Cle Elum/Waptus Population(s) - Revision history

ATaylor: /* Overview */

2026-08-05T15:45:32Z

Overview

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:45, 5 August 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
	== Overview ==		== Overview ==
	This population group includes bull trout spawning in the Cle Elum River and its tributaries. Historic records show bull trout as widespread in the watershed.		This population group includes bull trout spawning in the Cle Elum River and its tributaries. Historic records show bull trout as widespread in the watershed, ''however, these populations were considered extirpated as publication of the 2015 Mid-Columbia Recovery Unit Implementation Plan (USFWS 2015).''

	Cle Elum Dam was constructed in 1933 on the Cle Elum River just over eight miles upstream of its confluence with the Yakima River (at RM 186.5). The dam was built on the outlet of a natural lake and its storage reservoir is the largest in the Yakima Basin. ~~<u>~~The reservoir holds 437,000 acre-feet of water at full pool and covers 4,812 surface acres~~.</u> ADD INFO ABOUT CLE ELUM POOL RAISE~~. ''The infrastructure to enable storage of an additional 14,600 acre-feet in the reservoir ~~to be used for river enhancement activities~~ is in place and ~~should~~ be ~~storable by~~ 2027.''''' ''' Like the other storage dams in the basin, Cle Elum Dam was not constructed with fish passage, although interim downstream passage has been provided during a limited period in the spring for reintroduced anadromous salmonids in most years since 2006. ~~<u>Because upstream~~ fish passage ~~remains impossible~~, ~~bull trout that leave~~ the reservoir ~~volitionally~~ or ~~are entrained on the unscreened~~ outlet works of ~~the dam become permanently isolated from their natal populations~~.~~</u> <u>ADD INFO ABOUT FISH PASSAGE PROJECT HELIX / TRAP AND HAUL</u>~~		Cle Elum Dam was constructed in 1933 on the Cle Elum River just over eight miles upstream of its confluence with the Yakima River (at RM 186.5). The dam was built on the outlet of a natural lake and its storage reservoir is the largest in the Yakima Basin. The reservoir currently holds 437,000 acre-feet of water at full pool and covers 4,812 surface acres. ''The infrastructure to enable storage of an additional 14,600 acre-feet in the reservoir is in place and the pool will be raised starting in 2027.''''' ''' Like the other storage dams in the basin, Cle Elum Dam was not constructed with fish passage, although interim downstream passage has been provided during a limited period in the spring for reintroduced anadromous salmonids in most years since 2006. ''2024 marked the completion of the Cle Elum juvenile fish passage facility, which works to pass outmigrating salmonids. Outmigration of larger fish would not be an issue through the Helix. The helix will be operational during emigration season for juvenile salmonids and as reservoir level allows. After June, operation would be case by case basis because downstream mortality after June for juvenile salmonids is generally high. From late-June through the following spring, the helix will not be operational. Downstream passage will be limited to the spillway or outlet works outside of this window.''

	~~The Cle Elum Lake watershed is extremely large and diverse. The upper Cle Elum River is the primary tributary~~ to the ~~reservoir. The river’s headwaters feed a sizeable natural lake~~, ~~Hyas, about 18.7 river miles upstream of Cle Elum Lake. Numerous small creeks enter the upper Cle Elum River along its course along with two major tributaries, the Waptus~~ and ~~Cooper rivers. Natural lakes are also present on both of these with Cooper~~ and ~~Waptus lakes located about 4~~.~~6 and 8.5 river miles upstream of their respective confluences with the upper Cle Elum River. ''Adult~~ trap will be operational for all seasons of returning fish~~. Meant to~~ pass any native fish that arrives in the trap~~.''~~		''In addition to the juvenile passage infrastructure, an adult trap and haul facility has been built and will begin operation in 2027. The adult trap will be operational for all seasons of returning fish and staff will pass any native fish that arrives in the trap to above the dam, including bull trout.''

	~~''Outmigration for larger fish should not be an issue through~~ the ~~Helix. The helix will be operational during emigration season for juvenile salmonids and as reservoir level allows. Past June~~, operation would be case by case basis - downstream mortality after June for juvenile salmonids is high. Late June through following spring, helix will not be operational. Downstream passage limited to spillway/outlet works outside of this window.''

			The Cle Elum Lake watershed is extremely large and diverse. The upper Cle Elum River is the primary tributary to the reservoir. The river’s headwaters feed a sizeable natural lake, Hyas, about 18.7 river miles upstream of Cle Elum Lake. Numerous small creeks enter the upper Cle Elum River along its course along with two major tributaries, the Waptus and Cooper rivers. Natural lakes are also present on both of these with Cooper and Waptus lakes located about 4.6 and 8.5 river miles upstream of their respective confluences with the upper Cle Elum River.
	=== Population Distribution and Life History ===		=== Population Distribution and Life History ===
	Relatively little is known about the bull trout that inhabit the Cle Elum Lake watershed and its associated subwatersheds. In 1998, WDFW recognized a single Cle Elum/Waptus Lakes stock speculating that it may have originated from a pre-dam adfluvial life history form with the possibility that fluvial forms may have been present in the area as well (WDFW 2004). The ''~~2017~~'' USFWS Recovery Plan for the Middle Columbia River Recovery Unit (i.e., the Yakima Basin) identified ''two'' local adfluvial populations above Cle Elum Dam (USFWS 2002). <s>Based on fish observations made since, and the fact that physical barriers to migration separate the spawning areas of bull trout populations in the Cle Elum and Waptus systems, the two will be considered separate populations in this document.</s> The Cle Elum River population is defined as bull trout that may be present in Cle Elum Lake and the mainstem upper Cle Elum River (including tributary creeks). The Waptus Lake population includes bull trout present in Waptus Lake, the Waptus River above the lake, and the river below the lake (but above a barrier waterfall occurring at about river mile 2.5). This is consistent with the conclusions reached in the USFWS 2008 Status Review. ~~Both the Cle Elum and Waptus populations were considered functionally extirpated at the time of the recovery plan publication in 2015.~~		Relatively little is known about the bull trout that inhabit the Cle Elum Lake watershed and its associated subwatersheds. In 1998, WDFW recognized a single Cle Elum/Waptus Lakes stock speculating that it may have originated from a pre-dam adfluvial life history form with the possibility that fluvial forms may have been present in the area as well (WDFW 2004). The ''2015'' USFWS Recovery Plan for the Middle Columbia River Recovery Unit (i.e., the Yakima Basin) identified ''two'' local adfluvial populations above Cle Elum Dam (USFWS 2002). The Cle Elum River population is defined as bull trout that may be present in Cle Elum Lake and the mainstem upper Cle Elum River (including tributary creeks). The Waptus Lake population includes bull trout present in Waptus Lake, the Waptus River above the lake, and the river below the lake (but above a barrier waterfall occurring at about river mile 2.5). This is consistent with the conclusions reached in the USFWS 2008 Status Review.

	Although an angler reportedly caught a bull trout in Cooper Lake in 2007, several subsequent hook-and-line and snorkel surveys in the Cooper River produced no observations of bull trout. Therefore, a separate Cooper River bull trout population was not recognized in this original publication of this plan. It should also be noted that any adfluvial bull trout seeking to migrate up the Cooper River would likely be precluded by a steep series of cascades which begins just over a half-mile upstream of the river mouth. ''In 2015, Mid-Columbia Fisheries collected 15 eDNA samples in the Cooper River, 5 samples in Lemah Creek, and 2 samples in an unnamed tributary to the Cooper River (Parrish 2017). Only one sample returned a positive result for bull trout eDNA. The result was a low-concentration positive hit in the Cooper River, just downstream of a popular swimming hole. The author suggested that this positive was likely due to contamination by recreationists and that the presence of a functional bull trout population in the system was highly unlikely (Parrish 2017). Mid-Columbia Fisheries re-sampled eDNA in the Cooper River system in 2024, collecting 39 samples across the watershed. Samples were collected in Chief Creek, the Cooper River, Delate Creek, Goat Creek, Hour Creek, Lemah Creek, and Tired Creek (Taylor 2024). Bull trout were detected in 0% of the samples while brook trout were detected in 44% of the samples.''		Although an angler reportedly caught a bull trout in Cooper Lake in 2007, several subsequent hook-and-line and snorkel surveys in the Cooper River produced no observations of bull trout. Therefore, a separate Cooper River bull trout population was not recognized in this original publication of this plan. It should also be noted that any adfluvial bull trout seeking to migrate up the Cooper River would likely be precluded by a steep series of cascades which begins just over a half-mile upstream of the river mouth. ''In 2015, Mid-Columbia Fisheries collected 15 eDNA samples in the Cooper River, 5 samples in Lemah Creek, and 2 samples in an unnamed tributary to the Cooper River (Parrish 2017). Only one sample returned a positive result for bull trout eDNA. The result was a low-concentration positive hit in the Cooper River, just downstream of a popular swimming hole. The author suggested that this positive was likely due to contamination by recreationists and that the presence of a functional bull trout population in the system was highly unlikely (Parrish 2017). Mid-Columbia Fisheries re-sampled eDNA in the Cooper River system in 2024, collecting 39 samples across the watershed. Samples were collected in Chief Creek, the Cooper River, Delate Creek, Goat Creek, Hour Creek, Lemah Creek, and Tired Creek (Taylor 2024). Bull trout were detected in 0% of the samples while brook trout were detected in 44% of the samples.''

ATaylor: /* Overview */

2026-08-04T22:07:05Z

Overview

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:07, 4 August 2026
Line 4:		Line 4:
	Cle Elum Dam was constructed in 1933 on the Cle Elum River just over eight miles upstream of its confluence with the Yakima River (at RM 186.5). The dam was built on the outlet of a natural lake and its storage reservoir is the largest in the Yakima Basin. <u>The reservoir holds 437,000 acre-feet of water at full pool and covers 4,812 surface acres.</u> ADD INFO ABOUT CLE ELUM POOL RAISE. ''The infrastructure to enable storage of an additional 14,600 acre-feet in the reservoir to be used for river enhancement activities is in place and should be storable by 2027.''''' ''' Like the other storage dams in the basin, Cle Elum Dam was not constructed with fish passage, although interim downstream passage has been provided during a limited period in the spring for reintroduced anadromous salmonids in most years since 2006. <u>Because upstream fish passage remains impossible, bull trout that leave the reservoir volitionally or are entrained on the unscreened outlet works of the dam become permanently isolated from their natal populations.</u> <u>ADD INFO ABOUT FISH PASSAGE PROJECT HELIX / TRAP AND HAUL</u>		Cle Elum Dam was constructed in 1933 on the Cle Elum River just over eight miles upstream of its confluence with the Yakima River (at RM 186.5). The dam was built on the outlet of a natural lake and its storage reservoir is the largest in the Yakima Basin. <u>The reservoir holds 437,000 acre-feet of water at full pool and covers 4,812 surface acres.</u> ADD INFO ABOUT CLE ELUM POOL RAISE. ''The infrastructure to enable storage of an additional 14,600 acre-feet in the reservoir to be used for river enhancement activities is in place and should be storable by 2027.''''' ''' Like the other storage dams in the basin, Cle Elum Dam was not constructed with fish passage, although interim downstream passage has been provided during a limited period in the spring for reintroduced anadromous salmonids in most years since 2006. <u>Because upstream fish passage remains impossible, bull trout that leave the reservoir volitionally or are entrained on the unscreened outlet works of the dam become permanently isolated from their natal populations.</u> <u>ADD INFO ABOUT FISH PASSAGE PROJECT HELIX / TRAP AND HAUL</u>

	The Cle Elum Lake watershed is extremely large and diverse. The upper Cle Elum River is the primary tributary to the reservoir. The river’s headwaters feed a sizeable natural lake, Hyas, about 18.7 river miles upstream of Cle Elum Lake. Numerous small creeks enter the upper Cle Elum River along its course along with two major tributaries, the Waptus and Cooper rivers. Natural lakes are also present on both of these with Cooper and Waptus lakes located about 4.6 and 8.5 river miles upstream of their respective confluences with the upper Cle Elum River.		The Cle Elum Lake watershed is extremely large and diverse. The upper Cle Elum River is the primary tributary to the reservoir. The river’s headwaters feed a sizeable natural lake, Hyas, about 18.7 river miles upstream of Cle Elum Lake. Numerous small creeks enter the upper Cle Elum River along its course along with two major tributaries, the Waptus and Cooper rivers. Natural lakes are also present on both of these with Cooper and Waptus lakes located about 4.6 and 8.5 river miles upstream of their respective confluences with the upper Cle Elum River. ''Adult trap will be operational for all seasons of returning fish. Meant to pass any native fish that arrives in the trap.''

	''Outmigration for larger fish should not be an issue through the Helix. The helix will be operational during emigration season for juvenile salmonids and as reservoir level allows. Past June, operation would be case by case basis - downstream mortality after June for juvenile salmonids is high. Late June through following spring, helix will not be operational. Downstream passage limited to spillway/outlet works outside of this window.''		''Outmigration for larger fish should not be an issue through the Helix. The helix will be operational during emigration season for juvenile salmonids and as reservoir level allows. Past June, operation would be case by case basis - downstream mortality after June for juvenile salmonids is high. Late June through following spring, helix will not be operational. Downstream passage limited to spillway/outlet works outside of this window.''

ATaylor at 18:03, 4 August 2026

2026-08-04T18:03:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:03, 4 August 2026
Line 5:		Line 5:

	The Cle Elum Lake watershed is extremely large and diverse. The upper Cle Elum River is the primary tributary to the reservoir. The river’s headwaters feed a sizeable natural lake, Hyas, about 18.7 river miles upstream of Cle Elum Lake. Numerous small creeks enter the upper Cle Elum River along its course along with two major tributaries, the Waptus and Cooper rivers. Natural lakes are also present on both of these with Cooper and Waptus lakes located about 4.6 and 8.5 river miles upstream of their respective confluences with the upper Cle Elum River.		The Cle Elum Lake watershed is extremely large and diverse. The upper Cle Elum River is the primary tributary to the reservoir. The river’s headwaters feed a sizeable natural lake, Hyas, about 18.7 river miles upstream of Cle Elum Lake. Numerous small creeks enter the upper Cle Elum River along its course along with two major tributaries, the Waptus and Cooper rivers. Natural lakes are also present on both of these with Cooper and Waptus lakes located about 4.6 and 8.5 river miles upstream of their respective confluences with the upper Cle Elum River.

			''Outmigration for larger fish should not be an issue through the Helix. The helix will be operational during emigration season for juvenile salmonids and as reservoir level allows. Past June, operation would be case by case basis - downstream mortality after June for juvenile salmonids is high. Late June through following spring, helix will not be operational. Downstream passage limited to spillway/outlet works outside of this window.''

