Yakipedia - User contributions [en]

Water stargrass

2026-10-07T18:47:46Z

Aconley: added links to overview sites

This page provides an overview of Water stargrass, its spread in the Lower Yakima River, the issues it creates, and work being done to understand and manage it. This work is coordinated by the '''[[Water Stargrass Coalition|Yakima Water Stargrass Coalition (WSGC)]]'''.

== Overview and Concerns ==

Water stargrass (''Heteranthera dubia'') is a species of perennial aquatic plant in the ''Pontederiaceae'' family. It lives in freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and irrigation canals; preferring calmer waters. It is a native species in the Yakima Basin, but its growth has exploded in recent decades. Historically, large floods and higher spring flows likely kept stargrass isolated to lower velocity parts of the river, but since the development of the Yakima River storage reservoirs, flood flows and the spring freshet have been significantly reduced (in order to store water in reservoirs for summer use). Prior to the 1990s, high fine sediment levels from irrigation runoff likely suppressed stargrass growth by blocking sunlight. Major efforts were made by irrigation districts and state and federal partners to reduce the erosion that caused high fine sediment levels in the summer, significantly cleaning up the river and reducing the associated levels of DDT and other toxins in the Lower Yakima- but also improving growth conditions for stargrass.

Today, water stargrass is prolific in most stretches of the lower 47 miles of the Yakima River, below Prosser Diversion Dam, and is becoming more noticeable upstream of there too. Water stargrass can form a bank to bank monoculture and grows from stream bottom to the water surface and then continue growing horizontally forming a canopy at the water surface. It also forms dense vegetative mats over stream substrates covering gravels cobbles. Water stargrass has many major negative impacts on the river:

* Stargrass degrades migration conditions for salmon, steelhead and lamprey by:
** Blocking fish movement through fish ladders and at its worst, entire river channels,
** Causing major daily fluctuations in dissolved oxygen and pH levels due to stargrass respiration and photosynthesis,
** Improving habitat for warmwater predatory fish like smallmouth bass, increasing predation rates on salmon smolts (young fish travelling to the ocean), and
** Changing local habitat conditions including temperature, sediment and insect populations in ways that reduce their value for juvenile anadromous fish.
* Stargrass has essentially eliminated fall chinook spawning in the lower river by growing over previously productive spawning areas and locking in spawning gravels and causing fine sediment deposition on top of them.
* Stargrass often creates stagnant water areas that support mosquito breeding, increasing human health risk from mosquito-borne illnesses and increasing the costs of mosquito control efforts.
* Drifting water stargrass often plugs or block irrigation intakes, making them hard to operate and requiring operators to do almost continual maintenance to keep diversions functional.
* Dense growth of water stargrass interferes with recreational activities such as swimming, boating and fishing and leads to the broad public perception that the river is 'gross'.
* Stargrass can make it harder to measure river flows (essential for river management) when it fills so much of the river that the surface level rises, requiring river gage operators to have to frequently visit and re-calibrate gages to ensure accurate flow measurement.
The following websites also provide a good overviews of water stargrass issues in the lower Yakima:

[https://www.usgs.gov/centers/washington-water-science-center/science/water-stargrass-lower-yakima-river USGS Water Strargrass page]

[https://www.bentoncd.org/water-stargrass-removal Benton Conservation District Stargrass page]

And these videos provide a great quick intro to the issue: https://www.bentoncd.org/saving-our-river

== Stargrass Research and Monitoring ==
Multiple studies focused on water stargrass and its impacts on the Yakima River have been completed or are on-going, and new monitoring and research work is being developed to ensure that expanding treatment efforts are effective. Completed studies include:

* A [https://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2009/5078/pdf/sir20095078.pdf 2009 report]<ref>Wise, D. R., M. Zuroske, K. D. Carpenter, and R. L. Kiesling. 2009. Assessment of Eutrophication in the Lower Yakima River Basin, Washington 2004-07. Page 108. U.S. Geological Survey, Investigations Report 2009–5078.</ref> by the USGS and the South Yakima Conservation District detailed a 2004-2007 assessment of eutrophication in the lower 116 miles of the Yakima River. This was one of the first studies that characterized the proliferation of water stargrass in the Lower Yakima River.
* The [https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Lower_Yakima_Assessment.pdf 2011 Lower Yakima River Assessment] completed by the Benton Conservation District includes a chapter on water stargrass and the issues it causes<ref>Appel, M., R. Little, H. Wendt, and M. Nielson. 2011. Assessment of the Lower Yakima River in Benton County, Washington. Page 182. Benton Conservation District.</ref>.
* Aaron Pelly's [https://rex.libraries.wsu.edu/esploro/outputs/graduate/99900890782401842 2020 Master's Thesis] focuses on water stargrass and its impacts on water quality in the Lower Yakima River<ref>Pelly, A. C. 2020. Overabundant macrophyte growth alters ecosystem function in a lowland river. Washington State University.</ref>.
* Pelly and others produced a [https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WSG-Harvesting-Assessment_2024_rev-1.pdf 2024 report] on water stargrass removal on dissolved oxygen, temperature, and water velocity in the Lower Yakima River.
* The USGS released a [https://doi.org/10.31223/X5JT8P 2024 draft report]<ref>Sheibley, R.W., and Foreman, J.R., 2024, Water stargrass biomass, stream metabolism estimates, and nutrient data quality control data for the lower Yakima River: June 2018 through September 2020 (ver. 2.0, August 2025): U.S. Geological Survey data release, <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.5066/P95978KZ</nowiki>.</ref> on stargrass and water quality in the Lower Yakima River from 2018-2020. The data is available on the USGS website, [https://data.usgs.gov/datacatalog/data/USGS:62d987d3d34e2842e1edcfcd link].

Ongoing monitoring efforts include:

'''Monitoring Gages'''

USGS and Benton Conservation District installed monitoring gages as part of the water stargrass research efforts. The gages were installed in the lower Yakima River at Prosser (2018 - 2024), Benton City (Kiona; 2018 - 2025) and West Richland (Van Giesen; 2018 - 2025). The gage at Prosser was operated under funding from PNNL research from 2021 - 2024. Benton City and Van Giesen have operated through Department of Ecology and USGS funding from 2018 - 2025. The archived data for these sites can be retrieved from the USGS database:

* [https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-12509489/#dataTypeId=continuous-00010-0&period=P7D&showMedian=true Prosser Gage]

* [https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-12510500/#dataTypeId=continuous-00065-0&period=P7D Kiona Gage]
* [https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-12511800/#dataTypeId=continuous-00010-0&period=P7D Van Giesen Bridge Gage]

'''Biomass Surveys'''
* USGS and Benton Conservation District have collected biomass samples at Prosser (2018 - 2020) and Kiona and Van Giesen (2018 - present). Funding for these efforts has been through Department of Ecology Centennial funding and YBFWRB funding (2022). Samples are collected between June - September to document the rate growth and estimate the total annual biomass during the growing season. Data through 2020 are available in USGS 2024 report. Data 2021 - 2025 are in review and will be published by USGS in 2027.

'''Drone Surveys'''

* Benton Conservation District and Benton County Mosquito Control Board (BCMCB) are documenting the seasonal biomass using drone imagery at key locations on the lower river as part of the efforts to evaluate mechanical harvesting effectiveness as well as seasonal growth. Drone images are available upon request submissions to BCD.

== Stargrass Control Efforts ==

Over the last decade, the Benton County Conservation District (BCD) and partners have researched and piloted several techniques to control water stargrass in the Lower Yakima River. Starting with the [https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WSGRecommendations_BCD_Rev-3.pdf 2022 water stargrass recommendation report] and followed by the Management and Control Techniques for Water Stargrass are discussed in detail in [https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Water-Stargrass-Management-Techniques_2021-09-17.pdf this BCD report] <ref>Pelly, A., M. Appel, and R. Little. 2021. Management and Control Techniques for Water Stargrass in the Lower Yakima River. Benton Conservation District.</ref>

In 2024, BCD and Mid-Columbia Fisheries completed an [https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/7_WSG-Emergency-Drought_Final.pdf emergency drought response plan] for control of water stargrass in low water years.

Starting in 2024, key partners came together to formalize the Water Stargrass Coalition and develop a shared strategy for addressing the negative impacts of water stargrass on the Lower Yakima. In the spring of 2025, the leadership group of the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan focused on highlighting the importance of reducing stargrass impacts and securing significant financial investments to accelerate work on the ground. As part of this effort, the Roza Irrigation District produced a [https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Revell_2025_WaterStargrassOverview.pdf white paper] that provides a good overview of stargrass control strategies and efforts in the Lower Yakima River, the coalition is implementing several pilot projects in the summer/fall of 2025 and is working on developing a longer-term work plan to coordinate activities and secure support and funding for expanding control work and associated monitoring and research in the future.

'''Hand'''

The most effective approach to manage stargrass is to remove the plant material at the roots. The simplest and most straight forward method is hand pulling with or without tools. Several hand-pulling projects have been completed over the last decade, and have shown that treatments can improve water quality, reduce future stargrass growth, and restore conditions that support fall chinook spawning. Hand-pulling is relatively slow and works best in shallower areas and lower flow velocities, limiting its broad application throughout the river; it can be effective in clearing smaller priority areas.

'''Mechanical'''

Mechanical harvesting typically uses a floating barge/boat equipped with either a cutter head (which typically mow the plan above the roots) or a roller (which can pull the plants, including roots, up, resulting in longer term control). Harvested plants may be removed from the water for onshore disposal or left in river to be washed downstream (allowing much more rapid operations). Mechanical harvesting began in 2021, when BCD acquired an [https://lakeweedharvester.com/eco-harvester/ Ecoharvester]. ,. The focus of removal locations has been in the Yakima Delta area, the Wanawish Dam pool, the Benton City area and Prosser Dam pool. Pilot work has help determine where the harvester can and cannot operate well, and has confirmed that when using the roller head, it can significantly reduce plant densities in a way that persists in subsequent years. The Benton Conservation District produced a [https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/FY24-Harvesting-Operations_Final_240222.pdf report] on water stargrass mechanical harvest operations from 2021-2023. Approximately 16 acres were harvested in 2024. Several additional harvesters of varying sizes have been ordered in 2025 and should be fully operational in 2026. Partners are also exploring the use of land-based and amphibious harvesting equipment, including a summer of 2025 pilot of a spyder excavator led by WDFW. Pilots are also underway to test the use of hydraulic jets and suction dredging to control stargrass by dislodging it from the stream bed,.

'''Herbicides'''

Potential aquatic herbicide treatments are being assessed; herbicides being considered include endothall, imazamox, carfentrazone-ethyl, and fluridone. Local partners are working closely with US Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation aquatic plant management specialists who have experience with similar work in other area to evaluate whether and how herbicide treatments could be piloted in the Yakima River.

'''Flow Management'''

Flow conditions have a major impact on stargrass growth. In years where high, cool and turbid flows last through late spring, stargrass growth is significantly reduced; in low flow years it starts much earlier and grows much faster. This is due to a combination of reduced light availability for growing plants and cooler temperatures slowing growth. Higher flows- typical of winter and spring floods, break off stargrass and may even remove entire plants, including the roots when velocities are high enough to scour the bed, reducing the extent of stargrass in the next growing season. There is also anecdotal evidence that late spring/summer pulse flows released by the Bureau of Reclamation to encourage sockeye and summer chinook migration dislodge and move significant amounts of stargrass downstream; while this can create short-term problems at fish ladders and irrigation diversions, it has also been reported to have reduced stargrass issues at these sites for weeks after. The Water Stargrass Coalition is working to identify flow and turbidity management strategies that can help reduce the impacts of stargrass on the river while also meeting other fish and water supply objectives.

