EVALUATION OF RAINBOW TROUT SPAWNING MIGRATIONS IN BLUEBERRY, CHINA, AND MURPHY CREEKS FROM 1999 TO 2003

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1 COLUMBIA BASIN FISH & WILDLIFE COMPENSATION PROGRAM EVALUATION OF RAINBOW TROUT SPAWNING MIGRATIONS IN BLUEBERRY, CHINA, AND MURPHY CREEKS FROM 1999 TO 2003 PREPARED BY: STEVE ARNDT, M.SC. AND KIM KLASSEN, B.SC. February

2 Evaluation of Rainbow Trout Spawning Migrations in Blueberry, China, and Murphy Creeks from 1999 to 2003 Prepared by: Steve Arndt, M.Sc. and Kim Klassen, B.Sc. February 2004 Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program Victoria St., Nelson, British Columbia ph. (250) fax (250)

3 Cover Photo: Upper reach of Blueberry Creek where spawning rainbow trout from the Columbia River were located in June Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program ii

4 Executive Summary Construction of dams in the West Kootenay Region of British Columbia blocked historical fish migration routes, and caused flooding of some stream habitats. One method of attempting to compensate for these impacts is to work towards enhancing or restoring remaining stream habitats. The Columbia River from Hugh L. Keenleyside (HLK) dam to the U. S. border is the last unimpounded reach of the river in the West Kootenay. It supports a population of rainbow trout, which is now confined to the river and tributaries downstream of the dam. Blueberry, Murphy, and China Creeks are tributaries to this reach that provide spawning and juvenile rearing habitat for Columbia River trout, however, spawning migrations in these creeks were restricted by culverts and dams in the lower reaches. The CBFWCP and other partners worked to improve trout passage in Blueberry Creek from 1998 to 2001 starting at the culvert closest to the Columbia River confluence and moving upstream. Culverts on Murphy and China Creeks were modified by the Ministry of Transportation and Highways in To evaluate the success of this work, an index of fish abundance and migration difficulty was obtained by counting fish jumps in 10-minute periods at known obstacles (culverts, dams) in the creeks. Results for Blueberry Creek showed successful passage of a large number of fish through the first culvert (Hwy 22/CPR) in 1999, the second culvert (railway) in 2000, and over the last man-made obstacle (Blueberry Irrigation District dam) in In 2003, migratory rainbow trout were observed in spawning condition upstream of a steep canyon on Blueberry Creek, indicating that the entire length of the creek is accessible to fish from the Columbia River. Approximately 26 km of the main creek has been re-opened; in addition, the lower reach of at least one of the above-canyon tributaries has also been used for spawning by migratory trout. Blueberry Creek is now the tributary with the largest amount of accessible habitat between HLK and the Canada-U.S. border. Some minor delays to upstream movement still occur at rock weirs built below the Hwy 22/CPR crossing, in the Hwy 22/CPR culvert itself (at higher discharge), and at the irrigation dam (at lower discharge). Recommendations are made to improve passage at these points. In summary, efforts to improve fish passage in Blueberry Creek were remarkably successful, and the importance of this creek to the Columbia River rainbow trout population should be recognized. A conservative estimate of the number of rainbow trout in the spawning run exceeded 2,000 fish in In China Creek, the Hwy 22 culvert was confirmed as a complete barrier to upstream migration in This is probably also the case for Murphy Creek. Efforts to improve passage were not successful in these locations, probably because of the steeper gradient of the culverts. Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program iii

5 Acknowledgements The improvements to fish passage that were accomplished in Blueberry Creek would not have been possible without the contributions of a large number of organizations and individuals. Thanks to all, and please accept our apologies for anyone missed. Funding and in-kind contributions for the fish passage improvements and monitoring were provided by: - Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program - BC Ministry of Transportation and Highways - Columbia Power Corporation - Peter Kiewit & Sons - Columbia-Kootenay Fisheries Renewal Partnership - Columbia Basin Trust - Fisheries Renewal B.C. - Blueberry Creek Irrigation District - J. Lloyd Crowe Secondary School - Hiltech - BC Hydro - Trail Wildlife Association - Habitat Trust Conservation Fund - Marwest Industries Special thanks to the following individuals who assisted with jump counts and other aspects of the work from John Cameron - Darcy Lutz - Grace and Victor Conzon - Michael Zimmer - Brent Persello - Rheal Finnigan - Wally Penner - Chris Madland - Bill Green - Dean den Biesen - David Pasin - Shawn Ord - Dale Goosen - Jack Ferraro - Dave Goosen - Les Fleck - Tom Oglow - Bruce Cassidy - Ron McIntyre - Bob Chapman - Students of the fish and wildlife course - Harry Connell at J. L. Crowe school The Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program is a joint initiative of BC Hydro and the British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land, and Air Protection to conserve and enhance fish and wildlife populations affected by BC Hydro dams in the Canadian portion of the Columbia River basin. Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program iv