	=== Population Distribution and Life History ===		=== Population Distribution and Life History ===
	Relatively little is known about the bull trout that inhabit the Cle Elum Lake watershed and its associated subwatersheds. In 1998, WDFW recognized a single Cle Elum/Waptus Lakes stock speculating that it may have originated from a pre-dam adfluvial life history form with the possibility that fluvial forms may have been present in the area as well (WDFW 2004). The ''~~2015~~'' USFWS Recovery Plan for the Middle Columbia River Recovery Unit (i.e., the Yakima Basin) identified ''two'' local adfluvial populations above Cle Elum Dam (USFWS 2002). <s>Based on fish observations made since, and the fact that physical barriers to migration separate the spawning areas of bull trout populations in the Cle Elum and Waptus systems, the two will be considered separate populations in this document.</s> The Cle Elum River population is defined as bull trout that may be present in Cle Elum Lake and the mainstem upper Cle Elum River (including tributary creeks). The Waptus Lake population includes bull trout present in Waptus Lake, the Waptus River above the lake, and the river below the lake (but above a barrier waterfall occurring at about river mile 2.5). This is consistent with the conclusions reached in the USFWS 2008 Status Review. Both the Cle Elum and Waptus populations were considered functionally extirpated at the time of the recovery plan publication in 2015.		Relatively little is known about the bull trout that inhabit the Cle Elum Lake watershed and its associated subwatersheds. In 1998, WDFW recognized a single Cle Elum/Waptus Lakes stock speculating that it may have originated from a pre-dam adfluvial life history form with the possibility that fluvial forms may have been present in the area as well (WDFW 2004). The ''2017'' USFWS Recovery Plan for the Middle Columbia River Recovery Unit (i.e., the Yakima Basin) identified ''two'' local adfluvial populations above Cle Elum Dam (USFWS 2002). <s>Based on fish observations made since, and the fact that physical barriers to migration separate the spawning areas of bull trout populations in the Cle Elum and Waptus systems, the two will be considered separate populations in this document.</s> The Cle Elum River population is defined as bull trout that may be present in Cle Elum Lake and the mainstem upper Cle Elum River (including tributary creeks). The Waptus Lake population includes bull trout present in Waptus Lake, the Waptus River above the lake, and the river below the lake (but above a barrier waterfall occurring at about river mile 2.5). This is consistent with the conclusions reached in the USFWS 2008 Status Review. Both the Cle Elum and Waptus populations were considered functionally extirpated at the time of the recovery plan publication in 2015.

	Although an angler reportedly caught a bull trout in Cooper Lake in 2007, several subsequent hook-and-line and snorkel surveys in the Cooper River produced no observations of bull trout. Therefore, a separate Cooper River bull trout population was not recognized in this original publication of this plan. It should also be noted that any adfluvial bull trout seeking to migrate up the Cooper River would likely be precluded by a steep series of cascades which begins just over a half-mile upstream of the river mouth. ''In 2015, Mid-Columbia Fisheries collected 15 eDNA samples in the Cooper River, 5 samples in Lemah Creek, and 2 samples in an unnamed tributary to the Cooper River (Parrish 2017). Only one sample returned a positive result for bull trout eDNA. The result was a low-concentration positive hit in the Cooper River, just downstream of a popular swimming hole. The author suggested that this positive was likely due to contamination by recreationists and that the presence of a functional bull trout population in the system was highly unlikely (Parrish 2017). Mid-Columbia Fisheries re-sampled eDNA in the Cooper River system in 2024, collecting 39 samples across the watershed. Samples were collected in Chief Creek, the Cooper River, Delate Creek, Goat Creek, Hour Creek, Lemah Creek, and Tired Creek (Taylor 2024). Bull trout were detected in 0% of the samples while brook trout were detected in 44% of the samples.''		Although an angler reportedly caught a bull trout in Cooper Lake in 2007, several subsequent hook-and-line and snorkel surveys in the Cooper River produced no observations of bull trout. Therefore, a separate Cooper River bull trout population was not recognized in this original publication of this plan. It should also be noted that any adfluvial bull trout seeking to migrate up the Cooper River would likely be precluded by a steep series of cascades which begins just over a half-mile upstream of the river mouth. ''In 2015, Mid-Columbia Fisheries collected 15 eDNA samples in the Cooper River, 5 samples in Lemah Creek, and 2 samples in an unnamed tributary to the Cooper River (Parrish 2017). Only one sample returned a positive result for bull trout eDNA. The result was a low-concentration positive hit in the Cooper River, just downstream of a popular swimming hole. The author suggested that this positive was likely due to contamination by recreationists and that the presence of a functional bull trout population in the system was highly unlikely (Parrish 2017). Mid-Columbia Fisheries re-sampled eDNA in the Cooper River system in 2024, collecting 39 samples across the watershed. Samples were collected in Chief Creek, the Cooper River, Delate Creek, Goat Creek, Hour Creek, Lemah Creek, and Tired Creek (Taylor 2024). Bull trout were detected in 0% of the samples while brook trout were detected in 44% of the samples.''

