intermittent prior to reconstruction. 



Fish Populations 



Dunham Creek supports populations of genetically pure fluvial WSCT, fluvial 

 bull trout and brook trout. In 2004 and 2005, we completed bull trout redd counts and 

 continued to monitor fish populations at mile 2.3. The 2.3-mile survey is located 0.6 

 miles downstream of the project. 



Consistent with adult bull trout-spawning declines in Monture Creek, redds 

 counts have declined in Dunham Creek since 2002. This decline is thought to contribute 

 to declining juvenile densities observed during population monitoring (Figure 21). We 

 also observed active poaching during 2004 and 2005 at this monitoring site. Recent bull 

 trout spawning, in both 2004 and 2005, has been identified in the newly constructed 

 channel. We also completed geomorphic and bull trout spawning site characterization 

 surveys in Dunham Creek in 2004 (Results Part IV). 



Hoyt Creek 



Restoration Objectives: Reduce irrigation demand, 

 improve water quality. 



increase downstream flows and 



Description 



Hoyt Creek, a small tributary to lower Dick Creek, originates from alluvial 

 aquifers located immediately north of Ovando. This spring-influenced creek flows ~4 

 miles exclusively through private agricultural ranch land. Water from Hoyt Creek is used 

 for irrigated hay production and livestock. The topography of the area consists of knob 

 and kettle terrain. The stream loses water to four irrigation canals and receives water 

 from two return-flow channels and a small, degraded spring at mile 0.5. This spring 

 approximately doubles the base flow of Hoyt Creek and likely exerts a cooling influence. 

 Fisheries impairments located throughout the stream include channel instability 

 (incision), irrigation dewatering and suppressed riparian vegetation and hoof-shear 

 damage to stream banks. 



Hoyt Creek is also the site of a developing restoration project. The project 

 proposes reconstruction of 10,300' of incised (G-type) channel to a stable E-type channel, 

 while elevating the 

 new stream to its 

 historic floodplain. 

 The project is 

 expected to restore 

 334 acres of wetland, 

 improve sub- 



irrigation, reduce 



irrigation demand and 

 improve downstream 

 water quality in Hoyt 

 Creek. Grazing 



changes are also 

 planned. 



O 

 O 



r* 



£ 

 O 



(8 



o 



20 

 15 

 10 



Mile 0.2 Mile 1.1 Mile 3.4 Mile 3.9 



Figure 22. 



2005. 



CPUE for fish at four sites in Hoyt Creek, 



33 



