Middle Fork American River Project AQ 2 – Fish Population Technical Study Report 2007 -2008 Overview March 3, 2009

Middle Fork American River ProjectMiddle Fork American River Project

AQ 2 – Fish Population AQ 2 – Fish Population Technical Study Report Technical Study Report

2007 -20082007 -2008Overview Overview

March 3, 2009March 3, 2009

2

Study ObjectivesStudy Objectives Document fish species composition, Document fish species composition,

distribution, and abundance in the Project distribution, and abundance in the Project bypass and peaking reaches. bypass and peaking reaches.

Characterize fish growth, condition factor, Characterize fish growth, condition factor, and population age structure in the Project and population age structure in the Project bypass and peaking reaches.bypass and peaking reaches.

Characterize fish species composition, Characterize fish species composition, relative abundance, and size in Project relative abundance, and size in Project reservoirs and diversion pools.reservoirs and diversion pools.

3

AQ 2 – Fish PopulationAQ 2 – Fish PopulationStudy Elements and ReportsStudy Elements and Reports

Study Objectives

Document fish species composition, distribution, and abundancein the bypass and peaking reaches.

Characterize fish growth, condition factor, and population age structurein the bypass and peaking reaches.

Characterize fish species composition, relative abundance, and sizein Project reservoirs and diversion pools.

Conduct 2007 Field Surveys

ConductReservoirSampling

ConductDiversion Pool

Sampling

Document 2007 findings in this Fish Population Report

Complete 2008 Fish Population Field Studies

Document 2008 Fish Population Results in Fish Population Report (2009)

ConductRiver

Sampling

Conduct SpecialPurpose Qualitative

Sampling

Consult with Aquatic TWG

Determine whichSites will be

Sampled in 2008

Identify Appropriate River Fish Standing Crop

Comparison Datasets

Consult with Aquatic TWG

Determine if AdditionalSampling is Needed in 2009

Complete 2009 Fish Population Contingency Field Studies

Document 2009 Fish Population Results in Fish Population Report (2010)

4

Study ImplementationStudy Implementation

After reviewing the 2007 study results, the After reviewing the 2007 study results, the Aquatic TWG identified a set of river study Aquatic TWG identified a set of river study sites to sample in 2008 to augment the sites to sample in 2008 to augment the 2007 river sampling results.2007 river sampling results.

5

Fish Population Study SitesFish Population Study Sites 2007 Sites

21 River, 4 Reservoirs, 3 Diversion Pools 2008 Sites

14 River (3 New), Qualitative Hardhead, Ralston Afterbay

6

Fish Population Study SitesFish Population Study Sites2007 River Study 2007 River Study SitesSites

7


8


Hardhead

Qualitative

Hardhead

Qualitative

Hardhead

Qualitative

Har

dhea

d

Qua

litat

ive

9

Study ReportingStudy Reporting

This report includes 2007 – 2008 results. This report includes 2007 – 2008 results. The 2008 results have been combined with The 2008 results have been combined with

the 2007 study results and the discussion the 2007 study results and the discussion has been updated. has been updated.

10

Study ResultsStudy Results Distribution and DiversityDistribution and Diversity

Reservoirs and RiversReservoirs and Rivers AbundanceAbundance

Reservoirs, Rivers, Ralston AfterbayReservoirs, Rivers, Ralston Afterbay Trout BiomassTrout Biomass Fish Population Comparison SitesFish Population Comparison Sites Fish Size, Age, Growth and Condition Fish Size, Age, Growth and Condition

FactorFactor Timing of FryTiming of Fry OthersOthers

Electrofishing versus SnorkelingElectrofishing versus Snorkeling Small Stream Diversion Pool SamplingSmall Stream Diversion Pool Sampling Species and Lifestage Periodicity ChartSpecies and Lifestage Periodicity Chart Water TemperatureWater Temperature

11

Rivers (2007 & 2008)Rivers (2007 & 2008) Project Bypass and PeakingProject Bypass and Peaking Comparison RiversComparison Rivers Above Small Stream DiversionsAbove Small Stream Diversions

ReservoirsReservoirs 20072007

Hell Hole Reservoir, French Meadows Reservoir, Hell Hole Reservoir, French Meadows Reservoir, Middle Fork Interbay, Ralston AfterbayMiddle Fork Interbay, Ralston Afterbay

20082008 Ralston Afterbay (Sonar, Gill Nets, Ralston Afterbay (Sonar, Gill Nets,

Electrofishng)Electrofishng)

Distribution, Diversity, Abundance, Distribution, Diversity, Abundance, Biomass Data SetsBiomass Data Sets

12

Distribution and DiversityDistribution and Diversity Rivers (Trout and Minnows)Rivers (Trout and Minnows)

