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• 311. [Article] Lower Snake River Compensation Plan; Oregon Summer Steelhead Evaluation Studies - 2014 Annual Progress Report

  Abstract -- The objectives of this report are to document fish culture practices, describe adult returns, and assess progress toward meeting LSRCP goals for Grande Ronde and Imnaha steelhead (Oncorhynchus ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Lower Snake River Compensation Plan; Oregon Summer Steelhead Evaluation Studies - 2014 Annual Progress Report Abstract -- The objectives of this report are to document fish culture practices, describe adult returns, and assess progress toward meeting LSRCP goals for Grande Ronde and Imnaha steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss). We report on juvenile steelhead rearing and release activities for the 2013 brood year (BY) released in 2014. Included are collection, spawning, and adult characteristics for the 2014 returns, returns from experimental releases, supplementation in Little Sheep Creek, and success toward achieving compensation goals. The Grande Ronde and Imnaha river steelhead hatchery programs were initiated in 1976 and 1982 in response to the rapid decline in Snake River steelhead abundance. Annual adult mitigation, brood year specific smolt-to-adult return and total smolt-to-adult survival rates, and annual smolt production goals were established to compensate for the estimated annual loss of 48% of adult production. Adaptive management has resulted in current interim smolt production goals of 800,000 (ODFW Wallowa stock released into the Grande Ronde) and 215,000 (Imnaha stock) smolts; less than the original goals of 1,350,000 and 330,000 smolts. Based on original smolt production goals it was assumed that 27,552 Wallowa stock and 6,000 Imnaha stock adults would be produced annually. Furthermore, 66.7% of these fish were expected to be harvested below the compensation area, defined as the watershed above Lower Granite Dam, resulting in compensation area adult return goals of 9,184 Wallowa stock and 2,000 Imnaha stock. In general, the data in this report were derived from hatchery inventories and standard databases (e.g., Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission Regional Mark Information System (RMIS), ODFW mark recovery) or through standard measuring techniques. As such, specific protocols are usually not described. In cases where expansions of data or unique methodologies were used, protocols are described in more detail. Additional descriptions of protocols can be found in our work statements (Carmichael et al. 2012, Carmichael et al. 2013). Coded-wire tag (CWT) data collected from 2014 adult returns were used to evaluate smolt-to-adult survival rates in experimental rearing and release groups. In 2014, the only experimental treatments from which fish returned were second generation progeny from early returning (fall-collected) broodstock. In 2014, smolts were released at Wallowa Hatchery that were third generation progeny of early returning (fall-collected) broodstock for an experimental comparison with progeny of standard production broodstock. Methods for the fall broodstock experiment are described in Warren et al. (2011a). Analysis of specific survival studies will be completed and published in separate reports once all brood years have returned and CWT data are complete for each experiment. In addition, much of the data that we discuss in this report will be used in separate and specific evaluations of ongoing supplementation programs for steelhead in the Imnaha River basin. Lower Snake River Compensation Plan (LSRCP) ODFW- Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR) Title: Lower Snake River Compensation Plan; Oregon Summer Steelhead Evaluation Studies - 2014 Annual Progress Report Abstract -- The objectives of this report are to document fish culture practices, describe adult returns, and assess progress toward meeting LSRCP goals for Grande Ronde and Imnaha steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss). We report on juvenile steelhead rearing and release activities for the 2013 brood year (BY) released in 2014. Included are collection, spawning, and adult characteristics for the 2014 returns, returns from experimental releases, supplementation in Little Sheep Creek, and success toward achieving compensation goals. The Grande Ronde and Imnaha river steelhead hatchery programs were initiated in 1976 and 1982 in response to the rapid decline in Snake River steelhead abundance. Annual adult mitigation, brood year specific smolt-to-adult return and total smolt-to-adult survival rates, and annual smolt production goals were established to compensate for the estimated annual loss of 48% of adult production. Adaptive management has resulted in current interim smolt production goals of 800,000 (ODFW Wallowa stock released into the Grande Ronde) and 215,000 (Imnaha stock) smolts; less than the original goals of 1,350,000 and 330,000 smolts. Based on original smolt production goals it was assumed that 27,552 Wallowa stock and 6,000 Imnaha stock adults would be produced annually. Furthermore, 66.7% of these fish were expected to be harvested below the compensation area, defined as the watershed above Lower Granite Dam, resulting in compensation area adult return goals of 9,184 Wallowa stock and 2,000 Imnaha stock. In general, the data in this report were derived from hatchery inventories and standard databases (e.g., Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission Regional Mark Information System (RMIS), ODFW mark recovery) or through standard measuring techniques. As such, specific protocols are usually not described. In cases where expansions of data or unique methodologies were used, protocols are described in more detail. Additional descriptions of protocols can be found in our work statements (Carmichael et al. 2012, Carmichael et al. 2013). Coded-wire tag (CWT) data collected from 2014 adult returns were used to evaluate smolt-to-adult survival rates in experimental rearing and release groups. In 2014, the only experimental treatments from which fish returned were second generation progeny from early returning (fall-collected) broodstock. In 2014, smolts were released at Wallowa Hatchery that were third generation progeny of early returning (fall-collected) broodstock for an experimental comparison with progeny of standard production broodstock. Methods for the fall broodstock experiment are described in Warren et al. (2011a). Analysis of specific survival studies will be completed and published in separate reports once all brood years have returned and CWT data are complete for each experiment. In addition, much of the data that we discuss in this report will be used in separate and specific evaluations of ongoing supplementation programs for steelhead in the Imnaha River basin. Lower Snake River Compensation Plan (LSRCP) ODFW- Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR) Close

• 312. [Article] Lower Snake River Compensation Plan; Oregon Summer Steelhead Evaluation Studies - 2015 Annual Progress Report

