Crow Creek Bull Trout Population
Overview
Crow Creek is a tributary of the Little Naches River, which originates in the Norse Peak Wilderness Area. The creek flows for approximately 20 miles to its confluence with the Little Naches River about four river miles above its confluence with the Bumping River. All but the lower 6.2 miles of Crow Creek are in the wilderness. Crow Creek has several perennial tributaries that are fish-bearing, but they are considered too small or too steep to support bull trout spawning and rearing. As a tributary to the Little Naches River, Crow creek is open to angling from the Saturday before Memorial Day through October 31st of each year with selective gear rules.
Population Information
Population Distribution and Life History
Crow Creek supports a single local population of bull trout that displays a fluvial life history; a resident component may occur as well but this is unconfirmed. The creek is the only known bull trout spawning stream in the Little Naches drainage despite the drainage's large size and the presence of suitable habitat elsewhere. The spawning area for this local bull trout population extends from about a mile below the wilderness boundary (RM 5.2) to about 4.5 miles above with most spawning concentrated in the upper end of this reach (Figure XX). There is no known spawning activity in the smaller tributaries.
Juvenile bull trout rearing likely occurs throughout the length of Crow Creek. Adult FMO habitat includes the Little Naches River, the mainstem Naches River, and likely the Bumping and American rivers although this is unconfirmed. Timing of spawning migration is unknown but likely occurs in the late summer, similar to other Naches fluvial populations.
Insert Crow Creek subwatershed map (Figure 1).
Natural Barriers limiting distribution
There is a ~15 foot waterfall at 47.018393, -121.314267 that is believed to be a complete fish passage barrier to migrating bull trout.
Population Genetics
Results of genetic analyses show this population is genetically distinct from all other Yakima Basin populations but clusters with the other Naches River fluvial populations, indicating some degree of gene flow (Reiss 2003; Small et al. 2009). Juvenile samples for the baseline were collected in spawning and rearing areas above the wilderness boundary (Reiss 2003[1]).
Population Monitoring
WDFW captured one bull trout while electroshocking in Crow Creek in September 1990 (Anderson 1990[2]). Seven bull trout were observed during snorkel surveys to determine presence/absence in 1993 (Plum Creek Timber Company 1995[3]). Westslope cutthroat trout and rainbow/steelhead trout were observed during both of these monitoring efforts but it is important to note that no brook trout were observed. Juvenile bull trout samples were collected during snorkel surveys in 2001 (Reiss 2003[1]).
Mizell and Anderson (2010[4]) investigated the migratory behavior of bull trout in the Naches River and tributaries using radio telemetry. Overwintering bull trout in the Naches River were captured and tagged in 2003 and subsequently tracked to spawning grounds the following fall. Only one of these tagged bull trout was tracked into Crow Creek. This fish was genetically assigned to the Crow Creek population using the genetics baseline. One juvenile bull trout was captured in a trap near the mouth during the radio telemetry study, but was too small to radio tag. Some juvenile bull trout were observed in Crow Creek below the spawning grounds during snorkel surveys in 2005. None were of a size that allowed them to be radio tagged.
As mentioned above the Little Naches River watershed is large and contains potentially suitable bull trout habitat in streams other than Crow Creek. Many surveys have been conducted in the Little Naches River and various tributaries over the years (USFS 1996a[5], Reiss 2008[6], Kline 2024[7]). There have been individual bull trout sightings reported throughout the Little Naches stream network, but their origin is unknown (Anderson 2010[8]). In 2018, eDNA samples were collected in the middle and north forks of the Little Naches River in an attempt to understand if there was a spawning population. A few samples returned as positive, yet bull trout had still not been physically observed. In 2024, WDFW followed up with a demographic survey in the North Fork Little Naches and more eDNA samples in the north and middle forks with the goal of determining if the 2018 eDNA hits were Crow Creek fish using FMO habitat, or if the positive samples were indicative of a unique Little Naches population. No bull trout were observed over 8 nights of snorkeling and the eDNA sample results were negative for bull trout (Kline 2024[7]).
Redd Surveys
The Crow Creek population spawns primarily during the month of September. Complete redd surveys have been conducted for this population since 1999. They are conducted in an index area, which extends from the wilderness boundary (RM 6.2) to about 4.3 miles above it. In 2008 and 2009, the index area was shortened to exclude the lower 1.8 miles of this reach, as redds are rarely observed in this stretch. However, surveying of the full index area resumed in 2010 and is expected to continue in the foreseeable future.
In addition, exploratory spawning surveys have been conducted in the Crow Creek basin above and below the index area. In 1999, the USFS surveyed from the top of the current index area to Crow Creek Lake (an additional 4 miles), and also ~1 mile of habitat on Crow Creek above the lake. In 2001 and 2009 WDFW repeated the extended survey to Crow Creek Lake. In 2000, WDFW surveyed from the lower end of the index area to the mouth of Crow Creek. No redds were found outside of the index area during any of these surveys.
There was no redd survey completed in 2017 or 2020.
Other Distribution Data (eDNA, etc.)
Population Status and Trend
The USFWS (1998[9]) did not consider the Crow Creek population singularly but considered the Naches River “subpopulation” (i.e., all three Naches River fluvial populations) to be depressed with an unknown trend. WDFW similarly lumped the Naches fluvial populations and rated the status of this stock as critical (WDFW 2004[10]).
This population appears to be quite small. After relatively high counts the first two years of surveying, the number of observed redds plummeted and has not bounced back (Figure 2). Since 2001 an average of only seven redds has been counted annually in Crow Creek.
Habitat
Habitat Overview
Crow Creek is a high gradient, high elevation stream with elevations ranging from 2,700 feet at its mouth to about 3,700 feet at the upstream extent of the known spawning area. Approximately 60% of the Crow Creek watershed, including the primary bull trout spawning area, is in the Norse Peak Wilderness. The creek flows through National Forest land below the wilderness boundary to its confluence with the Little Naches River. Limited timber harvest outside of the riparian corridor occurred in the past but the area has regrown. As a result, spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout is generally considered to be in good to excellent condition as is water quality and quantity. An exception is the area immediately upstream of the creek’s mouth where a popular Forest Service campground is located along the left stream bank along with a few off-road vehicle trails. Bank erosion and degraded riparian vegetation are evident in this area.
FMO habitat for this population includes the Little Naches River, the mainstem Naches River, and perhaps the Bumping and American Rivers, although this has not been confirmed. The South Fork Little Naches River originates in the Norse Peak Wilderness and after recent land acquisitions, the Little Naches watershed is entirely National Forest lands. The Little Naches watershed has a long history of human disturbance. Intense grazing of sheep and cattle occurred from the late 1880s through the 1950s. The watershed has experienced extensive timber harvest and road construction on National Forest and former private timber lands, particularly between the 1960s-1990s, creating the high road densities present today. Between 1994-2024, approximately 38 miles of system FS roads have been decommissioned, with an emphasis on roads close to streams and roads crossing streams. The watershed is one of the most popular recreational areas in the Yakima Basin, particularly for off-road vehicle use. There are about 18 miles of jeep trails and many more miles of motorcycle trails in the watershed. The jeep and motorcycle trail network is widespread and degrading some riparian habitat conditions, but nearly all stream crossings of the trail network have existing trail bridges in place. The major habitat concerns in the Little Naches watershed are lack of deep pools, loss of habitat complexity, reduced instream LWD, barrier culverts, increased frequency and magnitude of peak stream flows, and high water temperatures (Haring 2001[11], Gary Torretta, personal comm). Bull trout FMO habitat in the Little Naches river is in extremely poor condition.
Habitat Monitoring
Field Habitat Surveys
The Forest Service conducted habitat surveys on Crow Creek in 1990 (12.6 miles) and in 2000 (5.0 miles), and 2024 (6.0 miles) using the Hankin and Reeves protocol (1988[12]). In these surveys data were collected on pool/riffle frequency, riparian and channel condition, substrate, LWD, and temperature. Many habitat surveys have been conducted in the mainstem Little Naches River and associated tributaries from 1988-2021. The 2001 data were used in a thesis project evaluating long term effectiveness of in-stream, road, and riparian restoration actions in the Little Naches River (Muir 2003[13]). Muir used the American River as a reference stream with "natural conditions and processes." The results showed that "the physical durability of in-stream structures varied with structure type, location in the channel and channel type" (Muir 2003[13]).
In 2001, the Forest Service contracted aerial thermal infrared remote sensing surveys on the Little Naches River from the mouth to the confluence of the North and South forks (Watershed Sciences 2002[14]). Accuracy of temperatures was confirmed with instream sensors. The flights were completed in early September and stream temperatures ranged from 12.8-15.5 °C. Crow Creek was measured at the confluence with the Little Naches River, and the temperature was 13.1 °C, providing a cooling influence.
The Forest Service and the Yakama Nation Timber Fish & Wildlife Program (TFW) have worked cooperatively to maintain a long-term data set of sediment monitoring data in the Little Naches drainage, although Crow Creek itself is not monitored (Matthews 2011[15]). There are 10 reaches in the mainstem Little Naches River and tributaries (South and North forks, Bear and Pyramid creeks) that have been sampled every year from 1992 to present. The results can be found in annual monitoring reports from the tribe (Yakima River Monitoring and Evaluations: https://yakamafish-nsn.gov/restore/project_reports) This monitoring effort demonstrates an overall trend of reduced fine sediments in the substrate; monitoring will continue for the foreseeable future.
Stream Temperature Data
Temperature monitoring via thermographs deployed during the summer low flow period at two locations on Crow Creek has been sporadic, but some degree of monitoring occurred in 11 out of 15 years between 1991 and 2005 (USFS 2011a[16]). Other thermographs were deployed throughout the Little Naches drainage at a variety of monitoring sites, primarily in the time period from 1998-2005. Temperature data from 2005 - 2024 is a monitoring gap. The Bull Trout Task Force implemented a water temperature logger near the mouth of Crow Creek in 2024, in addition to several loggers in the mainstem and forks of the Little Naches River.
Restoration Actions
In 2022 there was a timber thinning project in the lower part of Crow Creek where some of the wood was placed into the creek by Mid-Columbia Fisheries to enhance fish habitat. There are plans to continue this effort in 2026.
Threats
Connectivity
Fish Passage Barriers
Threat Severity: Unknown, likely insignificant
Crow Creek has a natural barrier about 9 miles upstream of its confluence with the Little Naches river. Dams on the Bumping and Tieton rivers prevent Crow Creek bull trout from accessing suitable habitat in other parts of the Naches River watershed. Fish passage solutions at those dams would likely benefit this population.
Entrainment
Threat Severity: Insignificant
There are no entrainment issues for this population.
Dewatering due to flow management
Threat Severity: Insignificant
Crow Creek is not known to dewater and is not managed.
Land-use Issues
Forestry
Threat Severity: Unknown, likely insignificant
There has been some recent timber harvest in the vicinity of Crow Creek. Harvest occurred between 2021-2025 and was mostly near the confluence with the Little Naches river. The harvest likely does not have downstream effects in Crow Creek, but may have some impact on Little Naches River and mainstem Naches River FMO habitat. The USFS began implementing the Little Crow Restoration Project in 2017 and the Little Naches Uplands Restoration Project in 2024. Forest thinning units are located primarily in the Quartz Creek, Crow Creek, Sand Creek, Fawn Creek, and South Fork Little Naches River drainages. No commercial timber harvest was planned within Riparian Reserves.
Agriculture and Grazing
Threat Severity: Unknown, likely insignificant
The Naches West grazing allotment (sheep) is located in the Little Naches River watershed. It has been vacant (mostly ungrazed) for at least 25 years. The Bighorn Sheep Grazing EIS is analyzing to convert this allotment to cattle use as an action alternative. However, with the steep canyon topography of Crow Creek, grazing is unlikely to affect the riparian corridor.
