CHAPTER 3. LIFE HISTORY, DISTRIBUTION, RUN SIZE AND ANGLER HARVEST OF STEELHEAD IN THE SOUTH FORK TRINITY RIVER BASIN (Continued)
We operated two weirs within the SFTR basin during the 1989-90 season, which captured 135 adult steelhead. The Sandy Bar Weir was operated from 14 September through 23 October 1989, trapping 37 adult steelhead (Figure 3). We tagged 18 of these 37 fish with $10-reward anchor tags and gave all of them a 1/2-LV fin clip. The Hyampom Valley Weir was operated from 18 October 1989 through 6 January 1990, trapping 101 adult steelhead (Figure 4). We tagged 32 of these with $10-reward anchor tags, five carried tags previously applied at the Sandy Bar or Willow Creek weirs, and one had a 1/2-LV fin clip from the Sandy Bar Weir. The remaining 63 steelhead received a 1/2-LV fin clip. Mean FL of the 135 steelhead we examined was 60.2 cm (Figure 5). Predator scars were the most common (45.2%) scar type seen on steelhead trapped at the weirs (Table 1). Three steelhead tagged by CDFG personnel at the Willow Creek Weir (RKM 29.1) on the main-stem Trinity River in 1989 were recaptured 43.3 river km upstream at the Hyampom Valley Weir on the SFTR, then re-released. No Willow Creek Weir-tagged steelhead were recorded at the Sandy Bar Weir. Travel times between the weirs for the three fish ranged from 32 to 84 days (d), averaging 60 d. Three steelhead marked at the Sandy Bar Weir (2 tagged, 1 fin-clipped) were recaptured 38.6 km upstream at the Hyampom Valley Weir. Travel times for the two tagged fish were 19 and 31 d, averaging 25 d. The first steelhead of the season was trapped on 17 September 1990 at the Sandy Bar Weir.
(Figure 3) (Figure 4) (Figure 5) (Table 1)
The creel survey was conducted on the SFTR between 31 October 1989 and 1 April 1990, an interval of 153 d. The lower survey section (Figure 2) was monitored for angler activity on 153 d and a creel survey conducted on 83 d of this period. The upper survey section was monitored for 149 d and a creel survey conducted on 99 d of this period. The river in the lower survey section was determined to be "unfishable", based on flow or turbidity observations, for one (1.2%) of the days it was surveyed and the upper section for three (3.0%) of the days it was surveyed.
During the survey period, 286 anglers were interviewed, 60 (21.0%) within the lower section and 226 (79.0%) within the upper section. Peak angling activity (19.5%) was observed within the upper survey section in the lower Hyampom Valley near Big Slide Campground, with the rest of the anglers' effort distributed over a range of other sites (Table 2). Twenty-two adult steelhead were observed in the catch; three in the lower, and 19 in the upper survey section. Ten half-pounder steelhead were also observed; three in the lower, and seven in the upper survey section. Based on extrapolations of the creel survey data, an estimated 419 anglers within the lower section landed 26 adult, 15 half-pounder and 6 juvenile steelhead (Table 3) while an estimated 1,054 anglers in the upper section landed 84 adult, 26 half-pounder and 37 juvenile steelhead (Table 4). Four marked steelhead were observed in the catch. Three had been tagged at the Hyampom Valley Weir, and one had a 1/2-LV fin clip indicating it was marked at either the Sandy Bar or Hyampom Valley weirs. The three tagged fish were captured 0, 1, and 6 d, respectively,from the date of tagging. County of origin was tabulated for 292 anglers. The majority (89.0%) of the anglers fishing within the SFTR basin were from Trinity and Humboldt counties (Table 5).
(Table 2) (Table 3) (Table 4) (Table 5)
Excluding the unfishable days, water clarity ranged from 15 to 200+ cm in the lower survey section and from 35 to 150+ cm in the upper section. Water temperatures ranged between 4 to 12 oC, and averaged 6 oC in the lower survey section. Temperatures in the upper survey section ranged between 2 to 14 oC, and averaged 7 oC.