  Abstract -- The objectives of this report are to document fish culture practices, describe adult returns, and assess progress toward meeting LSRCP goals for Grande Ronde and Imnaha steelhead (Oncorhynchus ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Lower Snake River Compensation Plan; Oregon Summer Steelhead Evaluation Studies - 2015 Annual Progress Report Abstract -- The objectives of this report are to document fish culture practices, describe adult returns, and assess progress toward meeting LSRCP goals for Grande Ronde and Imnaha steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss). We report on juvenile steelhead rearing and release activities for the 2014 brood year (BY) released in 2015. Included are collection, spawning, and adult characteristics for the 2015 returns, returns from experimental releases, supplementation in Little Sheep Creek, and success toward achieving compensation goals. The Grande Ronde and Imnaha river steelhead hatchery programs were initiated in 1976 and 1982 in response to the rapid decline in Snake River steelhead abundance. Annual adult mitigation, brood year specific smolt-to-adult return and total smolt-to-adult survival rates, and annual smolt production goals were established to compensate for the estimated annual loss of 48% of adult production. Adaptive management has resulted in current interim smolt production goals of 800,000 (ODFW Wallowa stock released into the Grande Ronde) and 215,000 (Imnaha stock) smolts; less than the original goals of 1,350,000 and 330,000 smolts. Based on original smolt production goals it was assumed that 27,552 Wallowa stock and 6,000 Imnaha stock adults would be produced annually. Furthermore, 66.7% of these fish were expected to be harvested below the compensation area, defined as the watershed above Lower Granite Dam, resulting in compensation area adult return goals of 9,184 Wallowa stock and 2,000 Imnaha stock. In general, the data in this report were derived from hatchery inventories and standard databases (e.g., Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission Regional Mark Information System (RMIS), ODFW mark recovery) or through standard measuring techniques. As such, specific protocols are usually not described. In cases where expansions of data or unique methodologies were used, protocols are described in more detail. Additional descriptions of protocols can be found in our work statements (Carmichael et al. 2012, Carmichael et al. 2013). Coded-wire tag (CWT) data collected from 2015 adult returns were used to evaluate smolt-to-adult survival rates in experimental rearing and release groups. In 2015, the only experimental treatments from which fish returned were second generation progeny from early returning (fall-collected) broodstock. In 2015, smolts were released at Wallowa Hatchery that were third generation progeny of early returning (fall-collected) broodstock for an experimental comparison with progeny of standard production broodstock. Methods for the fall broodstock experiment are described in Warren et al. (2011a). Analysis of specific survival studies will be completed and published in separate reports once all brood years have returned and CWT data are complete for each experiment. In addition, much of the data that we discuss in this report will be used in separate and specific evaluations of ongoing supplementation programs for steelhead in the Imnaha River basin. Lower Snake River Compensation Plan (LSRCP) ODFW- Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR) Title: Lower Snake River Compensation Plan; Oregon Summer Steelhead Evaluation Studies - 2015 Annual Progress Report Abstract -- The objectives of this report are to document fish culture practices, describe adult returns, and assess progress toward meeting LSRCP goals for Grande Ronde and Imnaha steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss). We report on juvenile steelhead rearing and release activities for the 2014 brood year (BY) released in 2015. Included are collection, spawning, and adult characteristics for the 2015 returns, returns from experimental releases, supplementation in Little Sheep Creek, and success toward achieving compensation goals. The Grande Ronde and Imnaha river steelhead hatchery programs were initiated in 1976 and 1982 in response to the rapid decline in Snake River steelhead abundance. Annual adult mitigation, brood year specific smolt-to-adult return and total smolt-to-adult survival rates, and annual smolt production goals were established to compensate for the estimated annual loss of 48% of adult production. Adaptive management has resulted in current interim smolt production goals of 800,000 (ODFW Wallowa stock released into the Grande Ronde) and 215,000 (Imnaha stock) smolts; less than the original goals of 1,350,000 and 330,000 smolts. Based on original smolt production goals it was assumed that 27,552 Wallowa stock and 6,000 Imnaha stock adults would be produced annually. Furthermore, 66.7% of these fish were expected to be harvested below the compensation area, defined as the watershed above Lower Granite Dam, resulting in compensation area adult return goals of 9,184 Wallowa stock and 2,000 Imnaha stock. In general, the data in this report were derived from hatchery inventories and standard databases (e.g., Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission Regional Mark Information System (RMIS), ODFW mark recovery) or through standard measuring techniques. As such, specific protocols are usually not described. In cases where expansions of data or unique methodologies were used, protocols are described in more detail. Additional descriptions of protocols can be found in our work statements (Carmichael et al. 2012, Carmichael et al. 2013). Coded-wire tag (CWT) data collected from 2015 adult returns were used to evaluate smolt-to-adult survival rates in experimental rearing and release groups. In 2015, the only experimental treatments from which fish returned were second generation progeny from early returning (fall-collected) broodstock. In 2015, smolts were released at Wallowa Hatchery that were third generation progeny of early returning (fall-collected) broodstock for an experimental comparison with progeny of standard production broodstock. Methods for the fall broodstock experiment are described in Warren et al. (2011a). Analysis of specific survival studies will be completed and published in separate reports once all brood years have returned and CWT data are complete for each experiment. In addition, much of the data that we discuss in this report will be used in separate and specific evaluations of ongoing supplementation programs for steelhead in the Imnaha River basin. Lower Snake River Compensation Plan (LSRCP) ODFW- Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR) Close

• 313. [Article] Status of Winter Rearing Habitat in Four Coho Population Units_ODFW AQI Winter Report Final 2008

  Abstract -- We described the status of habitat in four Oregon coastal coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) population units (Nehalem, Siuslaw, Coquille, South Umpqua) during winter 2007, estimated the potential ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Status of Winter Rearing Habitat in Four Coho Population Units_ODFW AQI Winter Report Final 2008 Abstract -- We described the status of habitat in four Oregon coastal coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) population units (Nehalem, Siuslaw, Coquille, South Umpqua) during winter 2007, estimated the potential winter rearing capacity of streams within those population units, and described the differences observed in stream habitat between winter and summer with emphasis on slow water and secondary channel habitats. Sample sites were randomly selected and spatially balanced within the distribution of coho salmon (juvenile and adult) in Oregon coastal watersheds south of the Columbia River. Twenty five sites were targeted within each of the four population units. Each survey was approximately 1000 m in length and adhered to protocols in Moore et al (2007). The Habitat Limiting Factors Model (HLFM) was used to estimate habitat capacity and quality for rearing juvenile coho. The HLFM predicted that the Nehalem and Siuslaw basins could support the highest density of juvenile coho, and the South Umpqua the least. Seasonal changes in habitat were similar to that reported in a previous study. Winter surveys facilitated the assessment of habitat status and estimating capacity because the surveys were conducted at the time when habitat is most limiting to survival of juvenile coho. Winter surveys were particularly valuable in capturing secondary channel and slow water habitat units such as beaver ponds and alcoves. We also performed a sensitivity analysis to determine the number of survey sites necessary to represent each population unit within the desired confidence range of 30% recommended in the Coho Conservation Plan. Twenty five target sites were not adequate to describe the winter parr capacity within a 95% confidence interval of +30% in each population unit. Confidence intervals of estimates of parr per km ranged from 34 to 60% and mean parr per m2 ranged from 20 to 45%. Title: Status of Winter Rearing Habitat in Four Coho Population Units_ODFW AQI Winter Report Final 2008 Abstract -- We described the status of habitat in four Oregon coastal coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) population units (Nehalem, Siuslaw, Coquille, South Umpqua) during winter 2007, estimated the potential winter rearing capacity of streams within those population units, and described the differences observed in stream habitat between winter and summer with emphasis on slow water and secondary channel habitats. Sample sites were randomly selected and spatially balanced within the distribution of coho salmon (juvenile and adult) in Oregon coastal watersheds south of the Columbia River. Twenty five sites were targeted within each of the four population units. Each survey was approximately 1000 m in length and adhered to protocols in Moore et al (2007). The Habitat Limiting Factors Model (HLFM) was used to estimate habitat capacity and quality for rearing juvenile coho. The HLFM predicted that the Nehalem and Siuslaw basins could support the highest density of juvenile coho, and the South Umpqua the least. Seasonal changes in habitat were similar to that reported in a previous study. Winter surveys facilitated the assessment of habitat status and estimating capacity because the surveys were conducted at the time when habitat is most limiting to survival of juvenile coho. Winter surveys were particularly valuable in capturing secondary channel and slow water habitat units such as beaver ponds and alcoves. We also performed a sensitivity analysis to determine the number of survey sites necessary to represent each population unit within the desired confidence range of 30% recommended in the Coho Conservation Plan. Twenty five target sites were not adequate to describe the winter parr capacity within a 95% confidence interval of +30% in each population unit. Confidence intervals of estimates of parr per km ranged from 34 to 60% and mean parr per m2 ranged from 20 to 45%. Close