ATaylor at 17:51, 4 August 2026

2026-08-04T17:51:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:51, 4 August 2026
Line 2:		Line 2:
	This population group includes bull trout spawning in the Cle Elum River and its tributaries. Historic records show bull trout as widespread in the watershed.		This population group includes bull trout spawning in the Cle Elum River and its tributaries. Historic records show bull trout as widespread in the watershed.

	Cle Elum Dam was constructed in 1933 on the Cle Elum River just over eight miles upstream of its confluence with the Yakima River (at RM 186.5). The dam was built on the outlet of a natural lake and its storage reservoir is the largest in the Yakima Basin. <u>The reservoir holds 437,000 acre-feet of water at full pool and covers 4,812 surface acres.</u> ADD INFO ABOUT CLE ELUM POOL RAISE. Like the other storage dams in the basin, Cle Elum Dam was not constructed with fish passage, although interim downstream passage has been provided during a limited period in the spring for reintroduced anadromous salmonids in most years since 2006. <u>Because upstream fish passage remains impossible, bull trout that leave the reservoir volitionally or are entrained on the unscreened outlet works of the dam become permanently isolated from their natal populations.</u> <u>ADD INFO ABOUT FISH PASSAGE PROJECT HELIX / TRAP AND HAUL</u>		Cle Elum Dam was constructed in 1933 on the Cle Elum River just over eight miles upstream of its confluence with the Yakima River (at RM 186.5). The dam was built on the outlet of a natural lake and its storage reservoir is the largest in the Yakima Basin. <u>The reservoir holds 437,000 acre-feet of water at full pool and covers 4,812 surface acres.</u> ADD INFO ABOUT CLE ELUM POOL RAISE. ''The infrastructure to enable storage of an additional 14,600 acre-feet in the reservoir to be used for river enhancement activities is in place and should be storable by 2027.''''' ''' Like the other storage dams in the basin, Cle Elum Dam was not constructed with fish passage, although interim downstream passage has been provided during a limited period in the spring for reintroduced anadromous salmonids in most years since 2006. <u>Because upstream fish passage remains impossible, bull trout that leave the reservoir volitionally or are entrained on the unscreened outlet works of the dam become permanently isolated from their natal populations.</u> <u>ADD INFO ABOUT FISH PASSAGE PROJECT HELIX / TRAP AND HAUL</u>

	The Cle Elum Lake watershed is extremely large and diverse. The upper Cle Elum River is the primary tributary to the reservoir. The river’s headwaters feed a sizeable natural lake, Hyas, about 18.7 river miles upstream of Cle Elum Lake. Numerous small creeks enter the upper Cle Elum River along its course along with two major tributaries, the Waptus and Cooper rivers. Natural lakes are also present on both of these with Cooper and Waptus lakes located about 4.6 and 8.5 river miles upstream of their respective confluences with the upper Cle Elum River.		The Cle Elum Lake watershed is extremely large and diverse. The upper Cle Elum River is the primary tributary to the reservoir. The river’s headwaters feed a sizeable natural lake, Hyas, about 18.7 river miles upstream of Cle Elum Lake. Numerous small creeks enter the upper Cle Elum River along its course along with two major tributaries, the Waptus and Cooper rivers. Natural lakes are also present on both of these with Cooper and Waptus lakes located about 4.6 and 8.5 river miles upstream of their respective confluences with the upper Cle Elum River.