== Digital Resources ==
Benton Conservation District - [https://www.bentoncd.org/water-stargrass-removal Water Stargrass Management Page]. [https://www.bentoncd.org/saving-our-river BCD Water Stargrass Videos]

Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group - [https://www.midcolumbiafisheries.org/yakima-river-vegetation-assessments Water Stargrass Page]

State of Washington Water Research Center [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEiqE0_KHkI Spring 2025 Seminar Series- Water Stargrass Video]

UW Burke Herbarium - [https://burkeherbarium.org/imagecollection/taxon.php?Taxon=Heteranthera%20dubia Water Stargrass page]

[https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OEBjOyEHErkdt1ead5XO2blkzYJb1DvR?usp=drive_link Water Stargrass Coalition Pictures] Includes an assortment of pictures ranging from hand-pulling efforts to conditions in the Lower Yakima River.

Aaron Pelly's [https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SFS-2025_Presentation_Pelly.pdf Water Stargrass presentation] at the Society for Freshwater Science Annual Meeting in 2025.

== Media Coverage ==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Type
!Source
!Title
!Date
!Notes
|-
|TV
|NBC
|[https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/crews-remove-water-stargrass-from-the-yakima-river-to-save-salmon-and-bring-balance-to/article_32aa5088-107a-439c-b69f-5c15e4d165e0.html Crews Remove Water Stargrass from the Yakima River to Save Salmon]
|9/7/2025
|
|-
|News
|KIMA News
|[https://kimatv.com/news/local/wdfw-project-targets-invasive-aquatic-plant-to-improve-habitat-in-yakima-river WDFW project targets invasive aquatic plant to improve habitat in Yakima River]
|9/4/2025
|
|-
|Blog
|WDFW
|[https://wdfw.medium.com/collaboration-in-the-yakima-basin-project-kicking-off-in-september-will-remove-water-stargrass-c08bc15ee9d5 Collaboration in the Yakima Basin: Project kicking off in September will remove water stargrass, improve habitat in Yakima River]
|8/28/2025
|
|}

== Citations ==
<references />

Cle Elum Bull Trout Population

2026-08-16T14:26:15Z

Aconley: /* Cle Elum Actions - IFRAME SHOULD REPLACE ABOVE SECTION */

== Overview ==
The upper Cle Elum River originates in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and is the primary tributary to the reservoir, entering at its extreme northern end. As mentioned above, the river flows for about 19 miles from the outlet of Hyas Lake (<u>Figure</u> <u>X - MAP</u>), with less than a mile of potential habitat in the headwater reach above the lake. About a mile below Hyas Lake, the upper Cle Elum River leaves the wilderness and enters lands owned and managed by the Forest Service. Approximately one mile further downstream, it enters a low gradient valley where it spreads out over a marshy floodplain (Tucquala Lake) for a distance of about 2.75 miles before the channel once again is confined. Three miles above Cle Elum ''Reservoir'' the Cooper River enters the upper Cle Elum River, while the Waptus River comes in 2.5 miles further upstream. Several smaller tributaries enter the upper Cle Elum River along its course; the largest of these are Fortune and Boulder creeks.

== Population Information ==

=== Population Distribution and Life History ===
Both adult and juvenile bull trout have been found in the upper Cle Elum River (see Population Monitoring section below) but not a single confirmed bull trout redd has ever been documented in the river or any of its tributaries. Redd surveys have been sporadic and incomplete (a detailed description of the survey efforts is presented in Population Monitoring section below). It is probable that adfluvial bull trout were present in Cle Elum ''Reservoir'' following construction of the dam, however confirmation of this has been elusive. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) reportedly captured 17 bull trout in floating Merwin traps set in the lake during a 1990-91 Cle Elum ''Reservoir'' sockeye restoration feasibility study (Pasley 1993). Some believe that these fish may have been misidentified lake trout, which are relatively abundant (Eric Anderson, WDFW, pers comm).

Since that time no attempts have been made to capture bull trout in the lake and no anglers have reported encountering them (Eric Anderson, WDFW, pers comm). In 1996, biologists from Central Washington University observed several adult bull trout during a snorkel survey below Salmon la Sac bridge (Craig 1996). Due to their size (reported as “large”), the observers speculated that they might be migrating adfluvial fish (Paul James, CWU, pers comm). In 2002, two adult bull trout were observed by USFWS snorkelers just below the potential barrier mentioned above (Mallas 2003), however these fish were not of the size characteristic of adfluvial adults. ''In 2021, the Yakama Nation documented what appeared to be a bull trout x brook trout hybrid in the Cooper River, not far upstream of the confluence with the Cle Elum River. This fish probably washed down from Waptus Lake, where hybrids have been documented as recently as 2024.''
==== Natural Barriers limiting distribution ====
A series of steep cascades is present about ten miles upstream of the lake (locally known as China Falls). These present a potential barrier to fish migrating upstream.

=== Population Genetics ===
No genetic samples have been taken from this population to date. Connectivity and thus the potential for genetic exchange with downstream populations in the Yakima River fluvial system was eliminated by the construction of Cle Elum Dam in 1933.

=== Population Monitoring ===
Prior to the 1990-91, NMFS study mentioned above, Cle Elum ''Reservoir'' was sampled with gillnets by WDFW in 1978-79. Among other species captured was lake trout. No bull trout were included in the catch (Mongillo and Faulconer 1980). Although not targeting bull trout, none were collected in gillnets set by WDFW in a mid-1990s assessment of the pygmy whitefish population in the lake (Eric Anderson, WDFW, pers comm).

The upper Cle Elum River has received considerable attention over the last two decades by biologists conducting day and night snorkel surveys and electrofishing surveys. In 1992, the Forest Service conducted night snorkel surveys at several locations throughout the Cle Elum drainage and found no bull trout (USFS 1992). In 1996, the Forest Service conducted stream surveys, which appear to have employed electrofishing as the primary method, finding mostly rainbow and brook trout but no bull trout (USFS 1996). As mentioned above, biologists from Central Washington University observed two adult bull trout in the upper Cle Elum River in the fall of 1996 (Craig 1996). WDFW biologists snorkeled the upper Cle Elum River in September 1997 and observed rainbow trout and brook trout (Anderson 2001).

In the most concentrated effort to date, in 2002 the USFWS surveyed 19 randomly selected sampling units using the presence/absence protocols established by Peterson et al. (Peterson et al. 2002). Fourteen additional opportunistic sampling units were also snorkeled and limited hook-and-line sampling was conducted in Hyas and Tucquala lakes. In all 4.9 miles of the river was snorkeled between the Waptus River confluence (~RM 5.5) and Hyas Lake (~RM 19). Twenty-four juvenile (<150 mm) bull trout observations were documented although it was acknowledged that some might have been brook trout (or hybrids). Juvenile brook trout, often difficult to differentiate from bull trout while snorkeling, were abundant and no genetic samples were obtained to confirm field identifications. Two larger bull trout (>220 mm) were observed and identified with certainty (Mallas 2003). Survey crews coordinated by the Forest Service in the fall of 2008 revisited the area where the juvenile observations were made. Working at night, snorkelers surveyed approximately two miles of the river. No bull trout were found, although brook trout and introduced coho salmon juveniles were abundant (Reiss 2008).

Fortune Creek, which enters the river at about RM 12, has also been the focus of fish surveys. The Forest Service employed various methods in 1991 and reported the presence of rainbow and brook trout only. In 2000, the Forest Service snorkeled a portion of the creek and reported the presence of three bull trout (life stage unavailable but assumed juvenile). They also observed brook and rainbow trout. Returning in the fall of 2008, snorkelers working at night surveyed about 0.5 miles of Fortune Creek and did not observe any bull trout (Reiss 2008). About 0.7 miles of the creek was snorkeled by the USFWS in their 2002 effort. This surveying was done during the day and produced no bull trout observations.

''WDFW did some sampling in 2021 in the upper Cle Elum, and in fall of 2025 and summer 2026, they samples lower French Cabin, lower Cooper River, lower Waptus River, Fortune Creek, Big Boulder Creek, and the mainstem between Fortune and Big Boulder. No Bull trout were observed. Brook trout were observed in French Cabin Creek, Cooper River, Waptus River, mainstem near Waptus, Big Boulder, and Fortune. Brown trout were observed in the Cooper River.''

ADD INFO ON LAKE TROUT NETTING AND REMOVAL.

==== Redd Surveys ====
Spawning surveys have been conducted sporadically in the upper Cle Elum River since 1996. With 19 miles to cover, the task is difficult. An index area has not been established, and none of the surveys can be described as complete. Habitat reconnaissance since 1999 has revealed that the most suitable spawning habitat exists above the Fortune Creek confluence (excluding the Tucquala Lake area) where the river has less gradient and the most suitable gravels. Nevertheless, no confirmed redds have been found in eight redd surveys conducted since 2000 (2000-2003, 2006-2009). The most promising “redds” observed were found by biologists from the USFWS and WDFW in September 2002 in the short (<0.7 mile), very low gradient reach directly below Hyas Lake (Jeff Thomas, USFWS, pers comm). Possible bull trout redds had been reported in this reach the two previous years. Seven large excavations that appeared to be redds (i.e., well defined pit and tailspill) were present in close proximity to each other but no fish were observed in the vicinity. The site was visited three additional times over the next month and subsequent investigation revealed no eggs present in the tailspill gravels of any of the redds. It was hypothesized that the redds might be those of spring spawners, possibly large rainbow or cutthroat trout, that had dropped down from Hyas Lake to spawn (fry emergence would have occurred several months previous). It is also possible that the excavations were not redds at all. It remains unknown what species produced these redds. The area was revisited the following two years and nothing similar was found (Reiss 2009).

The USFWS conducted a single redd survey in Fortune Creek in early October 2000. Thirteen redds were observed but the species responsible for the excavations is unknown since no fish were present on or near any of them (Judy Neibauer, USFWS, pers comm). There are strong brook trout populations throughout the Cle Elum drainage, and they are also fall spawning fish. In the fall of 2002 the USFWS conducted bull trout redd surveys (single-pass) in Fortune, Paris, Camp, and Big Boulder creeks. No redds were found in any of them.

==== Other Distribution Data (eDNA, etc.) ====
''In 2017, Mid-Columbia Fisheries collected 32 eDNA samples in the Cle Elum River, 3 samples in Big Boulder Creek and 6 samples in Fortune Creek. Samples were collected between July and September with the intention that they would contain bull trout DNA from any adults staging to spawn. None of the water samples were positive for bull trout DNA (Parrish 2017). At least 1 sample was taken by WDFW in the Cle Elum River in 2025. It was positive for brook trout but not bull trout.''

''In 2024, the WDFW funded Mid-Columbia Fisheries with USFWS grant funds to do an eDNA survey in the Waptus and Cooper River drainages. Of 110 water samples taken between August 21 and 30, no Bull Trout were detected but 44 samples tested positive for brook trout.''

=== Population Status and Trend ===
This population was last officially rated in combination with the Waptus Lake population. The USFWS (USFWS 1998) considered the Cle Elum/Waptus population depressed, decreasing, and at risk of stochastic extirpation. WDFW rates the status of this stock as unknown (WDFW 2004). ''As of 2015, the Cle Elum population of bull trout is considered functionally extirpated (USFWS 2015).''

== Habitat ==

=== Habitat Overview ===
Elevations in the upper Cle Elum River range from 2,240 feet at its mouth (Cle Elum ''Reservoir'') to 3,460 feet at the outlet of Hyas Lake about 19 miles upstream. For all but the upper mile the river flows through the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. For almost all of this distance, the river is easily accessible by a Forest Service road, which is paved for the lower four miles. The watershed has a long history of grazing, timber harvest, and mining (Haring 2001). Some scattered small-scale gold mining still occurs in a couple of tributary creeks but grazing and logging are no longer significant activities at this time. The watershed is a very popular recreation area. Four heavily used Forest Service campgrounds exist next to the river in the lower five miles, and road densities are high (3-4 miles/sq. mi.). There are numerous dispersed campsites upstream. Most of these are between Fortune Creek and Tucquala Lake. Many are located on the banks of the river, although the Forest Service has been working over the last decade to relocate and/or restrict access to some of the more problematic of them. There are just a few private residences located on land leased from the Forest Service; most in a small cluster near Big Boulder Creek (~RM 8). There are also a ''few cabins located near Fortune Creek.''