• 314. [Article] Population Health Goals and Assessment Methods for Steelhead in the Klamath Mountains Province Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2002-08

  Abstract -- On March 13, 1998, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced that steelhead in the Klamath Mountain Province (KMP) of southern Oregon and northern California would be protected ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Population Health Goals and Assessment Methods for Steelhead in the Klamath Mountains Province Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2002-08 Abstract -- On March 13, 1998, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced that steelhead in the Klamath Mountain Province (KMP) of southern Oregon and northern California would be protected by special conservation plans designed in cooperation with the states of Oregon and California. The steelhead supplement to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OPSW) is intended to maintain wild steelhead populations in Oregon at sustainable and productive levels that will provide substantial environmental, cultural, and economic benefits. Similarly, a Memorandum of Agreement between NMFS and the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) established the terms and conditions for the improved conservation and management of steelhead on the northern coast of California. Section ODFWIA1S of the OPSW commits the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to work with NMFS to establish “Population Health Goals” for wild steelhead in Oregon. Section 7 of the Memorandum of Agreement between NMFS and CDFG requires that a monitoring program be developed in order to assess the health of steelhead on the north coast of California. The purpose of this document is to propose population health goals for wild steelhead populations in the Oregon portion of the KMP and to propose a monitoring program designed to characterize the status of KMP steelhead in relation to population health goals. Potential or ongoing monitoring activities conducted by private parties or government agencies are not discussed unless directly relevant to monitoring proposed for KMP steelhead. The State of Oregon is in the process of developing a program to monitor the status of salmonid populations, and their habitats, along the coast of Oregon (ODFW 1998). Many elements of this program will be useful for monitoring the status of steelhead in the KMP. Integration of the two monitoring programs should result in a more effective use of public funds and also should ensure that data is gathered and stored so as to be available for wide-spread use. ODFW considered a number of measures that have been used to describe the status, or health, of animal populations. Six goals were eventually chosen because they appeared to be the most appropriate and practical means by which to judge whether wild steelhead populations in the KMP attain sustainable and productive levels as called for in the OPSW. Health goals may be modified in the future as additional information, assessment criteria, or monitoring technology, becomes available. ODFW believes that monitoring will result in improved assessment and management of steelhead resources. However, ODFW also believes that monitoring results need to be interpreted with care. Attainment of all of the proposed goals should indicate that the populations are generally healthy. Similarly, failure to attain any of the goals should raise immediate concern about the status of the populations. However, should some goals be attained, while others are not, the status of the resource will likely remain open to interpretation. Title: Population Health Goals and Assessment Methods for Steelhead in the Klamath Mountains Province Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2002-08 Abstract -- On March 13, 1998, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced that steelhead in the Klamath Mountain Province (KMP) of southern Oregon and northern California would be protected by special conservation plans designed in cooperation with the states of Oregon and California. The steelhead supplement to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OPSW) is intended to maintain wild steelhead populations in Oregon at sustainable and productive levels that will provide substantial environmental, cultural, and economic benefits. Similarly, a Memorandum of Agreement between NMFS and the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) established the terms and conditions for the improved conservation and management of steelhead on the northern coast of California. Section ODFWIA1S of the OPSW commits the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to work with NMFS to establish “Population Health Goals” for wild steelhead in Oregon. Section 7 of the Memorandum of Agreement between NMFS and CDFG requires that a monitoring program be developed in order to assess the health of steelhead on the north coast of California. The purpose of this document is to propose population health goals for wild steelhead populations in the Oregon portion of the KMP and to propose a monitoring program designed to characterize the status of KMP steelhead in relation to population health goals. Potential or ongoing monitoring activities conducted by private parties or government agencies are not discussed unless directly relevant to monitoring proposed for KMP steelhead. The State of Oregon is in the process of developing a program to monitor the status of salmonid populations, and their habitats, along the coast of Oregon (ODFW 1998). Many elements of this program will be useful for monitoring the status of steelhead in the KMP. Integration of the two monitoring programs should result in a more effective use of public funds and also should ensure that data is gathered and stored so as to be available for wide-spread use. ODFW considered a number of measures that have been used to describe the status, or health, of animal populations. Six goals were eventually chosen because they appeared to be the most appropriate and practical means by which to judge whether wild steelhead populations in the KMP attain sustainable and productive levels as called for in the OPSW. Health goals may be modified in the future as additional information, assessment criteria, or monitoring technology, becomes available. ODFW believes that monitoring will result in improved assessment and management of steelhead resources. However, ODFW also believes that monitoring results need to be interpreted with care. Attainment of all of the proposed goals should indicate that the populations are generally healthy. Similarly, failure to attain any of the goals should raise immediate concern about the status of the populations. However, should some goals be attained, while others are not, the status of the resource will likely remain open to interpretation. Close

• 315. [Article] Klamath Mountains Province Steelhead Project, 1999 Annual Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2002-09

