HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999 Distribution and Spawning Migration of Bull Trout4
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Distribution and Spawning Migration of Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus) in the
Hoh River Basin, Washington
Samuel J. Brenkman
E National Park Service, Olympic National Park
VE600 East Park Ave.
CO) Port Angeles, WA 98362
JAN 12 2000 Sam_Brenkman @nps.gov
BOARD OF COMMIZON
.GIVERS
John Meyer
National Park Service, Olympic National Park
600 East Park Ave.
Port Angeles, WA 98362
John_Meyer @nps.gov
September 15,1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
INTRODUCTION .......:............................................ ..............................1
STUDYAREA ........................................................ ..............................3
METHODS............................................................ ..............................6
Genetic Analysis and Angling ................................... ..............................6
Distribution of Fish Species in the Hoh River Basin ......... ..............................7
Snorkel Surveys Related to Abundance of Bull Trout ........ ..............................8
Spawner Surveys .................................................. ...............................
9
River Flow and Water Temperature ............................. ..............................9
RESULTS............................................................. ...............................
Genetic Analysis and Angling .................................. ...............................
11
Distribution of Fish Species in the Hoh River Basin .......... .............................12
Snorkel Surveys Related to Abundance of Bull Trout ........ .............................13
Bull Trout Spawning .............................................. ...............................
19
Number and Location of Redds ............................. ...............................
19
SpawnTiming .................................................. .............................19
Length of Spawners .......................................... ...............................
1
River Flow and Water Temperature in Relation to Spawning ............................22
DISCUSSION .......................................................
............................... . 2
Genetic Analysis and Angling .................................... .............................26
Distribution of Fish Species in the Hoh River Basin ..........
.............................26
Bull Trout Spawning .............................................
............................... 27
Length of Spawners ................................. ...............................
......29
Factors Influencing Redd Counts ..........................
............................... 29
River Flow and Water Temperature .............................
.............................31
Conclusion...........................................................
.............................32
Recommendations for Future Bull Trout Studies in the Hoh River Basin ..................33
LITERATURE CITED ....................................................................... .............................35
APPENDICES...............................:.................................................... .............................38
A C A
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure
Page
1. Map of study area in Hoh River basin, Washington ......... ..............................5
2. Distribution of juvenile ( </ 30 cm) and adult ( >30 cm) bull trout in the Hoh River
and South Fork Hoh River from September 9 to October 26, 1998 ....................14
3. Redd locations of bull trout in the Hoh River basin in 1998 .............................20
4. Mean daily discharge (cros) of Hoh River for water years 1970 to 1996 in relation 23
to mean daily discharge from January 1 to December 7, 1998...... .................
5. Mean daily water temperature ( °C) in Hoh River from August 17 to November
30,1998 ........................................... .................. .............................24
6. Mean daily water temperature ( °C) in Cougar Creek, Hoh River from October to
24
December1, 1998 ............ : ........................................... .......................
7. Mean daily water temperature ( °C) in the South Fork Hoh River (River Mile 7.0) 25
from September 10 to November 18, 1998 ............. .................... • • • • •
LIST OF TABLES
Tables
Page
la. Number of each fish species observed in tributaries to Hoh River based on
electrofishing, day snorkel, night snorkel, and angling surveys conducted from
May5 to August 29, 1999 ...................................... .............................15
lb. Summary of bull trout lengths, catch per hour, and capture locations determined from
angler surveys conducted in the Hoh River, South Fork Hoh River, Jackson Creek,
and Mount Tom Creek, Washington from September 9 to November 9, 1998......18
2. Number of bull trout captured relative to other salmonids caught in the Hoh River
and South Fork Hoh River from September 9 to October 26, 1998 ....................18
3. Number of salmonids observed in each section of the South Fork Hoh River based on
daytime snorkel surveys conducted from September 22 to 23, 1998 ..................18
4. Summary of redd surveys conducted in the Hoh River and its tributaries from
October 13 to December 2, 1998 .............................. .............................21
5. Summary of daily mean water temperatures in the Hoh River, South Fork Hoh River,
and Cougar Creek in 1998 ..................................... .............................23
6. Lengths of native char observed in streams in Olympic National Park,
Washington..................................................... .............................31
r
a '
LIST OF APPENDICES
APPENDICES
Page
Appendix A. Capture locations (GPS), fork lengths, and sample numbers of bull trout
collected for genetic analysis in the Hoh River, Washington from September 16 to
October26, 1998 ..................................................... .............................38
Appendix B. Capture locations (GPS), fork lengths, and sample numbers of bull trout
collected for genetic analysis in the South Fork Hoh River, Washington from September
9 to September 22, 1998 ......................................... ............................... 39
Appendix C. Summary of angling surveys conducted in the Hoh River, South Fork Hoh
River, Jackson Creek, and Mount Tom Creek, Washington from September 9 to
November9, 1998 ................................................... .............................40
Appendix D. Summary of redd surveys conducted in the Hoh River from October 16 to
December2, 1998 ................:.................................. .............................41
Appendix E. Summary of redd surveys conducted in South Fork Hoh River from
October 14 to November 18, 1998 ................................ .............................41
Appendix F. Summary of redd surveys conducted in tributaries to the Hoh River from
October 13 to December 2, 1998 .............. ............ • • • • .."""''
Appendix G. Bull trout redd locations (GPS) in the Hoh River, Cougar Creek, "OGS"
Creek, and the South Fork Hoh River from October 19 to November 18, 1998.........44
Appendix H. Length distributions of bull trout in the Hoh River and South Fork Hoh 45
River based on angling surveys from 9/9/98 to 10/26/98 ..................... .......
ABSTRACT
Distribution and spawning migration of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentusl were
described in the Hoh River basin, Washington from August 1998 to August 1999-
Results from genetic analysis to confirm species identification revealed that bull trout
were present in the Hoh River (n =73) and South Fork Hoh River (n =45). This study was
the first confirmation of bull trout in the Hoh River basin. Bull trout were ubiquitous
throughout each river although no bull trout were detected in 17 (of 18) tributaries during
extensive electrofishing surveys and day and night snorkeling from May to August 1999.
Based on distributional information, results suggested that young -of -the -year and juvenile
bull trout predominately inhabited the main stem Hoh River and South Fork Hoh River.
Walking surveys were conducted to determine the location and timing of bull trout
spawning. In 1998, a total of 34 bull trout redds were counted in the Hoh River (four
redds), South Fork River (five redds), and two tributary streams (25 redds). Bull trout
spawned from October 19 to November 18 although we suspect that prominent spawning
areas were not located. No bull trout spawning was observed in the lower portions of
numerous tributaries to the Hoh River despite weekly walking surveys from October to
December 1998. There was a wide range of lengths (23 to 78 cm) of bull trout in
spawning condition, and spawning occurred at mean daily water temperatures of less than
8.3 °C. Recommendations for future bull trout studies in the Hoh River basin include an
examination of the likelihood of anadromous, resident, and fluvial life history forms.
INTRODUCTION
In 1978, bull trout (Salvelinus confluentusl were taxonomically separated from closely related
Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) (Cavendar 1978). Two decades after its description, bull trout
appear to be at risk of local and regional extirpations. Bull trout on the Olympic Peninsula,
Washington have been petitioned for listing as a threatened species under the federal Endangered
Species Act. Significant declines in distribution and abundance of this species throughout its
range are attributed to habitat degradation (Fraley and Shepard 1989; Rieman and McIntyre
1993), overfishing (Carl et al. 1989; Ratliff and Howell 1992), dams and water diversions (Rode
1990; Rieman and McIntyre 1993), and displacement by non - native fish species (Donald and
Alger 1992; Markle 1992; Leary et al. 1993).
Similar to other char species, bull trout have four diverse life history strategies that include
resident, fluvial, adfluvial, and likely anadromous forms. Stream- resident forms inhabit small
headwater streams and may reach sexual maturity at a small size. The fluvial form inhabits large
rivers, attains a large size, and typically spawns in tributary streams. Adfluvial bull trout mature
in lakes or reservoirs and migrate into tributaries to spawn. Anadromous bull trout may occur in
western Washington although there has been no direct documentation of anadromy throughout
their range.
Until recently, research on bull trout has focused primarily on the streams outside the
geographic area of overlap with the Dolly Varden. Prior sampling activities by biologists
revealed the presence of native char in the Hoh River basin although bull trout and Dolly Varden
were not distinguished [Olympic National Park files 1994 -1998; Washington Department of Fish
and Wildlife (WDFW) 19981.
Distributions and life history characteristics of bull trout are poorly understood for
populations that inhabit rivers on the Olympic Peninsula, Washington. The paucity of
information is the result of few studies of bull trout and the difficulty in visually distinguishing
the species from Dolly Varden in western Washington (Mongillo 1992; Brown 1994).
Specifically, there is no information on location and timing of bull trout spawning in the Hoh,
Elwha, Queets, and Quinault River basins. Consequently, there is insufficient information to
assess stock status of bull trout populations in those rivers.
Information on distribution and spawning migrations of bull trout is particularly important
given the recent petition to list the Coastal -Puget Sound bull trout population segment as
threatened. The primary objectives of this research were to: 1.) collect fin tissue samples for
genetic analysis to confirm the presence of bull trout in the Hoh River and South Fork Hoh
River; 2) determine distributions of bull trout and other fish species in the Hoh River basin; 3)
determine the location and timing of bull trout spawning in the Hoh River basin; and 4) examine
relationships between river discharge and water temperature relative to timing of migration and
spawning. The identification of bull trout spawning areas and determination of spawn timing
may be useful in developing annual monitoring sites of redds that are needed to assess long -term
trends in abundance and future recovery efforts for this species.
2
STUDY AREA
This study was conducted from August 1998 to August 1999 in the Hoh River basin including
the South Fork Hoh River and 18 tributary streams. The Hoh River (latitude 470 52' N,
longitude 1230 53' W) flows in a westerly direction from its headwaters in Olympic National
Park to its confluence with the Pacific Ocean (Figure 1). The source of the Hoh River and its
major tributaries originate from at least five major alpine glaciers, numerous minor glaciers, and
snowfields in the upper portions of the watershed (Fonda 1974). The upper section of the
watershed is entirely within Olympic National Park whereas lower reaches flow through state,
tribal, and private lands. Most tributary streams to the Hoh River located outside Olympic
National Park are predominately influenced by rainfall.
The Hoh River (including the South Fork Hoh) drains 655 km2 and flows through forests of
old- growth Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesiij, Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensisl, western
hemlock (Tsuga heteroph lY lal, and western red cedar (Thuia plicatal. Downstream reaches of
the river occur in areas of second - growth forests. The river descends in elevation from 1216 m
in the headwaters to its confluence with the Pacific Ocean. In the upper main stem river, a series
of cascades located at river mile 48.5 (upstream of the confluence of Glacier Creek) may be a
barrier to upstream passage of fish (Phinney and Bucknell 1975). No fish species were found in
the upper Hoh River by Hatten (1993) despite seining, electrofishing, and angling surveys that
were conducted between river miles 52 and 54.
