Freshwater Fisheries Monthly Report February Savage River quality-sized wild brown trout

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1 Freshwater Fisheries Monthly Report February 2018 Stock Assessment Savage River Trophy Trout Staff prepared a stock assessment update on the Savage River trophy trout fishing area for the Freshwater Fisheries website. The annual trout population surveys were conducted on Aug , The overall quality of the Savage River trophy trout fishing area is truly extraordinary, with the adult trout densities meeting our management goal of 1,000 adult trout per mile. The fly fishing area contained 1,082 adult trout per mile, of which 89 percent were wild brown trout and 11 percent wild brook trout, along with a few rainbow trout. The artificial lures and flies area contained 933 adult trout per mile with the population comprised of 88 percent wild brown trout, six percent wild brook trout and six percent rainbow trout. Reproduction was considered good with a mean of 637 young-of-year per mile (40 percent brook trout, 60 percent brown trout) during A large portion of the brown trout population was in the quality-size range of 12 inches to 15 inches. The number of quality-sized brown trout (> 12 inches) was estimated at 395 trout per mile, a record high number. The largest brown trout measured in at 16.7 inches. Savage River quality-sized wild brown trout Little Gunpowder Falls Staff conducted two qualitative electrofishing surveys in the Little Gunpowder Falls upstream of Baldwin Mill Road (Route 165) and upstream of Greene Road in the vicinity of two known brook trout streams. Staff was hoping to determine whether brook trout use the Little Gunpowder Falls mainstem during the colder months of the year as they do in the upper Gunpowder Falls system. No brook trout were found at either site. Several smallmouth bass were observed in the Greene Road site. Habitat and Water Quality Environmental Review Staff provided aquatic resource information for environmental review projects including: Comments for a proposed timber harvest within the Green Ridge State Forest. The 21-acre thinning harvest is within the Deep Run watershed. Comments were made to further protect the water resources on this site. All stream zones are 1

2 identified as High Conservation Value Forests and will be protected by a 50-footwide no-cut forest buffer. Provided the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jennings Randolph Lake Project staff with an update of fisheries management activities within the lake and the North Branch Potomac River. Provided comments to the Maryland Department of Transportation/State Highway Administration regarding the following projects: o Pipe replacements and drainage improvements at the State Highway Administration s Oakland salt dome facility. Staff requested incorporation of a stormwater management design that would address road salt runoff and thermal pollution from the facility prior to entering the Little Youghiogheny River. o Bridge replacement of Route 39 over Youghiogheny River near Crellin. The proposed work will include construction of a new single span, concrete bridge to the east of the existing structure; realignment of Route 39 along the approaches to the proposed bridge; stream stabilization measures; and stormwater management. Smallmouth bass, a popular sport fish, reproduce in the project area. Although the Youghiogheny is designated as Use III-P (natural trout waters), recommendations were made to protect any areas of the river from dewatering from March 1 through June 15 to protect spawning smallmouth bass. This closure period will also reduce interference with put and take trout fishing activities. o A proposed park-and-ride to accommodate 42 or more vehicles along Route 42 (between the road and the stream) in Friendsville. Comments were given to prevent thermal impacts to an unnamed stream and the Youghiogheny River. Staff recommended that the park-and-ride be constructed using permeable materials. Stormwater runoff should be collected in a stormwater management facility that treats stormwater by infiltration into the groundwater. There should be no direct point source of runoff from the lot into the Use-III stream. o A pipe repair where Interstate 68 goes over Mudlick Run in Garrett County. This project includes headwall repair, invert paving, and repair of a drop inlet from the median. The pipe is 228 feet long, and a diversion will be used. Mudlick Run supports a brook trout population and a livestock exclusion fencing project was recently completed at this site (south of Interstate 68). Brook trout may be present at the project site so fish passage should be incorporated into the plans for this repair project. o A project in the headwater area of Gap Run along Route 42 to relocate the stream further away from the edge of the road. The proposal will replace and lengthen pipes under Route 42 and make a riprap trapezoidal channel farther away from the edge of the road. The stream could benefit from this project, as there are severely eroding banks on the downstream side of Route 42. The project will provide a more stable stream channel and rip rap banks which may help reduce down cutting and sediment inputs to Gap Run. The department also recommended replanting the temporarily 2