  Abstract -- The steelhead supplement to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OSPW) is intended to maintain wild steelhead populations in Oregon at sustainable and productive levels that provide substantial ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Klamath Mountains Province Steelhead Project, 1999 Annual Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2002-09 Abstract -- The steelhead supplement to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OSPW) is intended to maintain wild steelhead populations in Oregon at sustainable and productive levels that provide substantial environmental, cultural, and economic benefits. The OSPW attempts to better define “sustainable and productive” by committing the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to establish “Population Health Goals” for each Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) of wild steelhead within the state. In addition, section ODFW IB1S of the plan calls for ODFW to assess adult escapement and juvenile production of wild steelhead in each ESU. The National Marine Fisheries Service identified seven ESUs for steelhead in Oregon and concluded that steelhead produced in coastal basins between Cape Blanco in southern Oregon and the Klamath River Basin in northern California constitutes one ESU. This area closely corresponds to the geologic boundaries of the Klamath Mountains Province (KMP). Steelhead in the KMP differ from those in adjoining areas because of distinctive life history and genetic characteristics (Busby et al. 1994). Primary differences in life history parameters have been identified for wild KMP steelhead. Summer steelhead and winter steelhead differ in time of return as adults, tendency to return to fresh water on a false spawning migration (the “half-pounder” run), age at ocean entry, growth rate and migration patterns of juveniles in fresh water (ODFW 1990a; ODFW 1994). As a result of these differences, separate health goals seem warranted for summer and winter steelhead populations. Winter steelhead inhabit streams throughout the KMP, while summer steelhead are found only in a portion of the Rogue River Basin. However, the distribution of summer and winter steelhead overlap in major areas of the Rogue River Basin (Everest 1973) and as juveniles of the respective races cannot be differentiated, some population health goals will have to apply to both races. The status of wild steelhead in the Klamath Mountains Province ESU is not readily apparent. Busby et al. (1994) concluded that the steelhead in this ESU “is not now at risk of extinction, but if present trends continue, it is likely to become so in the foreseeable future”. In contrast, Chilcote (1998) concluded that almost all steelhead populations in the Oregon portion of the ESU “are relatively healthy and certainly do not warrant listing as threatened under the ESA”. Uncertainty as to the status of the resource, coupled with the comprehensive conservation plan developed by Oregon and the termination of wild fish harvest in all streams except the Rogue River, lead the National Marine Fisheries Service to defer a listing of KMP steelhead under the Endangered Species Act. However, KMP steelhead remained a candidate species during 1999. The goal of this project is to develop and implement assessment methods to determine the status of wild steelhead in the Oregon portion of the KMP. Project objectives include (1) develop population health goals and allied monitoring methods and (2) determine resource status in relation to health goals. Attainment of all of the population health goals will likely indicate that the populations of wild steelhead in the KMP are healthy and may allow managers to restore harvest opportunities for wild fish. Conversely, failure to attain any of the population health goals will likely indicate that the populations are depressed and would likely lead to actions designed to minimize fishing mortality. However, in most years it is likely that some goals will be attained while some will not be attained. Under that scenario, and depending on which goals are attained, selective fisheries, like the current one for wild winter steelhead in the Rogue River, remain as viable options for fishery managers. Title: Klamath Mountains Province Steelhead Project, 1999 Annual Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2002-09 Abstract -- The steelhead supplement to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OSPW) is intended to maintain wild steelhead populations in Oregon at sustainable and productive levels that provide substantial environmental, cultural, and economic benefits. The OSPW attempts to better define “sustainable and productive” by committing the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to establish “Population Health Goals” for each Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) of wild steelhead within the state. In addition, section ODFW IB1S of the plan calls for ODFW to assess adult escapement and juvenile production of wild steelhead in each ESU. The National Marine Fisheries Service identified seven ESUs for steelhead in Oregon and concluded that steelhead produced in coastal basins between Cape Blanco in southern Oregon and the Klamath River Basin in northern California constitutes one ESU. This area closely corresponds to the geologic boundaries of the Klamath Mountains Province (KMP). Steelhead in the KMP differ from those in adjoining areas because of distinctive life history and genetic characteristics (Busby et al. 1994). Primary differences in life history parameters have been identified for wild KMP steelhead. Summer steelhead and winter steelhead differ in time of return as adults, tendency to return to fresh water on a false spawning migration (the “half-pounder” run), age at ocean entry, growth rate and migration patterns of juveniles in fresh water (ODFW 1990a; ODFW 1994). As a result of these differences, separate health goals seem warranted for summer and winter steelhead populations. Winter steelhead inhabit streams throughout the KMP, while summer steelhead are found only in a portion of the Rogue River Basin. However, the distribution of summer and winter steelhead overlap in major areas of the Rogue River Basin (Everest 1973) and as juveniles of the respective races cannot be differentiated, some population health goals will have to apply to both races. The status of wild steelhead in the Klamath Mountains Province ESU is not readily apparent. Busby et al. (1994) concluded that the steelhead in this ESU “is not now at risk of extinction, but if present trends continue, it is likely to become so in the foreseeable future”. In contrast, Chilcote (1998) concluded that almost all steelhead populations in the Oregon portion of the ESU “are relatively healthy and certainly do not warrant listing as threatened under the ESA”. Uncertainty as to the status of the resource, coupled with the comprehensive conservation plan developed by Oregon and the termination of wild fish harvest in all streams except the Rogue River, lead the National Marine Fisheries Service to defer a listing of KMP steelhead under the Endangered Species Act. However, KMP steelhead remained a candidate species during 1999. The goal of this project is to develop and implement assessment methods to determine the status of wild steelhead in the Oregon portion of the KMP. Project objectives include (1) develop population health goals and allied monitoring methods and (2) determine resource status in relation to health goals. Attainment of all of the population health goals will likely indicate that the populations of wild steelhead in the KMP are healthy and may allow managers to restore harvest opportunities for wild fish. Conversely, failure to attain any of the population health goals will likely indicate that the populations are depressed and would likely lead to actions designed to minimize fishing mortality. However, in most years it is likely that some goals will be attained while some will not be attained. Under that scenario, and depending on which goals are attained, selective fisheries, like the current one for wild winter steelhead in the Rogue River, remain as viable options for fishery managers. Close

• 316. [Article] Klamath Mountains Province Steelhead Project, 2000-01 Annual Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2003-08