6 Table of Contents Executive Summary... iii Acknowledgements... iv Table of Contents... v Introduction...1 Study Area and Mitigation Procedure...1 Methods...5 Results and Discussion...6 Timing of the Spawning Migration...6 Fish Passage in Blueberry Creek...6 Fish Passage in China and Murphy Creeks...14 Recommendations...15 References...16 Appendices Documentation of spawning upstream of the canyon on Blueberry Creek. 2. Estimates of the number of rainbow trout migrants through the Blueberry Creek railway culvert in 2002 and List of Tables and Figures Tables 1. Chronology of fish passage restoration at Blueberry Creek...4 Figures 1. Map of Blueberry Creek drainage showing the location of three man-made obstacles to fish passage Culvert underneath Highway 22 and CPR railway in Blueberry Creek to fish passage Concrete culvert under an abandoned rail line on Blueberry Creek Blueberry Creek community water intake dam Number of trout jumps per minute at three man-made obstructions in Blueberry Creek in Number of trout jumps per minute at three man-made obstructions in Blueberry Creek in Number of trout jumps per minute at three man-made obstructions in Blueberry Creek in Number of trout jumps per minute at three man-made obstructions in Blueberry Creek in Number of trout jumps per minute at three man-made obstructions in Blueberry Creek in Number of trout jumps per minute at the Highway 22 culvert in China Creek from Number of trout jumps per minute (bars) at the Highway 22 culvert in Murphy Creek in Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program v

7 Introduction The West Kootenay Region of British Columbia has been significantly impacted by the construction of dams on the Columbia River near Castlegar (Hugh L. Keenleyside dam) and upstream (Mica and Revelstoke dams). Prior to completion of these dams, it was recognized that there would be permanent losses of fish and wildlife habitats, one of which was a loss of stream habitats and the fisheries associated with them (Anon. 1976). The dams also created barriers that prevent access to spawning and rearing habitats upstream. The Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (CBFWCP) was created with a mandate to conserve and enhance fish and wildlife resources affected by dams in the basin. One method of compensating for lost habitat is restoration or enhancement of the remaining suitable habitats. The Columbia River from Hugh Keenleyside dam to the U.S. border is the last remaining unimpounded section of the river in the West Kootenay. This area supports a popular recreational and food fishery for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Blueberry, China, and Murphy Creeks are tributaries to the Columbia River entering from the west, between Castlegar and Trail. Migratory rainbow trout from the Columbia River use these creeks for spawning and juvenile rearing. These creeks are productive in their lower reaches with recruits to the river sometimes exceeding 80,000 juveniles annually 1 (Arndt 2000, CBFWCP unpublished data). However, access to their upper reaches has been hindered by man-made structures near their confluence with the Columbia River. From 1998 to 2002, the CBFWCP worked with local groups and other funding partners to improve fish passage in Blueberry Creek, and monitor passage in Murphy and China Creeks. The objectives of this report are to evaluate the success of the work in Blueberry Creek, document obstructions to migration in China and Murphy Creeks, and document the timing of rainbow trout spawning migrations in these three tributaries. Observations also allowed an estimate of the number of spawners for Blueberry Creek. Recommendations are made with respect to further improving fish passage. Study Area and Mitigation Procedure Blueberry Creek originates at the outlet of Nancy Green Lake and flows approximately 27 km to its confluence with the Columbia River. Three man-made obstacles to migration occur within the lower 2.5 km (Figure 1). The first is a corrugated steel culvert (119 m length, 5 m diameter) which runs under Highway 22 and the CPR railway, about one kilometre upstream of the confluence with the Columbia River (Figure 2). Approximately 500 m upstream of the Highway 22/CPR culvert is a second concrete culvert (43 m length), which conveys the creek under an abandoned railway line (Figure 3). In 1991, the Trail Wildlife Association installed concrete baffles into this culvert to assist passage of rainbow trout 2. However, it was 1 Based on emigrating trout fry trapped near creek mouths during July and August in 1998 and Funding was provided by the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund, and technical assistance by Les Fleck of Ministry of Environment, Lands, and Parks (L. Fleck, personal communication) Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program 1

