Survey of Fish in Clinton River Boasts 21 Species
(Shawn Keenan, Auburn Hills City Planner, Aug. 15, 2023)
Auburn Hills, MI – This past Tuesday, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division conducted a fish survey on the Clinton River that included a segment in Auburn Hills at River Woods Park. I’m pleased to report that among 21 species of fish caught, identified, measured, and released that day, 30 were Brown Trout and one Rainbow Trout.
Two Brown Trout measured 15 inches, and three more were in the 12 to 13 inch range. Many of the trout caught during this year’s survey were larger than those seen in previous years. The increased numbers and size of trout is a positive indication that the river conditions and habitat are healthy enough to support an excellent urban fishery in Auburn Hills.
What is also encouraging is the variety of fish species found during the survey, which included White Sucker, Blacknose Dace, Creek Chub, Bluegill, Northern Hog Sucker, Hybrid Sunfish, Green Sunfish, Brown Trout, Central Stoneroller, Rock Bass, Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, Rainbow Darter, Johnny Darter, Yellow Bullhead, Logperch, Common Shiner, Smallmouth Bass, Greenside Darter, and Round Goby. This wide variety of fish is another good indicator of a healthy river system.
The City is proud to know that the health of the river continues to improve with the help of its valued partners like the Clinton River Watershed Council and Trout Unlimited. We also attribute this success to the actions undertaken by our residents and businesses to keep pollutants out of our local rivers, lakes, streams, and storm drains.
To learn more about what you can do to protect and improve the water quality of the Clinton River and other local lakes, creeks, and streams, please visit the Stormwater page on auburnhills.org and the Clinton River Watershed Council online.
You can also volunteer at this year’s Auburn Hills Clinton River Cleanup on September 16 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at River Woods Park (300 River Woods Drive).