Recreation
Threat Severity: Unknown
There is an established USFS campground near the mouth of Crow Creek (Crow Creek Campground) with 15 sites and a vault toilet. The Bull Trout Task Force removes rock dams at this location each summer. A small number of them have been channel spanning, potentially acting as fish passage barriers. One of the "Actions" for this population is to set Crow Creek campground back off the creek.
Roads and Development
Threat Severity: Insignificant
FMO habitat has a high level of development and roads, but within Crow Creek there are few roads.
Mining
Threat Severity: Insignificant
There is no active mining in the Crow Creek watershed.
Other
Ecological Interactions
Brook Trout
Threat Severity: Unknown
Brook Trout are present in the Little Naches river and the Naches mainstem. They have not been observed in Crow Creek, but there has not been any monitoring (other than redd surveys) in over 20 years.
Other Invasive Species
Threat Severity: Insignificant
There are no other invasive fish species in this area.
Diminished Prey Base
Threat Severity: Unknown, likely significant
Currently there are steelhead and spring chinook spawning in the mainstem Little Naches River and lower reaches of Crow Creek, but in much lower numbers than historically. Prey base should be assessed.
Disease
Threat Severity: Insignificant
Disease is not a threat to this population.
Water Quantity and Quality
Flow issues/dewatering
Threat Severity: Insignificant
Flow issues and dewatering have not been identified in Crow Creek. There may be some low flow impacts in FMO habitat.
Current and modeled future temperature conditions
Threat Severity: Significant
The NorWest stream temperature model drastically under estimates the temperatures of Crow Creek, even in the historical dataset. Predicted stream temperatures for Crow Creek in 2080 are listed as 12-14° C. The 2024 mean August temperature was 15° C.
Water temperature monitoring at the mouth of Crow Creek for 11 years in the 1990s and early 2000s showed the average daily maximum of 17.2 C (USFS 2011a[16]).
When temperature was monitored at this site in 2024, the average daily maximum (between June 1 and September 15) was 14.7° C. The creek exceeded 12°C from Mid-June through the spawning season (Figure 3).
Other changes in hydrology
Fisheries Impacts
Angling Regulations/Fisheries Use/Poaching (Recreational)
Threat Severity: Unknown, likely significant
Given the very small population size, unintentional mortality or intentional illegal harvest of even one or two bull trout could be detrimental to this population. Although there may not be high fishing pressure in Crow Creek due to its canyon geomorphology, bull trout are often caught in Naches FMO habitat, which is open to angling from May through October each year.
Management/Monitoring (Research)
Threat Severity: Insignificant
There are no research activities in Crow Creek aside from two passes of redd surveys each year.
Other Threats
Low Population Resiliency
Climate Change
Other
Summary of Primary Limiting Factors and Threats
The most immediate threat to the Crow Creek population is an extremely low abundance of spawners (10 year geometric mean = 7 redds). This population is at high risk of extirpation. Threats that have contributed to the severe reduction in population viability include lack of prey base, recreation, and passage barriers (i.e., recreational dams). Angling is open in Crow Creek as well as the Little Naches and Naches rivers; however due to difficult access into Crow Creek, it likely does not receive much fishing pressure. The extent of illegal harvest or mortality of released individual bull trout is unknown. Given the small population size, however, mortality of any adults could potentially have a significant effect on the population. Currently there are steelhead, spring chinook and coho salmon spawning in the mainstem Little Naches River and lower reaches of Crow Creek, but in much lower numbers than historically. The primary spawning and rearing area for bull trout is above the wilderness boundary, but in the lower reaches of Crow Creek and in the Little Naches River (FMO habitat), recreational use is heavy. USFS road 1900 is thought to be a significant cause of degradation, causing loss of riparian habitat, reduced instream LWD supply, extensive riverbank rip rap for road protection, constrained floodplain, and reduced spawning gravel deposition. It is unknown to what extent the condition of habitat in the Little Naches River affects the Crow Creek population. Introduced brook trout are present in the Little Naches River but have not been observed in Crow Creek.
