Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologists surveyed fish in the Coon Creek Watershed in June 2025, as part of a comprehensive study of the Coon Creek Watershed. The WI-DNR will report on their findings at the July 1st Coon Creek Community Watershed Council meeting. Photo: Coulee Region Trout Unlimited
Sydney Widell | Watershed Coordinator, CCCWC
The average number of brook trout per mile in Coon Creek’s Bohemian Valley fishery area rose from 15 to 53 between 2024 and 2025, although the number of fish greater than 8 inches long declined by 15, according to new data from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources La Crosse area inland fisheries unit. Each year, the agency conducts surveys at popular fishing destinations to monitor trends in local trout stream populations.
In addition to these yearly surveys, the DNR also leads a comprehensive fisheries survey of a Driftless Area watershed, in partnership with other local organizations like Coulee Region Trout Unlimited. This year, their sampling efforts focused on 14 sites in and around Coon Creek. Senior Fisheries Biologist Kirk Olson will share more findings from last season’s survey at our July 1st meeting.
As a farmer-led conservation non-profit dedicated to advancing awareness of, adoption of, and access to practices that advance soil health, flood resilience, and community well-being, we see the health of Coon Creek’s fishery as a major indicator of the success of the upland soil conservation efforts we advocate for.
According to the DNR, all of the survey results help support fisheries management decisions and provide historical records. Species distribution maps, fisheries management regulations and habitat project prioritization are just a few of the important processes that trout population survey results inform. These surveys also indicate productive fishing destinations for a wide variety of angler preferences.
To conduct the surveys, the DNR uses a method called electrofishing. Electrofishing involves sending a current of electricity into a creek, which temporarily stuns fish and sends them floating to the surface of the water. DNR scientists are able to scoop up the fish with nets, take a few quick measurements, and return them to the stream unscathed.
The DNR will demonstrate this technique at our July 1st meeting, which will take place at the Bohemian Valley Fishery Area located on Co. Hwy G, about 0.2 miles north of the Co. Hwy P intersection. The night will begin at 6pm with a creekside cookout. Like all of our events, July’s meeting is free and all are welcome. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnicware.