Kinnickinnic River (St. Croix River)

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The Kinnickinnic River is a first class trout stream in northwest Wisconsin. It arises from springs just north of Interstate 94 and flows in a southwesterly direction before emptying into the St. Croix River in Kinnickinnic State Park. The city of River Falls, Wisconsin, named after a falls in the Kinnickinnic, is situated on the river.

[edit] Fishing

The Kinnickinnic is known for being two types of trout stream. Above River Falls, it flows more slowly, with a sandy/silty bottom and a narrower bed. Below River Falls, the bed is wider and is generally composed of stone rather than sand or silt, which is washed away to the extensive delta by the faster flow. The water is slightly colder above River Falls than below, as the dam in the city allows the water to sit and warm up before continuing.

The differences in the stream means for differences in the fish population. The sandy/silty bottom above River Falls makes for an extensive supply of smaller food material, such as larvae. The warmer water below River Falls supports more minnow and crustacean life, which can support larger trout, though in fewer numbers. The extreme case of this is near the delta, where the water becomes even warmer, and the river supports warmer-water species such as smallmouth bass.