Altered flows, development, and transportation (paved roads) are present in the FMO habitat for this population.
Recovery Strategy
Population-level Recovery Strategy
This population has been identified as an “Action” population. The most significant threat to the population (Low Abundance) will require continued, and preferably expanded, monitoring to confirm that all spawning activity is being documented. This is a high priority. If the extremely low abundance of spawning adults observed in recent years is confirmed the Crow Creek population is a candidate for evaluating the feasibility of supplementation. Outreach to document angling pressures and to educate anglers and recreationists is a medium priority as are reducing recreational impacts and ensuring no passage barriers exist near the mouth of the creek. There are few concerns relating to spawning and rearing habitat quality upstream of the mouth. Although restoration actions implemented in the Naches River would benefit this population, current conditions are not thought to be limiting. FMO habitat degradation is present in the Little Naches River (USFS 2011c[17]). Actions to restore and protect habitat in the Little Naches River are a moderate priority for this population. The Broad Scale Actions that apply to the Crow Creek population include: Restore Healthy Salmon Populations and Passage at Major Storage Dams (Bumping and Rimrock). Revitalizing salmon and steelhead runs in the Yakima Basin would significantly improve the prey base for all bull trout life stages. Providing passage at the two storage dams in the Naches subbasin would benefit the Naches River fluvial bull trout populations in general.
Monitoring Needs/Key Questions
Actions
Future link/ iframe to PowerApp will go in this section.
Completed Bull Trout Recovery Actions
- In lower Crow Creek, restoration actions implemented include instream restoration to diversify habitat, and riparian fencing (work occurred in the late 80s, early 90s) (USFS 2011c[17]).
- In the Little Naches drainage (FMO habitat), restoration actions implemented in the last 20 years include: instream work, riparian fencing, motorized trail and campsite relocations, streambank restoration, road restoration, and placement of an engineered log jam (USFS 2011c[17]).
- From 2003-2008, the Forest Service hired a “river ranger” to educate recreationists on fish and riparian habitat issues and to remove recreation dams.
- BTAP Crow Creek #4: Acquisition of private land holdings in the Little Naches watershed (complete in 2024).
Recommended Actions
Relevant Multiple Population Action)s
Population Scale
- Multiple Populations #6: Floodplain acquisition/easements along the mainstem Naches River to benefit FMO habitat quality.
- Multiple Populations #1: Outreach on bull trout conservation issues (landowners, recreationists, anglers, school groups, and others).
- Multiple Populations #1: Monitor for recreational dams on an annual basis and remove as necessary.
- Multiple Populations #4: Evaluate supplementation (see Appendix D).
- Multiple Populations #5: Carcass analog placements if pilot studies demonstrate success.
Population Monitoring
- Multiple Populations #2: Continue redd surveys within the established index area.
- Continue to collect tissue samples from any bull trout captured within the Little Naches watershed and compare to the Crow Creek genetics baseline. Samples that do not assign back to this population or to one of the other Naches River populations may indicate unknown spawning areas in this watershed.
Baseline Habitat Monitoring
- Multiple Populations #3: Continue temperature monitoring throughout the Little Naches drainage.
Crow Creek Actions
- Crow Creek #2: Implement restoration actions in the Forest Service Little Naches River Action Plan including: floodplain road relocation/removal, channel complexity restoration, transportation management (road improvement, storage, retention, or obliteration), floodplain recreation management, upsizing culverts to improve capacity and aquatic organism passage, floodplain large wood supplementation, and removal of non-native plant species within riparian areas.
- Crow Creek #3: Relocate (set back) Crow Creek campground at mouth away from current location directly on the creek.
- Crow Creek #1: Periodic expanded spawning surveys above and below current index area.
- Crow Creek #5: Continue sediment-monitoring program in Little Naches drainage.