8 necessary for fish to jump more than a meter from the level of the plunge pool, and then negotiate a shallow apron (1.5 m long) of high-velocity water to reach the first baffle. The third structure is located about a kilometre upstream of the second culvert, and consists of a concrete dam and apron which forms part of the water intake for the Blueberry Creek Irrigation District (BID) water supply (Figure 4ab). A short distance upstream of this dam, the creek passes through a steep canyon reach (gradient 6.4%; R.L. & L. 1995), after which gradient decreases to < 3%, and habitat quality is high for spawning and juvenile rearing. Figure 1. Map of Blueberry Creek drainage showing the location of three man-made obstacles to fish passage (red triangles) near the confluence with the Columbia River. Figure 2. Culvert underneath Highway 22 and CPR railway in Blueberry Creek, approximately 1 kilometre from the confluence with the Columbia River. Photos are taken before and after the plunge pool was raised in spring of Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program 2

9 Figure 3. Concrete culvert under an abandoned rail line on Blueberry Creek, about 1.5 kilometres from the confluence with the Columbia River. Photos are taken before (during freshet) and after (late summer) the initial attempt to raise the plunge pool. Figure 4a. Blueberry Creek community water intake dam located about 2.5 kilometres from the confluence with the Columbia River. Photo on left is taken at low water prior to construction of the fishway. On right, students from J. Lloyd Crowe Secondary School construct a fishway. Overlooking are Michael Zimmer (Zimmer and Associates; far left), John Cameron (Blueberry Creek Irrigation District; on dam left), and Steve Arndt (CBFWCP; on dam right). Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program 3

10 Figure 4b. Blueberry Creek water intake dam in spring Fishway is on the left side of the dam between the shore and the main flow. In the fall of 1998, a large rock was removed from below the Highway 22/CPR culvert and a series of rock weirs were constructed downstream (Arndt 1999). This raised the water level in the plunge pool to a level approximately even with the bottom of the culvert and made it much easier for fish to move into the culvert when attempting to pass upstream. These weirs were upgraded in 1999 because there was some shifting during the first freshet. After initial observations confirmed that fish were successfully negotiating the first culvert (Arndt 1999) work proceeded upstream. Weirs were initially built at the railway culvert in summer 1999, and further raised in summer A simple fishway (three rock/concrete steps) was built at the Blueberry Creek Irrigation District dam in autumn 2000 (Zimmer 2000), and a notch was cut to increase flows through the fishway in summer (Table 1, Figures 2 to 4) Table 1. Chronology of fish passage restoration at Blueberry Creek. Year Season Conditions for Fish Passage 1998 Spring Migration No work completed; level of plunge pool approximately 1.5 m below Hwy 22/CPR culvert; large rock in culvert outflow interferes with jumping. Autumn Large rock removed from outflow and rock weirs used to raise level of plunge pool to level with culvert 1999 Spring Migration Initial Hwy 22/CPR weirs in place Summer, Autumn Weirs at Hwy 22/CPR upgraded; Weirs built at railway culvert 2000 Spring Migration Weirs at Hwy 22/CPR complete and initial railway culvert weirs in place Summer Weirs at railway culvert raised Autumn Fishway built at irrigation dam but notch not cut due to ice problems 2001 Spring Migration Weirs at Hwy 22/CPR and improved weirs at railway culvert; fishway at irrigation dam but no notch to increase flows Autumn Notch cut in irrigation dam to increase flows through fishway 2002 Spring Migration Weirs at Hwy 22/CPR and railway culvert complete; fishway at irrigation dam complete with notch Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program 4

