Owens Creek (Kishwaukee River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Owens Creek |
|
|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | DeKalb County west of DeKalb, Illinois 889 ft (271 m) 41°56′48″N 88°50′19″W / 41.9466667°N 88.8386111°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with the South Branch Kishwaukee River south of Rockford, Illinois 748 ft (228 m) 42°06′05″N 88°53′06″W / 42.1013889°N 88.885°W |
| Length | 15 mi (24 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Owens Creek → South Branch Kishwaukee → Kishwaukee → Rock → Mississippi → Gulf of Mexico |
| GNIS ID | 421991 |
Owens Creek is a small river, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) long, located in northern Illinois. It's like a smaller helper stream that flows into the South Branch Kishwaukee River, which is part of the larger Kishwaukee River system.
Where Owens Creek Starts and Ends
Owens Creek begins its journey near Malta, Illinois, close to Illinois Route 38. However, the actual stream channel, where the water really starts flowing, doesn't fully form until it reaches Rich Road in northwest DeKalb Township.
The creek then flows through the land until it joins the South Branch Kishwaukee River. This meeting point is in northwestern DeKalb County, just a bit past Irene Road.
What Owens Creek Looks Like
Owens Creek flows through a countryside area in DeKalb County. This area is mostly used for farming. Because of all the farms, the creek has changed quite a bit over time.
Even with these changes, some parts of the creek are still in great shape! For example, a section north of Illinois Route 72, right before it meets the South Branch Kishwaukee River, is considered "very good." There are also other short parts between Route 72 and Old State Road, about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) upstream, that are in good condition too.
In 1868, a person named Henry Lamson Boies wrote about Owens Creek in his book, History of DeKalb County. He described it as a "pleasant little stream of water." He said it winds and turns, flowing from the southeast towards the northwest. Along its path, the creek gets wider in some spots, forming "miniature lakes."
Boies also mentioned how beautiful these wider parts were, especially in warm weather. He saw green plants all around them and many water-birds flying above or landing in the clear water. He even noted that the water was full of fish like pickerel and other smaller kinds, making it a great spot for nature lovers and people who enjoy fishing.
Animals in Owens Creek
Owens Creek is a place where many fish live. However, scientists haven't collected much information recently about all the different types of fish in the creek.
The most recent information we have is from 1970 and 1961. Back then, some of the fish found in Owens Creek included smallmouth bass and rock bass.