Rainbow Trout & Brown Trout

Hardhead

Pikeminnow

California Roach

0 9

Rainbow Trout& Brown Trout

Hardhead

Pikeminnow

California Roach


Hardhead

Pikeminnow

California Roach

0

Rainbow Trout

Hardhead

Pikeminnow

California Roach

0 5 9

=Present = Uncertain = Survey Site

Middle Fork American River below Ralston Afterbay

Middle Fork American River above Ralston Afterbay

Rubicon RiverLong

Canyon Creek

Duncan Creek

Confluence

36.2 51.8

River Mile

Pilot Creek

South Fork Rubicon

Elicott Bridge

River Mile

6 8.2River Mile

3.5 20.914.25.2 25.7 36.2

44.7

Impassable Barriers

Middle Fork Interbay

3.2

3.1

8.6 9.5

8.55

26.2 30.4

Brushy Canyon

30.5

47.2

French MeadowsReservoir

Volcano Creek

Folsom Reservoir

21 0

North Fork American River

Confluence

4.8 11 14.1 20.9 24.1

Mammoth Bar Canyon Creek

Otter Creek NFMF1

Ralston Afterbay

Dam

Hell Hole Reservoir

Ralston Afterbay

Impassible Barrier

26.4

South Fork Long Canyon

39.7

22.6

4.9

13.3

1.9 3.8

25.9

Ramsey Crossing

8.3 10.0

23.5

13

Hardhead

Pikeminnow

California Roach

0 9

Hardhead

Pikeminnow

California Roach

Hardhead

Pikeminnow

California Roach

0

Rainbow Trout

Hardhead

Pikeminnow

California Roach

0 5 9

0


=Present = Uncertain = Diversion dam = Survey Site

1NFMF= North Fork of the Middle Fork American River

Long Canyon Creek

Rainbow Trout

North Fork Long Canyon

Long Canyon Creek

6.3

1.3

0 3

Duncan Creek

Mosquito Ridge Road


Little Duncan Creek

Rainbow Trout

River Mile

2.3 4.2

7.4

River Mile

11

River Mile

3.2

3.1

8.6 9.5

8.55

26.2 30.4

Brushy Canyon

30.5

47.2

French Meadow sReservoir

Volcano Creek

Folsom Reservoir

21 0


Confluence

4.8 11 14.1 20.9 24.1

Mammoth Bar Canyon Creek

Otter Creek NFMF1

Ralston Afterbay

Dam

Hell Hole Reservoir

Ralston Afterbay

Impassible Barrier

26.4

South Fork Long Canyon

39.7

22.6

4.9

13.3

1.9 3.8

25.9

Ramsey Crossing

8.3 10.0

23.5

Distribution and DiversityDistribution and Diversity Streams (Trout and Minnows)Streams (Trout and Minnows)

14

RBT BNT HH SPM MXD SS SCULP SD CAR SMB GSUN KOK TCB LKT WCF

Fish MF4.8 QUANT ● ● ● ● ●MFAR at RM4.8 QUAL ● ● ●Fish MF14.1 QUANT ● ● ● ●Otter Creek at MF14.1 QUAL ● ● ● ● ● ● ●Gas Canyon QUAL ● ● ●Fish MF23.5 QUANT ● ● ●MFAR at RM23.5 QUAL ● ● ● ● ● ●

Fish MF26.2 QUANT ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●MFAR at RM26.2 QUAL ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●MFAR at RM26.6 QUAL ● ●MFAR at RM29.4 QUAL ● ●

Fish MF36.2 QUANT ● ●Fish MF44.7 QUANT ● ●Fish MF51.8 QUANT ● ●

Rubicon River RM0.0 - 0.5 QUAL ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●Rubicon at RM3.5 QUAL ● ● ● ● ● ●Fish R3.5 QUANT ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●Rubicon River at RM5.2 QUAL ● ● ● ● ● ●Rubicon River at RM6.2 QUAL ● ● ● ● ●Rubicon River at RM8.0 QUAL ● ● ● ●Rubicon River at RM9.9 QUAL ● ● ●Rubicon River at RM14.3 QUAL ● ● ●Fish R20.9 QUANT ● ● ●Fish R25.7 QUANT ● ●Fish R36.2 QUANT ● ● ●

LC at RM0.2 QUAL ● ● ● ● ●Fish LC9.0 QUANT ●

Fish NFLC1.9 QUANT ●Fish NFLC3.8 QUANT ●NFLC RM3.6 - 5.0 QUAL ●

Fish SFLC2.3 QUANT ●Fish SFLC4.2 QUANT ●SFLC RM5.7 - 9.4 QUAL ●

Fish D6.3 QUANT ● ●Fish D8.3 QUANT ● ●Fish D9.0 QUANT ● ●Fish D10.0 QUANT ● ●Duncan Creek RM9.0 - 13.6

QUAL ● ●

NFMF at RM0.2 QUAL ● ● ● ● ●Fish NFMF2.3 QUANT ● ● ● ● ● ●

Fish NF18.4 QUANT ● ● ● ●Fish NF31.3 QUANT ● ● ● ● ● ● ●NF at RM31.3 QUAL ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●Fish NF53.7 QUANT ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

NFLC QUANT drySFLC QUANT ●

Duncan QUANT ● ●

Ralston Gillnetting/e-fishing ● ● ● ● ●Interbay Gillnetting ● ●French Meadow s Gillnetting ● ● ● ●Hell Hole Gillnetting ● ● ● ● ● ●

Diversion Pools

Reservoirs

South Fork Long Canyon Creek

Duncan Creek

North Fork of the Middle Fork American River


Long Canyon Creek

North Fork Long Canyon Creek

Middle Fork American River Downstream of Ralston Afterbay

Middle Fork American River from Middle Fork Interbay to Ralston Afterbay

Middle Fork American River Upstream of Middle Fork Interbay

Rubicon River

Table AQ 2-4. Summary of Fish Species Observed during the 2007 - 2008 Fish Population Sampling (●).

Study Site Sample Type1Fish Species2

Distribution and DiversityDistribution and Diversity

15

Total Reservoir CPUE

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

French MeadowsReservoir

Middle ForkInterbay

Ralston Afterbay(9/13/07)



Hell HoleReservoir

CP

UE

(fi

sh

/ h

ou

r)

TCBSPMHHSSRBT, BNT, KOK, LKT

(9/11/07) (9/20/07) (9/10/07)

Abundance ReservoirsAbundance Reservoirs

(Gill Netting)(Gill Netting)