Much of the upper Cle Elum River is confined in a canyon reach about eight miles in length beginning near RM 4.0. Large substrate materials dominated by boulders, high stream gradients and high water velocities characterize this reach. ''For bull trout, China Falls (RM 9.7) is a significant barrier. Velocity may preclude passage at high flows, and low flows probably make the barrier even more significant.'' ''Yakama Nation is working on pushing modification of this falls to improve salmonid migration and access to'' ''more'' ''spawning habitat.'' Below the canyon reach the river channel displays alluvial characteristics, which could provide good spawning conditions for bull trout. Above Fortune Creek (~RM 12), the channel is also alluvial and physical habitat conditions for spawning and rearing are much better than were available in the canyon reach. This was the only portion of the river that approached meeting Forest Plan standards for pool quantity and LWD (USFS 1996). The riparian corridor is basically healthy except in areas where concentrations of dispersed campsites are present. In the mid-1990s fine sediment levels (in riffles) met standards, but concerns were raised that increased delivery of fine sediments was likely from dispersed recreational activity. Forest roads are not considered to be a leading contributor of fine sediment in the watershed (Haring 2001).

Elevated water temperatures in the upper Cle Elum River could be a problem for bull trout ''if they were reintroduced''. The river is on the CWA 303(d) impaired water quality list for water temperature and investigators have recorded maximum temperatures exceeding 15<sup>o</sup> C for extended periods in the summer (Mallas 2003). This is most likely a natural condition probably due to the presence of Hyas and Tucquala lakes as well as the fact that there are large segments of the river where the riparian canopy is naturally sparse.

Detailed habitat information is not available for smaller tributaries of the upper Cle Elum River. Redd survey notes compiled by the USFWS in 2002 provide some general descriptions of habitat conditions in several of these creeks (Fortune, Camp, Big Boulder, Paris). All of them had very steep gradients (>5%) and substrate materials dominated by small and large boulders; suitable spawning gravels were limited and found primarily in small pockets. Steep cascades and small waterfalls were prevalent, many of them at least potential barriers to fish migration. Fortune Creek has the longest stream length available above its mouth, approximately 2.5 miles, before a definite passage barrier is encountered. The distance from the mouth to a barrier waterfall in Big Boulder Creek is approximately a half-mile, but the creek is essentially a continuous steep cascade for this entire distance. The other two creeks have barrier waterfalls located within 100-200 yards upstream of their mouths. All four of these streams are subject to extremely low flows in late summer and early autumn.

''If a population of bull trout is reintroduced to the Cle Elum River, FMO habitat for that population would be provided by the Reservoir.'' Neither the sparse shoreline development or water sports activities on the ''Reservoir'' are believed to impact habitat quality. Cle Elum ''Reservoir'' is the largest storage reservoir in the Yakima Basin. Although it does experience extreme drawdown in the summer, a 265,000 acre-foot conservation pool (i.e., dead storage) cannot be accessed. This is the only ''body of water'' in the Yakima Basin with a strong population of lake trout, which has been identified as a major limiting factor for bull trout populations in Montana (Donald and Alger 1993; Martinez et al. 2009). ''There are ongoing suppression efforts to reduce the density of lake trout in the Reservoir.''

=== Habitat Monitoring ===

==== Field Habitat Surveys ====
Mongillo (1982) measured water quality parameters and zooplankton densities for Cle Elum Reservoir. Mongillo and Faulconer (1980) conducted limnological studies in Cle Elum Reservoir in 1978 and 1979. They recommended lake fertilization as one method to increase productivity. Mongillo proposed a Cle Elum ''Reservoir'' <s>Lake</s> fertilization implementation and monitoring study. Flagg et al. (2000) reviewed Cle Elum Lake productivity and fertilization potential. Lieberman and Grabowski (2007) conducted limnological studies in Cle Elum Reservoir from 2003-2005. They concluded that zooplankton densities may limit the lakes capacity to support resident fish as well as introduced salmonids and suggested the nutrient enrichment may be one method to increase both algal and zooplankton production.

Sediment samples were collected and analyzed for the Cle Elum River and Cooper River in 1990 (Mayo 1998). Cle Elum River samples were collected between the reservoir and Fortune Creek. This monitoring effort demonstrated a level of fine sediments in the substrate within the spawning reach (~3-9%), which would qualify as “functioning appropriately” (USFWS 1999) although this data are from only one year.

The Forest Service completed habitat surveys on the Cle Elum River in 2000 (lower reach) and in 2005 (upper reach) using Hankin and Reeves protocol (Hankin and Reeves 1988; USFS 1996). In these surveys, data was collected on pool/riffle frequency, riparian and channel condition, substrate, LWD, and temperature. In 2006 an Aquatic Species Environmental Baseline was completed for the Cle Elum watershed (USFS 2006d). In 2004, a Federal Roads Analysis was completed for the Cle Elum watershed, including an aquatic rating.

''Habitat monitoring is likely to increase as anadromous fishes are established upstream of the dam.''

==== Stream Temperature Data ====
In 2001, the Forest Service contracted aerial thermal infrared remote sensing surveys on the Cle Elum River from Cle Elum Lake upstream to the outlet of Hyas Lake (Watershed Sciences 2002). Accuracy of temperatures was confirmed with instream sensors. The flights were completed in early September and stream temperatures ranged from 13.9-17.4 °C.

There are three long-term monitoring sites in the Cle Elum River drainage where thermographs have been deployed during the summer low flow period for numerous years: Cle Elum River above French Cabin Creek (2000-2011), Cooper River (1994-2011) and Waptus River (1994-2006) (USFS 2011b). There are a number of other sites throughout the system that have been monitored by the Forest Service for a period of time, mostly between the years of 2000-2005. ''USFS re-deployed a temperature logger in the upper Cle Elum River in 2025 downstream of Hyas lake. This site was monitored from 2002-2010 and submitted as observed data to the NorWest stream model (Isaak 2017).'' ''The Yakama Nation may have other temperature data for this area.''

==== Restoration Actions ====
''Yakama Nation Yakima Klickitat Fisheries Project (YKFP) contracted the design of the Upper Cle Elum Aquatic Restoration project (downstream of the Cooper River bridge) to restore a simplified, degraded channel into quality salmonid spawning and rearing habitat. This involved excavating a perennially-activated secondary channel through the right bank floodplain to restore the river to an anabranch planform with lower velocities, greater habitat complexity, and more cover, and the addition of mainstem engineered log jams and create large vegetated islands to restore elements to sustain and initiate natural physical and biological processes within the reach.This restoration will allow for expanded rearing for reintroduction of salmonids into the upper Cle Elum watershed. Currently, the primary rearing habitat is for sockeye salmon. Additional restoration projects will be undertaken in the future.''

== Threats ==

=== Connectivity ===

==== Fish Passage Barriers ====
''Threat Severity: Significant''

''China Falls is a an upstream passage barrier on the Upper Cle Elum River and Cle Elum Dam has been a barrier to upstream migration into the reservoir since it was built in the mid-1900s. With new fish passage solutions, the dam will no longer be a complete barrier to migrating salmonids.''

==== Entrainment ====
''Threat Severity: Currently Insignificant''

''This was a significant threat but should be addressed by volitional passage at Cle Elum dam.''

==== Dewatering due to flow management ====
''Threat Severity: Insignificant''

''There is no dewatering in the upper Cle Elum River, especially due to flow management.''

=== Land-use Issues ===

==== Forestry ====
''Threat Severity: Unknown''

''Current forestry actions will likely be implemented in a way that reduce aquatic impacts. The threat of a high severity wildfire in the watershed is probably the most significant forestry issue. Thinning should improve fire resilience in this area.''

==== Agriculture and Grazing ====
''Threat Severity: Insignificant''

''There are no current agriculture or grazing issues.''

==== Recreation ====
''Threat Severity: Unknown''

''There is heavy recreation in the Cle Elum watershed in both dispersed and developed campgrounds. The area is popular for hiking, horseback riding, hunting, and ATV/UTV use. Potential recreation impacts should be thoroughly evaluated prior to reintroduction of bull trout.''

==== ''Roads and Development'' ====
''Threat Severity'': ''Unknown''

''There is a major road up the river valley and a relatively high road density in the watershed. Road impacts should be evaluated prior to bull trout reintroduction.''

==== Mining ====
''Threat Severity'': ''Insignificant''

''There are no active industrial mining operations in the watershed, but there are small-scale mining claims scattered about.''

==== Other ====

=== Ecological Interactions ===

==== Brook Trout ====
''Threat Severity'': ''Unknown''

''Brook trout density in the mainstem Cle Elum river between the reservoir and the Cooper River confluence is likely low. However, brook trout distribution and density should be evaluated in the upstream reaches of the river and Fortune Creek prior to bull trout reintroduction.''

==== Other Invasive Species ====
''Threat Severity: Significant''

''Lake Trout are prolific in Cle Elum Reservoir, despite yearly removal efforts. Brown trout are present in high density in Cooper Lake.''

''The density of sockeye and other salmonids in the lake may act as a buffer to predation on bull trout, if they were reintroduced.''

''A fish salvage for restoration effort in 2026 on the mainstem Cle Elum river below the Cooper Bridge did not encounter any brook trout, brown trout, or lake trout.''

==== Diminished Prey Base ====
''Threat Severity: Insignificant''

''Cle Elum Reservoir has adequate prey to support a bull trout population.''

==== Disease ====
''Threat Severity'': ''Unknown''

''With the introduction of anadromous fishes into the system there is a chance diseases may occur.''

=== Water Quantity and Quality ===

==== Flow issues/dewatering ====
''Threat Severity'': ''Insignificant''

''Spawning habitat in tributaries and above Hyas Lake may be limited by low stream flows. A thorough evaluation of stream flow should occur prior to reintroduction.''

==== Current and modeled future temperature conditions ====
''Threat Severity'': ''Significant''

''Prior to any effort to reintroduce bull trout, there should be a thorough analysis of existing temperature data and modeling for future conditions. As early as 2003, temperature data in the upper Cle Elum River was nearing critical levels for bull trout.''

==== Other changes in hydrology ====
''Threat Severity: Significant''

''Instances of drought have increased over the past few decades and contribute to reduced snowpack, earlier peak run-off and extended periods of dry streambeds. Lack of summer and fall rains, combined with geomorphology, could potentially impact reproductive success of adult bull trout and survival of juveniles.''

=== Fisheries Impacts ===

==== Angling Regulations/Fisheries Use/Poaching (Recreational) ====
''Threat Severity'': ''Unknown, likely significant.''

''Angling is likely to be a significant threat if bull trout were reintroduced. Increased enforcement and change of regulations would need to occur. Fishing is very popular in the reservoir and upstream.''

==== Management/Monitoring (Research) ====
''Threat Severity'': ''Insignificant''

''Minimal research and monitoring is occurring in the upper Cle Elum watershed.''

=== Other Threats ===
==== Other ====

== Summary of Primary Limiting Factors and Threats ==
<u><s>2012 SUMMARY:</s></u>

<s>The highest severity threat to this population appears to be ''low abundance''. It is uncertain whether bull trout are still present anywhere in the Cle Elum drainage as their presence was last documented in 2002. A high severity threat that appears to have contributed to this possible extirpation is the presence of strong populations of introduced species (brook trout, lake trout, and brown trout). Passage barriers ''similar to china falls'' have also likely contributed, ''both Cle Elum Dam, which has limited connectivity to other bull trout populations and precluded anadromy, and recreation dams'' that may limit migrations within the system. ''Another high severity threat is the rising temperatures in the habitats. This is limiting the extent of coldwater habitat for living and breeding.'' Other threats to the population include ''lack of marine derived nutrients'', habitat degradation due to recreation and ''forest management'' and illegal angling.</s>

<s>Transportation issues associated with the paved road along the mainstem Cle Elum River and ''active mining claims are'' present in this population area, but are not thought to be significant threats. Agriculture, altered flows, development, dewatering, grazing, and limited habitat are not present in this population area.</s>

''This population is currently extirpated. Factors that would significantly limit reintroduction success include introduced species (lake trout, brook trout, and brown trout), passage barriers (China Falls), and rising stream temperatures.'' ''Unless significant restoration was done to reduce water temperature, there would probably not be enough cold water habitat to support spawning and rearing of bull trout in the upper Cle Elum River.''

