St Croix River, Lower Willow River,Kinnickinnic River Watershed (SC01)
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St Croix River, Lower Willow River,Kinnickinnic River Watershed (SC01)
St Croix River (2601400)
17.44 Miles
0 - 17.44
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.
Cool-Cold Mainstem, Cool-Warm Headwater
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.
2012
Good
 
This river is impaired
PCBs Contaminated Fish Tissue
PCBs
 
Pierce, St. Croix
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.
Yes

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.
Default FAL
Fish and Aquatic Life - Default Waters do not have a specific use designation subcategory but are considered fishable, swimmable waters.

Overview

The St. Croix River currently has good water quality. This section of the river is used extensively used for recreation by boaters and swimmers. The entire river is designated as a National Scenic Rivenvay. Urban development along the shorelands and on tributary streams and agricultural nonpoint source pollution threaten water quality and aquatic habitat in the river. This portion of the river also has a fish consumption advisory for PCB and mercury contamination in fish tissue. The PCB contaminated fish tissue problem may be in part caused by fish moving upstream from the Mississippi River which is known to have sources of PCB contamination.

The St. Croix River is classified as an Outstanding Resource Water from the northern Hudson city limits upstream. This portion of the river receives extremely high levels of recreational boating use. Urban and rural residential development impacts the aesthetic qualities of the river and threatens water quality and aquatic habitat. The city of Hudson WWTP discharges secondary effluent immediately upstream of Lake St. Croix. Hudson is not required to remove phosphorus from its effluent while Minnesota requires dischargers above Lake St. Croix to remove phosphorus (See Lake Report - Lake St.Croix). It is important that point source discharges and nonpoint source pollution are controlled in order to protect this high quality river. This portion of the river also has a fish consumption advisory for PCB and mercury contamination in fish tissue. The PCB contaminated fish tissue problem may be in part caused by fish moving upstream from the Mississippi River which is known to have sources of PCB contamination.

The St. Croix River is classified as an outstanding resource water for 14 miles with in this watershed and as an exceptional resource water for 7 miles. The entire river is also a national wild and scenic waterway as designated by the National Park Service.

The St. Croix River is classified as a state outstanding resource water in this watershed and a national wild and scenic waterway as designated by the National Park Service.

Date  1992

Author   Aquatic Biologist

St Croix River, Lower Willow River,Kinnickinnic River Watershed (SC01) Fish and Aquatic LifeSt Croix River, Lower Willow River,Kinnickinnic River Watershed (SC01) RecreationSt Croix River, Lower Willow River,Kinnickinnic River Watershed (SC01) Fish Consumption

General Condition

The St. Croix River from the Saint Croix Flowage to Vermont Creek was assessed during the 2018 listing cycle; new biological (macroinvertebrate Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) scores) and chloride sample data were clearly below 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Fish and Aquatic Life use. This water was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date  2017

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Saint Croix River, from its mouth at Prescott to the Hudson-North Hudson city boundary (miles 0 to 17.44), was placed on the impaired waters list in 1998 for PCB contaminated fish tissue.

Saint Croix River, from Hudson-North Hudson boundary to 1 mile below Hwy 243 bridge (miles 17.44 to 44.72), was placed on the impaired waters list in 1998 for PCB contaminated fish tissue.

Saint Croix River, from 1 mile south of Hwy 243 bridge to Indianhead Flowage (miles 44.72 to 54.55), has been listed for PCBs in fish tissue since 1998. This portion of the St. Croix River was evaluated in 2014, and every two years between 2018 and 2022; phosphorus, chloride, and fish samples indicated a healthy system.

Saint Croix River, from Indianhead Flowage to Namekagon River (miles 58.03 to 135.3), was evaluated in 2014, and every two years between 2018 and 2022; chloride samples indicated a healthy system. This river segment is on the Healthy Waters List.

Saint Croix River, from Namekagon River to Saint Croix Flowage (miles 135.3 to 155.01), was evaluated for phosphorus, chloride, and biology in the 2014 and 2018 cycles. Samples indicated a healthy system, and this segment is on the Healthy Waters List.