11 China and Murphy Creeks also pass under Highway 22 via corrugated steel culverts within a kilometre of the confluence with the Columbia River. In China Creek the level of the plunge pool is about 1.5 m below the culvert. In Murphy Creek the plunge pool was raised by a series of weirs installed prior to spring 2002 and modified prior to The gradient of these culverts is steeper than the steel culvert under Highway 22/CPR for Blueberry Creek. For both China and Murphy Creeks, the bottom surface of the culverts was roughened by concrete and embedded rocks as part of Ministry of Transportation and Highways maintenance in The rocks were added experimentally to the concrete grouting with the intent of assisting fish passage. Methods Observations and counts of jumping trout at culverts and dams were made by volunteers, CBFWCP staff, and BC Hydro staff from April to late June during the spawning migrations from 1999 to 2003 and recorded on data sheets supplied by CBFWCP. These observations were made as opportunity allowed at various times throughout the day, usually for 10- minute periods. Timing of the observations was categorized as early (before 1130), mid-day ( ), or late (after 1530). The number of fish jumps was divided by the length of time to obtain a jumps per minute index of attempted fish movement and relative abundance at different sites. Results from 1999 (Arndt 2000) showed that jump counts were usually low until late morning, therefore, most observations were made in the afternoon or evening from 2000 on. An index of stream discharge in Blueberry Creek was obtained by recording the water level in the Highway 22/CPR culvert or plunge pool in relation to a staff gauge attached beside the downstream end of the culvert. Stream temperature was recorded by an Onset temperature logger in 1999 and 2001 and by occasional spot checks with a hand thermometer in other years. At the Highway 22/CPR crossing for Blueberry Creek, counts of fish jumps were made at the culvert outflow until For 2002 and 2003, counts were also made at the rock weirs downstream of the culvert because little or no jumping had been seen at the culvert itself for three years. In China and Murphy Creeks, counts were made at the Highway 22 culverts; a small dam upstream of the highway in China Creek was also counted in In late June 2003, a reach of Blueberry Creek upstream of the canyon reach was walked to attempt to verify the presence of spawning trout in the upper reaches. In addition, a coarse estimate of the number of fish in the spawning run was made using counts of fish passing through the railway culvert in 2002 and During these years, fish were counted as they passed through the culvert and baffles for 15 to 30 minute periods approximately every other day for the duration of the spawning run. The number of fish passing per hour was extrapolated assuming that fish moved for 8 hours during the day (Appendix 2). This should be a conservative estimate because it is likely that movement occurs for a longer period 3. Furthermore, a substantial number of fish spawn in the creek downstream of the railway culvert (Arndt, personal observations). 3 Also, during higher discharge periods it is more difficult to see fish and counts may underestimate the actual number passing upstream (D. Goosen, pers. comm.) Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program 5

12 Results and Discussion Timing and Number of Fish in the Spawning Migration Rainbow trout migration patterns on Blueberry Creek from (Figures 5-8) show relatively consistent timing with first fish sightings usually occurring in the second week of May (May 8-14), and upstream movement continuing until the second or third week of June when counts are available. Generally this coincided with the period of peak spring discharge and temperatures of 6 o C. In 2003, the run was about a week earlier; first sighting was on May 1 and over 30 trout were holding in the pool below Highway 22 on May 4. In that year, spawning fish were observed in the upper reaches of the creek on June 24; some of the males appeared to have been involved in spawning for some time given their condition (Appendix 1). The estimated number of rainbow trout spawning upstream of the railway culvert in 2002 and 2003 was 936 and 2295, respectively (Appendix 2); an unknown but likely substantial portion of the run spawns in the 1.5 kilometres of creek downstream of this location. The timing of the spawning migrations in China and Murphy Creeks appears to be similar to Blueberry Creek, but perhaps with a slightly longer duration. Jumping fish have been observed in late April in both of these creeks (Figures 10, 11) and as late as July 3 in Murphy (Figure 11). It is possible that the earlier appearance of fish is related to the fact that the culverts in these creeks are closer to the Columbia River confluence. Also, the continuation of jumping later in the spring may be a consequence of the fact that fish are not able to successfully move past the culverts under current conditions. Spawning activity was observed below the Highway 22 culvert on China Creek on June 12, Fish Passage in Blueberry Creek Although jump counts are not available for 1998, large numbers of fish holding in the plunge pool and attempting to gain access into the culvert indicated that the Highway 22/CPR culvert was holding back the majority of rainbow trout at that time. Since there is a series of three obstacles in Blueberry Creek, it was possible to verify fish passage through lower obstacles by the presence of jumping fish upstream. Efforts to improve fish passage in Blueberry Creek took place over the course of four years between 1998 and During these years, jump counts show a progression of fish passage upstream as restoration efforts eliminated barriers starting at the first (downstream) culvert. Jump counts began in 1999 after the first weirs were built. In that year, very few jumps were seen at the Highway 22/CPR culvert although there was a small peak (3 jumps/minute) on June 10, when flows were decreased (Figure 5). Trout were observed swimming upstream through the Highway 22/CPR culvert (Arndt 1999), and successful passage was verified by fish observations at the railway culvert on May 12. The railway culvert appeared to be the most significant obstacle in 1999 as peak jump counts were substantially higher there (up to 9.3 jumps/minute; Figure 5). However some trout were able to pass the railway culvert as evidenced by a few jumps at the Blueberry water supply weir in late May and the middle of June. Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program 6