== Recovery Strategy ==

=== Population-level Recovery Strategy ===
<s>The Cle Elum River population has been identified as a “Monitor” population with a low priority for implementing bull trout actions beyond population monitoring actions used to determine whether there are extant bull trout remaining. If bull trout are found in this basin, the highest priority to recover this population would be to reduce the populations of brook trout, lake trout, and brown trout (to a lesser extent) which ''dominate'' this system. There is currently work being done to restore passage and reintroduce anadromous species including sockeye into the Cle Elum system. However, actions to provide passage (Passage at Major Storage Dams) recover salmon populations (Restore Healthy Salmon Populations), address riparian health, extend outreach to anglers and remove recreational dams will do little to benefit bull trout if there are none present. Supplementation will likely be necessary to recover viable populations of bull trout in this system in the future but issues with introduced species would need to ''be mitigated'' first.</s>

''At this time, until limiting factors are addressed, Cle Elum is a low priority for reintroduction. It will be important to monitor bull trout passing through Cle Elum dam and determine if Cle Elum reservoir may act as important FMO habitat for other populations.''

=== Monitoring Needs/Key Questions ===
----

== Actions ==
''Future link/ iframe to PowerApp will go in this section.''

=== Completed Bull Trout Recovery Actions ===

* Cle Elum Dam fish passage facility final design and DEIS, which includes reintroduction of anadromous species, was completed in 2010.
* ''Cle Elum Dam fish passage facility was constructed and is functional for downstream juvenile migration as of 2026. A trap and haul facility was constructed for adult passage upstream. This facility will be functional in'' ''April 2027.''
* Dispersed campsites near the confluence of Cooper and Cle Elum rivers were closed or relocated by USFS in 2007 and 2008.
* Numerous dispersed campsites along the river from the northwest end of Cle Elum Lake to the Fortune Creek area were relocated and/or had vehicle access restricted by USFS in 1996.
* Roads in the watershed that were acquired over the last ten years by the Forest Service in land exchanges were decommissioned between 2006 and 2008 (most of these roads were in the upper headwaters of the Cooper River and Thorp and French Cabin creeks).
* <u>Three segments of Forest Service Road 4330 (totaling one mile) located in the active floodplain of the Cle Elum River that are chronic sediment sources are scheduled to be relocated; old road prisms were decommissioned in 2012.</u>
* Drainage and hydraulic improvements were completed along Forest Service Road 4330 in 2011 (1,000 feet of road treated).
* Motor vehicle use on the lakebed was restricted to a limited number of access points and for ingress and egress to shoreline only; off-road vehicle activity on the lakebed was prohibited by USFS in 1999.
* Fishing regulations have been implemented to protect bull trout in the Cle Elum and Waptus rivers (see Appendix F).
* ''Action in progress: Cle elum River restoration below cooper river bridge.''
* ''Action nearly complete: Cle Elum River #1: Provide connectivity at Cle Elum Dam''

=== Recommended Actions ===

==== Relevant Multiple Population Actions ====

* Basin-wide #3: Evaluate supplementation (see Appendix D).
* Basin-wide #9: Habitat monitoring (temperature).

==== Cle Elum River Actions ====

* Cle Elum River #2: Lake Trout assessment and removal
* Cle Elum River #5: Riparian restoration
* Cle Elum River #6: Habitat Evaluation and Temperature Monitoring
* ''Cle Elum River #7: evaluate prospects for reintro into Cle Elum''
** ''Next steps: China falls / passage, introduced species, temperature/habitat above Hyas Lake''
*''Cle Elum River #8: support ongoing restoration of passage and habitat for all salmonid species''
*''Cle Elum River #9: Monitor bull trout passage at Cle Elum fish passage facilities''
**''Next step: evaluate use of Cle Elum as FMO habitat for other populations ---who is operating the trap????''

== Cle Elum Actions Database ==

<iframe
src="https://ybtap.powerappsportals.com/Filtered-Explorer/?population=Cle%20Elum"
width="1140"
height="1000"
allowfullscreen>
</iframe>

=== Actions in the Yakima Steelhead Recovery Plan that benefit this population ===

* Upper Yakima #8: Provide passage at Cle Elum Dam

== Update Notes ==
''2012 BTAP text copied into Yakipedia and edited to match new format in July 2026 by Aimee Taylor. ADD LINK TO 2012 BTAP pdf placemark''

Additional edits proposed by Alex Conley, Aimee Taylor and Cle Elum River population small group. ''Reviewed, and updated and approved by BTWG in XXXXXXXXXXXXX''

Specific detail on out of cycle updates:

== References ==

Cle Elum Bull Trout Population

2026-08-16T14:25:15Z

Aconley: /* Cle Elum Actions - IFRAME SHOULD REPLACE ABOVE SECTION */

== Overview ==
The upper Cle Elum River originates in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and is the primary tributary to the reservoir, entering at its extreme northern end. As mentioned above, the river flows for about 19 miles from the outlet of Hyas Lake (<u>Figure</u> <u>X - MAP</u>), with less than a mile of potential habitat in the headwater reach above the lake. About a mile below Hyas Lake, the upper Cle Elum River leaves the wilderness and enters lands owned and managed by the Forest Service. Approximately one mile further downstream, it enters a low gradient valley where it spreads out over a marshy floodplain (Tucquala Lake) for a distance of about 2.75 miles before the channel once again is confined. Three miles above Cle Elum ''Reservoir'' the Cooper River enters the upper Cle Elum River, while the Waptus River comes in 2.5 miles further upstream. Several smaller tributaries enter the upper Cle Elum River along its course; the largest of these are Fortune and Boulder creeks.

== Population Information ==

=== Population Distribution and Life History ===
Both adult and juvenile bull trout have been found in the upper Cle Elum River (see Population Monitoring section below) but not a single confirmed bull trout redd has ever been documented in the river or any of its tributaries. Redd surveys have been sporadic and incomplete (a detailed description of the survey efforts is presented in Population Monitoring section below). It is probable that adfluvial bull trout were present in Cle Elum ''Reservoir'' following construction of the dam, however confirmation of this has been elusive. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) reportedly captured 17 bull trout in floating Merwin traps set in the lake during a 1990-91 Cle Elum ''Reservoir'' sockeye restoration feasibility study (Pasley 1993). Some believe that these fish may have been misidentified lake trout, which are relatively abundant (Eric Anderson, WDFW, pers comm).

Since that time no attempts have been made to capture bull trout in the lake and no anglers have reported encountering them (Eric Anderson, WDFW, pers comm). In 1996, biologists from Central Washington University observed several adult bull trout during a snorkel survey below Salmon la Sac bridge (Craig 1996). Due to their size (reported as “large”), the observers speculated that they might be migrating adfluvial fish (Paul James, CWU, pers comm). In 2002, two adult bull trout were observed by USFWS snorkelers just below the potential barrier mentioned above (Mallas 2003), however these fish were not of the size characteristic of adfluvial adults. ''In 2021, the Yakama Nation documented what appeared to be a bull trout x brook trout hybrid in the Cooper River, not far upstream of the confluence with the Cle Elum River. This fish probably washed down from Waptus Lake, where hybrids have been documented as recently as 2024.''
==== Natural Barriers limiting distribution ====
A series of steep cascades is present about ten miles upstream of the lake (locally known as China Falls). These present a potential barrier to fish migrating upstream.

=== Population Genetics ===
No genetic samples have been taken from this population to date. Connectivity and thus the potential for genetic exchange with downstream populations in the Yakima River fluvial system was eliminated by the construction of Cle Elum Dam in 1933.

=== Population Monitoring ===
Prior to the 1990-91, NMFS study mentioned above, Cle Elum ''Reservoir'' was sampled with gillnets by WDFW in 1978-79. Among other species captured was lake trout. No bull trout were included in the catch (Mongillo and Faulconer 1980). Although not targeting bull trout, none were collected in gillnets set by WDFW in a mid-1990s assessment of the pygmy whitefish population in the lake (Eric Anderson, WDFW, pers comm).

The upper Cle Elum River has received considerable attention over the last two decades by biologists conducting day and night snorkel surveys and electrofishing surveys. In 1992, the Forest Service conducted night snorkel surveys at several locations throughout the Cle Elum drainage and found no bull trout (USFS 1992). In 1996, the Forest Service conducted stream surveys, which appear to have employed electrofishing as the primary method, finding mostly rainbow and brook trout but no bull trout (USFS 1996). As mentioned above, biologists from Central Washington University observed two adult bull trout in the upper Cle Elum River in the fall of 1996 (Craig 1996). WDFW biologists snorkeled the upper Cle Elum River in September 1997 and observed rainbow trout and brook trout (Anderson 2001).

In the most concentrated effort to date, in 2002 the USFWS surveyed 19 randomly selected sampling units using the presence/absence protocols established by Peterson et al. (Peterson et al. 2002). Fourteen additional opportunistic sampling units were also snorkeled and limited hook-and-line sampling was conducted in Hyas and Tucquala lakes. In all 4.9 miles of the river was snorkeled between the Waptus River confluence (~RM 5.5) and Hyas Lake (~RM 19). Twenty-four juvenile (<150 mm) bull trout observations were documented although it was acknowledged that some might have been brook trout (or hybrids). Juvenile brook trout, often difficult to differentiate from bull trout while snorkeling, were abundant and no genetic samples were obtained to confirm field identifications. Two larger bull trout (>220 mm) were observed and identified with certainty (Mallas 2003). Survey crews coordinated by the Forest Service in the fall of 2008 revisited the area where the juvenile observations were made. Working at night, snorkelers surveyed approximately two miles of the river. No bull trout were found, although brook trout and introduced coho salmon juveniles were abundant (Reiss 2008).

Fortune Creek, which enters the river at about RM 12, has also been the focus of fish surveys. The Forest Service employed various methods in 1991 and reported the presence of rainbow and brook trout only. In 2000, the Forest Service snorkeled a portion of the creek and reported the presence of three bull trout (life stage unavailable but assumed juvenile). They also observed brook and rainbow trout. Returning in the fall of 2008, snorkelers working at night surveyed about 0.5 miles of Fortune Creek and did not observe any bull trout (Reiss 2008). About 0.7 miles of the creek was snorkeled by the USFWS in their 2002 effort. This surveying was done during the day and produced no bull trout observations.

''WDFW did some sampling in 2021 in the upper Cle Elum, and in fall of 2025 and summer 2026, they samples lower French Cabin, lower Cooper River, lower Waptus River, Fortune Creek, Big Boulder Creek, and the mainstem between Fortune and Big Boulder. No Bull trout were observed. Brook trout were observed in French Cabin Creek, Cooper River, Waptus River, mainstem near Waptus, Big Boulder, and Fortune. Brown trout were observed in the Cooper River.''

ADD INFO ON LAKE TROUT NETTING AND REMOVAL.

==== Redd Surveys ====
Spawning surveys have been conducted sporadically in the upper Cle Elum River since 1996. With 19 miles to cover, the task is difficult. An index area has not been established, and none of the surveys can be described as complete. Habitat reconnaissance since 1999 has revealed that the most suitable spawning habitat exists above the Fortune Creek confluence (excluding the Tucquala Lake area) where the river has less gradient and the most suitable gravels. Nevertheless, no confirmed redds have been found in eight redd surveys conducted since 2000 (2000-2003, 2006-2009). The most promising “redds” observed were found by biologists from the USFWS and WDFW in September 2002 in the short (<0.7 mile), very low gradient reach directly below Hyas Lake (Jeff Thomas, USFWS, pers comm). Possible bull trout redds had been reported in this reach the two previous years. Seven large excavations that appeared to be redds (i.e., well defined pit and tailspill) were present in close proximity to each other but no fish were observed in the vicinity. The site was visited three additional times over the next month and subsequent investigation revealed no eggs present in the tailspill gravels of any of the redds. It was hypothesized that the redds might be those of spring spawners, possibly large rainbow or cutthroat trout, that had dropped down from Hyas Lake to spawn (fry emergence would have occurred several months previous). It is also possible that the excavations were not redds at all. It remains unknown what species produced these redds. The area was revisited the following two years and nothing similar was found (Reiss 2009).