We observed three Project-applied tags during the creel census, all of which were ultimately returned to CDFG by the anglers. Based on this, we made the assumption that all tags in the possession of anglers during the 1989-90 season were returned, making the tag return rate 100%. The estimated harvest rate of 18% for adult steelhead (95% Poisson confidence interval [C.I.]: 8% to 34%) was determined by dividing the number of tags returned by anglers (9), by the number of reward tags applied (50).
We conducted walking surveys of 22 creeks (108.0 km total length) throughout the SFTR basin between 19 December 1989 and 19 April 1990 to document numbers and locations of spawning steelhead (Table 6), and to recover adult steelhead by electrofishing (Table 7). We counted and flagged 365 redds, observed 20 adult steelhead, and captured six other adult steelhead through electrofishing. No marked fish were observed. Redd numbers were low in all tributaries while water temperatures remained low (2-6 oC). Beginning 19-25 March (JW 12), water temperatures warmed (7-10 oC) and spawning fish and fresh redds were sighted almost immediately, thereafter.
We surveyed four tributaries to the SFTR and one to Hayfork Creek, all within the Hyampom Valley, between 25 January and 14 April 1990. These surveys covered a total of 10.1 river km, and we observed 65 redds and two live adult steelhead (Tables 6 and 7).
Big Creek, a small tributary to the SFTR (river km 42.8), is located approximately 5.6 km downstream from the town of Hyampom. A natural barrier of cascades exists approximately 0.8 km upstream from the confluence and a hydropower plant is located adjacent to the creek about 30.5 m below the cascades. The creek was surveyed on 8 and 9 March 1990 from the confluence to the barrier. The stream bed contains numerous pools and large boulders but is lacking in suitable spawning gravels to support much active spawning activity. The only spawning area available is found in the gravels in front of the culvert exiting the powerhouse. One redd was observed there.
Butter Creek, a tributary to the SFTR (river km 54.2), is located approximately 3.2 km south of the town of Hyampom. This creek contains areas of extreme bank sloughing in the lower 0.4-km section due to early logging activities exacerbated by the floods of 1964 and 1986. However, most of the creek upstream of this area contains large holding pools and some areas of suitable spawning habitat. Butter Creek Falls exists 2.4 km from the confluence creating a natural barrier to anadromous fish passage. We surveyed the lower 2.4 km of the creek on 9 April 1990 and counted 44 steelhead redds.
Eltapom Creek, a tributary to the SFTR (river km 40.9), is located 8.0 km north of the town of Hyampom and flows through a narrow canyon consisting of steep rock and oak covered slopes which were badly damaged by the fire of 1987. Pools and spawning habitat are very common throughout, with spawning gravels in the upper reaches being less compacted and more suitable for spawning than those in the middle and lower reaches. Pools are numerous and pool cover consists mostly of root-wad and bedrock structures. Riparian vegetation is fair with creek canopy consisting mainly of alders. A waterfall exists 1.3 km from the confluence creating a natural barrier to anadromous fish passage. We surveyed the lower 1.3 km of the creek on 10 April 1990, counted 18 redds, and observed two adult steelhead.
Olsen Creek, a tributary to Hayfork Creek (river km 0.6.), is located just east of the town of Hyampom. The USFS has put in numerous habitat improvement structures in this system but spawning habitat is limited. The upper 2.4-km section runs through a steep narrow canyon containing numerous falls ranging between 1.1 and 4.6 m which may be natural barriers to anadromous fish passage, and two debris blockages were found in the lower 0.8 km section which are believed to be complete barriers except during very high flow conditions. We surveyed 4.8 km of the creek between 26 January and 11 April 1990 and observed two redds.
Pelletreau Creek, a tributary to the SFTR (river km 46.7), is located west of the town of Hyampom. Only the uppermost section contains adequate holding pools while the remainder of the creek is composed mainly of a cemented gravel substrate, unsuitable for spawning. This creek was severely damaged by the 1964 flood and is reported to have 10.7 m of gravel sitting on top of the original creek bed in this lower section. Pelletreau Creek contains a cascade barrier to anadromous fish passage 0.8 km upstream from its mouth. Although this is a perennial stream, complete water diversion during summer months leaves the lower 0.3-km section dry. We surveyed 0.8 km of the creek on 25 January, 8 March, and 14 April 1990 and observed no redds.