The South Fork Hoh River (latitude 47° 48' N, longitude 123° 59' W) drains 130 km2, and
descends in elevation from 1475 m to 128 m at its confluence with Hoh River. The main channel
of the South Fork Hoh River is wide and shallow and has wetted widths that range from 8 to 10
m in summer to 20 to 40 in in winter (Sedell et al. 1984). A possible barrier to upstream fish
passage may exist upstream of river mile 14.0 (Phinney and Bucknell 1975). Lower portions of
the South Fork Hoh River flow through State owned lands.
Mean annual precipitation at the Hoh Ranger Station was 358 cm from 1970 to 1996, most of
which occurred as rain from November to January (Olympic National Park files). In 1997, there
were 485 cm of precipitation at the Hoh River Ranger Station. - An estimated annual precipitation
of 610 cm occur in the headwaters of the South Fork Hoh River, the highest known rainfall in the
lower 48 states (Shreiner et al. 1996). River discharge is strongly influenced by rainfall in winter
and glacial and snow melt in spring.
In addition to bull trout, fishes that inhabit the Hoh River basin include mountain whitefish
(Prosopium williamsoni), shorthead sculpin (Cottus confusus ), torrent sculpin (C. rhotheus),
reticulate sculpin (C. e lexus ), coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), spring/summer and fall
chinook salmon (O. tshawvtscha), chum salmon (O. keta ), pink salmon (O. gorbuscha),
summer and winter steelhead trout (O. m kiss ), sockeye salmon (O. nerka ), cutthroat trout (O.
clarki , longnose dace (Rhinichthys cataractae) and Pacific lamprey (Lampetra tridentata)
(Olympic National Park files). Non - native fish in the Hoh River basin include a historic report
of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) found in Elk Lake (Hagen 1961). In 1994, Olympic
National Park required catch - and - release angling regulations for bull trout/Dolly Varden in the
Hoh River and required release of all wild fish species in the South Fork Hoh River.
4
METHODS
Genetic Analysis and Angling:
To determine species identification of native char, non - lethal genetic analysis [(polymerase
chain reaction (PCR)] was conducted on fish captured from the Hoh River and South Fork Hoh
River. From September 9 to October 26, 1998, bull trout were captured by angling with single
and double barbless hooks and fork lengths were measured. A portion of the anal fin was
removed from each fish and placed in plastic vials containing 100% ethanol. Fish were safely
released at their point of capture. Samples of anal fins were analyzed at the WDFWGenetics
Unit in Olympia.
The genetic identity of fish was determined using PCR that facilitated analysis of nuclear
DNA markers. Anal fin tissues were digested for 1.5 hours at 65 °C in a cell lysis solution with
proteinase K (Sigma). After the tissues were broken down, proteins were precipitated in the
presence of ammonium acetate at 4 °C, followed by centrifugation for 5 minutes at 14,000 x g to
remove the precipitate. The supernatant containing nucleic acids was removed, and the DNA
was precipitated using 2- propanol. The DNA was washed in 70% ethanol, air -dried for 15
minutes at room temperature and then resuspended in TE buffer. Working stocks of DNA were
prepared at 100 ng x yL -1. Detailed laboratory protocols and reagent recipes may be attained
from Sewall Young (youngsfy @dfw.wa.gov) at the WDFW Genetics Unit.
Str -60 ( = "BT y60" in Estoup et al. 1993) primers were used to amplify microsatellite loci in a
five -step touchdown polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with a final annealing temperature of 50
°C. The forward PCR primers carried phosphoramidite dye labels that enabled fluorescent
detection of the amplification products. The PCR products from each fish were combined with a
loading cocktail that included the GeneScan 500 size standard (Perkin -Elmer Biosystems) and
6
electrophoresed, 1 fish per lane on a 0.2 mm thick polyacrylamide gel using an ABI 377
semiautomated DNA sequencer (Perkin -Elmer Biosystems). The inclusion of the GeneScan 500
sizing ladder in each lane allowed estimation of allele sizes to within tl base pair using
GeneScan v. 2.1, and Genotyper v. 2.0 software packages (Perkin -Elmer Biosystems).
Distribution of Fish Species in the Hoh River Basin:
Angling was used to determine the relative location of bull trout in the Hoh River ( —RM 0.5
to 48.3) and South Fork Hoh River in 1998 and 1999 (_RM 0.2 to 14.3). Single pass
electrofishing and day snorkel surveys also were conducted to determine presence or non-
detection of bull trout and the distribution other fish species present in Alder, Anderson,
Canyon, Cougar, Falls, He Roaring, Jackson, Maple, Mount Tom, Nolan, "OGS ", Owl, Snider,
Tower, Twin, Taft, Willoughby, and Winfield Creeks from May to August 1999. A two person
crew, equipped with a Smith -Root Model 12A backpack electrofisher and dip -nets proceeded
upstream identifying and counting fish. All electrofishing surveys proceeded upstream in
tributaries and terminated in uppermost portions of each creek except in some remote streams
where surveys terminated due to the lack of road access (Table 1 a). Fish were released near their
point of capture. Exact capture locations were denoted by a Trimble GPS unit, and river miles
were determined from USGS 1:24000 maps (Appendix A and B). A Suunto altimeter also was
used to measure the elevation that corresponded to a location or upper distribution of a fish
species in streams where GPS locations were unavailable.
To verify results from electrofishing (e.g.- non - detection of bull trout), night snorkel surveys
(
2200 to 0400 hours) were conducted throughout 400 m reaches in Alder, Canyon, Maple, Nolan,
-- 24 and from August 2 to August 10, 1999.
Owl, Twin, Winfield, and Willoughby Creeks on May -
7
Divers proceeded upstream identifying and counting fish with the aid of underwater halogen dive
lights to illuminate the stream channel. Sample reaches (up to 1,600 m) were designated in
accessible areas upstream and downstream of road crossings on each creek (Table la). Because
of the difficulty in distinguishing between cutthroat trout and rainbow trout underwater, counts
of these two species were combined as cutthroat/rainbow trout.
Snorkel Surveys Related to Abundance:
Daytime snorkeling was conducted to determine relative abundance of bull trout in the South
Fork Hoh River from September 22 -23, 1998 and from September 9 -13, 1999. Divers proceeded
downstream identifying and counting salmonids from river mile 12.9 to river mile 0.0 in 1998
and from river mile 13.7 to river mile 1.5 in 1999. The river was divided into four sections of
comparable lengths, and each section was snorkeled by a crew comprised of two surveyors. Two
experienced snorkelers equipped with a data recording sleeve proceeded downstream counting
numbers of bull trout, mountain whitefish, rainbow /steelhead trout, cutthroat trout, chinook
salmon, coho salmon, pink salmon, and sockeye salmon. Divers positioned themselves near the
midline of the wetted - channel width and floated downstream while remaining as motionless as
possible. The diver to the right of the midline only counted those fish on the right side; the other
diver counted fish on the left side. When fish were observed in large aggregations, divers
commonly made two passes in their respective lanes and averaged the counts. All daytime
surveys were conducted between 0730 and 1800 hours, and the duration of each survey was
recorded. Snorkel methodology was used because it was logistically feasible and known to
produce reliable and repeatable counts in larger river systems (Northcote and Wilkie 1963; Schill
and Griffith 1984; Thurow 1994). Additionally, cursory snorkel surveys were conducted in the
lower portion of Mount Tom Creek on September 15, 1998. No snorkel surveys were attempted
in the Hoh River due to low water visiblity.
s
so
Spawner Surveys:
The onset, relative duration, and location of spawning was determined by conducting weekly
walking surveys throughout portions of the Hoh River (RM 30.0 to RM 48.2) and South Fork
Hoh River (RM 4.2 to RM 14.5). Additionally, weekly walking surveys were conducted in the
lower portions of Taft, Snider, Mount Tom, Cougar, Jackson, Twin, Canyon, Willoughby, and
Tower Creeks from October 13 to December 2, 1998 between 0800 and 1800. Occasional
surveys also occurred in Owl Creek, Hoh Lake Creek, and "Olympus Guard Station" (OGS)
Creek (located directly behind the Olympus Ranger Station). In each survey, two observers
walked upstream on opposite stream banks counting adult bull trout and redds. Surveyors
estimated lengths of spawning bull trout to the nearest inch and later converted lengths to
centimeters. Polarized sunglasses were used during redd surveys.
Observers determined locations of bull trout redds using a Trimble GPS unit, and their
locations were marked with flags. We only identified and counted redds when adult bull trout
were observed on or immediately adjacent to the redd since coho and chinook salmon were
actively spawning during most surveys. Redds that did not have fish located on or near them
were recorded as being redds of an unknown species.
River Flow and Water Temperature:
Daily mean discharge from the Hoh River [water years (October 1 to September 30) 1970 to
1996 and water year 1998] was obtained from United States Geological Survey stream gauge
number 12041200 located at U.S. Highway 101 near Forks, Washington (unpublished data,
USGS). Daily fluctuations of water temperature ( °C) were recorded using Stow -Away (Onset
Computer Corporation) temperature loggers placed in two locations in the Hoh River, one in the
South Fork Hoh River, and one in Cougar Creek. In the Hoh River, temperature loggers were
_ __placed immediately upstream from the Hoh Visitor Center and near the park boundary. The
temperature logger in Cougar Creek was located approximately 200 m upstream from its
9
M
confluence with the Hoh River. The temperature logger in the South Fork Hoh River was
located at the end of the park trail (RM 7.0).
10
W
RESULTS
Genetic Analysis and Angling:
Results from genetic analysis revealed that all 73 char from the Hoh River (lengths from 15.2
to 77.5 cm) and 42 (of 45) char (lengths from 15.2 to 63.5 cm) from the South Fork Hoh River
were bull trout (personal communication, Sewall Young, WDFW)..Polymerase chain reaction
using Str -60 primers amplified both the a and b alleles in all individuals from the Hoh River and
42 of 45 fish from the South Fork Hoh River. The other three fish from the South Fork Hoh
River did not yield detectable Str -60 PCR products.
Qualitative genetic differences exist between bull trout and Dolly Varden at microsatellite
DNA locus Str -60. Specifically, Str -60 was a duplicated locus (i.e. the PCR primers induce
amplification of two sets of DNA fragments) in bull trout and several other salmonids although it
only exists. as a single locus in Dolly Varden. In bull trout, the two Str -60 loci were of distinctive
lengths. Alleles between 144 and 170 base pairs (bp) long were assigned to Str -60a, and alleles
between 220 and 300 by long were assigned to Str -60b. Str -60 amplified DNA fragments only
between 220 and 300 by in Dolly Varden. In this analysis, those were considered to be Str -60b.