Saint Croix River, from Saint Croix Flowage to Upper St. Croix Lake (miles 160.59 to 168.76), was evaluated for phosphorus, chloride, temperature and biology in the 2014 and 2018 cycles. Samples indicated a healthy system, and this segment is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

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

2007 Stream Monitoring Report For St.Croix River - Old Hwy 53 At Gordon
Saint Croix River, Saint Croix River -- Twin Springs Boat Landing, Nonwadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form
Saint Croix River, St Croix River - Raspberry Landing, Nonwadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form
Saint Croix River, St Croix River Interstate Park, Nonwadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form
Saint Croix River, St. Croix River at Danbury (500' DS of Hwy 35), Nonwadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form
2020 Comprehensive WQ Assessments
2018 List of Healthy (Category 2) Waters
Final Draft 2018 Impaired Waters List
Release of Claims [Angelique Dahlberg]
Comprehensive 2018 River/Stream Water Quality Assessments
Clam, Wood, and Yellow Rivers Load Report, Appendix A.
Clam, Wood, and Yellow River Water Quality and Nutrient and Sediment Loads to the St. Croix River
iPaddle Youth Watershed Education Project Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters Project Report
Comprehensive 2016 Rivers Stream Assessments
9/16/2014 Bighead Carp Capture
River Alliance of Wisconsin St. Croix AIS Grant Application 2014
Comprehensive 2014 TP IBI Rivers Assessment
Willow River Watershed Plan 2010 (SC02, SC03)
Submersed Aquatic Vegetation Target for the Turbidity-Impaired Reach of the Upper Mississippi River Pool 2 to Upper Lake Pepin
St. Croix Riverfest 2008: Celebrate our Nature