16

Trout Abundance (Rivers 2007)Trout Abundance (Rivers 2007)Trout per Mile

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

NF

18

.4

MF

4.8

MF

14

.1

MF

26

.2

MF

36

.2

MF

44

.7

MF

51

.8

R3

.5

R2

0.9

R2

5.7

R3

6.2

LC

9.0

NF

LC

1.9

NF

LC

3.8

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6

.3

D9

.0

NF

MF

2.3

NF

31

.3

NF

53

.7

Nu

mb

er

of

tro

ut

pe

r m

ile

YOY

Adult

Middle Fork American River and North Fork

American River below the Confluence

Rubicon River

Long Canyon Creeks

Duncan Creek

Comparison Rivers

Trout per Acre

0500

10001500200025003000350040004500

NF

18.4

MF

4.8

MF

14.1

MF

26.2

MF

36.2

MF

44.7

MF

51.8

R3.5

R20.9

R25.7

R36.2

LC

9.0

NF

LC

1.9

NF

LC

3.8

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6.3

D9.0

NF

MF

2.3

NF

31.3

NF

53.7

Num

ber

of

trout

per

acre

YOY

AdultMiddle Fork American River and North Fork

American River below the Confluence

Rubicon River

Long Canyon Creeks

Duncan Creek

Comparison Rivers

Trout Biomass (pounds per acre)

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

NF

18.4

MF

4.8

MF

14.1

MF

26.2

MF

36.2

MF

44.7

MF

51.8

R3.5

R20.9

R25.7

R36.2

LC

9.0

NF

LC

1.9

NF

LC

3.8

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6.3

D9.0

NF

MF

2.3

NF

31.3

NF

53.7

pounds p

er

acre Middle Fork American

River and North Fork American River below the

ConfluenceRubicon River

Long Canyon Creeks

Duncan Creek

Comparison Rivers

Total Biomass (pounds per mile)

050

100150200250300350400

NF

18.4

MF

4.8

MF

14.1

MF

26.2

MF

36.2

MF

44.7

MF

51.8

R3.5

R20.9

R25.7

R36.2

LC

9.0

NF

LC

1.9

NF

LC

3.8

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6.3

D9.0

NF

MF

2.3

NF

31.3

NF

53.7

pounds p

er

mile

Middle Fork American River and North Fork American River below the

Confluence

Rubicon RiverLong Canyon Creeks

Duncan CreekComparison Rivers

17

Figure AQ 2-3a. The 2007 Density and Biomass of Trout in the Study Streams.

Trout per Mile

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

NF

18

.4

MF

4.8

MF

14

.1

MF

26

.2

MF

36

.2

MF

44

.7

MF

51

.8

R3

.5

R2

0.9

R2

5.7

R3

6.2

LC

9.0

NF

LC

1.9

NF

LC

3.8

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6

.3

D9

.0

NF

MF

2.3

NF

31

.3

NF

53

.7

Nu

mb

er

of

tro

ut

per

mil

e YOY

Adult

Middle Fork American River and North Fork American River

below the Confluence

Rubicon River

Long Canyon Creeks

Duncan Creek

Comparison Rivers

Trout per Acre

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

4500

NF

18

.4

MF

4.8

MF

14

.1

MF

26

.2

MF

36

.2

MF

44

.7

MF

51

.8

R3

.5

R2

0.9

R2

5.7

R3

6.2

LC

9.0

NF

LC

1.9

NF

LC

3.8

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6

.3

D9

.0

NF

MF

2.3

NF

31

.3

NF

53

.7

Nu

mb

er

of

tro

ut

per

acre

YOY

Adult



Rubicon River

Long Canyon Creeks

Duncan Creek

Comparison Rivers


0

20

40

60

80

100

120

NF

18

.4

MF

4.8

MF

14

.1

MF

26

.2

MF

36

.2

MF

44

.7

MF

51

.8

R3

.5

R2

0.9

R2

5.7

R3

6.2

LC

9.0

NF

LC

1.9

NF

LC

3.8

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6

.3

D9

.0

NF

MF

2.3

NF

31

.3

NF

53

.7

po

un

ds p

er

acre



Rubicon River

Long Canyon Creeks

Duncan Creek

Comparison Rivers


0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

NF

18

.4

MF

4.8

MF

14

.1

MF

26

.2

MF

36

.2

MF

44

.7

MF

51

.8

R3

.5

R2

0.9

R2

5.7

R3

6.2

LC

9.0

NF

LC

1.9

NF

LC

3.8

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6

.3

D9

.0

NF

MF

2.3

NF

31

.3

NF

53

.7

po

un

ds p

er

mil

e

Middle Fork American River and North Fork American River below the Confluence

Rubicon River

Long Canyon Creeks


Trout Abundance (Rivers 2007)Trout Abundance (Rivers 2007)

Trout per Mile

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

NF

18

.4

MF

4.8

MF

14

.1

MF

26

.2

MF

36

.2

MF

44

.7

MF

51

.8

R3

.5

R2

0.9

R2

5.7

R3

6.2

LC

9.0

NF

LC

1.9

NF

LC

3.8

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6

.3

D9

.0

NF

MF

2.3

NF

31

.3

NF

53

.7

Nu

mb

er

of

tro

ut

per

mil

e YOY

AdultMiddle Fork American River

and North Fork American River below the Confluence

Rubicon River

Long Canyon Creeks

Duncan Creek

Comparison Rivers

Trout per Acre

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

4500

NF

18

.4

MF

4.8

MF

14

.1

MF

26

.2

MF

36

.2

MF

44

.7

MF

51

.8

R3

.5

R2

0.9

R2

5.7

R3

6.2

LC

9.0

NF

LC

1.9

NF

LC

3.8

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6

.3

D9

.0

NF

MF

2.3

NF

31

.3

NF

53

.7

Nu

mb

er

of

tro

ut

per

acre YOY

Adult



Rubicon River

Long Canyon Creeks

Duncan Creek

Comparison Rivers


0

20

40

60

80

100

120

NF

18

.4

MF

4.8

MF

14

.1

MF

26

.2

MF

36

.2

MF

44

.7

MF

51

.8

R3

.5

R2

0.9

R2

5.7

R3

6.2

LC

9.0

NF

LC

1.9

NF

LC

3.8

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6

.3

D9

.0

NF

MF

2.3

NF

31

.3

NF

53

.7

po

un

ds p

er

acre



Rubicon River

Long Canyon Creeks

Duncan Creek

Comparison Rivers


0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400N

F1

8.4

MF

4.8

MF

14

.1

MF

26

.2

MF

36

.2

MF

44

.7

MF

51

.8

R3

.5

R2

0.9

R2

5.7

R3

6.2

LC

9.0

NF

LC

1.9

NF

LC

3.8

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6

.3

D9

.0

NF

MF

2.3

NF

31

.3

NF

53

.7

po

un

ds p

er

mil

e


Rubicon River

Long Canyon Creeks


Carefull with interpretation..see previous slide for pound per mile

18


(linear estimates only)(linear estimates only)