Thus, Str -60 amplification in the PCR was useful in distinguishing bull trout and Dolly Varden
because observation of PCR products in both size ranges was consistent with known genotypes
of bull trout but not Dolly Varden. Additionally, the observation of alleles only in the 220 -300
by range was consistent with known genotypes of Dolly Varden but not bull trout. For the
purposes of this study, we assumed that all observations of native char in the Hoh River basin
were bull trout.
Mean lengths of bull trout were significantly higher in the Hoh River (mean--40.1 cm) than
those of bull trout from the South Fork Hoh River (mean=30,2 cm from river mile 5.5 to 14.9)
11
(T- Test= P <0.0005). Additionally, the mean number of bull trout captured per hour in the Hoh
River was higher (0.92 fish per hour) than in the South Fork Hoh River (0.48 char per angler
hour) (Table lb). Bull trout, the target species, were one of the most readily caught salmonids in
both the Hoh River and South Fork Hoh River during angler surveys (Table 2).
Distribution of Fish Species in the Hoh River Basin:
Juvenile (100 -300 mm) and adult bull trout (501 -800 mm) were captured during angling
surveys in the Hoh River from river mile 0.5 to river mile 48.3 and from river mile 0.2 to river
mile 14.3 in the South Fork Hoh River (Tables la and lb; Figure 2). Exact capture locations of
individual fish were recorded for each river (Appendices A to Q. Adult bull trout typically were
captured in upper portions of the Hoh River and juvenile bull trout were observed from river mile
30 to river mile 48. In the South Fork Hoh River, adults were only captured in the uppermost
portion of the river that was also inhabited by juvenile bull trout (Figure 2).
Bull trout were found during electrofishing surveys in "OGS" Creek in Olympic National
Park. Additionally, young -of -the -year and juvenile bull trout were observed in the Hoh River
from river mile 31.0 to 31.3 and from river mile 45.0 to 47.0 based on electrofishing surveys in
portions of the main stem river in 1999 (Table la). Bull trout were not detected in 17 other
tributaries to the Hoh River despite extensive electrofishing and day and night snorkel surveys
from May to August 1999 (Table l a).
Juvenile coho salmon, cutthroat trout, juvenile rainbow /steelhead trout, and sculpin spp. were
ubiquitous throughout tributaries to the Hoh River (Table la). Coho salmon were observed in all
tributaries with the exception of the lower portions of Falls Creek, Maple Creek,Taft Creek, and
Tower Creek. Similarly, cutthroat inhabited numerous tributaries although none were found in
Cougar Creek, Falls Creek, Taft Creek, and Twin Creek. Additionally, chinook salmon,
lamprey, mountain whitefish, and longnose dace were observed in some tributaries (Table 1 a).
12
Snorkel Surveys Related to Abundance of Bull Trout:
In 1998, 141 bull trout (10.9 fish/river mile) were distributed throughout the South Fork Hoh
River from September 22 to September 23 based on day snorkel surveys (Table 3). The highest
composition of bull trout relative to other salmonids occurred in the uppermost river section
(four) although they comprised only 4.5% of the total number of fish observed throughout the
river. In 1998, estimated lengths of the bull trout ranged from 15 to 81 cm during the snorkel
surveys, and 77% of the observed bull trout were greater than or equal to 25 cm. From
September 9 to September 13, 1999, 46 bull trout (3.8 fish/river mile) that ranged from 30 to 80
cm in length were observed throughout the South Fork Hoh River. All 46 bull trout were greater
than 30 cm in length. No bull trout were observed in the lower mile of Mount Tom Creek during
two snorkel surveys.
13
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Table 1 a. Number of each fish species observed in tributaries to Hoh River based on
electrofishing, day snorkel, night snorkel, and angling surveys conducted from May 5 to August
29, 1999. Bull trout were not observed in any tributary located outside of Olympic National
Park. Table also includes angling surveys in the Hoh River and South Fork Hoh River from
1999.
Stream No. of Each Fish Species
Captured Electrofishing (EF)
and Location of Survey
(River Mile)
Alder (reek RM 0.0 to 4.70
ONKI =96
ONCL =18
ONMY= 7
ONXX =20
COXX =54
No. of Each Fish Species
Date Surveyed
Observed Night Snorkeling
EF= Electrofishing
(NS) and Location of Survey
NS =Night Snorkeling
(River Mile)
DS =Day Snorkeling
Cougar Creek RM 0.0 to 0.90
AN= Angling
RM 1.35 to 1.85
RM 2.15 to 2.65
ONKI =800
ONMY /CL =147
ONXX =16
COX—X=21
EF =6/23; 6/24/ and
7/l/99
NS =8/3; 8/5/99
Anderson Creek RM 0.0 to 2.50 (surveyed left bank NA EF =6/1; 6/2/99
tributary to headwaters)
ONKI =86
ONCL =26
ONMY =9
COXX =40
LAX-X =1
Canyon Creek RM 0.0 to 1.60 RM 0.0 to 0.75 EF =6/22; 6/23/99
ONKI =1
ONKI =0
ONCL =34
ONMY /CL =150 NS= 8/6/99
ONXX =8
ONXX =11
COXX =10
COXX =4
Cougar Creek RM 0.0 to 0.90
NA EF =6/1; 6/2/99
ONKI =76
ONMY =2
ONXX =8
COXX =52
LAXX =1
Falls Creek RM 0.0 to 0.05
NA EF= 8/25/99
COXX =8
Hell Roaring RM 0.0 to 2.40 NA EF =7/15; 7/19/99
Creek .
ONKI =6
ONCL =6
ONXX =24
COXX =36
Hoh River RM 0.50 NA AN= 6/12/99
SACD =2 (angling) EF= 8/24/99; 8/30/99
_RM 31.0 TO 31.3
SAC0 =1 (electrofishing)
Jackson Creek
to 47.0
(electrofishing)
0.66 (electrofishing and NA
EF= 7/13/99
15
ONMY =2
Taft Pond Inlet ONKI =9 NA EF= 7/13/99
ONCL =1
COY—X=6
Tower Creek RM 0.0 to 1.50 NA EF= 7/7;7/12/99
16
day snorkel)
DS= 8/29/99
ONKI =33
ONMY /CL =73
ONMY =1
ONXX =213
COXX =3
PRWI =1
Maple Creek
RM 0.0 to 5.20 (electrofishing and
RM 2.55 to 3.05
EF =6/9; 6/10; 6/16;
day snorkeling)
6/17/99
NS= 8/3/99
ONCL =363
ONCL =139
ONMY =4
ONXX = l
COXX =34
COXX =12
Mount Tom
RM =0.0 to 2.80 (electrofishing and
NA
EF= 8/10/99
Creek
day snorkeling)
DS= 8/11/99
ONKI =7
ONMY /CL =13
ONXX =23
PRWI =1
Nolan Creek
RM =0.0 to 6.80
RM =0.0 to 0.5
EF =5/25; 6/3/99
=6.05 to 6.55
NS =8/2; 8/3/99
ONKI =14
ONKI =578
ONCL =14 _
ONMY /CL =96
ONMY =32
ONYX =57
COXX =44
COXX =39
LAXX =1
RHCA =1
"OGS" Creek
RM 0 Q to 0.20
NA
EF= 6/29/99
SAC0 =9 :
ONKI =9
ONCL =1
ONMY =4
ONXX =8
COXX =3
NA
Owl Creek
RM 0.0 to 1.8
RM 0.0 to 0.35.
EF =7/20; 7/22/99
RM 1.55 to 2.05
NS =8/9; 8/10/99
ONKI =22
ONKI =47
ONCL =2
ONMY /CL =170
ONMY =40
ONYX =21
ONYX =28
COXX =11
COXX= 15
RHCA =7
PRWI =l
PRWI =6
Snider Creek
RM 0.0 to 1.00
NA
EF =5/4; 6/7199
ONKI =1
ONCL =14
ONMY =15
COXX =10
Taft Creek
RM 0.0 to 0.90
NA
EF= 7/6/99
ONMY =2
Taft Pond Inlet ONKI =9 NA EF= 7/13/99
ONCL =1
COY—X=6
Tower Creek RM 0.0 to 1.50 NA EF= 7/7;7/12/99
16
ONKI =65
ONCL =37
ONCL =34
ONMY /CL =130
ONMY =43
ONMY =7
ONTS =2
COXX =35
COXX =55
ONYX =10
RHCA =1
Twin Creek
RM 0.0 to 1.50
RM 0.0 to 0.48
EF =7/13; 7/14/99
NS= 5/24;8/6/99
ONKI =32
ONKI =347
ONMY =11
ONMY /CL =133
ONXX =23
ONXX =43
COXX =14
COXX =6
South Fork Hoh
RM 0.20
NA
AN= 6/_26/99
River
SACO=�3 (Angling)
Willoughby
RM 0.0 to 2.60
RM 0.0 to 0.50
EF =5/20; 6/8; 6/9/99
Creek
RM 1.15 to 1.65
NS= 8/5/99
ONKI =7
ONKI =168
ONCL =50
ONMY /CL =275
ONMY =34
ONYX =34
ONXX =6
COY—X=5
COXX =38
Winfield Creek
RM 0.0 to 4.80
RM 0.95 to 1.45
EF =5/27; 6/7; 6/8/99
RM 4.35 to 4.85
NS= 8/3/99
ONKI =65
ONKI =749
ONCL =34
ONMY /CL =130
ONMY =43
ONXX =45
ONTS =2
COXX =35
COXX =55
RHCA =1
SACO =Bull trout; ONKI =Coho salmon; ONCL = Cutthroat trout; ONMY= Rainbow /steelhead trout;
ONMY /CL= Rainbow /cutthroat trout (not distinguished from one another); ONTS = Chinook salmon;
ONXX = Unidentified salmonid fry; COXX= Unidentified sculpin; RHCA = Longnose dace; LAXX = Unidentified
lamprey; and PRWI = Mountain whitefish.
17
Table lb. Summary of bull trout lengths, catch per hour, and capture locations determined from
angling surveys conducted in the Hoh River, South Fork Hoh River, Jackson Creek, Mount Tom
Creek, and Queets River, Washington from September 9 to November 9, 1998.
Stream Number
Number
Length
Mean
Fish per Approx. Males/
of
of Bull
Range
Length
Hour Location Females
Angling
Trout
(cm)
(cm)
(River
Surveys
Captured
hours)
Queets 1 11
Miles)
Hoh River 7
73
15.2 -77.5
40.1
0.92 24.3 -48.3 13/14
S. Fk Hoh 12 45 15.2 -63.5 30.2 0.48 5.5 -14.9 4/2
River
Jackson 1 0
NA NA
0.00 (0.66 0.0 -NA NA
Creek
3
angler
(Hoh)
27 0
hours)
Mt. Tom 1 0
NA NA
0.00 (1.50 0.0 -1.3 NA
Creek
47
angler
(Hoh)
3- (RM7.0 -10.3)
hours)
Queets 1 11
40.6 -58.4 51.7
-1.38 43.0 -47.0 NA
River
0
0 0
Table 2. Number of bull trout captured relative to other salmonids in the Hoh River and South
Fork Hoh River from September 9 to October 26, 1998.
41
Fish Species
South Fork Hoh River Hoh River
Bull trout (Target species)
n = *46
n =73
Steelhead/Rainbow trout
n =57
n =29
Cutthroat trout
n =3
n =4
Coho salmon
n =1
n =0
Mountain whitefish
n =7
n =2
Unidentified juvenile salmonid n =0
*One fm clipped bull trout caught twice.
Table 3. Number of salmonids observed in each section of the South
daytime snorkel surveys conducted from September 22 to 23, 1998.
Section Number Bull Mountain Cutthroat Adult * *Adult
and River Miles Trout Whitefish and Steelhead Chinook
Surveyed Rainbow Salmon
Trout
n =1
Fork Hoh River based on
Coho Unidentified S
Salmon Fish o
(A= Adult) c
(J= Juvenile) k
y
e
*1- (RM0.04.4)
19
1000
16
3
14
1 A
27 0
2- (RM4.4 -7.0)
66
341
635
18
47
350 J
0 1
3- (RM7.0 -10.3)
9
103
159
3
1
0
0 0
4 -(RM 10.3-
47
41
123
1
0
0
17 0
12.9)
Total Number of
141
1500
933
25
62
1 A
44 1
Fish
350 J
*Survey began with two snorkelers although only one observer finished the survey.
* *26 "juvenile" chinook salmon were not included in table. It was believed that these fish were misidentified.
18
Bull Trout Spawning:
Number and Location of Redds:
A total of 34 redds and 103 bull trout were counted throughout the entire Hoh River basin
during spawner surveys conducted in 1998 (Figure 3; Table 4). Redds were detected in the
following streams: the Hoh River (four redds from river mile 42.6 to 47.7); "OGS" Creek (24
redds near the mouth); Cougar Creek (one redd in lower portion of stream); and the South Fork
Hoh River (five redds from river mile 9.6 to 14.3) (Figure 3). Surveyors also counted an
additional 158 redds of coho salmon, chinook salmon, and unknown species (no fish were
observed on or near the redds) (Table 4; Appendices D to F).
All observations of redds and adult bull trout in "OGS" Creek occurred near the stream mouth
in a channel that paralleled the Hoh River. No bull trout redds were observed in Canyon,
Jackson, Mount Tom Creek, Snider, Taft, Tower, Twin, and Willoughby Creeks despite weekly
surveys from October 13 to December 2 (Appendix F). Exact locations of bull trout redds were
recorded in the Hoh River, South Fork Hoh River, Cougar Creek, and "OGS" Creek (Appendix
G).
Spawn Timing:
Bull trout spawning (redds with bull trout on or near) was observed from October 26 to
November 10, 1998 in the Hoh River and from October 21 to November 3 in the South Fork Hoh
River (Table 4; Appendices D and E). One bull trout was observed in spawning condition
(milting) as early as October 6 in the South Fork Hoh River although no redds were found on
that date. The onset of spawning in Cougar Creek began on October 19 where one female was
observed immediately above a redd. Bull trout spawning also occurred in "OGS" Creek on
November 10 and November 18 when 21 and 3 adults were observed, respectively (Table 4). No
bull trout redds or adults were found in "OGS" Creek on subsequent surveys although spawning
coho salmon were found in portions of the creek (November 25 and December 2, 1998) that were
previously occupied by bull trout (Appendix F).
19
0
w
I
� I
I
R
E
{7'
CD
LP o
i
l
`se3no�
y�lip
'
I
Length of Spawners:
Based on angler surveys, observers noted that sexually mature bull trout ranged in length
from 31 to 78 cm in the Hoh River. In "OGS" Creek, observations from spawner surveys
revealed that estimated lengths of spawning bull trout ranged from 25 to 51 cm. Additionally,
estimated lengths of bull trout on or near redds in the South Fork Hoh River ranged from 18 to
61 cm (Table 4). No adult bull trout carcasses were found in the Hoh River, South Fork Hoh
River, or any creeks in 1998.
Table 4. Summary of redd surveys conducted in the Hoh River and its tributaries from October
13 to December 2, 1998.
Stream
# of
Dates of
Bull Trout
# of
Number of
# of Bull Trout and Estimated
Number of
Bull
Spawning
Redd
Salmonid
Adult
Fork Length
Range (mm)
Spawner
Trout
Locations
Redds
Salmonids
Surveys
Redds
( —RM)
(Chinook,
Observed
Females
Males
* *sND
Coho, and
Unknown
Hoh River
4
10/26-
42.6 -47.7
93
19
(5) 406-
(2) 508 -
(26)
15
11/10/98
775
635
254 -
660
South Fork
5
10/21-
9.6 -14.3
23
16
(5) 457 -610
(3) 610
(42)
11
Hob River
11/03/98
178 - ? ??
Canyon Creek
0
NA
NA
0
NA
(0)
(0)
(0)
6
Cougar Creek
1
10/19/98
1
26
55
(1)
(0)
(0)
10
Hoh Lake
0
NA
NA
0
NA
(0)
(0)
(0)
1
Creek
Jackson Creek
0
NA
NA
0
NA
(0)
(0)
(0)
4
Mount Tom
0
NA
NA
0
4
(0)
(0)
(0)
5
Creek
"OGS" Creek
24
11/10-
0.1
7
46
(3) 355-
(4) 355-
(12) 254-
4
11/18/98
432
508
508
Owl Creek
0
NA
NA
0
NA
(0)
(0)
(0)
1
Snider Creek
0
NA
NA
0
NA
(0)
(0)
(0)
6
Taft Creek
0
NA
NA
0
NA
(0)
(0)
(0)
6
Taft "Spring
0
NA
NA
9
75
(0)
(0)
(0)
10
Unit"
Tower Creek
0-
NA
NA
0
NA
(0)
(0)
(0)
3
Twin Creek
0
NA
NA
0
2
(0)
(0)
(0)
6 _
Willoughby
0
NA
NA
0
4
(0)
(0)
(0)
6
Creek
Summary
34
10119198
NA
158
221
14(355-
9(355-
80
94
to
775)
635)
(178-
11/18/98
660)
*Minimum count since chinook and coho salmon redds not always recorded
* *SND =Sex not determined.
21
River Flow and Water Temperature in Relation to Spawning:
In 1998, mean daily flows were relatively consistent with long -term discharge records (1970
to 1996) with the exception of lower than average flows from mid - October to mid - November
(Figure 4). Peak flows typically occurred from October to December, and low flows occurred
during summer in the Hoh River (Figure 4). Mean annual river discharge was 70 cros in the Hoh
River from 1970 to 1996.
In the Hoh River, mean daily water temperatures declined from August to November 30, and
remained at less than 8.3 °C during the defined spawning period (Figure 5). Mean daily water
temperatures were relatively stable in Cougar Creek from October to December (Figure 6). The
minimum mean daily temperature occurred in late November in the Hoh River and Cougar Creek
(Table 5).
Water temperatures steadily declined in the South Fork Hoh River from September to
November (Figure 7). Spawning was first observed (October 21) at a mean daily water
temperature of 7.7 °C in the South Fork Hoh River. Water temperatures in the river remained at
less than 8.3 °C after that date. Recent river discharges records were not available for the South
Fork Hoh River.
22
Figure 4. Mean daily discharge (cros) of Hoh River for water years 1970 to 1996 in relation to
mean daily discharge from January 1 to December 7, 1998.
450
400
350
N
V
�i 300
L
S 250
0
200
= 150
100
50
0
N O N a- M
75
0 O O Z Z LL Q Q Q 2 2 Q -') "7 Q U) 0 CD
U)
Table 5. Summary of daily mean water temperatures in the Hoh River, South Fork Hoh River,
and Cougar Creek in 1998.
Stream
Dates
Mean Water
Daily Mean
Date of
Temperature °C
Temperature
Maximum/Minimum
Range °C
Water Temperature
oC
Hoh River
8/17/98 to 11/30/98
8.96
5.51 to 13.27
8/27/98 and 11/22/98
South Fork Hoh
9/10/98 to 11/18/98
8.17
6.48 to 10.16
9/10/98 and 11/17/98
River
Cougar Creek
10/16/98 to 12/1/98
8.08
7.41 to 8.59
11/15/98 and 11/27/91
23
Figure 5. Mean daily water temperature ( °C) in the Hoh River from August 17, 1998 to
November 30, 1998.
15.00
U 14.00
0
13.00
a 12.00
i 11.00
Q. 10.00
E 9.00
H 8.00
7.00
w
6.00
5.00
A
4.00
0 3.00
2.00
1.00
0.00
\•` \`t 0 \� 0 \ \� \`L 9 \'L gyp\ �� \� �� \. �� \R, ��\ �•.\ �,� \'� �,� \�, �,� \^�
Date (August 17 to November 30, 1998)
Figure 6. Mean daily water temperature ( °C) in Cougar Creek, Hoh River from October 16 to
December 1, 1998.
15.00
(� 14.00
13.00
12.00
R 11.00
Q 10.00
E 9.00
8.00
d 7.00
6.00
5.00
•� 4.00
3.00
2.00
5� 1.00
i•
0.00
October 16 toDecernber 1, 1998
11) 4§1 O \ 'q� (1 111 A01b /� \�� \�� O \�� !� \q% �y §:P `e , \01 ^e ^ \Jb M101b ( \JV ^ \J� ^e �Ob �e L\JI ^Ob ^ \JP \J
NpP NqP ,�p\`�' '6\`1' "0\'N '4' ") "z -, r�"\J �''\J N�\` 140\ `rte \^ ^� \ ^J ^r� \ ^J �r� \�` �� \ ^J �� \� ^N \�' ^� \�'J �r� \�\ "� \, r,,,\
R V
11) 4§1 O \ 'q� (1 111 A01b /� \�� \�� O \�� !� \q% �y §:P `e , \01 ^e ^ \Jb M101b ( \JV ^ \J� ^e �Ob �e L\JI ^Ob ^ \JP \J
NpP NqP ,�p\`�' '6\`1' "0\'N '4' ") "z -, r�"\J �''\J N�\` 140\ `rte \^ ^� \ ^J ^r� \ ^J �r� \�` �� \ ^J �� \� ^N \�' ^� \�'J �r� \�\ "� \, r,,,\
Figure 7. Mean daily water temperature ( °C) in the South Fork Hoh River (River Mile 7.0) from
September 10 to November 18, 1998.