The USFWS conducted a single redd survey in Fortune Creek in early October 2000. Thirteen redds were observed but the species responsible for the excavations is unknown since no fish were present on or near any of them (Judy Neibauer, USFWS, pers comm). There are strong brook trout populations throughout the Cle Elum drainage, and they are also fall spawning fish. In the fall of 2002 the USFWS conducted bull trout redd surveys (single-pass) in Fortune, Paris, Camp, and Big Boulder creeks. No redds were found in any of them.

==== Other Distribution Data (eDNA, etc.) ====
''In 2017, Mid-Columbia Fisheries collected 32 eDNA samples in the Cle Elum River, 3 samples in Big Boulder Creek and 6 samples in Fortune Creek. Samples were collected between July and September with the intention that they would contain bull trout DNA from any adults staging to spawn. None of the water samples were positive for bull trout DNA (Parrish 2017). At least 1 sample was taken by WDFW in the Cle Elum River in 2025. It was positive for brook trout but not bull trout.''

''In 2024, the WDFW funded Mid-Columbia Fisheries with USFWS grant funds to do an eDNA survey in the Waptus and Cooper River drainages. Of 110 water samples taken between August 21 and 30, no Bull Trout were detected but 44 samples tested positive for brook trout.''

=== Population Status and Trend ===
This population was last officially rated in combination with the Waptus Lake population. The USFWS (USFWS 1998) considered the Cle Elum/Waptus population depressed, decreasing, and at risk of stochastic extirpation. WDFW rates the status of this stock as unknown (WDFW 2004). ''As of 2015, the Cle Elum population of bull trout is considered functionally extirpated (USFWS 2015).''

== Habitat ==

=== Habitat Overview ===
Elevations in the upper Cle Elum River range from 2,240 feet at its mouth (Cle Elum ''Reservoir'') to 3,460 feet at the outlet of Hyas Lake about 19 miles upstream. For all but the upper mile the river flows through the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. For almost all of this distance, the river is easily accessible by a Forest Service road, which is paved for the lower four miles. The watershed has a long history of grazing, timber harvest, and mining (Haring 2001). Some scattered small-scale gold mining still occurs in a couple of tributary creeks but grazing and logging are no longer significant activities at this time. The watershed is a very popular recreation area. Four heavily used Forest Service campgrounds exist next to the river in the lower five miles, and road densities are high (3-4 miles/sq. mi.). There are numerous dispersed campsites upstream. Most of these are between Fortune Creek and Tucquala Lake. Many are located on the banks of the river, although the Forest Service has been working over the last decade to relocate and/or restrict access to some of the more problematic of them. There are just a few private residences located on land leased from the Forest Service; most in a small cluster near Big Boulder Creek (~RM 8). There are also a ''few cabins located near Fortune Creek.''

Much of the upper Cle Elum River is confined in a canyon reach about eight miles in length beginning near RM 4.0. Large substrate materials dominated by boulders, high stream gradients and high water velocities characterize this reach. ''For bull trout, China Falls (RM 9.7) is a significant barrier. Velocity may preclude passage at high flows, and low flows probably make the barrier even more significant.'' ''Yakama Nation is working on pushing modification of this falls to improve salmonid migration and access to'' ''more'' ''spawning habitat.'' Below the canyon reach the river channel displays alluvial characteristics, which could provide good spawning conditions for bull trout. Above Fortune Creek (~RM 12), the channel is also alluvial and physical habitat conditions for spawning and rearing are much better than were available in the canyon reach. This was the only portion of the river that approached meeting Forest Plan standards for pool quantity and LWD (USFS 1996). The riparian corridor is basically healthy except in areas where concentrations of dispersed campsites are present. In the mid-1990s fine sediment levels (in riffles) met standards, but concerns were raised that increased delivery of fine sediments was likely from dispersed recreational activity. Forest roads are not considered to be a leading contributor of fine sediment in the watershed (Haring 2001).

Elevated water temperatures in the upper Cle Elum River could be a problem for bull trout ''if they were reintroduced''. The river is on the CWA 303(d) impaired water quality list for water temperature and investigators have recorded maximum temperatures exceeding 15<sup>o</sup> C for extended periods in the summer (Mallas 2003). This is most likely a natural condition probably due to the presence of Hyas and Tucquala lakes as well as the fact that there are large segments of the river where the riparian canopy is naturally sparse.

Detailed habitat information is not available for smaller tributaries of the upper Cle Elum River. Redd survey notes compiled by the USFWS in 2002 provide some general descriptions of habitat conditions in several of these creeks (Fortune, Camp, Big Boulder, Paris). All of them had very steep gradients (>5%) and substrate materials dominated by small and large boulders; suitable spawning gravels were limited and found primarily in small pockets. Steep cascades and small waterfalls were prevalent, many of them at least potential barriers to fish migration. Fortune Creek has the longest stream length available above its mouth, approximately 2.5 miles, before a definite passage barrier is encountered. The distance from the mouth to a barrier waterfall in Big Boulder Creek is approximately a half-mile, but the creek is essentially a continuous steep cascade for this entire distance. The other two creeks have barrier waterfalls located within 100-200 yards upstream of their mouths. All four of these streams are subject to extremely low flows in late summer and early autumn.

''If a population of bull trout is reintroduced to the Cle Elum River, FMO habitat for that population would be provided by the Reservoir.'' Neither the sparse shoreline development or water sports activities on the ''Reservoir'' are believed to impact habitat quality. Cle Elum ''Reservoir'' is the largest storage reservoir in the Yakima Basin. Although it does experience extreme drawdown in the summer, a 265,000 acre-foot conservation pool (i.e., dead storage) cannot be accessed. This is the only ''body of water'' in the Yakima Basin with a strong population of lake trout, which has been identified as a major limiting factor for bull trout populations in Montana (Donald and Alger 1993; Martinez et al. 2009). ''There are ongoing suppression efforts to reduce the density of lake trout in the Reservoir.''

=== Habitat Monitoring ===

==== Field Habitat Surveys ====
Mongillo (1982) measured water quality parameters and zooplankton densities for Cle Elum Reservoir. Mongillo and Faulconer (1980) conducted limnological studies in Cle Elum Reservoir in 1978 and 1979. They recommended lake fertilization as one method to increase productivity. Mongillo proposed a Cle Elum ''Reservoir'' <s>Lake</s> fertilization implementation and monitoring study. Flagg et al. (2000) reviewed Cle Elum Lake productivity and fertilization potential. Lieberman and Grabowski (2007) conducted limnological studies in Cle Elum Reservoir from 2003-2005. They concluded that zooplankton densities may limit the lakes capacity to support resident fish as well as introduced salmonids and suggested the nutrient enrichment may be one method to increase both algal and zooplankton production.

Sediment samples were collected and analyzed for the Cle Elum River and Cooper River in 1990 (Mayo 1998). Cle Elum River samples were collected between the reservoir and Fortune Creek. This monitoring effort demonstrated a level of fine sediments in the substrate within the spawning reach (~3-9%), which would qualify as “functioning appropriately” (USFWS 1999) although this data are from only one year.

The Forest Service completed habitat surveys on the Cle Elum River in 2000 (lower reach) and in 2005 (upper reach) using Hankin and Reeves protocol (Hankin and Reeves 1988; USFS 1996). In these surveys, data was collected on pool/riffle frequency, riparian and channel condition, substrate, LWD, and temperature. In 2006 an Aquatic Species Environmental Baseline was completed for the Cle Elum watershed (USFS 2006d). In 2004, a Federal Roads Analysis was completed for the Cle Elum watershed, including an aquatic rating.

''Habitat monitoring is likely to increase as anadromous fishes are established upstream of the dam.''

==== Stream Temperature Data ====
In 2001, the Forest Service contracted aerial thermal infrared remote sensing surveys on the Cle Elum River from Cle Elum Lake upstream to the outlet of Hyas Lake (Watershed Sciences 2002). Accuracy of temperatures was confirmed with instream sensors. The flights were completed in early September and stream temperatures ranged from 13.9-17.4 °C.

There are three long-term monitoring sites in the Cle Elum River drainage where thermographs have been deployed during the summer low flow period for numerous years: Cle Elum River above French Cabin Creek (2000-2011), Cooper River (1994-2011) and Waptus River (1994-2006) (USFS 2011b). There are a number of other sites throughout the system that have been monitored by the Forest Service for a period of time, mostly between the years of 2000-2005. ''USFS re-deployed a temperature logger in the upper Cle Elum River in 2025 downstream of Hyas lake. This site was monitored from 2002-2010 and submitted as observed data to the NorWest stream model (Isaak 2017).'' ''The Yakama Nation may have other temperature data for this area.''

==== Restoration Actions ====
''Yakama Nation Yakima Klickitat Fisheries Project (YKFP) contracted the design of the Upper Cle Elum Aquatic Restoration project (downstream of the Cooper River bridge) to restore a simplified, degraded channel into quality salmonid spawning and rearing habitat. This involved excavating a perennially-activated secondary channel through the right bank floodplain to restore the river to an anabranch planform with lower velocities, greater habitat complexity, and more cover, and the addition of mainstem engineered log jams and create large vegetated islands to restore elements to sustain and initiate natural physical and biological processes within the reach.This restoration will allow for expanded rearing for reintroduction of salmonids into the upper Cle Elum watershed. Currently, the primary rearing habitat is for sockeye salmon. Additional restoration projects will be undertaken in the future.''

== Threats ==

=== Connectivity ===

==== Fish Passage Barriers ====
''Threat Severity: Significant''

''China Falls is a an upstream passage barrier on the Upper Cle Elum River and Cle Elum Dam has been a barrier to upstream migration into the reservoir since it was built in the mid-1900s. With new fish passage solutions, the dam will no longer be a complete barrier to migrating salmonids.''

==== Entrainment ====
''Threat Severity: Currently Insignificant''

''This was a significant threat but should be addressed by volitional passage at Cle Elum dam.''

==== Dewatering due to flow management ====
''Threat Severity: Insignificant''

''There is no dewatering in the upper Cle Elum River, especially due to flow management.''

=== Land-use Issues ===

==== Forestry ====
''Threat Severity: Unknown''

''Current forestry actions will likely be implemented in a way that reduce aquatic impacts. The threat of a high severity wildfire in the watershed is probably the most significant forestry issue. Thinning should improve fire resilience in this area.''

==== Agriculture and Grazing ====
''Threat Severity: Insignificant''

''There are no current agriculture or grazing issues.''

==== Recreation ====
''Threat Severity: Unknown''

''There is heavy recreation in the Cle Elum watershed in both dispersed and developed campgrounds. The area is popular for hiking, horseback riding, hunting, and ATV/UTV use. Potential recreation impacts should be thoroughly evaluated prior to reintroduction of bull trout.''

==== ''Roads and Development'' ====
''Threat Severity'': ''Unknown''

''There is a major road up the river valley and a relatively high road density in the watershed. Road impacts should be evaluated prior to bull trout reintroduction.''

==== Mining ====
''Threat Severity'': ''Insignificant''

''There are no active industrial mining operations in the watershed, but there are small-scale mining claims scattered about.''

==== Other ====

=== Ecological Interactions ===

==== Brook Trout ====
''Threat Severity'': ''Unknown''

''Brook trout density in the mainstem Cle Elum river between the reservoir and the Cooper River confluence is likely low. However, brook trout distribution and density should be evaluated in the upstream reaches of the river and Fortune Creek prior to bull trout reintroduction.''