Recommendations

Citizen-Based Stream Monitoring
Collect chemical, physical, and/or biological water quality data to assess the current overall stream health. The data can inform management decisions and may be used to identify impaired waters for biennial lists.
Citizen-Based Stream Monitoring
Collect chemical, physical, and/or biological water quality data to assess the current overall stream health. The data can inform management decisions and may be used to identify impaired waters for biennial lists.
Citizen-Based Stream Monitoring
Collect chemical, physical, and/or biological water quality data to assess the current overall stream health. The data can inform management decisions and may be used to identify impaired waters for biennial lists.
Citizen-Based Stream Monitoring
Collect chemical, physical, and/or biological water quality data to assess the current overall stream health. The data can inform management decisions and may be used to identify impaired waters for biennial lists.
Citizen-Based Stream Monitoring
Collect chemical, physical, and/or biological water quality data to assess the current overall stream health. The data can inform management decisions and may be used to identify impaired waters for biennial lists.
Map Invasive Species
Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters (FOTSCH) is initiating a project to complete aquatic plant and aquatic invasive species monitoring in the St. Croix River, including the headwaters between Upper St. Croix Lake and the St. Croix Flowage and below the Gordon Dam to Hwy T. The project includes a 2010 community information/education event as well as a visual field guide that describes the local aquatic plant community. Project deliverables include: 1) aquatic plant survey results and report, including spreadsheets and GIS files; 2) one set aquatic plant vouchers; 3) aquatic plant visual field guide; 4) AIS survey maps and reports; 5) information/education event summary; and 6) any other presentations or information/education tools developed.
Educate and engage residents
Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters (FOTSCH) is initiating a project to expand community outreach, learn from and grow the first St. Croix Riverfest, and conduct an organizational assessment. Grant funds will be used to pay a staff person (i.e. Executive Director) who will be a liaison to community groups and local government, evaluate St. Croix Riverfest, and build sustainable tourism partnerships in the watershed. Project deliverables include: 1) a final report on the project, including St. Croix Rivefest evaluation results and recommendations, organizational assessment overview, and community outreach summary and 2) educational/publicity materials developed.
Educate and engage residents
The Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters (FOTSCH) will sponsor a project to build the capacity of the organization through increased membership and stakeholder support. With this project FOTSCH will conduct water quality monitoring on the Upper St. Croix River, conduct an educational outreach program, develop a river protection strategy including the identification of areas needing remediation, and become an advocacy group for river protection through local zoning, best management practices and statewide protective designations. A membership committee will be established to plan and implement member/volunteer initiatives. Opportunities for citizen involvement in river oriented events will be provided including development of a video, canoe/kayak trips, participation in Water Action Volunteer (WAV) monitoring, identification of invasive species etc. Water quality monitoring will be conducted through the citizen based WAV program and monitoring conducted by the UW Stevens Point CWSE including two tributary and four river sites, baseflow, spring runoff and event sampling. Project deliverables include: 1) copies of all educational materials developed, 2) organization effectiveness assessment results, 3) CWSE report on water quality monitoring results, and 4) Copy of the river protection strategy Project results will be share through press releases, public meetings, public mailings and web site information.
Master Planning
St. Croix Scenic Valley Coalition, Inc. proposes to enhance its capacity by: 1. Training for board and committee members 2. Development of work plan 3. Development of long range fund-raising plan 4. Establishment of member data-base 5. Development of brochures, website and powerpoint presentation. Project results will be disseminated to the public at workshops, especially those conducted by the River Stewards Network, through news releases promoting activities and through community education programs. Both electronic and paper copies of the final report will be provided to the DNR.
Nine Key Element Plan
Lake St. Croix Nutrient Total Maximum Daily Load Nine Key Element Plan - The St. Croix River, its tributary streams and rivers, and Lake St. Croix are highly valued resources that provide exceptional recreational opportunities and support diverse wildlife in and out of the water. However, over the years eutrophication, or nutrient enrichment, has occurred in Lake St. Croix due to increasing amounts of phosphorus entering the lake from the watershed. The elevated level of phosphorus in Lake St. Croix results in algae blooms which diminish the enjoyment and use of the lake and impact the ecologic integrity. Elevated phosphorus levels not only impact Lake St. Croix, but also impact tributary streams, rivers, and lakes throughout the watershed. While progress has been made in recent years to understand and reduce the amount of phosphorus finding its way into streams and lakes, much work remains.
Nine Key Element Plan
Lake St. Croix Nutrient Total Maximum Daily Load Nine Key Element Plan - The St. Croix River, its tributary streams and rivers, and Lake St. Croix are highly valued resources that provide exceptional recreational opportunities and support diverse wildlife in and out of the water. However, over the years eutrophication, or nutrient enrichment, has occurred in Lake St. Croix due to increasing amounts of phosphorus entering the lake from the watershed. The elevated level of phosphorus in Lake St. Croix results in algae blooms which diminish the enjoyment and use of the lake and impact the ecologic integrity. Elevated phosphorus levels not only impact Lake St. Croix, but also impact tributary streams, rivers, and lakes throughout the watershed. While progress has been made in recent years to understand and reduce the amount of phosphorus finding its way into streams and lakes, much work remains.
Nine Key Element Plan
Upper St. Croix - Eau Clair Rivers PWS Plan - Nine Key Element Plan - The Upper St. Croix - Eau Clair Rivers Priority Watershed is at the headwaters of the St. Croix River and the Mississippi River system. The historical significance of this resource is well documented in many accounts referring to the beauty and abundance of this outstanding resource. In 1988, the St. Croix River was designated as an Outstanding Resource Water by the State of Wisconsin. The Upper St. Croix - Eau Clair Rivers watershed project has a protection orientation, as opposed to the more traditional remediation based watershed projects, and takes a proactive approach to prevent nonpoint pollution before it happens.
Monitor Fish Tissue
2601400 name St Croix River TMDL ID 618 Start Mile 17.43 End Mile 44.29
Monitor Fish Tissue
2601400 name St Croix River TMDL ID 618 Start Mile 44.29 End Mile 54.14
Action Migrated from WATERS
Conduct a water quality assessment in the St. Croix River to determine if sources of PCB's are present. Three procedures that may be applicable for the river are deployment of caged fish, lipid bags and hexane bags (Type B).

Standards Details

Per NR 102.10 (a) (1): St. Croix River between the northern boundary of the Hudson city limits and the St.Croix flowage dam in Douglas County except that the portion of the St. Croix River from the northern boundary of the St. Croix Falls city limits to a distance one mile below the STH 243 bridge at Osceola shall be classified exceptional resource waters under s. NR 102.11.