15.00
14.00
13.00
12.00
11.00
U
L4 0.00
m
L
9.00
L
d
E 8.00
d
L 7.00
d
r.+
cc
3 6.00
C 5.00
c
24.00
2
4XIff
W IX
TWIN
M KI
CO 00 O N :!t (O d0 O C� CO 00 O N 4 CO W O M C M In
N N N N N C'J
25
DISCUSSION
Genetic Analysis and Angling:
Recently, there has been much confusion in distinguishing bull trout from Dolly Varden,
particularly from the Olympic Peninsula which is the southern extent of the Dolly Varden range
(Morton 1970). This study was the first verified report of bull trout in the Hoh River basin. The
presence of bull trout was confirmed by genetic analysis of fish that were spatially distributed
throughout the entire upper Hoh River basin and included a wide range of fish lengths (15 to 77
cm). Bull trout are now confirmed to inhabit Hoh, South Fork Hoh, Queets, Elwha, Quinault, and
North Fork Skokomish Rivers in Olympic National Park (Table 6) (Olympic National Park Files
1995; Leary and Allendorf 1997). To date, there has been no evidence of Dolly Varden in the
Hoh River basin although the drainage occurs within a potential zone of overlap of the two
species.
Based on angling surveys, the high species composition of bull trout in our catches relative to
other salmonids may be related to surveyors specifically targeting the spawning migration of
these fish, and not reflective of their relative abundance. While bull trout contributed a high
percentage to the total angler catch in each river (67% in Hoh River and 40% in South Fork Hoh y; .
River), extensive snorkel surveys revealed that char comprised only 4.5% of the total number of - '
salmonids throughout the South Fork Hoh River. Furthermore, results from creel surveys in
1994 and 1995 indicated that bull trout comprised only 12.0% and 8.6% of the total salmonids
landed in the Hoh River, respectively (Olympic National Park files 1994 to 1995). The high
susceptibility.of bull trout to angling (e.g. Ratliff and Howell 1992) may explain the high capture
rates during this study.
Distribution of Fish Species in the Hoh River Basin:
Bull trout were found throughout the Hoh River, South Fork Hoh River, Cougar Creek, and
"OGS" Creek (Figure 2). In the Hoh River, adult bull trout typically were observed in the upper
26
portions of the river (Figure 2). Distributions of adult and juvenile bull trout appeared to overlap
in the upper portions of the South Fork Hoh River based on capture locations from angling
surveys (Figure 2). As a result of limited sampling effort, we did not determine the extent that
bull trout inhabited the lower Hoh River outside Olympic National Park.
Bull trout were not detected 17 of 18 tributaries to the Hoh River despite extensive
electrofishing, day snorkeling, and night snorkeling. The extent of historic occupancy of bull
trout in tributary streams remains unknown although preliminary results suggested that bull trout
predominately occupied main stem portions of each river. Results from this study greatly differ
from other research that determined bull trout typically inhabit tributary streams for spawning
and/or juvenile rearing in numerous river systems throughout their range (Fraley and Shepard
1989; Ratliff 1992; Brenkman 1998; WDFW 1998).
Cutthroat trout and coho salmon were ubiquitous throughout tributaries to the Hoh River
basin (Table la). Resident cutthroat trout typically inhabited the uppermost portions of creeks,
and often were the only salmonid observed in those areas. Juvenile coho salmon were distributed
in the lower portions of numerous streams (Table la). Cutthroat trout and rainbow trout
collected during electrofishing surveys were more readily identifiable than those fish observed
during snorkel surveys. Rainbow /steelhead trout typically were found in the anadromous zone of
tributaries, and there did not appear to be resident rainbow trout in the Hoh River basin. Sculpins
were found in most tributaries to the Hoh River including Falls Creek, the uppermost tributary
that was surveyed.
Bull Trout Spawning:
Currently, knowledge of bull trout spawning distributions in the Hoh River and its tributaries
remains incomplete. We identified location and general timing of bull trout spawning although
we suspect that additional spawning areas were not observed. Bull trout spawning was observed
from October 19 to November 18 in the upper portions of the Hoh River and South Fork Hoh
27
River and in two tributary streams (Figure 3). The presence of sexually mature bull trout (e.g. -
milting) indicated that males were in spawning condition as early as October 6. Spawn timing in
the Hoh River basin was consistent with bull trout that spawn from October to December in the
North Fork Skokomish River in Olympic National Park (Brenkman 1998). Generally, bull trout
appear to spawn later in Olympic Peninsula rivers than those populations in Oregon, Montana,
Idaho, and British Columbia where spawning typically occurs from mid -July to mid- October
(Fraley and Shepard 1989; Goetz 1989; Ratliff 1992).
In "OGS" Creek, bull trout spawning was only observed during an eight day period, and
spawners apparently returned downstream shortly after spawning based on the rapid decline in
number of adults (Table 4). The extent of spawning in Cougar Creek remains unknown since
only one redd was observed in that creek. No adult bull trout or redds were observed in any
other small tributaries despite weekly surveys in 1998 (Table 4). We feel that adequate survey
effort was extended in those tributaries to detect the presence of spawning bull trout. One
exception to where bull trout spawning may have occurred was Mount Tom Creek although
redds were not found during snorkel and walking surveys in 1998. Previous electrofishing
surveys revealed that char fry were present in the lower portion of that creek (Olympic National
Park files, 1995).
In the South Fork Hoh River, the observation of adult bull trout in September 1998 and 1999
was consistent with previous snorkel surveys that indicated bull trout were present in the river in
September and October (Olympic National Park files 1994 to 1996). We suspect primary
spawning areas occur in upper portions of the river (river miles 10.3 to 14.5) based on redd
counts, the high composition of adult bull trout, and observations of adult bull trout staging in
pools in upper reaches (October 20 and November 3) (Tables 3 and 4; Appendix E).
Additionally, the absence of bull trout redds in the lower river (river mile 4.0 to river mile 7.0)
during weekly surveys for chinook salmon from September 1 to mid - January 1998 was
indicative that bull trout move farther upstream to spawn (personal communication with Roger
28
Mosley, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife). Overall, we accounted for only a small
percentage of the spawning activity considering that 109 bull trout greater than 25 cm were
observed in the river in September.
Lengths of Spawners:
There was a wide range in lengths of spawning bull trout during this study. Based on angler
surveys, the mean and maximum lengths of bull trout in the Hoh River were longer than those
bull trout captured in South Fork Hoh River (Table 1; Appendix H). Although sample sizes were
small and variable sampling methods were used, mean and maximum lengths of bull trout in the
Hoh River and South Fork Hoh River were longer than bull trout and Dolly Varden populations
that inhabit the Elwha, Sol Duc, and East Fork Quinault Rivers (Table 6).
Factors Influencing Redd Counts:
We were unable to determine distribution and duration of bull trout spawning as a result of a
several factors. In autumn, variable environmental conditions including low water visibility and
high river flows reduced our ability to detect redds such that only a total of 9 redds were
observed in the Hoh and South Fork Hoh Rivers (despite surveys that covered nearly 100 miles
of main stem river). Additionally, significant bedload movement caused by increased river
discharge made it difficult to discern redds in the upper South Fork Hoh River, even during
periods of high water visibility. In small creeks, more redds and adult bull trout were detected
presumably because of better viewing conditions relative to the main stem river.
The low redd counts of bull trout also may be related to surveyors only identifying a redd as
that of a bull trout when fish were observed immediately on or near the redd. For instance, a
proportion of the numerous redds defined as "unknown species" may in fact have been bull trout
redds [particularly from October 25 to November 10 when 72 redds were recorded as those of
"unknown" origin (Appendix D)].
29
It also remains possible that observers missed a late component of the spawning migration
since our surveys terminated on December 2. Extended periods of low river flows in October
and November 1998 likely delayed the bull trout spawning migration (Figure 4) , and
consequently spawning may have occurred in December or January. The presence of "brightly
colored" bull trout (up to 56 cm) captured in November may have been prespawning bull trout.
Although the role of these fish remains unclear, the presence of "bright' adults suggests that
additional fish were moving upstream to spawning areas. Alternatively, the "bright' fish may
have been non - spawning adults since bull trout may exhibit alternate year spawning (Goetz
1989).
In addition to the observed spawning areas (Figure 4), we suspect that some bull trout
spawned in the uppermost river sections of the Hoh River. The presence of large adults in the
upper river on October 26 and November 3 (Appendix C and D) coupled with the absence of
redds (up to river mile 48.3) suggested that these fish moved into uppermost river sections
(above areas that were surveyed) to spawn.
The presence of co- occurring populations of autumn spawning coho and chinook salmon also
interfered with redd counts of bull trout. In "OGS" and Cougar Creeks, there was spatial and
temporal overlap of bull trout and coho salmon spawning areas. In those creeks, the two species
constructed redds in lower portions of each stream making it difficult to distinguish which
species constructed a redd when adult fish were not visible.
30
Table 6. Lengths of native char observed in streams located in Olympic National Park,
Washington.
River /Creek Species and Date of
Presumed
Total Length (mm)
Mean
Method and Sample
Sampling
Life History
(4/13 - 12/7/96)
Length
Size
Form/s
(mm)
Hoh River Bull Trout
Multiple?
152 -775 (Fork
401
Hook - and -Line n =73
9/16-10/26/98
length)
South Fork Hoh River Bull Trout
Multiple?
152 -635 (Fork
302
Hook- and -Line n=45
9/9- 10/20/98
Bull Trout
length)
North Fork
Bull Trout
Adfluvial
254 to 813
548
Snorkel n =283
Skokomish River
(4/13 - 12/7/96)
and Hook -and-
533 to 635
591
Line n=4
Elk Creek
Bull Trout
Adfluvial
(10/19- 20/96)
27 to 119
40
Electrofishing
Slate Creek
Bull Trout
Adfluvial
n =29
(6/27/96)
33 to 47
42
Electrofishing-
Bull Trout
n =13
(7/3/96)
Queets River
Bull trout
Multiple?
406 to 584
517
Hook- and -Line
9/28/98
n =11
Queets River
Bull Trout
Multiple?
123 to 515
222
Hook- and -Line
(9/11 - 14/95)
n =20
Elwha River
Bull Trout
Multiple?
196 to 222
209
Hook - and -Line
(9/12/95)
n =3
E. Fk. Quinault River
*Bull Trout and
Multiple?