==== Other Invasive Species ====
''Threat Severity: Significant''

''Lake Trout are prolific in Cle Elum Reservoir, despite yearly removal efforts. Brown trout are present in high density in Cooper Lake.''

''The density of sockeye and other salmonids in the lake may act as a buffer to predation on bull trout, if they were reintroduced.''

''A fish salvage for restoration effort in 2026 on the mainstem Cle Elum river below the Cooper Bridge did not encounter any brook trout, brown trout, or lake trout.''

==== Diminished Prey Base ====
''Threat Severity: Insignificant''

''Cle Elum Reservoir has adequate prey to support a bull trout population.''

==== Disease ====
''Threat Severity'': ''Unknown''

''With the introduction of anadromous fishes into the system there is a chance diseases may occur.''

=== Water Quantity and Quality ===

==== Flow issues/dewatering ====
''Threat Severity'': ''Insignificant''

''Spawning habitat in tributaries and above Hyas Lake may be limited by low stream flows. A thorough evaluation of stream flow should occur prior to reintroduction.''

==== Current and modeled future temperature conditions ====
''Threat Severity'': ''Significant''

''Prior to any effort to reintroduce bull trout, there should be a thorough analysis of existing temperature data and modeling for future conditions. As early as 2003, temperature data in the upper Cle Elum River was nearing critical levels for bull trout.''

==== Other changes in hydrology ====
''Threat Severity: Significant''

''Instances of drought have increased over the past few decades and contribute to reduced snowpack, earlier peak run-off and extended periods of dry streambeds. Lack of summer and fall rains, combined with geomorphology, could potentially impact reproductive success of adult bull trout and survival of juveniles.''

=== Fisheries Impacts ===

==== Angling Regulations/Fisheries Use/Poaching (Recreational) ====
''Threat Severity'': ''Unknown, likely significant.''

''Angling is likely to be a significant threat if bull trout were reintroduced. Increased enforcement and change of regulations would need to occur. Fishing is very popular in the reservoir and upstream.''

==== Management/Monitoring (Research) ====
''Threat Severity'': ''Insignificant''

''Minimal research and monitoring is occurring in the upper Cle Elum watershed.''

=== Other Threats ===
==== Other ====

== Summary of Primary Limiting Factors and Threats ==
<u><s>2012 SUMMARY:</s></u>

<s>The highest severity threat to this population appears to be ''low abundance''. It is uncertain whether bull trout are still present anywhere in the Cle Elum drainage as their presence was last documented in 2002. A high severity threat that appears to have contributed to this possible extirpation is the presence of strong populations of introduced species (brook trout, lake trout, and brown trout). Passage barriers ''similar to china falls'' have also likely contributed, ''both Cle Elum Dam, which has limited connectivity to other bull trout populations and precluded anadromy, and recreation dams'' that may limit migrations within the system. ''Another high severity threat is the rising temperatures in the habitats. This is limiting the extent of coldwater habitat for living and breeding.'' Other threats to the population include ''lack of marine derived nutrients'', habitat degradation due to recreation and ''forest management'' and illegal angling.</s>

<s>Transportation issues associated with the paved road along the mainstem Cle Elum River and ''active mining claims are'' present in this population area, but are not thought to be significant threats. Agriculture, altered flows, development, dewatering, grazing, and limited habitat are not present in this population area.</s>

''This population is currently extirpated. Factors that would significantly limit reintroduction success include introduced species (lake trout, brook trout, and brown trout), passage barriers (China Falls), and rising stream temperatures.'' ''Unless significant restoration was done to reduce water temperature, there would probably not be enough cold water habitat to support spawning and rearing of bull trout in the upper Cle Elum River.''

== Recovery Strategy ==

=== Population-level Recovery Strategy ===
<s>The Cle Elum River population has been identified as a “Monitor” population with a low priority for implementing bull trout actions beyond population monitoring actions used to determine whether there are extant bull trout remaining. If bull trout are found in this basin, the highest priority to recover this population would be to reduce the populations of brook trout, lake trout, and brown trout (to a lesser extent) which ''dominate'' this system. There is currently work being done to restore passage and reintroduce anadromous species including sockeye into the Cle Elum system. However, actions to provide passage (Passage at Major Storage Dams) recover salmon populations (Restore Healthy Salmon Populations), address riparian health, extend outreach to anglers and remove recreational dams will do little to benefit bull trout if there are none present. Supplementation will likely be necessary to recover viable populations of bull trout in this system in the future but issues with introduced species would need to ''be mitigated'' first.</s>

''At this time, until limiting factors are addressed, Cle Elum is a low priority for reintroduction. It will be important to monitor bull trout passing through Cle Elum dam and determine if Cle Elum reservoir may act as important FMO habitat for other populations.''

=== Monitoring Needs/Key Questions ===
----

== Actions ==
''Future link/ iframe to PowerApp will go in this section.''

=== Completed Bull Trout Recovery Actions ===

* Cle Elum Dam fish passage facility final design and DEIS, which includes reintroduction of anadromous species, was completed in 2010.
* ''Cle Elum Dam fish passage facility was constructed and is functional for downstream juvenile migration as of 2026. A trap and haul facility was constructed for adult passage upstream. This facility will be functional in'' ''April 2027.''
* Dispersed campsites near the confluence of Cooper and Cle Elum rivers were closed or relocated by USFS in 2007 and 2008.
* Numerous dispersed campsites along the river from the northwest end of Cle Elum Lake to the Fortune Creek area were relocated and/or had vehicle access restricted by USFS in 1996.
* Roads in the watershed that were acquired over the last ten years by the Forest Service in land exchanges were decommissioned between 2006 and 2008 (most of these roads were in the upper headwaters of the Cooper River and Thorp and French Cabin creeks).
* <u>Three segments of Forest Service Road 4330 (totaling one mile) located in the active floodplain of the Cle Elum River that are chronic sediment sources are scheduled to be relocated; old road prisms were decommissioned in 2012.</u>
* Drainage and hydraulic improvements were completed along Forest Service Road 4330 in 2011 (1,000 feet of road treated).
* Motor vehicle use on the lakebed was restricted to a limited number of access points and for ingress and egress to shoreline only; off-road vehicle activity on the lakebed was prohibited by USFS in 1999.
* Fishing regulations have been implemented to protect bull trout in the Cle Elum and Waptus rivers (see Appendix F).
* ''Action in progress: Cle elum River restoration below cooper river bridge.''
* ''Action nearly complete: Cle Elum River #1: Provide connectivity at Cle Elum Dam''

=== Recommended Actions ===

==== Relevant Multiple Population Actions ====

* Basin-wide #3: Evaluate supplementation (see Appendix D).
* Basin-wide #9: Habitat monitoring (temperature).

==== Cle Elum River Actions ====

* Cle Elum River #2: Lake Trout assessment and removal
* Cle Elum River #5: Riparian restoration
* Cle Elum River #6: Habitat Evaluation and Temperature Monitoring
* ''Cle Elum River #7: evaluate prospects for reintro into Cle Elum''
** ''Next steps: China falls / passage, introduced species, temperature/habitat above Hyas Lake''
*''Cle Elum River #8: support ongoing restoration of passage and habitat for all salmonid species''
*''Cle Elum River #9: Monitor bull trout passage at Cle Elum fish passage facilities''
**''Next step: evaluate use of Cle Elum as FMO habitat for other populations ---who is operating the trap????''

== Cle Elum Actions - IFRAME SHOULD REPLACE ABOVE SECTION ==

<iframe
src="https://ybtap.powerappsportals.com/Filtered-Explorer/?population=Cle%20Elum"
width="1100"
height="1000"
allowfullscreen>
</iframe>

=== Actions in the Yakima Steelhead Recovery Plan that benefit this population ===

* Upper Yakima #8: Provide passage at Cle Elum Dam

== Update Notes ==
''2012 BTAP text copied into Yakipedia and edited to match new format in July 2026 by Aimee Taylor. ADD LINK TO 2012 BTAP pdf placemark''

Additional edits proposed by Alex Conley, Aimee Taylor and Cle Elum River population small group. ''Reviewed, and updated and approved by BTWG in XXXXXXXXXXXXX''

Specific detail on out of cycle updates:

== References ==

Water stargrass

2026-08-07T22:41:50Z

2026-08-06T21:50:49Z

Aconley:

{
"domains": [
"www.youtube.com",
"ybtap.powerappsportals.com",
"fortress.wa.gov",
"www.ybfwrb.org"
]
}

Iframe test

2026-08-06T21:49:44Z

Aconley: /* Iframe test w Powerapps for BTAP */

2026-08-06T21:14:59Z

Aconley: /* Iframe test */

== Overview ==
The upper Cle Elum River originates in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and is the primary tributary to the reservoir, entering at its extreme northern end. As mentioned above, the river flows for about 19 miles from the outlet of Hyas Lake (<u>Figure</u> <u>X - MAP</u>), with less than a mile of potential habitat in the headwater reach above the lake. About a mile below Hyas Lake, the upper Cle Elum River leaves the wilderness and enters lands owned and managed by the Forest Service. Approximately one mile further downstream, it enters a low gradient valley where it spreads out over a marshy floodplain (Tucquala Lake) for a distance of about 2.75 miles before the channel once again is confined. Three miles above Cle Elum ''Reservoir'' the Cooper River enters the upper Cle Elum River, while the Waptus River comes in 2.5 miles further upstream. Several smaller tributaries enter the upper Cle Elum River along its course; the largest of these are Fortune and Boulder creeks.

== Population Information ==

=== Population Distribution and Life History ===
Both adult and juvenile bull trout have been found in the upper Cle Elum River (see Population Monitoring section below) but not a single confirmed bull trout redd has ever been documented in the river or any of its tributaries. Redd surveys have been sporadic and incomplete (a detailed description of the survey efforts is presented in Population Monitoring section below). It is probable that adfluvial bull trout were present in Cle Elum ''Reservoir'' following construction of the dam, however confirmation of this has been elusive. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) reportedly captured 17 bull trout in floating Merwin traps set in the lake during a 1990-91 Cle Elum ''Reservoir'' sockeye restoration feasibility study (Pasley 1993). Some believe that these fish may have been misidentified lake trout, which are relatively abundant (Eric Anderson, WDFW, pers comm).

Since that time no attempts have been made to capture bull trout in the lake and no anglers have reported encountering them (Eric Anderson, WDFW, pers comm). In 1996, biologists from Central Washington University observed several adult bull trout during a snorkel survey below Salmon la Sac bridge (Craig 1996). Due to their size (reported as “large”), the observers speculated that they might be migrating adfluvial fish (Paul James, CWU, pers comm). In 2002, two adult bull trout were observed by USFWS snorkelers just below the potential barrier mentioned above (Mallas 2003), however these fish were not of the size characteristic of adfluvial adults. ''In 2021, the Yakama Nation documented what appeared to be a bull trout x brook trout hybrid in the Cooper River, not far upstream of the confluence with the Cle Elum River. This fish probably washed down from Waptus Lake, where hybrids have been documented as recently as 2024.''
==== Natural Barriers limiting distribution ====
A series of steep cascades is present about ten miles upstream of the lake (locally known as China Falls). These present a potential barrier to fish migrating upstream.

=== Population Genetics ===
No genetic samples have been taken from this population to date. Connectivity and thus the potential for genetic exchange with downstream populations in the Yakima River fluvial system was eliminated by the construction of Cle Elum Dam in 1933.

=== Population Monitoring ===
Prior to the 1990-91, NMFS study mentioned above, Cle Elum ''Reservoir'' was sampled with gillnets by WDFW in 1978-79. Among other species captured was lake trout. No bull trout were included in the catch (Mongillo and Faulconer 1980). Although not targeting bull trout, none were collected in gillnets set by WDFW in a mid-1990s assessment of the pygmy whitefish population in the lake (Eric Anderson, WDFW, pers comm).