13 Highway 22/CPR Culvert Concrete Culvert Early Mid-day Late Blueberry Water Supply Weir Water Height in Culvert Temperature ( o C) Figure 5. Number of trout jumps per minute (bars) at three man-made obstructions in Blueberry Creek in If no bar is present for a date, no observations were made. Bar shading indicates time of observations: early (before 1130), mid-day ( ), and late (after 1530). An index of creek discharge is shown by the dotted line in the top graph and average daily stream temperature by the solid line in the middle graph. Data are from Arndt (1999). Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program 7

14 Highway 22/CPR Culvert Railway Culvert Early Mid-day Late Blueberry Water Supply Weir Water Height in Culvert Temperature ( o C) Figure 6. Number of trout jumps per minute (bars) at three obstructions in Blueberry Creek in If no bar is present for a date, no observations were made. Bar shading indicates time of observation: early (before 1130), mid-day ( ), late (after 1530). An index of creek discharge is shown by the dotted line in the top graph. Note that the Y-axis is changed from Figure 5. Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program 8

15 Highway 22/CPR Culvert Railway Culvert Early Mid-day Late Blueberry Water Supply Weir Highway Pool Height Temperature ( o C) Figure 7. Number of trout jumps per minute (bars) at three obstructions in Blueberry Creek in If no bar is present for a date, no observations were made. Bar shading indicates time of observation: early (before 1130), mid-day ( ), late (after 1530). An index of creek discharge is shown by the dotted line in the top graph. Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program 9

16 Highway 22/CPR Weirs Railway Culvert Early Mid-day Late Blueberry Water Supply Weir Water Height in Culvert Temperature ( o C) Figure 8. Number of trout jumps per minute (bars) at three obstructions in Blueberry Creek in If no bar is present for a date, no observations were made. Bar shading indicates time of observation: early (before 1130), mid-day ( ), late (after 1530). An index of creek discharge is shown by the dotted line in the top graph. Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program 10

17 Highway 22/CPR Weirs Railway Culvert Early Mid-day Late Blueberry Water Supply Weir Water Height in Culvert Temperature ( o C) Figure 9. Number of trout jumps per minute (bars) at three obstructions in Blueberry Creek in If no bar is present for a date, no observations were made. Bar shading indicates time of observation: early (before 1130), mid-day ( ), late (after 1530). An index of creek discharge is shown by the dotted line in the top graph. Note that the original staff guage at the Hwy 22/CPR culvert was lost and the replacement was not mounted at an identical height; therefore water height in culvert is not directly comparable to previous years. Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program 11

18 April May 2001 June Mid-day Late April May June April May June Figure 10. Number of trout jumps per minute (bars) at the Highway 22 culvert in China Creek from If no bar is present for a date, no observations were made. Bar shading indicates time of observation: mid-day ( ), late (after 1530). Murphy Creek 2001 April May June Figure 11. Number of trout jumps per minute (bars) at the Highway 22 culvert in Murphy Creek in If no bar is present for a date, no observations were made. All observations were made between 1130 and 1530 hours. Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program 12