100 to 365
175
Hook - and -Line and
Dolly Varden
Electrofishing
(7/20/95)
n =22
(9/11- 14/95)
Upper Sol Duc River
Dolly Varden
Resident
105 to 205
142
Electrofishing
(9/29/94)
n =18
Dolly Varden
43 to 203
NIA
Electrofishing
(8/28/95)
n =31
Multiple ? = Possibility of fluvial, resident, or anadromous life history forms
*Lengths not available by species.
River Flow and Water Temperature in Relation to Spawning:
The influence of river discharge and water temperature remains unknown as a result of limited
information on spawn timing. Generally, prolonged periods of low flows in October and
November may have delayed the initiation of the spawning migration. However, it is unclear
whether low flows during the autumn actually influenced the distribution and timing of bull trout
spawning in 1998.
Bull trout spawned in the Hoh River and South Fork Hoh River at temperatures of less than
9 °C, and spawning followed a prolonged period of declining water temperatures (Figures 4 and
31
6). Spawning also occurred at water temperatures less than 9 °C in Cougar Creek, although
water temperatures were relatively consistent from October to December 1. These results were
similar to studies of bull trout in the western Washington, Oregon, Montana, and British
Columbia that reported spawning at less than 9 °C (McPhail and Murray 1979; Fraley and
Shepard 1989; Ratliff 1992; Brenkman 1998).
Conclusion:
In conclusion, we confirmed the presence of bull trout in the Hoh River basin based on results
from non - lethal genetic analysis. We identified bull trout distributions and location and general
timing of bull trout spawning in the river and its tributaries although prominent spawning areas
likely were not observed. A host of environmental variables likely reduced surveyors ability to
detect redds. There was a wide range of lengths in spawning bull trout, and results indicate that
future studies should address the possible existence of multiple life history forms. Currently we
feel that there is insufficient information to assess the status of bull trout until migratory patterns
are further understood.
Recommendations for Future Studies in the upper Hoh River basin:
1. Define the life history forms of bull trout that exist in the Hoh River basin including the
extent of anadromy. The existence of anadromous bull trout remains uncertain although we
speculate that Hoh River bull trout enter salt water. Although the evidence is purely
circumstantial, references to "sea run Dolly Varden" and "large brightly colored" char in the
anadromous zone of the river have been described by anglers and tribal fishers. Researchers
suspect anadromy occurs in bull trout (Goetz 1989; McPhail and Baxter 1997), particularly in
Puget Sound rivers where anadromous char may spawn at the same time and place as the
. - _ fluvial and resident life history forms (Kraemer 1994 in WDFW 1998). Unstable
32
a
environments, such as the Hoh River, may favor the presence of multiple life history forms of
bull trout.
2. To determine relative abundance of bull trout in the South Fork Hoh River, conduct weekly
(June to October) snorkel surveys throughout the river. Results of adult counts from snorkel
surveys would provide specific information on migratory timing and may direct surveyors to
the most probable spawning areas.
3. Identify young -of -the -year and juvenile rearing areas in the Hoh River and South Fork Hoh
River via electrofishing. Successful identification of rearing areas may be used to direct
future redd counts in each river. Past surveys of early life history stages successfully directed
researchers to spawning areas in the North Fork Skokomish River.
4. Additional redd counts should occur in lower and upper most portions of the Hoh River. In
1998, no redd counts were conducted in the river downstream from the Olympic National
Park boundary or upstream from river mile 48.2. Minimal survey effort should be invested in
tributaries where extensive electrofishing and redd surveys revealed no bull trout or their
redds in 1998 and 1999.
5. Radio telemetry may provide specific information on migratory patterns and spawning in
remote and inaccessible areas of the river. Researchers reported that radio telemetry may
determine critical spawning habitats and help to prioritize where to conduct redd counts
(Thiesfeld et al. 1996). Adult bull trout may be captured and implanted with radio
transmitters to determine their movements prior to and after spawning (e.g. overwintering).
33
/ 5
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We greatly appreciate the field work and data management conducted by Steve Corbett, Adam
Craig, Dan Drange, and Denny Morris. We thank Eric Anderson and Kris Northcut of
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) for their assistance to the 1998 field
component of this project. John Hisata provided logistical support for the WDFW field crew.
Sewall Young (WDFW) conducted the genetic analyses and wrote the methods and results
related to genetics. Kurt Jenkins (ONP) and Dick Goin provided comments to the manuscript.
We thank Kathy Beirne for constructing the GIS maps. This project was funded through the
Olympic National Park (Port Angeles, Washington), the United States Fish and Wildlife Service
(Lacey, Washington), and WDFW (Olympia, Washington).
34
LEI 0
Brenkman, S.J. 1998. Factors influencing the spawning migration of bull trout (Salvelinus
confluentus) in the North Fork Skokomish River, Olympic National Park, Washington. Master
thesis. Oregon State University. 92 p.
Brown, L.G. 1994. On the zoogeography and life history of Washington's native char; Dolly
Varden Salvelinus malma (Walbaum) and bull trout Salvelinus confluentus (Suckley).
Washington Department of Wildlife: Fisheries Management Division. Olympia, Washington 47
P.
Carl, L.M., M. Kraft, and L. Rhude. 1989. Growth and taxonomy of bull charr, Salvelinus
confluentus, in Pinto Lake, Alberta. Environmental Biology of Fishes 26:239 -246.
Cavendar, T.M. 1978. Taxonomy and distribution of the bull trout, Salvelinus confluentus
(Suckley), from the American Northwest. California Fish and Game 64:139 -174.
Donald, D.B. and D.J. Alger. 1993. Geographic distribution, species displacement, and niche
overlap for lake trout and bull trout in mountain lakes. Canadian Journal of Zoology 71:238 -247.
Estoup, A.,Presa P., Krieg F., Vaiman D., and Guyomard R.. 1993. (CTn) and (Gm)
microsatellites: a new class of genetic markers for Salmo trutta L. (brown trout). Heredity 71:
488 -496.
Fraley, J.J. and B.B. Shepard. 1989. Life history, ecology, and population status of migratory
bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) in the Flathead Lake and River System, Montana. Northwest
Science 63:133 -143.
Fonda, R. W. 1974. Forest succession in relation to river terrace development in Olympic
National Park, Washington. Ecology 55:927 -942.
Goetz, F.A. 1989. Biology of the bull trout, Salvelinus confluentus, a literature review. Eugene,
OR: United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 53 p.
Hagen, H.K..1961. An inceptive study of the distribution and relative condition of the endemic
and exotic fishes of several selected areas in Olympic National Park. 46 p. Olympic National
Park files, Port Angeles, Washington.
Hatten, J. 1993. Letter from the Hoh Tribe to Olympic National Park. Olympic National Park
files, Port Angeles, WA.
Leary, R.F., F.W. Allendorf, and S.H. Forbes. 1993. Conservation genetics of bull trout in the
Columbia and Klamath River Drainages. Conservaton Biology 7:856 -865.
35
Leary, R.F. and F.W. Allendorff, 1997. Genetic confirmation of sympatric bull trout and Dolly
Varden in western Washington. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society. 125(4):715-
720.
Markle, D.F. 1992. Evidence of bull trout x brook trout hybrids in Oregon. Pages 58 -67 in P.J.
Howell and D.V. Buchanan, editors. Proceedings of the Gearhart Mountain Bull Trout
Workshop. Oregon Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. Corvallis, Oregon 67 p.
McPhail, J.D. and C.B. Murray. 1979. The early life- history and ecology of Dolly Varden
(Salvelinus malma) in the Upper Arrow Lakes. Vancouver, BC: University of British Columbia,
Department of Zoology and Institute of Animal Resources. 113 p.
McPhail, J.D. and J.S. Baxter. 1996. A review of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) life- history
and habitat use in relation to compensation and improvement opportunities. Department of
Zoology, University of British Columbia. Fisheries Management Report No. 104.
Mongillo, P. 1992. The distribution and status of bull trout/Dolly Varden in Washington State.
Draft Manuscript, Washington Department of Wildlife. Olympia, Washington p. 79 -129.
Morton, W.M. 1970. On the validity of all subspecific descriptions of North American
Salvelinus malma (Walbaum). Copeia 1970(3): 581 -587.
Northcote, T.G. and D.W. Wilkie. 1963. Underwater census of stream fish populations.
Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 92: 146 -151.
Olympic National Park files from 1994 to 1998. Port Angeles, WA 98362.
Phinney and Bucknell 1975. A catalog of Washington streams and salmon utilization -Vol. 2,
Coastal Region. I and E Division, Washington Department of Fisheries, Olympia.
Ratliff, D.E. 1992. Bull trout investigations in the Metolius River -Lake Billy Chinook System.
Pages 37 -44 in P.J. Howell and D.V. Buchanan, editors. Proceedings of the Gearhart Mountain
Bull Trout Workshop. Oregon Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. Corvallis, Oregon 67
P.
Ratliff, D.E. and P.J. Howell. 1992. The status of bull trout populations in Oregon. Pages 10 -17
in P.J. Howell and D.V. Buchanan, editors. Proceedings of the Gearhart Mountain Bull Trout
Workshop. Oregon Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. Corvallis, Oregon 67 p.
Rode, M. 1990. Bull trout, Salvelinus confluentus (Suckley), in the McCloud River: Status and
Recovery Recommendations. Inland Fisheries Administrative Report. Sacramento, CA.
California Department of Fish and Game. 43 p.
Rieman, B.E. and J.D. McIntyre. 1993. Demographic and habitat requirements for conservation
of bull trout. United States Forest Service General Technical Report INT -302. Ogden, UT:
-United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. 37 p.
36
Sedell, J.R., J.E. Yuska, and R.W. Speaker. 1984. Habitats and salmonid distribution in pristine,
sediment -rich river Valero systems: South Fork Hoh River and Queets River, Olympic National
Park. Pages 33 -46 In W.R. Meehan, T.R. Merrill, Jr., and T.A. Haley. Fish and Wildlife
Relationships in Old- Growth Forests. American Institute of Fishery Research Biologists.
Schill, D.J. and J.S. Griffith 1984. Use of underwater observations to estimate cutthroat trout
abundance in the Yellowstone River. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 4: 479-
487.
Shreiner, E.G., K.A. Krueger, P.J. Happe, and D.B. Houston. 1996. Understory patch dynamics
and ungulate herbivory in old - growth forests of Olympic National Park, Washington. Canadian
Journal of Forest Research. Vol. 26: 255 -265.
Thiesfeld, S.L., A. M. Stuart, D.E. Ratliff, and B.D. Lampman. 1996. Migration patterns of
adult bull trout in the Metolius River and Lake Billy Chinook, Oregon. Fish Division, Oregon
Department of Fish and Wildlife Information Report Number 96 -1.