  Abstract -- The steelhead supplement to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OSPW) is intended to maintain wild steelhead populations in Oregon at sustainable and productive levels that provide substantial ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Klamath Mountains Province Steelhead Project, 2000-01 Annual Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2003-08 Abstract -- The steelhead supplement to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OSPW) is intended to maintain wild steelhead populations in Oregon at sustainable and productive levels that provide substantial environmental, cultural, and economic benefits. The OSPW attempts to better define "sustainable and productive" by committing the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to establish "Population Health Goals" for each Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) of wild steelhead within the state. In addition, section ODFW IB1S of the plan calls for ODFW to assess adult escapement and juvenile production of wild steelhead in each ESU. The National Marine Fisheries Service identified seven ESUs for steelhead in Oregon and concluded that steelhead produced in coastal basins between Cape Blanco in southern Oregon and the Klamath River Basin in northern California constitutes one ESU. This area closely corresponds to the geologic boundaries of the Klamath Mountains Province (KMP). Steelhead in the KMP differ from those in adjoining areas because of distinctive life history and genetic characteristics (Busby et al. 1994). Primary differences in life history parameters have been identified for wild KMP steelhead. Summer steelhead and winter steelhead differ in time of return as adults, tendency to return to fresh water on a false spawning migration (the "half-pounder" run), age at ocean entry, growth rate and migration patterns of juveniles in fresh water (ODFW 1990; ODFW 1994). As a result of these differences, separate health goals seem warranted for summer and winter steelhead populations. Winter steelhead inhabit streams throughout the KMP, while summer steelhead are found only in a portion of the Rogue River Basin. However, the distribution of summer and winter steelhead overlap in major areas of the Rogue River Basin (Everest 1973) and as juveniles of the respective races cannot be differentiated, some population health goals will have to apply to both races. The status of wild steelhead in the Klamath Mountains Province ESU is not readily apparent. Busby et al. (1994) concluded that the steelhead in this ESU “is not now at risk of extinction, but if present trends continue, it is likely to become so in the foreseeable future”. In contrast, Chilcote (1998) concluded that almost all steelhead populations in the Oregon portion of the ESU "are relatively healthy and certainly do not warrant listing as threatened under the ESA". Uncertainty as to the status of the resource, coupled with the comprehensive conservation plan developed by Oregon and the termination of wild fish harvest in all streams except the Rogue River, lead the National Marine Fisheries Service to defer a listing of KMP steelhead under the Endangered Species Act. However, KMP steelhead remained a candidate species during 2000. The goal of this project is to develop and implement assessment methods to determine the status of wild steelhead in the Oregon portion of the KMP. Project objectives include (1) develop population health goals and allied monitoring methods and (2) determine resource status in relation to health goals. Directed sampling began in 1999 and the findings from 1999 were reported by Satterthwaite (2002a). Title: Klamath Mountains Province Steelhead Project, 2000-01 Annual Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2003-08 Abstract -- The steelhead supplement to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OSPW) is intended to maintain wild steelhead populations in Oregon at sustainable and productive levels that provide substantial environmental, cultural, and economic benefits. The OSPW attempts to better define "sustainable and productive" by committing the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to establish "Population Health Goals" for each Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) of wild steelhead within the state. In addition, section ODFW IB1S of the plan calls for ODFW to assess adult escapement and juvenile production of wild steelhead in each ESU. The National Marine Fisheries Service identified seven ESUs for steelhead in Oregon and concluded that steelhead produced in coastal basins between Cape Blanco in southern Oregon and the Klamath River Basin in northern California constitutes one ESU. This area closely corresponds to the geologic boundaries of the Klamath Mountains Province (KMP). Steelhead in the KMP differ from those in adjoining areas because of distinctive life history and genetic characteristics (Busby et al. 1994). Primary differences in life history parameters have been identified for wild KMP steelhead. Summer steelhead and winter steelhead differ in time of return as adults, tendency to return to fresh water on a false spawning migration (the "half-pounder" run), age at ocean entry, growth rate and migration patterns of juveniles in fresh water (ODFW 1990; ODFW 1994). As a result of these differences, separate health goals seem warranted for summer and winter steelhead populations. Winter steelhead inhabit streams throughout the KMP, while summer steelhead are found only in a portion of the Rogue River Basin. However, the distribution of summer and winter steelhead overlap in major areas of the Rogue River Basin (Everest 1973) and as juveniles of the respective races cannot be differentiated, some population health goals will have to apply to both races. The status of wild steelhead in the Klamath Mountains Province ESU is not readily apparent. Busby et al. (1994) concluded that the steelhead in this ESU “is not now at risk of extinction, but if present trends continue, it is likely to become so in the foreseeable future”. In contrast, Chilcote (1998) concluded that almost all steelhead populations in the Oregon portion of the ESU "are relatively healthy and certainly do not warrant listing as threatened under the ESA". Uncertainty as to the status of the resource, coupled with the comprehensive conservation plan developed by Oregon and the termination of wild fish harvest in all streams except the Rogue River, lead the National Marine Fisheries Service to defer a listing of KMP steelhead under the Endangered Species Act. However, KMP steelhead remained a candidate species during 2000. The goal of this project is to develop and implement assessment methods to determine the status of wild steelhead in the Oregon portion of the KMP. Project objectives include (1) develop population health goals and allied monitoring methods and (2) determine resource status in relation to health goals. Directed sampling began in 1999 and the findings from 1999 were reported by Satterthwaite (2002a). Close

• 317. [Article] Klamath Mountains Province Steelhead Project, 2001-02 Annual Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2004-08