Trout per Mile

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

NF

18.4

MF

4.8

MF

14.1

MF

26.2

MF

36.2

MF

44.7

MF

51.8

R3.5

R20.9

R25.7

R36.2

LC

9.0

NF

LC

1.9

NF

LC

3.8

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6.3

D9.0

NF

MF

2.3

NF

31.3

NF

53.7

Num

ber

of tr

out per

mile

YOY

Adult

Middle Fork American River and North Fork American River below

the Confluence

Rubicon River

Long Canyon Creeks

Duncan Creek

Comparison Rivers


0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

NF

18.4

MF

4.8

MF

14.1

MF

26.2

MF

36.2

MF

44.7

MF

51.8

R3.5

R20.9

R25.7

R36.2

LC

9.0

NF

LC

1.9

NF

LC

3.8

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6.3

D9.0

NF

MF

2.3

NF

31.3

NF

53.7

pounds

per

mile

Middle Fork American River and North Fork American River below the

Confluence

Rubicon River

Long Canyon Creeks

Duncan Creek

Comparison Rivers

19

2007 Duncan Creek Data Sheet 2007 Duncan Creek Data Sheet ErrorErrorTrout per Mile

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

NF

18

.4

MF

4.8

MF

14

.1

MF

26

.2

MF

36

.2

MF

44

.7

MF

51

.8

R3

.5

R2

0.9

R2

5.7

R3

6.2

LC

9.0

NF

LC

1.9

NF

LC

3.8

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6

.3

D9

.0

NF

MF

2.3

NF

31

.3

NF

53

.7

Nu

mb

er o

f t

ro

ut p

er m

ile

YOY



Rubicon River

Long Canyon Creeks

Duncan Creek

Comparison Rivers

Trout per Acre

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

NF

18

.4

MF

4.8

MF

14

.1

MF

26

.2

MF

36

.2

MF

44

.7

MF

51

.8

R3

.5

R2

0.9

R2

5.7

R3

6.2

LC

9.0

NF

LC

1.9

NF

LC

3.8

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6

.3

D9

.0

NF

MF

2.3

NF

31

.3

NF

53

.7

Nu

mb

er o

f t

ro

ut p

er a

cre

YOY

Adult



Rubicon River

Long Canyon Creeks

Duncan Creek

Comparison Rivers


0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

NF

18

.4

MF

4.8

MF

14

.1

MF

26

.2

MF

36

.2

MF

44

.7

MF

51

.8

R3

.5

R2

0.9

R2

5.7

R3

6.2

LC

9.0

NF

LC

1.9

NF

LC

3.8

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6

.3

D9

.0

NF

MF

2.3

NF

31

.3

NF

53

.7

po

un

ds

pe

r a

cre



Rubicon River

Long Canyon Creeks

Duncan Creek

Comparison Rivers


0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

NF

18

.4

MF

4.8

MF

14

.1

MF

26

.2

MF

36

.2

MF

44

.7

MF

51

.8

R3

.5

R2

0.9

R2

5.7

R3

6.2

LC

9.0

NF

LC

1.9

NF

LC

3.8

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6

.3

D9

.0

NF

MF

2.3

NF

31

.3

NF

53

.7

po

un

ds

pe

r m

ile


Rubicon River

Long Canyon Creeks


Figure AQ 2-3a. The 2007 Density and Biomass of Trout in the Study Streams.

Trout per Mile

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

NF

18

.4

MF

4.8

MF

14

.1

MF

26

.2

MF

36

.2

MF

44

.7

MF

51

.8

R3

.5

R2

0.9

R2

5.7

R3

6.2

LC

9.0

NF

LC

1.9

NF

LC

3.8

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6

.3

D9

.0

NF

MF

2.3

NF

31

.3

NF

53

.7

Nu

mb

er o

f tro

ut p

er m

ile

YOY



Rubicon River

Long Canyon Creeks

Duncan Creek

Comparison Rivers

Trout per Acre

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

4500

NF

18

.4

MF

4.8

MF

14

.1

MF

26

.2

MF

36

.2

MF

44

.7

MF

51

.8

R3

.5

R2

0.9

R2

5.7

R3

6.2

LC

9.0

NF

LC

1.9

NF

LC

3.8

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6

.3

D9

.0

NF

MF

2.3

NF

31

.3

NF

53

.7

Nu

mb

er o

f tro

ut p

er acre

YOY

Adult



Rubicon River

Long Canyon Creeks

Duncan Creek

Comparison Rivers


0

20

40

60

80

100

120

NF

18

.4

MF

4.8

MF

14

.1

MF

26

.2

MF

36

.2

MF

44

.7

MF

51

.8

R3

.5

R2

0.9

R2

5.7

R3

6.2

LC

9.0

NF

LC

1.9

NF

LC

3.8

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6

.3

D9

.0

NF

MF

2.3

NF

31

.3

NF

53

.7

po

un

ds p

er acre



Rubicon River

Long Canyon Creeks

Duncan Creek

Comparison Rivers


0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

NF

18

.4

MF

4.8

MF

14

.1

MF

26

.2

MF

36

.2

MF

44

.7

MF

51

.8

R3

.5

R2

0.9

R2

5.7

R3

6.2

LC

9.0

NF

LC

1.9

NF

LC

3.8

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6

.3

D9

.0

NF

MF

2.3

NF

31

.3

NF

53

.7

po

un

ds p

er m

ile


Rubicon River

Long Canyon Creeks


2007 Report2008 Report Correction

Error found during 2008 resampling:

17’ not 171 (also analysist swapped length and width in 2007 “recognizing” length should be longer than the width)

20

Trout Abundance (Rivers 2008)Trout Abundance (Rivers 2008)Trout per Mile

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

MF

4.8

MF

14

.1

MF

23

.5

MF

26

.2

MF

44

.7

R2

0.9

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6

.3

D8

.3

D9

.0

D1

0.0

NF

MF

2.3

NF

53

.7

Nu

mb

er

of

tro

ut

pe

r m

ile

YOY

Adult

Middle Fork American River Rubicon River

Long Canyon Creeks

Duncan Creek

Comparison Rivers

Trout per Acre

0500

10001500200025003000350040004500

MF

4.8

MF

14

.1

MF

23

.5

MF

26

.2

MF

44

.7

R2

0.9

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6

.3

D8

.3

D9

.0

D1

0.0

NF

MF

2.3

NF

53

.7

Nu

mb

er

of

tro

ut

pe

r a

cre

YOY

Adult

Middle Fork American River Rubicon River

Long Canyon Creeks

Duncan Creek

Comparison Rivers


050

100150200250300350400

MF

4.8

MF

14

.1

MF

23

.5

MF

26

.2

MF

44

.7

R2

0.9

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6

.3

D8

.3

D9

.0

D1

0.0

NF

MF

2.3

NF

53

.7

po

un

ds p

er

mile

Middle Fork American River



Total Biomass (pounds per acre)

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

MF

4.8

MF

14

.1

MF

23

.5

MF

26

.2

MF

44

.7

R2

0.9

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6

.3

D8

.3

D9

.0

D1

0.0

NF

MF

2.3

NF

53

.7

po

un

ds p

er

acre


Rubicon River

Long Canyon Creeks

Duncan Creek

Comparison Rivers

21



Trout per Mile

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

MF

4.8

MF

14.1

MF

23.5

MF

26.2

MF

44.7

R20

.9

SF

LC2.

3

SF

LC4.

2

D6.

3

D8.

3

D9.

0

D10

.0

NF

MF

2.3

NF

53.7

Num

ber

of tr

out p

er m

ile YOY

Adult


Rubicon River

Long Canyon Creeks

Duncan Creek

Comparison Rivers


0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

MF

4.8

MF

14.1

MF

23.5

MF

26.2

MF

44.7

R20

.9

SF

LC2.

3

SF

LC4.

2

D6.

3

D8.

3

D9.

0

D10

.0

NF

MF

2.3

NF

53.7

poun

ds p

er m

ile




22

Study Wide (2007-2008) 127 Hardhead

90% < 6”, 95% from Ralston Afterbay 217 Pikeminnow

95% < 6”, 56% from Ralston Afterbay Ralston Afterbay

>1000 per mile of shoreline (3 miles of shoreline) Majority were 80-150 mmMajority were 80-150 mm

River Sites Overall very few observed at river sites (patchy

distribution) Bypass Reaches—Majority just upstream of Ralston in

Rubicon River Peaking Reach—Few locations (e.g., Otter Creek, Horseshoe

Bar) Comparison Reaches—Patchy distribution

Hardhead/Pikeminnow AbundanceHardhead/Pikeminnow Abundance

23

Hardhead/Pikeminnow AbundanceHardhead/Pikeminnow Abundance

Distribution above Ralston Afterbay limited Distribution above Ralston Afterbay limited by barriersby barriers

24

Comparison SitesComparison Sites Upstream and Downstream Diversions Upstream and Downstream Diversions

SitesSites South Fork Long Canyon Diversion (2007,2008)South Fork Long Canyon Diversion (2007,2008) North Fork Long Canyon Diversion (2007)North Fork Long Canyon Diversion (2007) Duncan Creek Diversion (2007,2008)Duncan Creek Diversion (2007,2008)

Upstream and Downstream of Reservoir Upstream and Downstream of Reservoir SitesSites French Meadows Reservoir (2007)French Meadows Reservoir (2007) Hell Hole Reservoir (2007)Hell Hole Reservoir (2007)

Comparison River Sites Versus Comparison River Sites Versus Peaking Reach Sites (2007,2008?)Peaking Reach Sites (2007,2008?) Bypass Reach Sites (2007,2008)Bypass Reach Sites (2007,2008)

Fish Population ComparisonsFish Population Comparisons

25

Physical Comparability of River Physical Comparability of River Comparison SitesComparison Sites

Table AQ 2-3. Validity of Comparison Study Sites and their Associated Bypass and Peaking Reach Study Sites Based on Physical Habitat Characteristics.

By Length By Area

Fish MF44.7 Middle Fork American River below French Meadow s ●

Fish MF51.8 Middle Fork American River above French Meadow s ●

Fish R25.7 Rubicon River below Hell Hole ●

Fish R36.2 Rubicon River above Hell Hole ●

Fish NFLC1.9 North Fork Long Canyon Creek below diversion ●

Fish NFLC3.8 North Fork Long Canyon Creek above diversion ●

Fish SFLC2.3 South Fork Long Canyon Creek below diversion ●

Fish SFLC4.2 South Fork Long Canyon Creek above diversion ●

Fish D6.3 ●

Fish D8.3 ●

Fish D9.0 ●

Fish D10.0 ● Poor Poor

Fish MF4.8 Middle Fork American River above Mammoth Bar ●

Fish NF31.3 North Fork American River at Ponderosa Bridge ●

Fish MF14.1 Middle Fork American River at Otter Creek ●


Fish MF23.5 Middle Fork American River at Horseshoe Bar ●


Fish NF18.4 North Fork American River below Middle Fork American Confluence ●


Fish MF26.2 Middle Fork American River above Ralston ●

Fish NFMF2.3 North Fork Middle Fork American River at Circle Bridge ●

Fish R3.5 Rubicon River at Long Canyon Creek ●

Fish NF53.7 Upper North Fork American River ●

Fish R20.9 Rubicon River at Ellicott Bridge ●Fish NF53.7 Upper North Fork American River ●

