Little Sioux River

Little Sioux River is classified a Class 1 trout stream by WDNR. This means that it is considered a high quality trout waters that have sufficient natural reproduction to sustain populations of wild trout, at or near carry capacity. Consequently, streams in this category require no stocking of hatchery trout. These streams or stream sections are often small and may contain small or slow-growing trout, especially in the headwaters.

Little Sioux River Overview

This stream flows some eight miles to its confluence with the Sioux River. This Class I trout stream is an outstanding resource water, supporting brook trout and migratory species from Lake Superior and a trout nursery area. The spring-fed headwaters maintain a temperature averaging 48 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. As the water warms downstream, trout species other than brook become more abundant. The stream drains mostly sandy soils and some areas of red clay. In the past, beaver caused extreme siltation in flowage areas. The stream drains a large area comprised of mixed hardwoods and conifers periodically subjected to clearcutting and logging traffic, which may contribute sediment to the stream.

This stream was used as a sampling site to study the occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in surface waters. This near pristine stream yielded the highest concentration of Giardia in samples taken from streams in the basin in late September. The watershed has a concentration of about 26 white-tailed deer per square mile in summer and 20 in winter. In addition, small numbers of black bear use the watershed, as do beaver and migratory waterfowl. As summer progressed, the number of suspended solids in the stream increased substantially. The fecal coliform count on one occasion reached 200 per 100 milliliters; this exceeds the standard for bacteria for recreational contact.

The water marked for higher production is located North of Washburn and West of 13. North of Washburn and just north of the Sioux River, take Kjarvick Rd off of Hwy 13 heading West. The road will cross McCullock Rd./Potter Rd. and change to Smith Fire Ln. When Smith Fire Ln turns north the river will be off the left side in the woods. The best way to reach the river may be to follow Smith Fire Ln north until it runs into Little Sioux Rd. Take a left on Little Sioux Rd and head Southwest until you cross the river. Check access maps.

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