Actions in the Yakima Steelhead Recovery Plan that benefit this population
Naches River Action #5: Restore lower Naches River floodplain
Naches River Action #7: Protect habitats in Naches River mainstem above Tieton confluence
Naches River Action #8: Maintain, upgrade or abandon forest roads
Naches River Action #9: Provide passage at Bumping Lake Dam
Naches River Action #11: Restore side channels and floodplain of the Little Naches River
Naches River Action #13: Reduce dispersed recreation impacts in key tributaries
Naches River Action #14: Protect habitat in the Little Naches River
Update Notes
2012 BTAP text copied into Yakipedia and edited to match new format in February 2025 by Aimee Taylor. ADD LINK TO 2012 BTAP pdf placemark
Additional edits proposed by Alex Conley, Aimee Taylor and XXXXXXX small group. Reviewed, and updated and approved by BTWG in XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Specific detail on out of cycle updates:
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Reiss, Yuki. Genetic Variability Within Bull Trout Populations in the Yakima River Basin. 2003. Central Washington University, https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Yuki_Reissthesis.pdf.
- ↑ Anderson, Eric. Crow Creek Electrofishing Data. 1990, https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Anderson_1990.pdf.
- ↑ PlumCreek, Timber Co. 1994 Washington Bull Trout Survey Results. 1995, https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/PlumCreek_1995.pdf.
- ↑ Mizell, M., and E. Anderson. An Investigation into the Migratory Behavior, Habitat Use and Genetic Composition of Fluvial and Resident Bull Trout (Salvelinus Confluentus) in the Yakima River Basin + Appendices. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2010, https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Mizell_Anderson_2010.pdf.
- ↑ USFS. Cle Elum Ranger District 1996 Electroshocking Data and South Fork Little Naches Report. U.S. Forest Service, Wenatchee National Forest, Cle Elum Ranger District, 1996, https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/USFS_1996a.pdf.
- ↑ Reiss, K. Y. SF Little Naches Snorkel Surveys. Naches Ranger District, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, 2008, https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Reiss_2008.pdf.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Kline, Scott. 2024 NF Little Naches Demographic and eDNA Survey Results. WDFW, 2024, https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2024-NF-Little-Naches-demographic-and-eDNA-survey-results.docx.
- ↑ Anderson, E. Bull Trout Sightings Compiled by Eric Anderson for Yuki Reiss. 25 Oct. 2010, https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Anderson_2010.xlsx.
- ↑ USFWS. “Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Determination of Threatened Status for the Klamath River and Columbia River Distinct Population Segments of Bull Trout.” USFWS, vol. 1018-AB94, 1998, https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/USFWS_1998.pdf.
- ↑ WDFW. Washington State Salmonid Stock Inventory: Bull Trout/Dolly Varden. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oct. 2004, p. 449, https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/WDFW_2004.pdf.
- ↑ Haring, Don. Habitat Limiting Factors Yakima River Watershed, Water Resource Inventory Areas 37-39 : Final Report. Washington State Conservation Commission, Dec. 2001, p. 364, https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Haring-2001.pdf.
- ↑ Hankin, D., and G. H. Reeves. “Estimating Total Fish Abundance and Total Habitat Area in Small Streams Based on Visual Estimation Methods.” Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, vol. 45, 1988, pp. 834–44.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Muir, Mark. Evaluation of Restoration Projects and Channel Changes in the Little Naches Basin, with a Comparison to the American River Basin, WA. 2003. University of Washington, https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/muir_thesis_2003.pdf.
- ↑ Watershed Sciences. Aerial Surveys in the Yakima River Sub-Basin: Thermal Infrared and Color Videography. 2002. Google Scholar, https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Watershed-Sciences_2002.pdf.
- ↑ Matthews, Jim. 2010 Sediment Sampling Results from the Little Naches and South Fork Tieton. Yakama Nation, 2011, https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Matthews_2011.pdf.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 USFS. Summary of Temperature Monitoring Locations on the Naches Ranger District 1989-2011. USFS, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Naches Ranger District, 2011, https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/USFS_2011a.xlsx.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 USFS. Aquatic Restoration Plan for the National Forest Lands within the Little Naches River Watershed. USFS, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Naches Ranger District, 2011, https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/USFS_2011c.pdf.