  Abstract -- The steelhead supplement to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OSPW) is intended to maintain wild steelhead populations in Oregon at sustainable and productive levels that provide substantial ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Klamath Mountains Province Steelhead Project, 2001-02 Annual Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2004-08 Abstract -- The steelhead supplement to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OSPW) is intended to maintain wild steelhead populations in Oregon at sustainable and productive levels that provide substantial environmental, cultural, and economic benefits. The OSPW attempts to better define "sustainable and productive" by committing the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to establish "Population Health Goals" for each Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) of wild steelhead within the state. In addition, section ODFW IB1S of the plan calls for ODFW to assess adult escapement and juvenile production of wild steelhead in each ESU. The National Marine Fisheries Service identified seven ESUs for steelhead in Oregon and concluded that steelhead produced in coastal basins between Cape Blanco in southern Oregon and the Klamath River Basin in northern California constitutes one ESU. This area closely corresponds to the geologic boundaries of the Klamath Mountains Province (KMP). Steelhead in the KMP differ from those in adjoining areas because of distinctive life history and genetic characteristics (Busby et al. 1994). Primary differences in life history parameters have been identified for wild KMP steelhead. Summer steelhead and winter steelhead differ in time of return as adults, tendency to return to fresh water on a false spawning migration (the "half-pounder" run), age at ocean entry, growth rate and migration patterns of juveniles in fresh water (ODFW 1990; ODFW 1994). As a result of these differences, separate health goals seem warranted for summer and winter steelhead populations. Winter steelhead inhabit streams throughout the KMP, while summer steelhead are found only in a portion of the Rogue River Basin. However, the distribution of summer and winter steelhead overlap in major areas of the Rogue River Basin (Everest 1973) and, as juveniles of the respective races cannot be differentiated, some population health goals have to apply to both races. The status of wild steelhead in the Klamath Mountains Province ESU is not readily apparent from historic sources of information. Uncertainty about resource status, coupled with a comprehensive conservation plan developed by Oregon and the termination of wild fish harvest in almost all KMP streams, lead the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), in 1998, to defer a listing of KMP steelhead under the Endangered Species Act. On 30 March, 2001, NMFS announced that, after a review of new information, that an Endangered Species Act listing was not warranted for KMP steelhead. In 2002, ODFW adopted new methods to monitor steelhead populations on the Oregon coast. Allied with the decision, ODFW decided to terminate the KMP steelhead project. Consequently, this report presents findings from the third, and final, year of the project. The goal of the project was to develop and implement assessment methods to determine the status of wild steelhead in the Oregon portion of the KMP. Project objectives included (1) develop population health goals and allied monitoring methods and (2) determine resource status in relation to health goals Satterthwaite (2002a). Directed sampling began in 1999 and findings from the first two years of the project were reported by Satterthwaite (2002b) and Satterthwaite (2003). Title: Klamath Mountains Province Steelhead Project, 2001-02 Annual Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2004-08 Abstract -- The steelhead supplement to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OSPW) is intended to maintain wild steelhead populations in Oregon at sustainable and productive levels that provide substantial environmental, cultural, and economic benefits. The OSPW attempts to better define "sustainable and productive" by committing the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to establish "Population Health Goals" for each Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) of wild steelhead within the state. In addition, section ODFW IB1S of the plan calls for ODFW to assess adult escapement and juvenile production of wild steelhead in each ESU. The National Marine Fisheries Service identified seven ESUs for steelhead in Oregon and concluded that steelhead produced in coastal basins between Cape Blanco in southern Oregon and the Klamath River Basin in northern California constitutes one ESU. This area closely corresponds to the geologic boundaries of the Klamath Mountains Province (KMP). Steelhead in the KMP differ from those in adjoining areas because of distinctive life history and genetic characteristics (Busby et al. 1994). Primary differences in life history parameters have been identified for wild KMP steelhead. Summer steelhead and winter steelhead differ in time of return as adults, tendency to return to fresh water on a false spawning migration (the "half-pounder" run), age at ocean entry, growth rate and migration patterns of juveniles in fresh water (ODFW 1990; ODFW 1994). As a result of these differences, separate health goals seem warranted for summer and winter steelhead populations. Winter steelhead inhabit streams throughout the KMP, while summer steelhead are found only in a portion of the Rogue River Basin. However, the distribution of summer and winter steelhead overlap in major areas of the Rogue River Basin (Everest 1973) and, as juveniles of the respective races cannot be differentiated, some population health goals have to apply to both races. The status of wild steelhead in the Klamath Mountains Province ESU is not readily apparent from historic sources of information. Uncertainty about resource status, coupled with a comprehensive conservation plan developed by Oregon and the termination of wild fish harvest in almost all KMP streams, lead the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), in 1998, to defer a listing of KMP steelhead under the Endangered Species Act. On 30 March, 2001, NMFS announced that, after a review of new information, that an Endangered Species Act listing was not warranted for KMP steelhead. In 2002, ODFW adopted new methods to monitor steelhead populations on the Oregon coast. Allied with the decision, ODFW decided to terminate the KMP steelhead project. Consequently, this report presents findings from the third, and final, year of the project. The goal of the project was to develop and implement assessment methods to determine the status of wild steelhead in the Oregon portion of the KMP. Project objectives included (1) develop population health goals and allied monitoring methods and (2) determine resource status in relation to health goals Satterthwaite (2002a). Directed sampling began in 1999 and findings from the first two years of the project were reported by Satterthwaite (2002b) and Satterthwaite (2003). Close

• 318. [Article] Abundance Monitoring of Juvenile Salmonids In Coastal Oregon and Lower Columbia Streams, 2008 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2009-1

  Abstract -- As part of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) initiated this project in 1998 to monitor the status and trend in abundance and distribution ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Abundance Monitoring of Juvenile Salmonids In Coastal Oregon and Lower Columbia Streams, 2008 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2009-1 Abstract -- As part of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) initiated this project in 1998 to monitor the status and trend in abundance and distribution of juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in coastal Oregon streams. This report summarizes the data collected during the summer of 2008 and, for coho salmon, compares it to data previously collected. The project originally surveyed only 1st-3rd order (tributary) streams but was expanded in 2002 to include juvenile steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and 4th-6th order (mainstem) rearing areas and in 2006 to the Oregon portion of the Lower Columbia River coho evolutionarily significant unit (ESU) (Figure 1). The sampling frame is intended to encompass all non-tidal coho and steelhead rearing habitat. The original 100k stream layer frame was replaced by a 24k frame in 2007. A Generalized Random Tessellation Stratified design (GRTS) (Stevens 2002) was used to create a spatially balanced, random point distribution. Sites were stratified by Monitoring Area (MA) and stream order (Table 1). A detailed description of the sampling frames and survey designs are found in Jepsen and Rodgers (2004) and Jepsen and Leader (2007). Field crews snorkeled all pools meeting the size criteria (6 m2 in surface area and 40 cm in maximum depth) in one kilometer of stream encompassing the GRTS point. Snorkeling was conducted during the minimum flow period from July to September using a single pass of one to four snorkelers, depending on stream width. In each pool counts were made of juvenile coho, Chinook, steelhead 90 mm, and cutthroat 90 mm. Presence was noted for dace, shiners, and trout < 90 mm. Sites with poor water clarity or quality were electrofished using a single pass without block nets to determine presence for coho, steelhead and cutthroat in each pool. To assess repeatability and quality control supervisory staff resurveyed 10% of tributary sites in each MA. Data were summarized by MA and stream order for analyses. Average pool density and percent pool occupancy for each site was averaged by MA. The percent of sites with at least one fish and with >0.7 coho/m2 are reported for each MA. 0.7 coho/m2 is regarded as full seeding after Nickelson et al. (1992) who reported full seeding based on electrofishing as 1.0 coho/m2 and Rodgers et al. (1992) who found that snorkelers observed 70% of the coho counted by electrofishing. CDFs, variances, and confidence intervals were created using tools developed by the EMAP Design and Analysis Team (EPA 2009). Title: Abundance Monitoring of Juvenile Salmonids In Coastal Oregon and Lower Columbia Streams, 2008 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2009-1 Abstract -- As part of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) initiated this project in 1998 to monitor the status and trend in abundance and distribution of juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in coastal Oregon streams. This report summarizes the data collected during the summer of 2008 and, for coho salmon, compares it to data previously collected. The project originally surveyed only 1st-3rd order (tributary) streams but was expanded in 2002 to include juvenile steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and 4th-6th order (mainstem) rearing areas and in 2006 to the Oregon portion of the Lower Columbia River coho evolutionarily significant unit (ESU) (Figure 1). The sampling frame is intended to encompass all non-tidal coho and steelhead rearing habitat. The original 100k stream layer frame was replaced by a 24k frame in 2007. A Generalized Random Tessellation Stratified design (GRTS) (Stevens 2002) was used to create a spatially balanced, random point distribution. Sites were stratified by Monitoring Area (MA) and stream order (Table 1). A detailed description of the sampling frames and survey designs are found in Jepsen and Rodgers (2004) and Jepsen and Leader (2007). Field crews snorkeled all pools meeting the size criteria (6 m2 in surface area and 40 cm in maximum depth) in one kilometer of stream encompassing the GRTS point. Snorkeling was conducted during the minimum flow period from July to September using a single pass of one to four snorkelers, depending on stream width. In each pool counts were made of juvenile coho, Chinook, steelhead 90 mm, and cutthroat 90 mm. Presence was noted for dace, shiners, and trout < 90 mm. Sites with poor water clarity or quality were electrofished using a single pass without block nets to determine presence for coho, steelhead and cutthroat in each pool. To assess repeatability and quality control supervisory staff resurveyed 10% of tributary sites in each MA. Data were summarized by MA and stream order for analyses. Average pool density and percent pool occupancy for each site was averaged by MA. The percent of sites with at least one fish and with >0.7 coho/m2 are reported for each MA. 0.7 coho/m2 is regarded as full seeding after Nickelson et al. (1992) who reported full seeding based on electrofishing as 1.0 coho/m2 and Rodgers et al. (1992) who found that snorkelers observed 70% of the coho counted by electrofishing. CDFs, variances, and confidence intervals were created using tools developed by the EMAP Design and Analysis Team (EPA 2009). Close