Good-Moderate

Validity of Study Site Comparison

Good

Moderate

Good

Good

Poor

Poor

Moderate

Good

Good

Good-Moderate

Comparison Study Sites

Description

Peakin

g R

each

Byp

ass R

each

Co

mp

ari

so

n S

ite

Duncan Creek below diversion

Duncan Creek above diversion

Moderate

Good-Moderate

Good-Moderate

Good

Good

Poor

Good

Moderate

Good

Good

Similar channel type, slope, w etted w idth, and pool depth.


Moderate

Poor

Similar pool depth and w etted w idth. Dissimilar channel type and slope.

Moderate Similar channel type, slope, and pool depth. Moderatly dissimilar w etted w idth.

Rationale


Similar channel type, w etted w idth, and pool depth. Moderatly dissimilar slope.

Dissimilar channel type, slope, and pool depth. Similar w etted w idth.

Dissimilar channel type, slope, w etted w idth, and pool depth.

Similar channel type, w etted w idth, and pool depth. Dissimilar slope.


Similar channel type, slope, pool depth, w etted w idth.

Similar channel type and slope. Dissimilar w etted w idth and pool depth.

Similar channel type, w etted w idth, and pool depth. Moderatly dissimilar slope.

26

Above & Below Diversions 2007 Above & Below Diversions 2007 NF Long NF Long CynCyn

SF Long CynSF Long Cyn Duncan CrkDuncan Crk

Trout per Acre

Blw DiversionAbv Diversion

Blw Diversion

Abv Diversion


0500

1000150020002500300035004000

NF

LC

1.9

NF

LC

3.8

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6

.3

D9

.0

Nu

mb

er

of

tro

ut

pe

r a

cre

Adult YOY

Trout per Mile

Abv DiversionBlw Diversion

Abv DiversionBlw DiversionAbv Diversion

Blw Diversion

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

NF

LC

1.9

NF

LC

3.8

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6

.3

D9

.0Nu

mbe

r o

f tr

ou

t p

er

mile

Adult YOY

Biomass (pounds per acre)Blw Diversion

Abv Diversion Blw Diversion Abv Diversion


010203040506070

NF

LC

1.9

NF

LC

3.8

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6

.3

D9

.0

po

un

ds p

er

acre

Biomass (pounds per mile)Blw Diversion

Abv Diversion Blw DiversionAbv Diversion


0

20

40

60

80

100

120

NF

LC

1.9

NF

LC

3.8

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6

.3

D9

.0

po

un

ds p

er

mile

S

27

Trout per Mile

Blw Diversion

Abv Diversion


Blw Diversion

Abv Diversion

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

NF

LC

1.9

NF

LC

3.8

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6

.3

D9

.0

Nu

mb

er

of

tro

ut

pe

r m

ile

Adult YOY

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

NF

LC

1.9

NF

LC

3.8

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6

.3

D9

.0

Biomass (pounds per mile)


Abv DiversionBlw DiversionAbv Diversion

Blw Diversion

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

NF

LC

1.9

NF

LC

3.8

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6

.3

D9

.0

po

un

ds

pe

r m

ile

All Trout

SE

NF Long NF Long CynCyn

SF Long CynSF Long Cyn

Duncan CrkDuncan Crk

Above & Below Diversions 2007 Above & Below Diversions 2007 (linear estimates only)(linear estimates only)

28

Above & Below Diversions 2008 Above & Below Diversions 2008 SF Long SF Long CynCyn

Duncan CrkDuncan CrkTrout per Mile

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6.3

D8.3

D9.0

D10.0N

um

ber

of tr

out per

mile

Adult YOYBlw Diversion Abv Diversion

Blw Diversion Abv Diversion

Trout per Acre

0500

10001500200025003000350040004500

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6.3

D8.3

D9.0

D10.0

Num

ber

of tr

out per

acre

Adult YOYBlw DiversionAbv Diversion



020406080

100120140160

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6.3

D8.3

D9.0

D10.0

pounds p

er

mile

Blw DiversionAbv Diversion Blw Diversion Abv Diversion

Total Biomass (pounds per acre)

020406080

100120

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6.3

D8.3

D9.0

D10.0

pounds p

er

acre

Blw Diversion


Abv Diversion

29

SF Long SF Long CynCyn

Duncan CrkDuncan Crk

Above & Below Diversions 2008 Above & Below Diversions 2008 (linear estimates only)(linear estimates only)

Trout per Mile

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

SF

LC2.

3

SF

LC4.

2

D6.

3

D8.

3

D9.