ATaylor at 19:45, 13 July 2026

2026-07-13T19:45:49Z

@@ Line 2: / Line 2: @@
 This population group includes bull trout spawning in the Cle Elum River and its tributaries. Historic records show bull trout as widespread in the watershed.
-== Population Information ==
+Cle Elum Dam was constructed in 1933 on the Cle Elum River just over eight miles upstream of its confluence with the Yakima River (at RM 186.5). The dam was built on the outlet of a natural lake and its storage reservoir is the largest in the Yakima Basin. <u>The reservoir holds 437,000 acre-feet of water at full pool and covers 4,812 surface acres.</u> ADD INFO ABOUT CLE ELUM POOL RAISE. Like the other storage dams in the basin, Cle Elum Dam was not constructed with fish passage, although interim downstream passage has been provided during a limited period in the spring for reintroduced anadromous salmonids in most years since 2006. <u>Because upstream fish passage remains impossible, bull trout that leave the reservoir volitionally or are entrained on the unscreened outlet works of the dam become permanently isolated from their natal populations.</u> <u>ADD INFO ABOUT FISH PASSAGE PROJECT HELIX / TRAP AND HAUL</u>
-=== Population Distribution and Life History<!-- TREAT CLE ELUM AND WAPTUS TOGETHER OR NOT? --> ===
+The Cle Elum Lake watershed is extremely large and diverse. The upper Cle Elum River is the primary tributary to the reservoir. The river’s headwaters feed a sizeable natural lake, Hyas, about 18.7 river miles upstream of Cle Elum Lake. Numerous small creeks enter the upper Cle Elum River along its course along with two major tributaries, the Waptus and Cooper rivers. Natural lakes are also present on both of these with Cooper and Waptus lakes located about 4.6 and 8.5 river miles upstream of their respective confluences with the upper Cle Elum River.
-=== Population Genetics<!-- New category --> ===
+=== Population Distribution and Life History ===
-No genetic samples have been collected from bull trout in the Cle Elum watershed. Collection of samples for genetic analysis would be a priority if bull trout are encountered in the Cle Elum watershed.
+Relatively little is known about the bull trout that inhabit the Cle Elum Lake watershed and its associated subwatersheds. In 1998, WDFW recognized a single Cle Elum/Waptus Lakes stock speculating that it may have originated from a pre-dam adfluvial life history form with the possibility that fluvial forms may have been present in the area as well (WDFW 2004). The ''2015'' USFWS Recovery Plan for the Middle Columbia River Recovery Unit (i.e., the Yakima Basin) identified ''two'' local adfluvial populations above Cle Elum Dam (USFWS 2002). <s>Based on fish observations made since, and the fact that physical barriers to migration separate the spawning areas of bull trout populations in the Cle Elum and Waptus systems, the two will be considered separate populations in this document.</s> The Cle Elum River population is defined as bull trout that may be present in Cle Elum Lake and the mainstem upper Cle Elum River (including tributary creeks). The Waptus Lake population includes bull trout present in Waptus Lake, the Waptus River above the lake, and the river below the lake (but above a barrier waterfall occurring at about river mile 2.5). This is consistent with the conclusions reached in the USFWS 2008 Status Review.  Both the Cle Elum and Waptus populations were considered functionally extirpated at the time of the recovery plan publication in 2015.
-=== Population Status and Trend <!-- Combined from two separate categories in 2012 BTAP --> ===
+Although an angler reportedly caught a bull trout in Cooper Lake in 2007, several subsequent hook-and-line and snorkel surveys in the Cooper River produced no observations of bull trout. Therefore, a separate Cooper River bull trout population was not recognized in this original publication of this plan. It should also be noted that any adfluvial bull trout seeking to migrate up the Cooper River would likely be precluded by a steep series of cascades which begins just over a half-mile upstream of the river mouth. ''In 2015, Mid-Columbia Fisheries collected 15 eDNA samples in the Cooper River, 5 samples in Lemah Creek, and 2 samples in an unnamed tributary to the Cooper River (Parrish 2017). Only one sample returned a positive result for bull trout eDNA. The result was a low-concentration positive hit in the Cooper River, just downstream of a popular swimming hole. The author suggested that this positive was likely due to contamination by recreationists and that the presence of a functional bull trout population in the system was highly unlikely (Parrish 2017). Mid-Columbia Fisheries re-sampled eDNA in the Cooper River system in 2024, collecting 39 samples across the watershed. Samples were collected in Chief Creek, the Cooper River, Delate Creek, Goat Creek, Hour Creek, Lemah Creek, and Tired Creek (Taylor 2024). Bull trout were detected in 0% of the samples while brook trout were detected in 44% of the samples.''
-=== Population Monitoring ===
+=== Populations ===
-==== Redd Survey Data ====
+[[Cle Elum Bull Trout Population]]
-===== Current Redd Surveys =====
+[[Waptus Bull Trout Population]]