• 319. [Article] Abundance, distribution, and migratory behavior of coastal cutthroat trout in two lower Columbia River tributaries

  Abstract -- Coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki clarki) exhibit multiple life history types characterized by diverse migratory strategies, including anadromous, potomodromous, and freshwater resident ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Abundance, distribution, and migratory behavior of coastal cutthroat trout in two lower Columbia River tributaries Abstract -- Coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki clarki) exhibit multiple life history types characterized by diverse migratory strategies, including anadromous, potomodromous, and freshwater resident forms. The factors contributing to life history variation within populations are not well understood, but probably are not strictly genetic (e.g. Johnson et al, in review). Variation in migration tendency within cutthroat populations may result from phenotype plasticity, influenced by density, frequency, or condition dependent processes (Hendry et al. 2004). For example, an individual cutthroat’s choice to migrate at a given time or age may be a response to environmental conditions mediated by a genetically determined reaction norm (Hutchings 2004). This report summarizes a study undertaken to describe the expression of migratory behavior within coastal cutthroat trout populations, the relationship among migratory and non-migratory individuals, and the implications of life history diversity for management of cutthroat trout in tributaries of the lower Columbia River. The relationship between resident and migratory populations (or resident and migratory individuals within populations) is of central importance for management of coastal cutthroat trout. In the lower Columbia River and southwest Washington State a proposed rule to list anadromous cutthroat as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) was withdrawn after the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) decided during its review process to include resident and anadromous forms in the same Distinct Population Segment (DPS). Debate over proposed ESA listing highlighted a general lack of knowledge about coastal cutthroat trout life history, relationships between resident and migratory forms, and estuarine habitat use in the lower Columbia River. In 2009, the decision not to list the DPS as threatened was remanded to the USFWS on the grounds that the Service had not adequately considered whether marine and estuarine habitats formed a significant portion of the range of the DPS (USFWS 2009). We evaluated the distribution and abundance of coastal cutthroat trout in Big Creek and Bear Creek, two tributaries that join the Columbia River estuary from the south (Oregon) side roughly 30 kilometers from the ocean, and monitored the migratory behavior of cutthroat that emigrated from these streams and entered the Columbia River estuary. Big Creek is an interesting system because a fish weir and diversion dam at an ODFW hatchery, established in 1941 and refurbished in 1957, prevent cutthroat trout from passing upstream, isolating the cutthroat spawning population above the hatchery. Despite this barrier to upstream migration, offspring of resident cutthroat in the upper watershed continue to “smolt” and migrate downstream past the barrier. We were interested in the fate of these fish and their contribution to the adult population. Bear Creek, on the other hand, has always had full access for anadromous cutthroat through much of its drainage. These two systems permit a comparison of life history characteristics, migration, and survival of coastal cutthroat rearing in streams above and below migration barriers, and provide study sites in Oregon to compliment research by USFWS of coastal cutthroat migration behavior in tributaries entering the estuary from the north side of the Columbia River (USFWS 2008; and see Hudson et al. 2008; Johnson 2008; Zydlewski et al. 2008). A major objective of our work in Big Creek and Bear Creek was to increase understanding of coastal cutthroat trout biology and the relationship between resident and migratory cutthroat in lower Columbia tributaries. Additionally, we sought to document habitat use in the Columbia River estuary by migrant cutthroat. Our specific objectives were to: • Estimate abundance of coastal cutthroat trout in Big Creek (above hatchery barrier) and Bear Creek (above and below a large dam) • Quantify the proportions of the cutthroat populations that are migratory, identify which individuals migrate and describe the timing of migration • Describe habitats used by anadromous migrants and characterize migration behavior within the Columbia River estuary • Measure estuarine/marine survival of anadromous individuals and document return to natal streams Title: Abundance, distribution, and migratory behavior of coastal cutthroat trout in two lower Columbia River tributaries Abstract -- Coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki clarki) exhibit multiple life history types characterized by diverse migratory strategies, including anadromous, potomodromous, and freshwater resident forms. The factors contributing to life history variation within populations are not well understood, but probably are not strictly genetic (e.g. Johnson et al, in review). Variation in migration tendency within cutthroat populations may result from phenotype plasticity, influenced by density, frequency, or condition dependent processes (Hendry et al. 2004). For example, an individual cutthroat’s choice to migrate at a given time or age may be a response to environmental conditions mediated by a genetically determined reaction norm (Hutchings 2004). This report summarizes a study undertaken to describe the expression of migratory behavior within coastal cutthroat trout populations, the relationship among migratory and non-migratory individuals, and the implications of life history diversity for management of cutthroat trout in tributaries of the lower Columbia River. The relationship between resident and migratory populations (or resident and migratory individuals within populations) is of central importance for management of coastal cutthroat trout. In the lower Columbia River and southwest Washington State a proposed rule to list anadromous cutthroat as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) was withdrawn after the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) decided during its review process to include resident and anadromous forms in the same Distinct Population Segment (DPS). Debate over proposed ESA listing highlighted a general lack of knowledge about coastal cutthroat trout life history, relationships between resident and migratory forms, and estuarine habitat use in the lower Columbia River. In 2009, the decision not to list the DPS as threatened was remanded to the USFWS on the grounds that the Service had not adequately considered whether marine and estuarine habitats formed a significant portion of the range of the DPS (USFWS 2009). We evaluated the distribution and abundance of coastal cutthroat trout in Big Creek and Bear Creek, two tributaries that join the Columbia River estuary from the south (Oregon) side roughly 30 kilometers from the ocean, and monitored the migratory behavior of cutthroat that emigrated from these streams and entered the Columbia River estuary. Big Creek is an interesting system because a fish weir and diversion dam at an ODFW hatchery, established in 1941 and refurbished in 1957, prevent cutthroat trout from passing upstream, isolating the cutthroat spawning population above the hatchery. Despite this barrier to upstream migration, offspring of resident cutthroat in the upper watershed continue to “smolt” and migrate downstream past the barrier. We were interested in the fate of these fish and their contribution to the adult population. Bear Creek, on the other hand, has always had full access for anadromous cutthroat through much of its drainage. These two systems permit a comparison of life history characteristics, migration, and survival of coastal cutthroat rearing in streams above and below migration barriers, and provide study sites in Oregon to compliment research by USFWS of coastal cutthroat migration behavior in tributaries entering the estuary from the north side of the Columbia River (USFWS 2008; and see Hudson et al. 2008; Johnson 2008; Zydlewski et al. 2008). A major objective of our work in Big Creek and Bear Creek was to increase understanding of coastal cutthroat trout biology and the relationship between resident and migratory cutthroat in lower Columbia tributaries. Additionally, we sought to document habitat use in the Columbia River estuary by migrant cutthroat. Our specific objectives were to: • Estimate abundance of coastal cutthroat trout in Big Creek (above hatchery barrier) and Bear Creek (above and below a large dam) • Quantify the proportions of the cutthroat populations that are migratory, identify which individuals migrate and describe the timing of migration • Describe habitats used by anadromous migrants and characterize migration behavior within the Columbia River estuary • Measure estuarine/marine survival of anadromous individuals and document return to natal streams Close