0

D10

.0Num

ber

of tr

out p

er m

ile

Adult YOYBlw Diversion Abv Diversion



020406080

100120140160

SF

LC

2.3

SF

LC

4.2

D6

.3

D8

.3

D9

.0

D1

0.0

pound

s p

er

mile

Blw DiversionAbv Diversion Blw Diversion Abv Diversion

30

Biomass (pounds per mile)

Blw

FM

Re

s

Ab

v F

M R

es B

lw H

H R

es

Ab

v H

H R

es

Peaking Reach Sites

Co

mp

ariso

n R

ive

r S

ite

Byp

ass

Riv

er

Site

Co

mp

ariso

n R

ive

r S

ite Bypass River Sites

Co

mp

ariso

n R

ive

r S

ite

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

MF

44

.7

MF

51

.8

R2

5.7

R3

6.2

NF

18

.4

MF

4.8

MF

14

.1

NF

31

.3

MF

26

.2

NF

MF

2.3

R3

.5

R2

0.9

NF

53

.7

po

un

ds

pe

r m

ile

All Fish

Trout per Mile

Co

mp

ariso

n R

ive

r S

ite

Bypass River Sites

Co

mp

ariso

n R

ive

r S

ite

Byp

ass

Riv

er

Site

Co

mp

ariso

n R

ive

r S

ite

Peaking Reach Sites

Ab

v H

H R

es

Blw

HH

Re

s

Ab

v F

M R

es

Blw

FM

Re

s

4347

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

MF

44

.7

MF

51

.8

R2

5.7

R3

6.2

NF

18

.4

MF

4.8

MF

14

.1

NF

31

.3

MF

26

.2

NF

MF

2.3

R3

.5

R2

0.9

NF

53

.7

Nu

mb

er

of

tro

ut

pe

r m

ile

Adult YOY

Other River Comparison Sites 2007 Other River Comparison Sites 2007


31

Other River Comparison Sites 2008Other River Comparison Sites 2008



0

20

40

60

80

100

120

MF

26

.2

NF

MF

2.3

R2

0.9

NF

53

.7Tro

ut

po

un

ds

pe

r m

ile

Comparison River SiteBypass River

Site

Comparison River Site

Bypass River Site

Trout per Mile

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

MF

26

.2

NF

MF

2.3

R2

0.9

NF

53

.7Nu

mb

er

of

tro

ut

pe

r m

ile

YOY

AdultComparison River Site

Bypass River Site

Comparison River Site

Bypass River Site

32

2007 Trout Size Rivers & Streams2007 Trout Size Rivers & Streams

Trout Large Rivers (12 Sites)

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500

35

75

115

155

195

235

275

315

355

395

Fork Length (mm)

Nu

mb

er o

f F

ish

YO

Y 3-6"

6-12"

12+

"

Electrofishing Data

Snorkeling Data

Trout Small Streams (7 Sites)

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500

35

75

115

155

195

235

275

315

355

395

Fork Length (mm)

Nu

mb

er o

f F

ish

Trout Peaking Reach (3 Sites)

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500

35

75

115

155

195

235

275

315

355

395

Fork Length (mm)

Nu

mb

er o

f F

ish

YO

Y

3-6"

6-12"

12+

"

Snorkeling Data

33

2008 Trout Size Rivers & Streams2008 Trout Size Rivers & Streams

Trout Large Rivers (5 Sites)

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

35

75

115

155

195

235

275

315

355

395

435

475

515

555

595

Fork Length (mm)

Nu

mb

er

of

Fis

h

Electrofishing DataSnorkeling Data

YO

Y 3-6

"

6-1

2"

12-1

8"

18+

"

Trout Small Streams (6 Sites)

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

35

75

115

155

195

235

275

315

355

395

435

475

515

555

595

Fork Length (mm)

Nu

mb

er

of

Fis

h

Trout Peaking Reach (3 Sites)

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

35

75

115

155

195

235

275

315

355

395

435

475

515

555

595

Fork Length (mm)

Nu

mb

er

of

Fis

h

YO

Y

3-6

"

6-1

2"

12-1

8"Snorkeling Data

18+

"

34

Trout Condition Factors in RiversTrout Condition Factors in Rivers

Condition Factor

nCondition

Factorn

2007 -- NA1 -- NA1

2008 -- NA1 -- NA1

2007 1.01 10 -- NA1

2008 1.01 2 -- NA1

Fish MF23.5 2008 -- NA1 -- NA1

2007 1.02 24 1.31 2

2008 1.11 21 1.05 1

Fish MF36.2 2007 1.04 43 1.05 1

2007 1.06 5 1.07 25

2008 1.09 13 1.09 13

Fish MF51.8 2007 1.07 15 1.05 3

Fish R3.5 2007 1.06 11 -- Not Observed

2007 1.05 98 1.14 4

2008 1.10 84 1.15 3

Fish R25.7 2007 1.09 27 1.13 6

Fish R36.2 2007 1.08 38 0.98 1

Fish LC9.0 2007 1.10 81 -- Not Observed

Fish NFLC1.9 2007 1.05 79 -- Not Observed

Fish NFLC3.8 2007 1.04 113 -- Not Observed

2007 1.09 46 -- Not Observed

2008 1.06 136 -- Not Observed

2007 1.11 25 -- Not Observed

2008 1.07 159 -- Not Observed

2007 1.11 83 1.07 13

2008 1.10 143 1.09 40

Fish D8.3 2008 1.06 159 1.11 18

2007 1.16 82 1.06 3

2008 1.13 131 1.13 8

Fish D10.0 2008 1.15 115 1.09 10

2007 1.09 22 -- Not Observed

2008 1.06 32 -- Not Observed

Fish NF18.4 2007 -- NA1 -- NA1

Fish NF31.3 2007 -- NA1 -- NA1

2007 1.10 16 -- Not Observed

2008 1.02 11 -- Not ObservedFish NF53.7

Study River and Sample ID Year

Fish MF4.8

Fish MF14.1

Fish MF26.2

Fish MF44.7

1NA=snorkel only site, no weights were collected to calculate biomass

Middle Fork American River from Middle Fork Interbay to Ralston Afterbay

Middle Fork American River Upstream of Middle Fork Interbay

Rubicon River

Fish R20.9

Fish SFLC2.3

Fish SFLC4.2

Fish D6.3

Fish D9.0

Fish NFMF2.3

RBT BNT

Table AQ 2-11. Rainbow Trout (RBT) and Brown Trout (BNT) Condition Factors.


Middle Fork American River Downstream of Ralston Afterbay

North Fork Long Canyon Creek

South Fork Long Canyon Creek

Duncan Creek

North Fork of the Middle Fork American River

Long Canyon Creek

Trout/mile

0

0

0

1

1

1

1

1

#REF!