19 In 2000, after improvement to the Highway 22 weirs, there was virtually no jumping seen at the Highway 22/CPR culvert, and it appeared to have little effect on migration because fish arrived at the railway culvert around the same time as they were seen at the highway culvert (Figure 6). At the railway culvert, jumps were greatly reduced from 1999 but still averaged between one and three jumps/minute between May 13 and 27, indicating that the first attempt at raising the plunge pool had not been completely successful in allowing fish to gain access to the baffles. However, the highest jump counts (5 jumps/minute) in 2000 were seen at the BID dam in mid-may verifying passage of good numbers of fish through the railway culvert and suggesting that the dam was now the major obstacle. The decrease in jumps at the BID dam in late May after a period of high runoff may have been a result of some fish successfully passing the dam (prior to fishway construction) or dropping downstream to spawn. In 2001, there was almost no jumping at the Highway 22/CPR culvert (Figure 7), although some jumping was noted at the rock weirs downstream (data not shown). There also was no jumping at the railway culvert, indicating that improvements to the weirs had successfully removed the hindrance to upstream migration there. At the BID dam, fish were observed passing over the new fishway, and jump peaks were reduced to about half of 2000, indicating improved passage (compare Figures 6, 7). Highest jump counts at the dam were seen during a low in discharge although few counts were made afterwards when flows had increased. Observations suggested that the fishway worked best under high discharge conditions when fish were forced to the stream margin; at lower discharge most fish attempted to jump in mid-stream, where successful passage was nearly impossible. During 2002, jump counts were recorded at the rock weirs just downstream from the Highway 22/CPR culvert rather than at the culvert itself (Figure 8). The rock weirs seemed to cause some delay in upstream passage into the plunge pool; jump counts were relatively low (up to 2.4 jumps/minute) and occurred between May 8 and June 10 (Figure 8). In addition, there were several observations of fish moving into the Highway 22/CPR culvert and returning to the plunge pool during periods when the discharge was high, suggesting that the culvert may be a velocity barrier to some fish at higher discharge. A few times, pairs of fish were seen moving into the culvert, and while one would keep advancing the other would return to the pool. Over 80 fish were seen holding in the Highway 22/CPR plunge pool during peak migration with the largest fish estimated at about 90 cm length. At the railway culvert, there were no jumps seen for 2002, and this did not appear to be a hindrance to migration, as was the case in Fish were first observed at the BID dam on May 13, about the same time as they were first observed at Highway 22 (note no observations at the dam between May 7 and May 13) suggesting that downstream obstacles did not significantly delay early migrants. The BID dam appeared to be a minor obstacle in 2002 with jump counts of one per minute or less. Fish were observed successfully passing over the dam where the new notch was cut in the fishway. In 2003, there was a low amount of jumping early in the migration at the rock weirs below the Highway 22/CPR culvert (Figure 9). The railway culvert was not an obstacle, with zero jumps observed. The BID dam had relatively high jump counts in the middle of the Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program 13