Date  2009

Author   Aquatic Biologist

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
ST. CROIX COUNTY: St. Croix Nutrient River Conference2003
Upper St. Croix - Eau Clair Rivers PWS Plan - Nine Key Element Plan1997
UPPER ST CROIX LAKE ASSOCIATION: Upper St. Croix Lake Protection Grant App/Proposal2010
ST. CROIX SCENIC VALLEY COALITION, INC.: Capacity Building (St. Croix Coalition)2002
FRIENDS OF THE ST CROIX HEADWATERS, INC.: Aquatic Macrophyte and AIS Survey in the Upper St. Croix Watershed2009
UPPER ST CROIX LAKE ASSOCIATION: Community Approach to Lake Planning,etc.-#42007
UPPER ST CROIX LAKE ASSOCIATION: Community Approach to Lake Planning, etc.-#32007
UPPER ST CROIX LAKE ASSOCIATION: AIS Education, Prevention & Monitoring on Upper St. Croix Lk & Headwaters of St. Croix River2010
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-SUPERIOR: Upper St. Croix Lk Yellow Iris Early Detection/Response 2013-20152013
GORDON/ST. CROIX FLOWAGE ASSOCIATION: Gordon/St. Croix Flowage Association 2016 Clean Boats Clean Water2016
UPPER ST CROIX LAKE ASSOCIATION: Upper St Croix Lk 2016 CBCW Project2016
UPPER ST CROIX LAKE ASSOCIATION: Upper St. Croix Lake Association 2020 CBCW2020
STANDING CEDARS COMMUNITY LAND CONSERVANCY: Bluffs Greenway Protection & Education2005
RIVER COUNTRY RC&D COUNCIL, INC: Green Development Conference2004
FRIENDS OF THE ST CROIX HEADWATERS, INC.: Building the Capacity of the Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters2005
UPPER ST CROIX LAKE ASSOCIATION: AIS Education, Prevention & Monitoring on Upper St. Croix Lake & Headwaters of St. Croix River2010
GORDON/ST. CROIX FLOWAGE ASSOCIATION: St Croix Flowage Clean Boats Clean Waters Project 20142014
ST. CROIX COUNTY: St. Croix Basin Conference2004
FRIENDS OF THE ST CROIX HEADWATERS, INC.: Building the Outreach Capacity of FOTSCH2008
Saint Croix River across from Cranberry Bog2006
Saint Croix River at Cranberry Bog Discharge2006
St Croix River at Cut Away Dam2007
GORDON/ST. CROIX FLOWAGE ASSOCIATION: Gordon/St. Croix Flowage AIS Prevention & Education Project2007
UPPER ST CROIX LAKE ASSOCIATION: A Community Management Approach: Grant 52007
TOWN OF BARNES: Eau Claire Lakes-Barnes Area AIS Education, Prevention, & Planning Project 2007-20082007
WILD RIVERS CONSERVANCY ST CROIX & NAMEKAGON: COMP - Lake St. Croix 9 Key Element Plan Update2024
WILD RIVERS CONSERVANCY ST CROIX & NAMEKAGON: COMP - Lake St. Croix TMDL Progress Report2024
DOUGLAS COUNTY LWCD: St. Croix/Gordon Flowage Rapid Response Project2007
UPPER ST CROIX LAKE ASSOCIATION: AIS Education, Prevention & Monitoring Project2013
DOUGLAS COUNTY: St. Croix Flowage Vegetation Management Survey2024
St Croix River At Old Hwy 53 Bridge2010
VILLAGE OF SOLON SPRINGS: AIS Control for Evasion of Watermilfoil2007
UPPER ST CROIX LAKE ASSOCIATION: AIS Control & CBCW Project2015
UPPER ST CROIX LAKE ASSOCIATION: Upper St Croix Lake Association 2019 CBCW2019
UPPER ST CROIX LAKE ASSOCIATION: A Community Approach to Data Collection, Lake Modeling & Strategic Planning, Phase 12006
UPPER ST CROIX LAKE ASSOCIATION: A Community Approach to Data Collection, Lake Modeling, & Strategic Planning, Phase 22006
UPPER ST CROIX LAKE ASSOCIATION: Eurasian Watermilfoil Monitoring on Upper St. Croix & Headwaters2008
GORDON/ST. CROIX FLOWAGE ASSOCIATION: St. Croix Flowage 2015 Clean Boats Clean Waters Project2015
GORDON/ST. CROIX FLOWAGE ASSOCIATION: St. Croix Flowage EWM Survey & Treatment Follow-up2016
UPPER ST CROIX LAKE ASSOCIATION: Upper St Croix Lake Association 2018 CBCW2018
STAR PRAIRIE LAND PRESERVATION TRUST: Lower Apple Implementation2012
ST. CROIX COUNTY: Lake St. Croix TMDL Civic Engagement Initiative Phase II2022
Fish Propagation Actions2001
St Croix River at Old HWY 53 At Gordon2007
Lake St. Croix Nutrient Total Maximum Daily Load - Nine Key Element Plan2017
ST. CROIX COUNTY: St. Croix Conference '062006
ST. CROIX COUNTY: LMI Lake St. Croix TMDL Civic Engagement Initiative2019
GORDON/ST. CROIX FLOWAGE ASSOCIATION: Gordon/St. Croix Flowage Association 2019 CBCW2019
WISCONSIN FARMER UNION: 319 Match LMI-Farmer-Led Watershed Council Coordinator2022
STAR PRAIRIE LAND PRESERVATION TRUST: Lower Apple Survey, Marketing2012