The upper Cle Elum River has received considerable attention over the last two decades by biologists conducting day and night snorkel surveys and electrofishing surveys. In 1992, the Forest Service conducted night snorkel surveys at several locations throughout the Cle Elum drainage and found no bull trout (USFS 1992). In 1996, the Forest Service conducted stream surveys, which appear to have employed electrofishing as the primary method, finding mostly rainbow and brook trout but no bull trout (USFS 1996). As mentioned above, biologists from Central Washington University observed two adult bull trout in the upper Cle Elum River in the fall of 1996 (Craig 1996). WDFW biologists snorkeled the upper Cle Elum River in September 1997 and observed rainbow trout and brook trout (Anderson 2001).

In the most concentrated effort to date, in 2002 the USFWS surveyed 19 randomly selected sampling units using the presence/absence protocols established by Peterson et al. (Peterson et al. 2002). Fourteen additional opportunistic sampling units were also snorkeled and limited hook-and-line sampling was conducted in Hyas and Tucquala lakes. In all 4.9 miles of the river was snorkeled between the Waptus River confluence (~RM 5.5) and Hyas Lake (~RM 19). Twenty-four juvenile (<150 mm) bull trout observations were documented although it was acknowledged that some might have been brook trout (or hybrids). Juvenile brook trout, often difficult to differentiate from bull trout while snorkeling, were abundant and no genetic samples were obtained to confirm field identifications. Two larger bull trout (>220 mm) were observed and identified with certainty (Mallas 2003). Survey crews coordinated by the Forest Service in the fall of 2008 revisited the area where the juvenile observations were made. Working at night, snorkelers surveyed approximately two miles of the river. No bull trout were found, although brook trout and introduced coho salmon juveniles were abundant (Reiss 2008).

Fortune Creek, which enters the river at about RM 12, has also been the focus of fish surveys. The Forest Service employed various methods in 1991 and reported the presence of rainbow and brook trout only. In 2000, the Forest Service snorkeled a portion of the creek and reported the presence of three bull trout (life stage unavailable but assumed juvenile). They also observed brook and rainbow trout. Returning in the fall of 2008, snorkelers working at night surveyed about 0.5 miles of Fortune Creek and did not observe any bull trout (Reiss 2008). About 0.7 miles of the creek was snorkeled by the USFWS in their 2002 effort. This surveying was done during the day and produced no bull trout observations.

''WDFW did some sampling in 2021 in the upper Cle Elum, and in fall of 2025 and summer 2026, they samples lower French Cabin, lower Cooper River, lower Waptus River, Fortune Creek, Big Boulder Creek, and the mainstem between Fortune and Big Boulder. No Bull trout were observed. Brook trout were observed in French Cabin Creek, Cooper River, Waptus River, mainstem near Waptus, Big Boulder, and Fortune. Brown trout were observed in the Cooper River.''

ADD INFO ON LAKE TROUT NETTING AND REMOVAL.

==== Redd Surveys ====
Spawning surveys have been conducted sporadically in the upper Cle Elum River since 1996. With 19 miles to cover, the task is difficult. An index area has not been established, and none of the surveys can be described as complete. Habitat reconnaissance since 1999 has revealed that the most suitable spawning habitat exists above the Fortune Creek confluence (excluding the Tucquala Lake area) where the river has less gradient and the most suitable gravels. Nevertheless, no confirmed redds have been found in eight redd surveys conducted since 2000 (2000-2003, 2006-2009). The most promising “redds” observed were found by biologists from the USFWS and WDFW in September 2002 in the short (<0.7 mile), very low gradient reach directly below Hyas Lake (Jeff Thomas, USFWS, pers comm). Possible bull trout redds had been reported in this reach the two previous years. Seven large excavations that appeared to be redds (i.e., well defined pit and tailspill) were present in close proximity to each other but no fish were observed in the vicinity. The site was visited three additional times over the next month and subsequent investigation revealed no eggs present in the tailspill gravels of any of the redds. It was hypothesized that the redds might be those of spring spawners, possibly large rainbow or cutthroat trout, that had dropped down from Hyas Lake to spawn (fry emergence would have occurred several months previous). It is also possible that the excavations were not redds at all. It remains unknown what species produced these redds. The area was revisited the following two years and nothing similar was found (Reiss 2009).

The USFWS conducted a single redd survey in Fortune Creek in early October 2000. Thirteen redds were observed but the species responsible for the excavations is unknown since no fish were present on or near any of them (Judy Neibauer, USFWS, pers comm). There are strong brook trout populations throughout the Cle Elum drainage, and they are also fall spawning fish. In the fall of 2002 the USFWS conducted bull trout redd surveys (single-pass) in Fortune, Paris, Camp, and Big Boulder creeks. No redds were found in any of them.

==== Other Distribution Data (eDNA, etc.) ====
''In 2017, Mid-Columbia Fisheries collected 32 eDNA samples in the Cle Elum River, 3 samples in Big Boulder Creek and 6 samples in Fortune Creek. Samples were collected between July and September with the intention that they would contain bull trout DNA from any adults staging to spawn. None of the water samples were positive for bull trout DNA (Parrish 2017). At least 1 sample was taken by WDFW in the Cle Elum River in 2025. It was positive for brook trout but not bull trout.''

''In 2024, the WDFW funded Mid-Columbia Fisheries with USFWS grant funds to do an eDNA survey in the Waptus and Cooper River drainages. Of 110 water samples taken between August 21 and 30, no Bull Trout were detected but 44 samples tested positive for brook trout.''

=== Population Status and Trend ===
This population was last officially rated in combination with the Waptus Lake population. The USFWS (USFWS 1998) considered the Cle Elum/Waptus population depressed, decreasing, and at risk of stochastic extirpation. WDFW rates the status of this stock as unknown (WDFW 2004). ''As of 2015, the Cle Elum population of bull trout is considered functionally extirpated (USFWS 2015).''

== Habitat ==

=== Habitat Overview ===
Elevations in the upper Cle Elum River range from 2,240 feet at its mouth (Cle Elum ''Reservoir'') to 3,460 feet at the outlet of Hyas Lake about 19 miles upstream. For all but the upper mile the river flows through the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. For almost all of this distance, the river is easily accessible by a Forest Service road, which is paved for the lower four miles. The watershed has a long history of grazing, timber harvest, and mining (Haring 2001). Some scattered small-scale gold mining still occurs in a couple of tributary creeks but grazing and logging are no longer significant activities at this time. The watershed is a very popular recreation area. Four heavily used Forest Service campgrounds exist next to the river in the lower five miles, and road densities are high (3-4 miles/sq. mi.). There are numerous dispersed campsites upstream. Most of these are between Fortune Creek and Tucquala Lake. Many are located on the banks of the river, although the Forest Service has been working over the last decade to relocate and/or restrict access to some of the more problematic of them. There are just a few private residences located on land leased from the Forest Service; most in a small cluster near Big Boulder Creek (~RM 8). There are also a ''few cabins located near Fortune Creek.''

Much of the upper Cle Elum River is confined in a canyon reach about eight miles in length beginning near RM 4.0. Large substrate materials dominated by boulders, high stream gradients and high water velocities characterize this reach. ''For bull trout, China Falls (RM 9.7) is a significant barrier. Velocity may preclude passage at high flows, and low flows probably make the barrier even more significant.'' ''Yakama Nation is working on pushing modification of this falls to improve salmonid migration and access to'' ''more'' ''spawning habitat.'' Below the canyon reach the river channel displays alluvial characteristics, which could provide good spawning conditions for bull trout. Above Fortune Creek (~RM 12), the channel is also alluvial and physical habitat conditions for spawning and rearing are much better than were available in the canyon reach. This was the only portion of the river that approached meeting Forest Plan standards for pool quantity and LWD (USFS 1996). The riparian corridor is basically healthy except in areas where concentrations of dispersed campsites are present. In the mid-1990s fine sediment levels (in riffles) met standards, but concerns were raised that increased delivery of fine sediments was likely from dispersed recreational activity. Forest roads are not considered to be a leading contributor of fine sediment in the watershed (Haring 2001).

Elevated water temperatures in the upper Cle Elum River could be a problem for bull trout ''if they were reintroduced''. The river is on the CWA 303(d) impaired water quality list for water temperature and investigators have recorded maximum temperatures exceeding 15<sup>o</sup> C for extended periods in the summer (Mallas 2003). This is most likely a natural condition probably due to the presence of Hyas and Tucquala lakes as well as the fact that there are large segments of the river where the riparian canopy is naturally sparse.

Detailed habitat information is not available for smaller tributaries of the upper Cle Elum River. Redd survey notes compiled by the USFWS in 2002 provide some general descriptions of habitat conditions in several of these creeks (Fortune, Camp, Big Boulder, Paris). All of them had very steep gradients (>5%) and substrate materials dominated by small and large boulders; suitable spawning gravels were limited and found primarily in small pockets. Steep cascades and small waterfalls were prevalent, many of them at least potential barriers to fish migration. Fortune Creek has the longest stream length available above its mouth, approximately 2.5 miles, before a definite passage barrier is encountered. The distance from the mouth to a barrier waterfall in Big Boulder Creek is approximately a half-mile, but the creek is essentially a continuous steep cascade for this entire distance. The other two creeks have barrier waterfalls located within 100-200 yards upstream of their mouths. All four of these streams are subject to extremely low flows in late summer and early autumn.

''If a population of bull trout is reintroduced to the Cle Elum River, FMO habitat for that population would be provided by the Reservoir.'' Neither the sparse shoreline development or water sports activities on the ''Reservoir'' are believed to impact habitat quality. Cle Elum ''Reservoir'' is the largest storage reservoir in the Yakima Basin. Although it does experience extreme drawdown in the summer, a 265,000 acre-foot conservation pool (i.e., dead storage) cannot be accessed. This is the only ''body of water'' in the Yakima Basin with a strong population of lake trout, which has been identified as a major limiting factor for bull trout populations in Montana (Donald and Alger 1993; Martinez et al. 2009). ''There are ongoing suppression efforts to reduce the density of lake trout in the Reservoir.''

=== Habitat Monitoring ===

==== Field Habitat Surveys ====
Mongillo (1982) measured water quality parameters and zooplankton densities for Cle Elum Reservoir. Mongillo and Faulconer (1980) conducted limnological studies in Cle Elum Reservoir in 1978 and 1979. They recommended lake fertilization as one method to increase productivity. Mongillo proposed a Cle Elum ''Reservoir'' <s>Lake</s> fertilization implementation and monitoring study. Flagg et al. (2000) reviewed Cle Elum Lake productivity and fertilization potential. Lieberman and Grabowski (2007) conducted limnological studies in Cle Elum Reservoir from 2003-2005. They concluded that zooplankton densities may limit the lakes capacity to support resident fish as well as introduced salmonids and suggested the nutrient enrichment may be one method to increase both algal and zooplankton production.

Sediment samples were collected and analyzed for the Cle Elum River and Cooper River in 1990 (Mayo 1998). Cle Elum River samples were collected between the reservoir and Fortune Creek. This monitoring effort demonstrated a level of fine sediments in the substrate within the spawning reach (~3-9%), which would qualify as “functioning appropriately” (USFWS 1999) although this data are from only one year.

The Forest Service completed habitat surveys on the Cle Elum River in 2000 (lower reach) and in 2005 (upper reach) using Hankin and Reeves protocol (Hankin and Reeves 1988; USFS 1996). In these surveys, data was collected on pool/riffle frequency, riparian and channel condition, substrate, LWD, and temperature. In 2006 an Aquatic Species Environmental Baseline was completed for the Cle Elum watershed (USFS 2006d). In 2004, a Federal Roads Analysis was completed for the Cle Elum watershed, including an aquatic rating.

''Habitat monitoring is likely to increase as anadromous fishes are established upstream of the dam.''

==== Stream Temperature Data ====
In 2001, the Forest Service contracted aerial thermal infrared remote sensing surveys on the Cle Elum River from Cle Elum Lake upstream to the outlet of Hyas Lake (Watershed Sciences 2002). Accuracy of temperatures was confirmed with instream sensors. The flights were completed in early September and stream temperatures ranged from 13.9-17.4 °C.

