Fishing at the Bee Branch

Fish Assessment 01
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The Bee Branch Creek Greenway provides fishing opportunities for local anglers. It's not uncommon to see fishing enthusiasts along the banks of the creek and at the Bee Branch Pond.

Fish Found in the Creek

On June 24, 2014, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conducted a fish assessment in the lower half of the Bee Branch Creek including the 16th St. Detention Basin also known as the Bee Branch Pond. The stream segment contained 14 species of native fish including bluegill, largemouth bass, northern pike, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. Give the "newness" of the creek, the DNR considered the sample a mark of success for the project. Overtime, we also expect to see fish in the upper half of the creek from E. 24th St. to Garfield Ave.

Riffles, Runs, and Pools

The Bee Branch Creek includes riffles, runs, and pools which are common features of a healthy creek. Riffles are shallow with faster, turbulent water typically running over or between rocks. Runs are deeper areas that flow faster with little or no turbulence. Pools are deeper areas with slow moving water. The varying flow characteristics provide a variety of habitats that support both fish and invertebrates. The cobble creek bed provides space for invertebrates, small insects and worms, otherwise known as fish food. Many fish also require gravel and cobble to shelter their eggs during reproduction.

Fish Shelter

At multiple locations along the creek, there are buried logs, fish LUNKERS, and boulders to provide aquatic habitat. Buried logs provide refuge and overhead cover for fish. It also provides habitat for aquatic invertebrates. Logs help to dissipate the energy associated with flowing water, allowing for easier fish migration and channel stability.

Fish LUNKERS provide both stream bank stability and covered aquatic habitat. The LUNKERS are similar to a wood pallet. They are buried under the edge of the creek and typically under the water surface. First developed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in the early 1980s to create trout habitat, they are now widely used for other fish species as well.

FUN FACT: LUNKERS is an acronym for Little Underwater Neighborhood Keepers Encompassing Rheotactic Salmonids.


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