Monitoring Projects

WBICOfficial Waterbody NameStation IDStation NameEarliest Fieldwork DateLatest Fieldwork DateView StationView Data
733200Gantenbein Lake10058700POOL 3MapData
5015411Unnamed10058700POOL 3MapData
5584593Unnamed10058700POOL 3MapData
5591636Unnamed10058700POOL 3MapData
2601500Lake Saint Croix10048342SAINT CROIX RIVER - Hwy 10 bridge at PrescottMapData
2601400Saint Croix River483060St Croix River-Lower Lake - St Croix Comp Sed6/13/19946/13/1994MapData
5540673Sharp Muskrat Lake10058700POOL 3MapData
5541277North Lake10058700POOL 3MapData
721000Mississippi River 10058700POOL 3MapData
5015245Unnamed10058700POOL 3MapData
5540718Twin Lakes10058700POOL 3MapData
5541646Brewer Lake10058700POOL 3MapData
733510Unnamed10058700POOL 3MapData
5540790Twin Lakes10058700POOL 3MapData
2601400Saint Croix River563164St Croix - Hudson6/25/199010/3/2012MapData
5584591Pickerel Slough10058700POOL 3MapData
5014348Unnamed10058700POOL 3MapData
5584587Unnamed10058700POOL 3MapData
5589771Sturgeon Lake10058700POOL 3MapData
2601400Saint Croix River10048342SAINT CROIX RIVER - Hwy 10 bridge at PrescottMapData

Watershed Characteristics

Saint Croix River is located in the Kinnickinnic River watershed which is 206.08 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily agricultural (47.30%), grassland (25.40%) and a mix of forest (19.40%) and other uses (7.80%). This watershed has 283.63 stream miles, 508.55 lake acres and 1,305.73 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

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

St Croix River is considered a Cool-Cold Mainstem, Cool-Warm Headwater 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) Mainstem streams are moderate-to-large but still wadeable perennial streams with cold to cool summer temperatures. Coldwater fishes are common to uncommon, transitional fishes are abundant to common, and warm water fishes are uncommon to absent. Headwater species are common to absent, mainstem species are abundant to common, and river species are common to absent.

Fisheries & Habitat

The Saint Croix River flows south into the Mississippi River and is part of the Minnesota-Wisconsin boundary waters. Natural Lake St. Croix, though partially impounded, is situated on the lower portion of the stream in St. Croix and Pierce Counties. The Apple River is a direct tributary to the St. Croix River in 5t. Croix County. Managed as rock sturgeon, smallmouth bass waters. Most common fish species in this stream include smallmouth bass, walleyes, largemouth bass, black crappies, rock bass, white bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, brown bullheads, carp, white suckers, quillbacks, gizzard shad, burbot, sheepshead and blue suckers. Rock sturgeon, northern pike, sauger, perch, bluegills, pumpkinseeds, brown trout, buffaloes, redhorses, longnose gar, shortnose gar, bonefin, and mooneye are also present.

The St. Croix Islands Wildlife Area near Somerset accounts for 3.68 miles of the public frontage on the river. Also, a 66 foot town road access is located at the Marine ferry landing. One resort, a Boy Scout Camp and 15 cottages and homes are its private development.

This stream provides habitat for muskrat, beaver and broods of mallards, blue-winged teal, wood ducks and hooded mergansers. Canada geese, coots and other ducks of the puddle and diver groups may be found here during the migratory seasons.

From: Sather, LaVerne M. and Threinen, C.W., 1961. Lake and Stream Classification Project. Surface Water Resources of St. Croix County, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, WI.

Date  1961

Author   Aquatic Biologist

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