December 2023 Project Update:
The fishway is now open for fish!
Please note that there is currently no public access to the fishway. We are in the process of cleaning up the area, and new trees and shrubs are scheduled to be planted this spring!
Fish and other aquatic species need to be able to swim up river in order to access food sources, reproduce, and establish healthy, stable populations. When man-made barriers like dams prohibit or delay fish movement in our waterways, fish passage can be designed to help fish move through or around the barrier to get where they need to go.
At Kletzsch, MMSD is planning to design and build a passage channel that goes around the dam on the east side of the river. The Kletzsch Dam Fish Passage project is intended to address required dam repairs and to provide fish passage for native species within the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern. Kletzsch Dam is the largest remaining fish passage barrier on the Milwaukee River between Lake Michigan and Grafton.
Partner Lead: MMSD, Milwaukee County Parks
Status: Implementation
Outcome: Restored Ecosystems
More Information: Project Info, FAQ’s, Kletzsch Dam Factsheet, June 2023 Project Update Video, Nov 2021 Project Update Video