Thurow, R.F. 1994. Underwater methods for study of salmonids in the Intermountain West.
United States Forest Service General Technical Report INT- GTR -307. Ogden, UT:United States
Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. 28 p.
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. 1998. Washington State Salmonid Stock
Inventory: Bull Trout/Dolly Varden. Olympia, Washington. 437 p.
37
APPENDICES
Appendix A. Capture locations (GPS), fork lengths, and sample numbers of bull trout
collected for genetic analysis in the Hoh River, Washington from September 16 to October 26,
1998.
Date of Fish UTM a UTM n Fork Date of Fish UTM a UTM n Fork Length (mm)
Survey Sample Length Survey Sample
Number (mm) Number
9/16/98
1
442625
5302727
534
'NA
55
NA
NA
NA
9/16/98
2
442625
5302727
406
NA
56
NA
NA
NA
9/16/98
3
443536
5302928
533
NA
57
NA
NA
NA
9/16/98
4
443653
5302940
610
NA
58
NA
NA
NA
9/16/98
5
443653
5302940
457
NA
59
NA
NA
NA
9/17/98
6
443658
5302929
508
NA
60
NA
NA
NA
9/17/98
7
441574
5302862
635
10/26/98
61
446412
5303106
175
9/17/98
8
441452
5302780
660
10/26/98
62
446132
5303449
500
9/17/98
9
441279
5302790
152
10/26/98
63
445095
5303214
250
9/17/98
10
440157
5302304
406
10/26/98
64
445095
5303214
480
9/17/98
11
440157
5302304
330
10/26/98
65
445095
5303214
220
9/17/98
12
440157
5302304
610
10/26/98
66
445573
5303133
765
9/17/98
13
440157
5302304
559
10/26/98
67
445573
5303133
650
9/17/98
14
440157
5302304
406
10/26/98
68
445089
5303092
330
9/17/98
15
440157
5302304
381
10/26/98
69
445089
5303092
540
9/17/98
16
440157
5302304
406
10/26/98
70
444297
5302757
310
9/17/98
17
439773
5302258
406
10/26/98
71
444297
5302757
660
9/28/98
18
437845
5301744 -
450
10/26/98
72
444297
5302757
330
9/28/98
19
437845
5301744
510
10/26/98
73
443896
5302882
470
9/28/98
20
437349
5302210
265
10/26/98
74
443279
5302882
340
9/28/98
21
437182
5301744
500
10/26/98
75
443822
5302643
645
9/28/98
22
436830
5301532
420
10/26/98
76
443822
5302643
440
9/28/98
23
436830
5301532
250
10/26/98
77
443822
5302643
775
9/28/98
24
436027
5301299
310
10/26/98
78
443822
5302643
490
9/28/98
25
435812
5301315
260
10/26/98
79
443822
5302643
550
9/28/98
26
435812
5301315
305
9/30/98
54
428357
5299262
280
9/28/98
27
434887
5301360
345
N =73
9/28/98
28
434887
5301360
285
'NA - Fish Vs 55 -60
were not
used.
9/29/98
29
433516
5302087
320
Mean length =401 mm
9/29/98
30
433516
5302087
250
9/29/98
31
432910
5301740
320
9/29/98
32
432910
5301740
230
9/29/98
33
432910
5301740
395
9/29198
34
432910
5301740
270
9/29/98
35
432910
5301740
230
9/29/98
36
432645
5301532
250
9/29/98
37
432645
5301532
270
9/30/98
38
429476
5300924
265
9/30/98
39
429294
5299881
420
9/30/98
40.
429294
5299881
260
9/30/98
41
429294
5299881
400
9/30/98
42
429294
5299881
430
9/30/98
43
429294
5299881
430
9130/98
44
423524
5296633
275
9/30/98
45
420395
5295924
495
9/30/98
46
420136
5295921
315
9/30/98
47
420136
5295921
330
9/30/98
48
428357
5299262
560
9/30/98
49
428357
5299262
300
9/30/98
50
428357
5299262
250
9/30/98
51
429294
5299881
350
- 9/30/98
52
428691
5299667
210
- -
9/30198
53
428357
5299262
340
38
Appendix B. Capture locations (GPS), fork lengths, and sample numbers of bull trout collected
for genetic analysis in the South Fork Hoh River, Washington from September 9 to September
22, 1998.
Date of Survey Fish Sample UTM a UTM n Fork Length,
Number mm
9/9/98
9/9/98
9/10/98
9/10/98
9/10/98
9/10/98
9/10/98
9/10/98
9/10/98
9/10/98
9/10/98
9/22/98
10/18/98
10/7/98
10/6/98
10/6/98
10/6/98
10/6/98
10/6/98
10/6/98
9/22/98
9/22/98
9/22/98
9/22/98
9/22/98
9/22/98
9/22/98
9/22/98
9/22/98
9/22/98
9/22/98
9/22/98
9/22/98
'NA
NA
10/6/98
NA
NA
10/6/98
NA
9/22/98
9/22/98
9/22/98
9/22/98
9/22/98
9/22/98
9/22/98
9/22/98
9/22/98
9122/98
'NA - Fish Sample #'s 34,35,37,38 and 40 were not
used.
1
433602
5292449
2
433579
5292452
3
433602
5292449
4
434229
5292512
5
434229
5292512
6
438842
5290973
7
438891
5291057
8
438891
5291057
9
438891
5291057
10
438891
5291057
11
438932
5291485
12
432775
5292375
13
431567
5292023
14
436615
5290816
15
440452
5290530
16
440452
5290526
17
439751
5291056
18
441262
5290543
19
441262
5290543
20
441266
5290548
21
442047
5290762
22
442047
5290762
23
442047
5290762
24
441857
5290643
25
441857
5290643
26
441857
5290643
27
441786
5290595
28
441786
5290595
29
441786
5290595
30
441619
5290571
31
441619
5290571.
32
441619
5290571
33
441619
5290571
34
NA
NA
35
NA
NA
36
440452
5290526
37
NA
NA
38
NA
NA
39
440452
5290526
40
NA
NA
41
441571
5290452
42
441571
5290452
43
441571
5290452
44
441571
5290452
45
441571
5290452
46
441500
5290452
47
441500
5290452
48
441500
5290452
49
441500
5290452
50
441500
5290452
N =45
NA
NA
NA
305
203
178
432
178
178
178
279
457
470
270
230
600
290
270
520
267
635
292
356
260
229
229
235
235
216
279
260
610
229
570
270
279
178
152
254
241
203
241
203
489
229
Mean = 302mm
39
Appendix C. Summary of angling surveys conducted in the Hoh River, South Fork Hoh River,
Jackson Creek, and Mount Tom Creek, Washington from September 9 to November 9, 1998.
River Date
Number of
Bull Trout
Captured
Length
Range (mm)
Mean
Length (mm)
Fish per
Hour
Approx.
Location
(River
Miles)
Males/
Females
Hoh R. 9/16/98
5
*406 -610
*508
0.83
45.2 -46.1
1/1
9/17/98
12
152 -660
455
1.00
42.0 -45.6
5/3
9/28/98
11
250 -510
355
0.73
39.0 -42.0
NA
9/29/98
9
230 -395
282
0.80
36.7 -39.0
NA
9/30/98
13
210 -560
346
1.30
34.7 -35.8
0/2
9/30/98
4
275 -495
354
0.29
24.3 -31.0
NA
10/26/98
19
175 -775
469
1.46
45.3 -48.3
7/8
Summary n =7 days
n =73 fish
152 -775
Mean =401
Mean =0.92
24348.3
n =13/14
Statistics
mm
S. Fk. Hoh R. 9/9/98
2
NA
NA
0.33
NA
NA
9/10/98
9
*178 -432
*241
0.41
8.0 -12.8
NA
9/22/98
1
457
457
NA
7.3
1/0
9/22/98
23
152 -635
284
2.56
14.4 -14.9
1/1
9/24/98
0
NA
NA
0.00
NA -7.3
NA
(6 angler
hours)
9/24/98
0
NA
NA
0.00
4.5 -5.2
NA
(7 angler
hours)
10/1/98
0
NA
NA
0.00
1.5 -4.0
NA
(10.5 angler
hours)
10/6/98
8
230 -600
377
1.60
12.9 -14.2
2/0
10/7/98
1
270
270
0.20
10.5
NA
10/8/98
1
470
470
0.67
5.5 -6.5
0/1
10/19/98
0
NA
NA
0.00(2
NA
NA
angler
hours)
10/20/98
0
NA
NA
0.00(2
NA
NA
angler
hours)
Summary n =12
n=45
152 -635
Mean =302
Mean--0.48
1.5 -14.9
n =3/2
Statistics
mm
Jackson Cr. 11/9/98 0 NA NA 0.00 (0.66 0.0 -NA NA
(Hoh) angler
hours)
Mt. Tom Cr. 11/9/98 0 NA NA 0.00(l.5 0.0 -1.3 NA
(Hoh) angler
hours)
*Lengths of individual fish estimated
all
t `
Appendix D. Summary of redd surveys conducted in the Hoh River from October 16 to
December 2, 1998.
Date of Hoh
# of
Bull Trout
# of
Other Fish # of Adult Bull Trout and Relative
Survey in River
Bull
Redd
Salmonid
Species Estimated Fork Length Range Water
Hoh River Redd
Trout
Locations
Redds
Observed mm Visibilitv
Survey
Redds
( -RM)
(chinook,
Good
Females
Males
0
NA
Sections
NA
0
Coho, and
0
Good
10/22/98
7
0
( -RM)
0
NA
unknown
0
(4) ?
Good
10/25/98
36.0 -42.0
10/16/98
36.0 -36.5
0
NA
3
NA
0
0
0
Excellent
10/20/98
30.0 -36.0
0
NA
8- Chinook
2- Chinook
0
0
0
Good
10/21/98
36.0 -42.0
0
NA
5- Chinook?
NA
0
0
0
Good
10/22/98
42.0 -48.2
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
(4) ?
Good
10/25/98
36.0 -42.0
0
NA
8
2- Chinook
0
0
0
Good
10/26/98
45.3 -48.2
1
45.7
0
NA
(3) 490-
(1) 635
(1) 432
Fair to Poc
10/22/98
4.2 -6.2
0
NA
4- Chinook
NA
775
NA
NA
Excellent
10/29/98
32.5 -36.0
0
NA
9
1- Chinook
0
0
0
Excellent
11/02/98
36.0 -42.0
0
NA
1
NA
0
0
0
Good
11/03/98
42.0 -48.2
1
45.7
28
NA
0
0
(20)
Excellent
11/04/98
4.3 -7.0
0
NA
2- Chinook
12- Chinook
NA
NA
254 -
Fair
11/17/98
7.4 -10.3
0
NA
0
NA
NA
NA
660
Poor
11/09/98
36.0 -42.0
0
NA
6
NA
0
0
(1) ?
