In 2001, we completed the restoration of lower Warren Creek on 3.4 miles (mile 

 0.6 and 4.0) of stream, with emphasis on channel reconstruction in areas of historic 

 channel dredging. Grazing management changes, riparian shrub plantings and restoration 

 of two drained wetlands were also incorporated. This project increased stream length by 

 46% (6.080' to 8,870') in a straightened section. The Blackfoot cooperators are currently 

 in the developmental phases of a similar catcn/ioo- 

 upstream restoration project. 



Fish Populations 



In 2002 and 2003, we continued 

 fish population and temperature 

 monitoring in the project reach. In 2003, 

 we observed a decline in brown trout 

 densities in lower Warren Creek. Lower 

 Warren appears to be prone to elevated 

 sediment levels and drought stressors, 

 including low flows and elevated water 

 temperatures. We also observed the 

 clinical signs of whirling disease (cranial 

 deformities) in a high percentage of 

 sampled brook trout. We established a new fish population survey section in 2003 (mile 

 6.7) in order to collect baseline fisheries information in an upcoming project area. Fish 

 collected in this survey section, located in an area with extensive habitat problems 

 (channelization, excessive grazing and dewatering), were limited to very low densities of 

 brook trout (Figure 36). 



CT LL EB RB 



LL EB EB 



Mile 3.6 Mile 6.7 



Figure 36. CPUE for salmonids (fish >4.0") in four 

 sections of Warren Creeic. 



Wasson Creek 



Restoration Objectives: Restore flows and habitat conditions suitable to WSCT; improve 

 spawning and rearing conditions for WSCT, and increase downstream recruitment to 

 Nevada Spring Creek. 



Catch/1 00- 



O Brown trout 

 ■ WSCT 



Project Summary 



Wasson Creek is a small basin- 

 fed tributary to Nevada Spring Creek. 

 Wasson Creek begins on the Helena 

 National Forest, then enters private 

 ranchland, before entering Nevada 

 Spring Creek immediately below the 

 spring source with a base flow of -2 cfs 

 during the non-irrigation season. In 

 2003 we began to evaluate Wasson 

 Creek fi-om a fisheries restoration 

 perspective. This involved fish 

 population sampling upstream and 

 downstream of major diversions, as well as near the mouth. In addition, a consultant to 



Location (stream mils) 



Figure 37. CPUE for salmonids at four locations in 

 Wasson Creek, August 2003. 



51 



