Cle Elum/Waptus Population(s)

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.

Population Information

Population Distribution and Life History

Connectivity and thus the potential for genetic exchange with other populations in the Yakima River fluvial system was eliminated by the construction of Cle Elum Dam in 1933. Actually, likely by first dam in 1900s...

Population Genetics

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.

Population Status and Trend

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

Redd Survey Data

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

Occasional reports of bull trout sightings by biologists and anglers indicate that some bull trout may still be present in the watershed. Add table of known reports?

eDNA surveys conducted by ?? in 202? detected likely bull trout eDNA at? sample sites in Spinola Creek, a tributary of the Waptus River above Waptus Falls and below Waptus Lake.

Habitat

Habitat Monitoring

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

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

ACTIONS

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