3 disturbed wetland area with native shrubs to help address temperature concerns. Degraded stream banks along Gap Run at Route 42. Land Stewardship Committee Staff provided comments to acquire a 33-acre property that encompasses the important headwater marsh area of New Germany Lake, as well as a 2,500 foot section of Poplar Lick, which is the only section of the stream that remains privately owned. Poplar Lick supports a naturally reproducing brook trout population and other native coldwater stream fish species. Acquisition of this property would connect the borders of New Germany State Park and Savage River State Forest, and thereby provide water quality protection for New Germany Lake and Poplar Lick. In addition, this acquisition could potentially enable the park to expand public hunting and fishing opportunities. Fishing and Boating Services considers this parcel a high priority acquisition. One of the major goals in the 2006 Maryland Department of Natural Resources Brook Trout Fisheries Management Plan is to increase public ownership of lands bordering brook trout streams in order to provide long term water quality and stream habitat protection. Fish Kill Staff investigated a reported fish kill at Patuxent Ponds Park, a small county owned property in Anne Arundel County. Numerous dead bluegill and several largemouth bass were observed. Measurements of dissolved oxygen were below the mortality threshold for these species and on site discussions with park patrons indicated that there was an algal bloom in the previous week caused by warm weather conditions. The death and subsequent decomposition of the algae may have lowered oxygen levels in the pond. Stocking and Population Management Rainbow Trout The Town Creek delayed harvest trout fishing area within the Green Ridge State Forest in Allegany County was float stocked with 2,700 rainbow trout from the Albert Powell Hatchery. The trout were loaded into plastic mesh cages suspended below an inflatable raft. Staff then floated the entire upper delayed harvest trout fishing 3

4 area and released the trout throughout the stream. Trout were also stocked right off the truck at the Wagner Road access. The lower delayed harvest trout fishing area (Bull Ring Ranch Area) was also float stocked throughout most of the management area. Float stocking the Town Creek delayed harvest trout fishing area Staff assisted Albert Powell and Unicorn Hatchery personnel with the stocking of trout into regional impoundments and streams for preseason angling. Outreach Customer Service Staff responded to many customer service calls regarding: North Branch Potomac River schedule of whitewater flows; bow fishing opportunities in western Maryland; several inquiries regarding ice fishing conditions in Deep Creek Lake; walleye fishing opportunities in Western Maryland; walleye and muskellunge fishing opportunities in the Potomac River; cold water stream study results in the Youghiogheny River, Savage River, and North Branch Potomac River; free fishing dates; trout fishing opportunities in the Youghiogheny River; Piney Mountain Sportsman Club regarding a youth fishing rodeo event in Jennings Run; New Germany State Park regarding fishing regulations; trout stocking in Town Creek; and stream flow conditions in Western Maryland trout streams. Presentation Staff provided a presentation on warmwater fish management and stocking to the Free State Fly Fishers, an angling organization in the Annapolis area. Topics included Freshwater Fisheries Program organization, river and impoundment survey methods, the Potomac River walleye stocking program, and helpful online tools to plan a productive fishing trip. Trout in the Classroom Staff made a classroom visit to the Crellin Elementary School regarding their Trout in the Classroom Project. The trout fry were suffering daily mortalities soon after they absorbed their yolk sac. Following recommendation from Hatchery Program staff, the amount of daily food was increased to improve the health of the fish. 4

5 Youghiogheny River Oil Spill Staff responded to an oil spill report in the Youghiogheny River near Friendsville. Maryland Department of the Environment investigated a leaking residential fuel tank and corrective actions were immediately taken. The oil spill was minor, as Freshwater Program staff walked the banks of the river for two miles downstream and found no evidence of a fish kill. Ice Fishing Clinic Staff conducted an ice fishing clinic on Deep Creek Lake for members of the Northern Garrett High School Envirothon Team. Each student learned how to operate a power auger, clear the holes, and set up and bait the ice fishing rods. Unfortunately, the "Reluctant Dragon" didn't give us any fish that day, and we had only one bite all morning. Envirothon team member Lauren Jacobs using a power auger on Deep Creek Lake. A Blue Yellow Perch Staff responded to an ice fisherman who reported catching a blue-colored yellow perch in Deep Creek Lake. The angler sent in a picture of the fish and research revealed that the blue coloration results from a lack of yellow pigment and a new protein identified in the mucus. This fish was 12.5 inches long and had a 9.5 inch girth; what a rare catch! A blue-colored yellow perch from Deep Creek Lake. Watershed Trout Map Staff hosted a meeting for Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland Forest Service and Natural Resource Conservation Service staff to discuss 5