Good
11/10/98
42.0 -48.2
2
42.6, 47.7
20
NA
(2) 406-
(1) 508
0
Good
508
178 -?
11/24/98
33.5 -34.5
0
NA
2 -Coho
4 -Cohn
0
0
0
Poor
11/24/98
42.0 -45.5
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Poor
12/01/98
30.0 -36.0
0
NA
3 -Coho
10 -Coho
0
0
0
Fair to Poc
12/02/98
45.2 -46.2
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Good
n =15
Summary
n=4
42.647.7
n =93
n =19
(5) 406-
(2) 508-
(26)
775
635
254 -
660
Appendix E. Summary of redd surveys conducted in South Fork Hoh River from October 14 to
November 18, 1998.
Date of
S. Fk.
# of
Bull Trout
# of
Other Fish
# of Adult
Bull Trout and
Relative
Survey in S.
Hoh
Bull
Redd
Salmonid
Species
Estimated Fork Length Range
Water
Fk. Hoh
River
Trout
Locations
Redds
Observed
(mm)
Visibility
River
Redd
Redds
( -RM)
(chinook,
Females
Males
SND
Survey
coho, and
Sections
unknown
10/14/98
7.4 -10.3
0
NA
4
1- Chinook,
NA
NA
NA
Poor
1- Steelhead
10/15/98
6.2 -7.4
0
NA
0
NA
NA
NA
NA
Poor
10/20/98
10.3 -14.5
0
NA
0
NA
NA
NA
(26) -?
Good
10/21/98
6.2 -7.0
0
NA
4- Chinook
2- Chinook
NA
NA
NA
Good
10/21/98
7.0 -10.3
2
9.6, 10.1
6
NA
NA
NA
(5) -?
Excellent
10/22/98
4.2 -6.2
0
NA
4- Chinook
NA
NA
NA
NA
Excellent
11/02/98
7.0 -10.3
0
NA
3- Chinook
NA
NA
NA
NA
Excellent
11/03/98
10.3 -14.5
3
12.3 -14.3
0
NA
(5) 457 -610
(3) 610
(11)
Excellent
178 -?
11/04/98
4.3 -7.0
0
NA
2- Chinook
12- Chinook
NA
NA
NA
Fair
11/17/98
7.4 -10.3
0
NA
0
NA
NA
NA
NA
Poor
11/18/98
10.3 -14.5
0
NA
0
NA
NA
NA
NA
Fair
n =11
Summary
n =5
n =9.6 -14.3
n =23
n =16
(5) 457-
(3) 610
(42)
610
178 -?
41
Appendix F. Summary of redd surveys conducted in tributaries to the Hoh River from October
13 to December 2, 1998.
Stream Date of # of Bull Trout # of Other Fish # of Adult Bull Trout and Relative
Survey Bull Redd Salmonid Species Estimated Fork Length Water
Trout Locations Redds Observed Range mm Visibility
Redds (RM) (chinook, Females Males I coho, and
unknown
spp•)
Canyon Cr.
10/14/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Fair
0
10/28/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Excellent
NA
11/09/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Good
0
11/20/98
0
NA
0
NA'
0
0
0
Fair
NA
11/23/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Poor
12/02/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Fair
Summary
n =6
n =0
NA
n =0
N =NA
(0)
(0)
(0)
Fair
Cougar Cr.
10/14/98
0
NA
5
NA
0
0
0
Excellent
"OGS" Creek
10/19/98
1
1
0
NA
(1)
0
0
Excellent
10/21/98
0
NA
3 -Chin?
1 -Chin
0
0
0
Good
10/23/98
0
NA
4
NA
0
0
0
Excellent
10/27/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Excellent
11/04/98
0
NA
6
NA
0
0
0
Excellent
11/10/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Excellent
11/17/98
0
NA
1
20 -Coho
0
0
0
Excellent
11/22/98
0
NA
7- (3Coho)
8 -Coho
0
0
0
Good
Summary
12/01/98
0
NA
0
26 -Coho
0
0
0
Excellent
Summary n =10 n =1 1 n =26 n =55 (1) (0) (0)
Hoh Lake Cr. 10/20/98 0 NA 0 NA 0 0 0 NA
Summary n =1
n =0
NA
n =0
N =NA
(0)
(0)
(0)
(0)
Jackson Cr. 10/16/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Excellent
10/27198
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Excellent
11/05/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Good
11/19/9R
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Fair
Summary
n =4
n =0
NA
n =0
n =NA
(0)
(0)
(0)
Mount Tom
10/16/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Good
Creek
10/23/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Excellent
10/27/98
0
NA
0
1- Rainbow
0
0
0
Excellent
11/05/98
0
NA
0
3- Rainbows
0
0
0
Good
11/19/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Fair
Summary
n =5
n -0
NA
0
n =4
(0)
(0)
(0)
"OGS" Creek
11/10/98
21
0.1
0
NA
0
0
(10)
Excellent
356-
508
11/18/98
3
0.1
3 -Coho
10 -Coho
(3) 355 -432
(4) 355 -508
(2)
Excellent
254-
305
11/25/98
0
NA
4 -Coho
19 -Coho
NA
NA
NA
Fair
12/02198
0
NA
0
17 -Coho
NA
NA
NA
Excellent
Summary
n =4
n =24
0.1
n =7
n =46
(3) 355-
(4) 355-
(12)
432
508
254 -
508
42
(Cont.) Appendix F. Summary of redd surveys conducted in tributaries to the Hoh River from
October 13 to December 2, 1998.
Stream Date of # of
Bull Trout
# of
Other Fish # of Adult Bull Trout and Relative
Survey Bull
Redd
Salmonid
Species Estimated Fork Length Range Water
Trout
Locations
Redds
Observed mm Visibility
Redds
( —RM)
(chinook,
NA
Females
Males
SND
0
Snider Creek
10/13/98
coho, and
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Gggd
unknown
10/19/98
0
NA
0
NA
Owl Creek
11/23/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Poor
Summary
n =1
n =0
NA
N=0
NA
(0)
(0)
(0)
0
Snider Creek
10/13/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Gggd
0
10/19/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
NA
NA
11/09/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
NA
0
11/20/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Good
11/23/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0.
Fair
12/02/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Good
Summary
n=6
n =0
NA
n =0
NA
(0)
(0)
(0)
Good
Taft Creek 10/13/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Good
10/19/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Excellent
10/28/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Excellent
11/05/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Good
11/19/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Good
11/23/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Fair
Summary
n =6
n =0
NA
n=0
NA
(0)
(0)
(0)
Taft "Spring
10/13/98
0
NA
1
NA
0
0
0
Excellent
Unit"
10/19/98
0
14A
0
NA
0
0
0
Excellent
10/19/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Excellent
10/28/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Excellent
11/05/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Excellent
11/09/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Good
11/16/98
0
NA
6— Coho
13 -Coho
0
0
0
Good
11/19/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Good
11/22/98
0
NA
2— Coho
24 -Coho
0
0
0
Excellent
12/02/98
0
NA
0
38 -Coho
0
0
0
Excellent
Summary
n =10
n =0
NA
n =9
n =75
(0)
(0)
(0)
Tower Creek
10/23/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Excellent
10/20/98
0
NA
0
NA
0-
0
0
Fair
11/23/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Fair
Summary
n =3
n=0
NA
n=O
NA
(0)
(0)
(0)
Twin Creek
10/19/98
0
NA
1
NA
0
0
0
Excellent
10/28/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Excellent
11/09/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Excellent
11/20/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Fair
11/23/98
0
NA
0
I-Coho
0
0
0
Fair
12/02/98
0
NA
0
I-Chin
0
0
0
Fair
Summary
n=6
n-0
NA
n=O
n =2
(0)
(0)
(0)
Willoughby Cr.
10/19/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Excellent
10/28/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Excellent
11/09/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
NA
11/20/98
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
Fair
11/23/98
0
NA
0
2 -Coho
0
0
0
Fair
12/02/98
0
NA
0
2 -Coho
0
0
0
Fair
Summary
n=6
n=0
NA
n=0
n=4
(0)
(0)
CO)
43
r
t t
Appendix G. Bull trout redd locations (GPS) in the Hoh River, Cougar Creek, "OGS" Creek,
and the South Fork Hoh River from October 19 to November 18, 1998.
Date of Survey
Stream
Redd #
UTM a UTM n
10/19/98
Cougar Creek
NA
436214
5301548
10/26/98
Hoh River
D -1
443167
5302500
11/3/98
Hoh River
K -15
443279
5302882
10/21/98
S Fk Hoh River
EK -1
436162
5290831
10/21/98
S Fk Hoh River
EK -2
435792
5291775
11/3/98
S Fk Hoh River
SB -1
441190
5290262
11/3/98
S Fk Hoh River
SB -2
438952
5290952
11/3/98
S Fk Hoh River
D -1
440905
5290167
11/10/98
Hoh River
D -4
445857
5302905
11/10/98
Hoh River
D -16
438810
5301476
11/10/98
"OGS" Creek
K -1
442476
5302833
11/10/98
"OGS" Creek
K -2
442476
5302833
11/10/98
"OGS" Creek
K -3
442476
5302833
11/10/98
"OGS" Creek
K -4
442476
5302833
11/10/98
"OGS" Creek
K -5
442476
5302833
11/10/98
"OGS" Creek
K -6
442476
5302833
11/10/98
"OGS" Creek
K -7
442476
5302833
11/10/98
"OGS" Creek
K -8
442476
5302833
11/10/98
"OGS" Creek
K -9
442476
5302833
11/10/98
"OGS" Creek
K -10
442476
5302833
11/10/98
"OGS" Creek
K -11
442476
5302833
11/10/98
"OGS" Creek
K -12
442476
5302833
11/10/98
"OGS" Creek
K -13
442476
5302833
11/10/98
"OGS" Creek
K -14
442476
5302833
11/10/98
"OGS" Creek
D -7
442476
5302833
11/10/98
"OGS" Creek
D -8
442476
5302833
11/10/98
"OGS" Creek
D -9
442476
5302833
11/10/98
"OGS" Creek
D -10
442476
5302833
11/10/98
"OGS" Creek
D -11
442476
5302833
11/10/98
"OGS" Creek
D -12
442476
5302833
11/10/98
"OGS" Creek
D -13
442476
5302833
11/18/98
"OGS" Creek
D -1
442476
5302833
11/18/98
"OGS" Creek
D -2
442476
5302833
11/18/98
"OGS" Creek
D -3
442476
5302833
44
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