stream Classification Project. Surface Water Resources of Dane County, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, WI

Date  1985

Author   Surface Water Inventory Of Wisconsin

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fish and Aquatic Life communities are not fully supported in this ecosystem.
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.
Fish and Aquatic Life - Default Waters do not have a specific use designation subcategory but are considered fishable, swimmable waters.
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.
Fish and Aquatic Life - Default Waters do not have a specific use designation subcategory but are considered fishable, swimmable waters.