We surveyed 13 tributaries to Hayfork Creek, plus parts of the main-stem of Hayfork Creek between 19 December 1989 and 19 April 1990. These surveys covered a total of 79.0 km, and we captured six adult steelhead, observed 218 redds, and counted 10 other adult steelhead (Tables 6 and 7).
Big Creek, a major tributary to Hayfork Creek (river km 43.8), is located in the Hayfork Valley east of the town of Hayfork. This creek has been very productive in the past with spawning gravel fairly abundant in the middle and upper survey sections, pools are common and riparian vegetation is medium to dense. California Conservation Corps (CCC) crews and the USFS have installed numerous habitat enhancement structures. During the winter months the habitat is excellent, however, a property owner diverts most of the creek for watering livestock pastures the rest of the year. The water diversions are located 2.4 km and 4.8 km upstream from the confluence with Hayfork Creek, and limit the habitat for fish in this lower section. We surveyed 12.6 km of the creek between 19 December 1989 and 1 April 1990 and counted 36 redds.
Carr Creek, a tributary to Hayfork Creek (river km 47.8), flows partly through the upper Hayfork Valley. This valley section is heavily impacted by livestock, the riparian zone is heavily grazed, and cattle crossings are numerous, causing heavy suspended sediment throughout the section. Beaver dams are numerous throughout the creek, with one causing a total fish passage barrier below the Double G Ranch. Spawning habitat is limited, pools are small (most less than 1.0 m deep) and several low-water barriers exist. We surveyed 5.8 km of Carr Creek between 26 February and 2 April 1990, observing no redds or adult steelhead.
Dubakella Creek, a tributary to upper Hayfork Creek (river km 78.4), is located south of the town of Wildwood. The upper 2.1 km section flows through a steep narrow canyon containing mostly cascades with accompanying high velocity flows. The slope gradient levels out in the lower 1.1-km section but available spawning gravel sections are limited. Large and small woody debris cover is abundant throughout this stream system and the riparian zone vegetation consists primarily of alders. We surveyed 3.2 km of the creek between 19 March and 11 April 1990 and observed no redds or adult steelhead.
The East Fork of Hayfork Creek, a major tributary to Hayfork Creek (river km 58.2), is located north of the town of Wildwood. The creek is very rocky in many areas but does contain areas of good spawning habitat, mainly where the CCC crews have built spawning gravel recruitment structures. Most of the noted spawning activity has occurred in the latter areas. The upper 3.2-km section contains numerous pools and riffles, and spawning gravel areas are abundant. The remaining 4.2 km from the East Fork Road bridge to the confluence with Hayfork Creek is a steady declining gradient containing fast moving water and little spawning habitat. The primary riparian zone consists of alders and willows. Secondary growth consists of cedars, firs and pines. Most of the basin has been hydraulically mined. These operations are most evident in the main basin in the form of large tailing piles. In general, nearly all of the East Fork of Hayfork Creek drainage has been altered from its natural topography. We surveyed 7.4 km of the East Fork of Hayfork Creek on 23 and 26 March 1990 from the confluence with Hayfork Creek to the confluence of the North Fork of the East Fork of Hayfork Creek, observing 32 redds and one live adult steelhead.
Goods Creek, a tributary to Hayfork Creek (river km 45.6), is located in Wildwood. Steelhead habitat was poor due to the low flow conditions, spawning areas were limited, creek sedimentation was heavy and a beaver dam caused a barrier to anadromous fish migration. We surveyed 1.6 km of the creek on 1 and 16 March 1990 and observed no redds.