There are three long-term monitoring sites in the Cle Elum River drainage where thermographs have been deployed during the summer low flow period for numerous years: Cle Elum River above French Cabin Creek (2000-2011), Cooper River (1994-2011) and Waptus River (1994-2006) (USFS 2011b). There are a number of other sites throughout the system that have been monitored by the Forest Service for a period of time, mostly between the years of 2000-2005. ''USFS re-deployed a temperature logger in the upper Cle Elum River in 2025 downstream of Hyas lake. This site was monitored from 2002-2010 and submitted as observed data to the NorWest stream model (Isaak 2017).'' ''The Yakama Nation may have other temperature data for this area.''

==== Restoration Actions ====
''Yakama Nation Yakima Klickitat Fisheries Project (YKFP) contracted the design of the Upper Cle Elum Aquatic Restoration project (downstream of the Cooper River bridge) to restore a simplified, degraded channel into quality salmonid spawning and rearing habitat. This involved excavating a perennially-activated secondary channel through the right bank floodplain to restore the river to an anabranch planform with lower velocities, greater habitat complexity, and more cover, and the addition of mainstem engineered log jams and create large vegetated islands to restore elements to sustain and initiate natural physical and biological processes within the reach.This restoration will allow for expanded rearing for reintroduction of salmonids into the upper Cle Elum watershed. Currently, the primary rearing habitat is for sockeye salmon. Additional restoration projects will be undertaken in the future.''

== Threats ==

=== Connectivity ===

==== Fish Passage Barriers ====
''Threat Severity: Significant''

''China Falls is a an upstream passage barrier on the Upper Cle Elum River and Cle Elum Dam has been a barrier to upstream migration into the reservoir since it was built in the mid-1900s. With new fish passage solutions, the dam will no longer be a complete barrier to migrating salmonids.''

==== Entrainment ====
''Threat Severity: Currently Insignificant''

''This was a significant threat but should be addressed by volitional passage at Cle Elum dam.''

==== Dewatering due to flow management ====
''Threat Severity: Insignificant''

''There is no dewatering in the upper Cle Elum River, especially due to flow management.''

=== Land-use Issues ===

==== Forestry ====
''Threat Severity: Unknown''

''Current forestry actions will likely be implemented in a way that reduce aquatic impacts. The threat of a high severity wildfire in the watershed is probably the most significant forestry issue. Thinning should improve fire resilience in this area.''

==== Agriculture and Grazing ====
''Threat Severity: Insignificant''

''There are no current agriculture or grazing issues.''

==== Recreation ====
''Threat Severity: Unknown''

''There is heavy recreation in the Cle Elum watershed in both dispersed and developed campgrounds. The area is popular for hiking, horseback riding, hunting, and ATV/UTV use. Potential recreation impacts should be thoroughly evaluated prior to reintroduction of bull trout.''

==== ''Roads and Development'' ====
''Threat Severity'': ''Unknown''

''There is a major road up the river valley and a relatively high road density in the watershed. Road impacts should be evaluated prior to bull trout reintroduction.''

==== Mining ====
''Threat Severity'': ''Insignificant''

''There are no active industrial mining operations in the watershed, but there are small-scale mining claims scattered about.''

==== Other ====

=== Ecological Interactions ===

==== Brook Trout ====
''Threat Severity'': ''Unknown''

''Brook trout density in the mainstem Cle Elum river between the reservoir and the Cooper River confluence is likely low. However, brook trout distribution and density should be evaluated in the upstream reaches of the river and Fortune Creek prior to bull trout reintroduction.''

==== Other Invasive Species ====
''Threat Severity: Significant''

''Lake Trout are prolific in Cle Elum Reservoir, despite yearly removal efforts. Brown trout are present in high density in Cooper Lake.''

''The density of sockeye and other salmonids in the lake may act as a buffer to predation on bull trout, if they were reintroduced.''

''A fish salvage for restoration effort in 2026 on the mainstem Cle Elum river below the Cooper Bridge did not encounter any brook trout, brown trout, or lake trout.''

==== Diminished Prey Base ====
''Threat Severity: Insignificant''

''Cle Elum Reservoir has adequate prey to support a bull trout population.''

==== Disease ====
''Threat Severity'': ''Unknown''

''With the introduction of anadromous fishes into the system there is a chance diseases may occur.''

=== Water Quantity and Quality ===

==== Flow issues/dewatering ====
''Threat Severity'': ''Insignificant''

''Spawning habitat in tributaries and above Hyas Lake may be limited by low stream flows. A thorough evaluation of stream flow should occur prior to reintroduction.''

==== Current and modeled future temperature conditions ====
''Threat Severity'': ''Significant''

''Prior to any effort to reintroduce bull trout, there should be a thorough analysis of existing temperature data and modeling for future conditions. As early as 2003, temperature data in the upper Cle Elum River was nearing critical levels for bull trout.''

==== Other changes in hydrology ====
''Threat Severity: Significant''

''Instances of drought have increased over the past few decades and contribute to reduced snowpack, earlier peak run-off and extended periods of dry streambeds. Lack of summer and fall rains, combined with geomorphology, could potentially impact reproductive success of adult bull trout and survival of juveniles.''

=== Fisheries Impacts ===

==== Angling Regulations/Fisheries Use/Poaching (Recreational) ====
''Threat Severity'': ''Unknown, likely significant.''

''Angling is likely to be a significant threat if bull trout were reintroduced. Increased enforcement and change of regulations would need to occur. Fishing is very popular in the reservoir and upstream.''

==== Management/Monitoring (Research) ====
''Threat Severity'': ''Insignificant''

''Minimal research and monitoring is occurring in the upper Cle Elum watershed.''

=== Other Threats ===
==== Other ====

== Summary of Primary Limiting Factors and Threats ==
<u><s>2012 SUMMARY:</s></u>

<s>The highest severity threat to this population appears to be ''low abundance''. It is uncertain whether bull trout are still present anywhere in the Cle Elum drainage as their presence was last documented in 2002. A high severity threat that appears to have contributed to this possible extirpation is the presence of strong populations of introduced species (brook trout, lake trout, and brown trout). Passage barriers ''similar to china falls'' have also likely contributed, ''both Cle Elum Dam, which has limited connectivity to other bull trout populations and precluded anadromy, and recreation dams'' that may limit migrations within the system. ''Another high severity threat is the rising temperatures in the habitats. This is limiting the extent of coldwater habitat for living and breeding.'' Other threats to the population include ''lack of marine derived nutrients'', habitat degradation due to recreation and ''forest management'' and illegal angling.</s>

<s>Transportation issues associated with the paved road along the mainstem Cle Elum River and ''active mining claims are'' present in this population area, but are not thought to be significant threats. Agriculture, altered flows, development, dewatering, grazing, and limited habitat are not present in this population area.</s>

''This population is currently extirpated. Factors that would significantly limit reintroduction success include introduced species (lake trout, brook trout, and brown trout), passage barriers (China Falls), and rising stream temperatures.'' ''Unless significant restoration was done to reduce water temperature, there would probably not be enough cold water habitat to support spawning and rearing of bull trout in the upper Cle Elum River.''

== Recovery Strategy ==

=== Population-level Recovery Strategy ===
<s>The Cle Elum River population has been identified as a “Monitor” population with a low priority for implementing bull trout actions beyond population monitoring actions used to determine whether there are extant bull trout remaining. If bull trout are found in this basin, the highest priority to recover this population would be to reduce the populations of brook trout, lake trout, and brown trout (to a lesser extent) which ''dominate'' this system. There is currently work being done to restore passage and reintroduce anadromous species including sockeye into the Cle Elum system. However, actions to provide passage (Passage at Major Storage Dams) recover salmon populations (Restore Healthy Salmon Populations), address riparian health, extend outreach to anglers and remove recreational dams will do little to benefit bull trout if there are none present. Supplementation will likely be necessary to recover viable populations of bull trout in this system in the future but issues with introduced species would need to ''be mitigated'' first.</s>

''At this time, until limiting factors are addressed, Cle Elum is a low priority for reintroduction. It will be important to monitor bull trout passing through Cle Elum dam and determine if Cle Elum reservoir may act as important FMO habitat for other populations.''

=== Monitoring Needs/Key Questions ===
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== Actions ==
''Future link/ iframe to PowerApp will go in this section.''

=== Completed Bull Trout Recovery Actions ===

* Cle Elum Dam fish passage facility final design and DEIS, which includes reintroduction of anadromous species, was completed in 2010.
* ''Cle Elum Dam fish passage facility was constructed and is functional for downstream juvenile migration as of 2026. A trap and haul facility was constructed for adult passage upstream. This facility will be functional in'' ''April 2027.''
* Dispersed campsites near the confluence of Cooper and Cle Elum rivers were closed or relocated by USFS in 2007 and 2008.
* Numerous dispersed campsites along the river from the northwest end of Cle Elum Lake to the Fortune Creek area were relocated and/or had vehicle access restricted by USFS in 1996.
* Roads in the watershed that were acquired over the last ten years by the Forest Service in land exchanges were decommissioned between 2006 and 2008 (most of these roads were in the upper headwaters of the Cooper River and Thorp and French Cabin creeks).
* <u>Three segments of Forest Service Road 4330 (totaling one mile) located in the active floodplain of the Cle Elum River that are chronic sediment sources are scheduled to be relocated; old road prisms were decommissioned in 2012.</u>
* Drainage and hydraulic improvements were completed along Forest Service Road 4330 in 2011 (1,000 feet of road treated).
* Motor vehicle use on the lakebed was restricted to a limited number of access points and for ingress and egress to shoreline only; off-road vehicle activity on the lakebed was prohibited by USFS in 1999.
* Fishing regulations have been implemented to protect bull trout in the Cle Elum and Waptus rivers (see Appendix F).
* ''Action in progress: Cle elum River restoration below cooper river bridge.''
* ''Action nearly complete: Cle Elum River #1: Provide connectivity at Cle Elum Dam''

=== Recommended Actions ===

==== Relevant Multiple Population Actions ====

* Basin-wide #3: Evaluate supplementation (see Appendix D).
* Basin-wide #4: Monitor Yakima Basin Bull Trout Genetics Over Time (introgression with brook trout).
* Basin-wide #6: Outreach and Conservation
* Basin-wide #9: Habitat monitoring (temperature).
* ''Basin-wide #?: Better investigate the habitat quality up above hyas lake.''

==== Cle Elum River Actions ====

* Cle Elum River #2: Lake Trout assessment and removal
* <s>Cle Elum River #3: Determine presence and distribution</s>
* <s>Cle Elum River #4: Determine presence and distribution in Waptus</s>
* Cle Elum River #5: Riparian restoration
* Cle Elum River #6: Habitat Evaluation and Temperature Monitoring
* ''Cle Elum River #7: evaluate prospects for reintro into Cle Elum''
** ''Next steps: China falls / passage, introduced species, temperature/habitat above Hyas Lake''
*''Cle Elum River #8: support ongoing restoration of passage and habitat for all salmonid species''
*''Cle Elum River #9: Monitor bull trout passage at Cle Elum fish passage facilities''
**''Next step: evaluate use of Cle Elum as FMO habitat for other populations''

== Iframe test ==

<iframe
src="https://ybtap.powerappsportals.com/Filtered-Explorer/?population=Cle%20Elum"
width="1000"
height="600"
allowfullscreen>
</iframe>

<iframe
src="https://yakimabtap.powerappsportals.com/Action-Explorer"
width="100%"
height="1000"
style="border: 0;"loading="lazy">
</iframe>

=== Actions in the Yakima Steelhead Recovery Plan that benefit this population ===

* Upper Yakima #8: Provide passage at Cle Elum Dam

== Update Notes ==
''2012 BTAP text copied into Yakipedia and edited to match new format in July 2026 by Aimee Taylor. ADD LINK TO 2012 BTAP pdf placemark''

Additional edits proposed by Alex Conley, Aimee Taylor and Cle Elum River population small group. ''Reviewed, and updated and approved by BTWG in XXXXXXXXXXXXX''

Specific detail on out of cycle updates:

== References ==