6 Freshwater Fisheries 12-digit watershed trout map that will be available to these groups for use in determining the best locations to incentivize landowners to plant stream buffers in Carroll and Baltimore counties. The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay also has funding to assist landowners on headwaters of streams in Pennsylvania that flow into Maryland. Angler Access Evitts Creek Ponds Staff was notified of flooding that was occurring in the parking lot of the Evitts Creek Ponds Fishery Management Area. Upon arrival, staff noticed a stream of water shooting up out of the piped water supply to the ponds. The pipe was excavated and a five foot section was cut out and replaced. The water supply has been turned back on and is flowing into the ponds once again. Staff replaced regulation signs at popular trout fishing destinations across the state for the upcoming spring trout fishing season. Staff provided stocking schedules to state and county park officials and managers as well as volunteers for the upcoming spring trout stocking season. Invasive Species Blue Catfish Biologists collected 19 invasive blue catfish from the Patuxent River near the mouth of Western Branch, a small tributary in Prince George s County Maryland. Fish were measured and dissected to gather life history and diet information. The collected fish ranged in size from 19.3 inches to 35.6 inches in length and from 2.6 pounds to 23.9 pounds in weight. Most of the fish collected were immature males, including one of the largest fish sampled. Although few fish were found with food in the stomach, white perch and eastern silvery minnow were identified in a few. Approximately 20 northern snakehead of multiple year classes were also observed and collected in the area. Staff worked with the Power Plant Research Program and Director of Fishing and Boating Services to consider options aimed at minimizing spread of invasive fishes (blue catfish and northern snakehead) through the fish lift at Conowingo Dam while also allowing for the passage of anadromous fish such as American shad. Brook Trout Program Staff completed a draft general presentation on wild trout in Maryland as part of an outreach effort to better inform and educate various local and state partners as to the status and needs of wild trout statewide. Once completed, meetings will be scheduled with specific agencies/partners in the spring. Staff met with Downstream Strategies personnel to review fish habitat restoration and protection sites along Big Run in Garrett County. This project was initiated in 2013 with a State Wildlife Grant and construction is scheduled to be completed this summer. Woody debris structures will be added in sections of the stream where this habitat is lacking to improve fish habitat and to restore the stream morphology to a more natural and stable system. In addition, these structures will be incorporated at several sites along 6

7 the stream in conjunction with streambank stabilization work to protect the streambank and the road. All natural, local materials will be used and the design and placement of the structures should lead to a stable stream system. Staff participated on the Chesapeake Bay Program Brook Trout Action Team two year work plan conference call. This plan is used to direct efforts of the bay states to meet the goal of the Brook Trout Outcome of the Chesapeake Bay Agreement. A draft work plan was agreed upon and will be sent out for public comment in March. Staff will participate in several research projects described in the work plan, and will also be continuing statewide brook trout work that is included in the plan. Staff met with a local Garrett county landowner to discuss the implementation stages of a brook trout habitat enhancement project on his property. The goal is to exclude cattle from a small tributary to Poplar Lick in the Upper Savage River watershed, thus reducing sediment input and improving water quality. Staff gave a presentation on brook trout in Maryland as a guest lecturer at the Annapolis Maritime Museum. Topics covered included brook trout life history, their history in Maryland, our management of the resource, and past and current research. The presentation was followed with a lively question and answer session. Staff participated on the American Fisheries Society Southern Esocid Technical Committee conference call. Participating members had discussions about esocid management and research in their respective states and potential collaboration among interested parties. Staff attended the Maryland Water Monitoring Council's Streams Roundtable to share information on where brook trout sampling will take place in Maryland during The purpose of the roundtable is to understand where state and county governments, nongovernmental organizations, nonprofits, and academic institutions will be sampling during 2018 in order to identify potential areas to collaborate and to avoid overlap of sampling areas. Staff gave presentations on the wild trout angler survey, 2018 statewide brook trout sampling schedule, and the draft trout life history effort at the biannual Freshwater Fisheries Program staff meeting. Staff responded to several customer inquiries regarding brook trout fishing, carp fishing, and northern pike fishing. Staff continued investigation and work on repairs to the Lower Savage River real time water temperature monitoring station. Staff initiated discussions with Garrett College to establish a student intern position that would annually assist the Brook Trout Program with summer seasonal sampling. The student will earn college credit and a seasonal wage, garnering needed career field 7

8 experience. The Brook Trout Program will benefit from a dedicated seasonal worker that is vitally needed to accomplish sampling goals, a win-win for all. Staff was invited by the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture to present a paper at a brook trout symposium at the upcoming annual international American Fisheries Society meeting in Atlantic City. Staff will also participate at a half day panel discussion on the future of brook trout restoration at this meeting. Tidal Bass Program Staff participated in an outreach event in Harrisburg, PA, where they engaged with anglers and potential Maryland anglers, answered questions, and encouraged fishing opportunities to the state. Staff met with Nick Kuttner, Potomac Riverkeeper, to formulate a structure that raises environmental issues affecting black bass to the level of the Black Bass Advisory Subcommittee and the Director of Fishing and Boating Services. Staff issued permits for 48 black bass tournaments that will be held in Maryland in Staff finalized plans for an upcoming webinar to be held with black bass tournament directors regarding the status of fisheries, their concerns and needs, and the Fishing and Boating Services Black Bass Conservation Award. Staff demonstrated the use of computer software (R) and code for quickly analyzing data for the tidal bass program. Staff completed the Black Bass Annual Review (Volume X) that will be ed to a list of over 70,000 black bass anglers in March. Other Staff attended the Freshwater Fisheries Program winter staff meeting at Greenbrier State Park. The meeting included updates on brook trout, tidal black bass, administrative procedures, outreach activities, upcoming sampling activities, grant management and regulatory needs. GIFS Database Several improvements to the Freshwater Fisheries Program database (GIFS) are being tested and should be implemented during early March