20 migration (late May) when discharge levels were lower, but low jump counts in early June suggest that most fish were able to pass when the discharge increased. Overall, the simple and relatively inexpensive measures used to improve fish passage in Blueberry Creek were successful to a high degree in allowing spawning rainbow trout to pass the three man-made obstacles in the lower 2.5 km of the creek. Migration to the upper reaches of the creek is now possible and occurs earlier with less energetic demand. The railway culvert does not appear to hinder migration in any way under present conditions. There is a minor delay just downstream of the Highway 22/CPR culvert where there is a short section of steep gradient. The weirs used to raise the stream to the level of the culvert appear to cause some delay, although they are certainly not a barrier as shown by the early arrival of fish at the BID dam in recent years (but see Recommendations). The fishway at the BID dam appears to function well at high discharge levels, probably because: (1) the high velocity and turbulence below the dam forces trout to seek lower velocity areas along the stream margin, and (2) flows coming through the fishway are high enough to attract fish. At lower discharge the fishway works, but may be less efficient because fish seem more inclined to jump or swim up the middle of the stream where the long concrete apron is almost impassable. Furthermore, a lower flow coming through the fishway is less effective in attracting fish. Successful passage through the canyon reach upstream of the BID dam was verified in 2003 by the presence of large trout spawning in ideal habitat in the upper reaches (Appendix 1). This confirms that access to approximately 26 km of stream habitat has been re-established for rainbow trout from the Columbia River. Migratory trout have also been observed spawning in one of the tributaries upstream of the canyon. Blueberry Creek now provides the longest length of accessible habitat of all tributaries between HLK dam and the U.S. border. Over time this large increase in spawning and rearing habitat (from 1 to over 26 km) should result in increased recruitment of juveniles to the Columbia River, and increased numbers of adults available for the fishery and future spawning runs. The increase in the number of fish counted past the railway culvert from 2002 to 2003 may already be an indication of benefits from the passage improvements in 1999 and 2000, since these trout can reach sexual maturity at age 3 or 4 (CBFWCP unpublished data). Fish Passage in China and Murphy Creeks Observations of fish passage at the Highway 22 culvert in China Creek occurred over the course of three years, from with the highest jumps occurring in 2001 (Figure 10). 4 Trout were observed entering the culvert, advancing up to 9 meters and then returning to the pool; velocity appeared to be too high for passage even when fish were swimming along the edge of the flow. In 2003, a wooden weir 1 km upstream of the highway culvert was checked on May 12, 16, 20, 24, 27, and June 4, 19 with jump counts of zero and no fish sighted on 4 There is a small wood weir just downstream of the highway 22 culvert which did not appear to be much of a hindrance, although fish were sometimes seen jumping here or holding in the pool below. Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program 14

21 every occasion. This confirms that there was no passage through the Highway 22 culvert on China Creek; roughening of the culvert bottom was not successful in allowing trout passage. In Murphy Creek up to 3 jumps/minute were seen at the Highway 22 culvert during 2001, although few observations were made (Figure 11). In 2002 and 2003, there were fewer observations, but fish (20 or more) were seen holding in the pool below. A large number of the trout in this system spawn in a side channel downstream of the culvert (Arndt 2000). Although there was no upstream obstacle to verify that the culvert is a complete barrier, observations thus far suggest that all attempts to pass through the culvert are unsuccessful in spite of the combination of weirs and roughening of the bottom of the culvert. Recommendations 1) The rock weirs below the Highway 22/CPR culvert on Blueberry Creek should be modified to reduce jumping at this location. This can likely be accomplished by adding several large angular boulders adjacent to the second and third weirs. 2) Passage at the BID dam has improved substantially since the fishway and notch were built, however, the fishway would likely function better over a wider range of conditions if the walls were modified to concentrate and increase flows during lower discharge. This could be accomplished by cutting or chipping a notch in the lower most wall of the fishway to concentrate low flows, and possibly by adding a concrete ridge to the right (upstream-facing) side of the fishway to keep water from overflowing out of the upper levels. 3) Monitoring of fish passage should be continued at least every three years in Blueberry Creek to ensure that conditions do not deteriorate over time. Severe freshets may cause shifts or failures of the weirs or fishway. 4) Accomplishing fish passage at China and Murphy Creeks will require additional works because water velocity in these steeper culverts appears to be too high for trout passage. At China Creek, weirs should be constructed to backwater the culvert as far as possible. At Murphy Creek, it may not be possible to construct weirs high enough to backwater the culvert because the intake for a licensed water withdrawal and side channel is located immediately downstream of the culvert. Baffles may be necessary to allow upstream passage in these culverts. 5) Fish jump counts should be continued at China and Murphy Creeks to evaluate any further work on fish passage. Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program 15

22 References Anonymous Submission of the Fish and Wildlife Branch, Department of Recreation and Travel Industry, to the Water Comptroller on the Revelstoke Power Project. August 31, Appendix IV In: Stream Surveys and Fisheries Compensation Studies of Tributaries to the Upper Arrow Lakes Reservoir (Revelstoke 1880 Project), prepared by Northern Natural Resource Services Ltd. and R.B. Murry, Chemical and Geological Laboratories Ltd. for B.C. Hydro and Power Authority. October Arndt, S Assessment of Rainbow Trout Passage at Three Man-made Obstructions on Blueberry Creek in Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program Technical Report, File p. + appendices. Arndt, S Effect of an Artificial Side Channel on Fry Production and Rearing Densities of Rainbow Trout in Murphy Creek, Southeastern British Columbia. Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program Technical Report, File p. R.L.& L. Environmental Services Ltd Lower Columbia Tributaries Fisheries Assessment. Report prepared for the Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program, CBFWCP File p. + appendices. Zimmer, M Blueberry Creek Irrigation District Weir Fish Passage Enhancement. Letter report submitted to the Trail Wildlife Association, November 30, 2000 by Zimmer & Associates Environmental Consultants, Grand Forks, B.C. CBFWCP File p. + photographs. Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program 16