Hayfork Creek is the major tributary to the SFTR (river km 30.1). Most of the creek above the Hayfork Valley is composed of boulders and large rubble unsuitable for spawning. Some upper reaches of Hayfork Creek contain a few areas of suitable spawning habitat, but beaver dams are creating a serious siltation and sedimentation problem resulting in cemented gravels. The section flowing through the Hayfork Valley contains a fair amount of spawning gravel but the habitat is poor with little or no cover, very few pools, and warm water temperatures in the summer. We surveyed sections from the upper Hayfork Valley at the Dubakella Creek confluence to the lower Hayfork Valley in those areas that were accessible and where we knew spawning habitat existed. We surveyed 19.0 km of the creek between 19 March and 19 April 1990, counted 30 redds, captured two adult steelhead, and observed three other adult steelhead.
Little Creek, a tributary to Hayfork Creek (river km 29.0), is located west of Hayfork. The USFS has constructed habitat improvement structures in the stream, and there are areas of suitable spawning habitat. A complete barrier exists 1.6 km from the confluence. We surveyed 2.1 km of the creek between 21 March and 13 April 1990, counted eight redds, and observed one adult steelhead.
Philpot Creek, a tributary to Salt Creek (river km 11.1), is located in the Hayfork Valley. It is composed of long stretches of bedrock substrate and contains some areas of suitable spawning gravels. A dense canopy of riparian vegetation makes walking the stream in its lower section impossible. We surveyed 2.6 km of the creek on 30 April 1990 and counted six redds.
Potato Creek, a tributary to East Fork Hayfork Creek (river km 3.1), lies in an extremely steep-sided basin. We surveyed the lower 2.4 km of the creek on 28 February, 7 March, and 6 April 1990, found good steelhead habitat, and observed five redds in the upper part of the section.
Rusch Creek, a tributary to Hayfork Creek (river km 28.5), is located west of the town of Hayfork. This is a perennial stream running through mountainous terrain with fairly dense shade canopy provided by Douglas fir, yew trees, big leaf maple, and alder. The creek contains numerous habitat improvement structures for bank stabilization, pool scouring and spawning gravel recruitment, but spawning habitat is very limited. The upper 3.2 km are very steep with many cascades and no spawning habitat present. Steelhead rearing habitat was fair throughout the creek. Pools were primarily boulder and log formed with pool cover provided mostly by rock and woody debris. Several complete and low flow barriers were noted 6.0 km from the confluence. We surveyed 6.4 km of the creek between 6 March and 11 April 1990, counted six redds, observed two adult steelhead, and captured two other adult steelhead through electrofishing.
Salt Creek, a major tributary to Hayfork Creek (river km 37.0), runs through the Hayfork Valley. The lower section flows through pasture land where the creek is very open and exposed and steelhead habitat is poor. Some pools are present but are lacking in cover with the riparian vegetation consisting of alders and willows. The upper and middle sections contain better habitat with deeper pools and a denser canopy. Spawning habitat exists, but many of these areas are located within pastures and contain numerous cattle crossings, disturbing available spawning areas. Riparian vegetation is also heavily grazed, reducing cover and increasing sun exposure. We surveyed Salt Creek for 17.6 km between 22 January and 30 March 1990, counted 57 redds, and observed seven adult steelhead.
Tule Creek, a tributary to Hayfork Creek (river km 35.9), flows through the Hayfork Valley. Spawning habitat in the lower section is poor due to a clay hardpan substrate, but the upper section contains many large deep pools and spawning habitat is more readily available. Primary riparian cover is alders and oaks. A beaver dam is located in the lower 4.0 km and was a barrier at the time of the surveys. We surveyed 3.7 km of the creek on 22 January, 12 February, and 2 April 1990, observed 38 redds, and captured two adult steelhead through electrofishing.
Wilson Creek, a tributary to Hayfork Creek (river km 70.6), is located in Wildwood. It is a very small creek with no adult habitat, very limited spawning habitat, numerous debris jams, and heavy sedimentation resulting from heavy clear-cut logging in the drainage. The lower section is heavily influenced by human activities and domestic water supply demands. We surveyed Wilson Creek for 1.6 km on 20 March 1990 but observed no redds.