Aconley: /* ACTIONS */

2023-11-17T20:31:02Z

ACTIONS

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:31, 17 November 2023
Line 47:		Line 47:

	== THREATS ==		== THREATS ==
			''Is this just a link to the old monster spreadheet or something new? TBD''

	== ACTIONS ==		== ACTIONS ==
			''Is this just a link to the database or a summary table with a link to each action? TBD''

Aconley: Aconley moved page Cle Elum to Cle Elum/Waptus Population(s)

2021-11-23T02:36:03Z

Aconley moved page Cle Elum to Cle Elum/Waptus Population(s)

← Older revision	Revision as of 22:36, 22 November 2021
(No difference)

Aconley: /* Population Status and Trend */

2021-11-23T02:32:44Z

Population Status and Trend

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:32, 22 November 2021
Line 11:		Line 11:

	=== Population Status and Trend <!-- Combined from two separate categories in 2012 BTAP --> ===		=== Population Status and Trend <!-- Combined from two separate categories in 2012 BTAP --> ===
	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). ~~For~~ the ~~purposes of this document~~ the ~~status~~ of ~~the Cle Elum River population should be considered unknown~~.		The USFWS (USFWS 1998) considered the Cle Elum/Waptus population(s) as depressed, decreasing, and at risk of stochastic extirpation. WDFW rates the status of this stock as unknown (WDFW 2004). While there is no specific data on recent trends, all indications are that the population has declined to the point where it either is or is on the verge of being functionally extirpated.

	=== Population Monitoring ===		=== Population Monitoring ===

Aconley at 02:26, 23 November 2021

2021-11-23T02:26:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:26, 22 November 2021
Line 35:		Line 35:

	=== Habitat Monitoring ===		=== Habitat Monitoring ===
	The Forest Service completed habitat surveys on the Waptus River in 1995 and 2003 using Hankin and Reeves protocol (Hankin and Reeves 1988; USFS 1995). In these surveys, data was collected on pool/riffle frequency, riparian and channel condition, substrate, LWD, and temperature.
			==== Field Habitat Surveys ====
			The Forest Service completed habitat surveys on the Waptus River in 1995 and 2003 using Hankin and Reeves protocol (Hankin and Reeves 1988; USFS 1995). In these surveys, data was collected on pool/riffle frequency, riparian and channel condition, substrate, LWD, and temperature. ''ANY NEW SURVEYS TO NOTE?''

			==== Stream Temperature Data and Models ====
			Monitoring sites in watershed

			Norwest current and predicted temperatures

			RATING SYSTEM?

	== THREATS ==		== THREATS ==

	== ACTIONS ==		== ACTIONS ==

Aconley: /* Redd Survey Data */

2021-11-23T02:21:41Z

Redd Survey Data

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:21, 22 November 2021
Line 16:		Line 16:

	==== Redd Survey Data ====		==== Redd Survey Data ====
	Regular bull trout redd surveys are not conducted in the Cle Elum watershed due to the lack of a significant known spawning population and the lack of easy access to likely spawning areas. ''Note any past exploratory surveys?''
			===== Current Redd Surveys =====
			Regular bull trout redd surveys are not currently conducted in the Cle Elum watershed due to the lack of a significant known spawning population and the lack of easy access to likely spawning areas. ''Note any past exploratory surveys?''

			Spawning surveys were conducted sporadically in the upper Cle Elum River between 1996 and 2009. 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 in 2000-2003 and 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 but no redds were found.

	==== Other Distribution Data ====		==== Other Distribution Data ====