23 Appendices Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program 17

24 Appendix 1. Documentation of spawning upstream of the canyon on Blueberry Creek. KOOTENAY FISHERIES - FIELD REPORT SYSTEM: Name: Blueberry Creek Waterbody ID: Watershed Code: DATE[s] of Field Work: 24 June 2003 PERSONNEL and AFFILIATION: Steve Arndt, Harald Manson, Columbia Basin Fish & Wildlife C. P. BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Rainbow trout from the Columbia River use Blueberry Creek for spawning and early rearing habitat, but upstream access was impeded or prevented by two culverts and a water intake dam. Large numbers of fish had been congregating below the Hwy 3A culvert, and fish passage work started here in 1998 and progressed upstream in subsequent years. For the last couple of years, (since fish passage work was completed at 2 culverts and the Blueberry Irrigation District dam) we have known that rainbow spawners were getting above the last man-made obstruction (Blueberry Irrigation District dam). But we weren't sure they could make it through the canyon upstream (pretty steep gradient). One resident who lives near the College Creek confluence had reported seeing rainbows in a side channel on his property but there were no fish there when checked by CBFWCP personnel later. This trip was an attempt to try to verify the presence of large trout from the Columbia River spawning upstream of the canyon. MATERIALS & METHODS: We walked one kilometer of stream starting from the second Hwy 3 crossing (about 12 kilometres from Castlegar) and going downstream using waders and polarized sunglasses to look for redds and fish. Water levels were low enough to wade in most places and clarity was good. RESULTS & OBSERVATIONS: In one pool and log jam we observed at least 5 rainbows about 50 cm or greater in length. There were 2 pairs which were probably on redds (hard to say for sure this time of year when the water is fairly deep) plus one or more other fish. One of the males was quite beat up (fungus patches) and had probably been there quite a while. The rest of the fish were in good shape. These fish are of a size typical for spawners from the Columbia River, and much larger than the creek resident trout. The habitat in the area we walked is high quality for both spawning and rearing; lots of large cedar log jams that create deep pools in association with cover and gravel deposits. INTERPRETATION OR CONCLUSIONS: This confirms that the whole Blueberry Creek system is open to migrating rainbow trout from the Columbia River; I don't think there are any other potential barriers between where we saw fish today and the headwaters. Blueberry Creek is now the tributary with the largest amount of accessible habitat for migratory fish between Keeleyside dam and the Canada-U.S. border. Will this information be reported elsewhere? Yes in the CBFWCP Update for summer 2003 and possibly in a press release. Prepared by: Steve Arndt Date: July 14, 2003 Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program 1

25 Appendix 2a. Estimate of the number of rainbow trout migrants through the Blueberry Creek railway culvert in 2002 based on observations of the number of fish passing made between 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm by Dale Goosen. Highlighted values are average of counts before and after 2002 Date Hours No. Fish passing Fish/Hour Estimated fish/day* Fish/day for counted days only 4-May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun assumed Jun assumed Jun assumed Jun Totals * assumes fish movement occurs between 11:30 AM and 7:30 pm (based on jump observations in previous years that show low jump counts prior to 11:30) Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program 2

26 Appendix 2b. Estimate of the number of rainbow trout migrants through the Blueberry Creek railway culvert in 2003 based on observations made between 12:30 pm and 8:00 pm by Dale Goosen. Highlighted values are average of counts before and after 2003 Date Hours No. Fish passing Fish/Hour Estimated fish/day* Fish/day for counted days only 6-May Assumed May Assumed May assumed May assumed May assumed May assumed May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Totals *assumes fish move 8 hours/day Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program 3