35

Ralston AfterbayRalston Afterbay Gill Netting Gill Netting

CPUE (see previous reservoir results)CPUE (see previous reservoir results) SonarSonar

Map & Estimates by depthMap & Estimates by depth ElectrofishingElectrofishing

Map & Estimates by fish species and Map & Estimates by fish species and sizesize

Gear SelectivityGear Selectivity All fishAll fish HardheadHardhead

36

Ralston AfterbayRalston Afterbay

Gill Netting LocationsGill Netting Locations

37


Sonar TransectsSonar Transects

38

Ralston AfterbayRalston Afterbay Sonar ResultsSonar ResultsTable AQ 2-8. Fish Counts and Total Fish Estimates from Ralston Afterbay Sonar Sampling.

Depth (ft) Fish CountReservoir Volume Surveyed

(10 ft3)

Total Reservoir Volume

(10 ft3)Percent of Reservoir

Volume SurveyedTotal Fish Estimate

0.0 - 3.4 97 113 9,499 1.2% 8,1543.4 - 8.4 57 378 12,662 3.0% 1,909

8.4 - 13.4 34 365 9,181 4.0% 85513.4 - 18.4 9 187 5,463 3.4% 26318.4 - 23.4 0 41 3,058 1.3% 023.4 - 28.4 0 0.01 1,359 0.0008% 028.4 - 33.4 0 0 634 0 --33.4 - 38.4 0 0 352 0 --38.4 - 43.4 0 0 204 0 --43.4 - 48.4 0 0 91 0 --

Total 197 1,084.01 41,222 2.6% 11,181

Depth (ft) Fish CountReservoir Volume Surveyed

(10 ft3)

Total Reservoir Volume

(10 ft3)Percent of Reservoir

Volume SurveyedTotal Fish Estimate

0.0 - 4.1 194 211 11,633 1.8% 10,6964.1 - 9.1 57 748 12,662 5.9% 965

9.1 - 14.1 27 863 9,181 9.4% 28714.1 - 19.1 8 781 5,463 14.3% 5619.1 - 24.1 10 535 3,058 17.5% 5724.1 - 29.1 5 217 1,359 16.0% 3129.1 - 34.1 5 125 634 19.7% 2534.1 - 39.1 3 93 352 26.4% 1139.1 - 44.1 0 63 204 30.9% 044.1 - 49.1 0 29 91 31.9% 0

Total 309 3,665 44,637 8.2% 12,128

Early Summer - June 26, 2008

Fall - Sept. 3, 2008

39


Electrofishing LocationsElectrofishing Locations

40

Ralston AfterbayRalston Afterbay ElectrofishingElectrofishing

Jun 26, 2008 Sep 4, 20080.34 miles sampled 0.68 miles sampled

YOY 2.9 --3-6" -- --

6-12" 2.9 2.912-18" -- --18"+ -- --YOY -- --3-6" 2.9 1.5

6-12" 2.9 --12-18" 2.9 1.518"+ 2.9 1.5YOY 5.9 1.53-6" 108.8 104.4

6-12" -- 1.512-18" -- --18"+ -- --YOY 8.8 --3-6" 108.8 102.9

6-12" 2.9 2.912-18" -- --18"+ -- 1.5YOY 5.9 --3-6" 123.5 44.1

6-12" 5.9 8.812-18" -- 4.418"+ -- 10.3

2YOY = Young of the year

RBT

BNT

HH

SPM

Fish per Mile

Species1 Size Class2

SS

1Species: RBT = Rainbow Trout, BNT = Brown Trout, HH = Hardhead, SPM = Sacramento Pike Minnow, SS = Sacramento Sucker

41

Ralston AfterbayRalston Afterbay Gear Size SelectivityGear Size Selectivity

Ralston Afterbay Summer Sampling Period

All Species

0

10

20

30

40

50

50 80 110

140

170

200

230

260

290

320

350

380

410

440

470

500

530

560

590

Fish Length (mm)

Fre

qu

ency

Electrofishing

Gill netting

42

Ralston AfterbayRalston Afterbay HardheadHardhead

Hardhead

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

50

70

90

110

130

150

170

190

210

230

250

270

290

310

330

350

370

390

410

430

450

470

490

Fork Length (mm)

Fre

qu

en

cy

Electrofishing (2008)

Gill Netting (2007 - 2008)

Qualitative Gill Netting (2008)

Ralston Afterbay2007 - 2008

1

43

Other Survey Results Other Survey Results (see 2007-2008 Report)(see 2007-2008 Report)

Trout Age and Growth RiversTrout Age and Growth Rivers Reservoir Trout SizeReservoir Trout Size Timing of FryTiming of Fry

Rainbow and Brown Trout FryRainbow and Brown Trout Fry Hardhead-PikeminnowHardhead-Pikeminnow

2007 Electrofishing Versus Snorkeling2007 Electrofishing Versus Snorkeling 2007 Small Stream Diversion Pool Sampling2007 Small Stream Diversion Pool Sampling Species and Lifestage PeriodicitySpecies and Lifestage Periodicity Water TemperatureWater Temperature

44

Fish Population Sampling Sites 2009Fish Population Sampling Sites 2009 Review 2007 and 2008 data with Aquatic TWG Review 2007 and 2008 data with Aquatic TWG

to determine which river sites will be sampled to determine which river sites will be sampled in year 3, if any, to identify the temporal in year 3, if any, to identify the temporal abundance of fish species.abundance of fish species.

Identify appropriate fish standing Identify appropriate fish standing crop comparison datasets in crop comparison datasets in collaboration with the Aquatic TWGcollaboration with the Aquatic TWG

Consultation NeedsConsultation Needs

Documents

Middle Fork American River Project AQ 2 – Fish Population Technical Study Report 2007 -2008 Overview March 3, 2009