• 320. [Article] Escapement and Productivity of Summer Steelhead and Spring Chinook Salmon in the John Day River; Annual Report 2017

  Abstract -- The John Day River, located in northeastern Oregon, supports five wild populations of summer steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and three populations of wild spring chinook (Oncorhynchus tschawytscha) ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Escapement and Productivity of Summer Steelhead and Spring Chinook Salmon in the John Day River; Annual Report 2017 Abstract -- The John Day River, located in northeastern Oregon, supports five wild populations of summer steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and three populations of wild spring chinook (Oncorhynchus tschawytscha) with no hatchery supplementation. However, these populations remain depressed relative to historic levels. In 1999, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) listed the Middle Columbia River summer steelhead Distinct Population Segment (DPS), which includes the John Day River Major Population Group (MPG), as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Although numerous habitat protection and rehabilitation projects have been implemented within the John Day River basin to improve steelhead and other salmonid freshwater production and survival, it has been difficult to estimate the effectiveness of these projects without a systematic program in place to collect information on the status, trends, and distribution of spawning activity, juvenile salmonids, and aquatic habitat conditions within the basin. Prior to the inception of this project, population and environmental monitoring of steelhead in the basin consisted of a combination of index spawning surveys and periodic monitoring of some status and trend indicators. While index spawning data is useful for drawing inference about long-term trends in adult steelhead abundance, they are limited for determining the status of steelhead escapement or distribution at the population or MPG scale because survey sites are not randomly selected and are likely biased towards streams with higher fish abundance. A broader approach to the monitoring and evaluation of status and trends in anadromous and resident salmonid populations and their habitats was needed to provide data to effectively support restoration efforts and guide alternative future management actions in the basin. The Independent Scientific Review Panel (ISRP) recommended that the region move away from index surveys and embrace probabilistic sampling for most population and habitat monitoring. To meet the ISRP recommendation, the structure and methods employed by the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds Monitoring Program were extended to the John Day basin. This approach incorporates the sampling strategy of the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP). This research effort employs a statistically based and spatially explicit sampling design to answer key monitoring questions, integrate on-going sampling efforts, and improve agency coordination. The current program seeks to integrate project objectives focused on summer steelhead spawning metrics, juvenile salmonid metrics, and aquatic habitat conditions. Title: Escapement and Productivity of Summer Steelhead and Spring Chinook Salmon in the John Day River; Annual Report 2017 Abstract -- The John Day River, located in northeastern Oregon, supports five wild populations of summer steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and three populations of wild spring chinook (Oncorhynchus tschawytscha) with no hatchery supplementation. However, these populations remain depressed relative to historic levels. In 1999, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) listed the Middle Columbia River summer steelhead Distinct Population Segment (DPS), which includes the John Day River Major Population Group (MPG), as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Although numerous habitat protection and rehabilitation projects have been implemented within the John Day River basin to improve steelhead and other salmonid freshwater production and survival, it has been difficult to estimate the effectiveness of these projects without a systematic program in place to collect information on the status, trends, and distribution of spawning activity, juvenile salmonids, and aquatic habitat conditions within the basin. Prior to the inception of this project, population and environmental monitoring of steelhead in the basin consisted of a combination of index spawning surveys and periodic monitoring of some status and trend indicators. While index spawning data is useful for drawing inference about long-term trends in adult steelhead abundance, they are limited for determining the status of steelhead escapement or distribution at the population or MPG scale because survey sites are not randomly selected and are likely biased towards streams with higher fish abundance. A broader approach to the monitoring and evaluation of status and trends in anadromous and resident salmonid populations and their habitats was needed to provide data to effectively support restoration efforts and guide alternative future management actions in the basin. The Independent Scientific Review Panel (ISRP) recommended that the region move away from index surveys and embrace probabilistic sampling for most population and habitat monitoring. To meet the ISRP recommendation, the structure and methods employed by the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds Monitoring Program were extended to the John Day basin. This approach incorporates the sampling strategy of the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP). This research effort employs a statistically based and spatially explicit sampling design to answer key monitoring questions, integrate on-going sampling efforts, and improve agency coordination. The current program seeks to integrate project objectives focused on summer steelhead spawning metrics, juvenile salmonid metrics, and aquatic habitat conditions. Close