U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Yakima
Newsletter

Gold Creek Pond Fish Salvage Begins

First Bull Trout Since 1991 Observed

In preparation for restoration of the Gold Creek Valley, staff working with the Kittitas Conservation Trust, Yakama Nation, and Washington Department of Ecology began fish salvage operations in Gold Creek Pond. This initial work is aimed at testing methods that can be used to collect and identify fish that need to be salvaged prior to filling the pond. Using Hook-and-Line sampling, the group documented the first Bull Trout from the pond since 1991. Snorkel surveys around the pond identified Rainbow and Brook Trout, Suckers, Mountain Whitefish, and other fish, but no additional Bull Trout. In August the group will begin testing Oneida Nets to collect fish in the pond. These findings will guide efforts to refill and restore Gold Creek Pond, which currently diverts groundwater from Gold Creek and creates dry reaches that block Bull Trout spawning migrations. Gold Creek is the only spawning tributary for Bull Trout connected to Keechelus Reservoir.

Trap and Haul Report Finalized

Staff finalized the 2024 Bull Trout Trap, Transport, and Monitoring Report, providing in-depth summaries of Bull Trout monitoring across the Yakima Basin. The report covers findings from PIT tag detections, detailing individual fish movements and annual survival. Additionally, acoustic monitoring provides critical data on movements and entrainment probability in Keechelus Reservoir. Finally, the report offers insights into the effectiveness of current management strategies aimed at reducing two persistent stressors which separate Bull Trout from their spawning grounds: entrainment at dams and dewatering in spawning tributaries.

Clear Creek and Bumping Dam Operations

The first Clear Creek Dam trap-and-haul effort of 2025 moved 6 of 10 captured Bull Trout above the dam. Staff also conducted an early-season operation below Bumping Dam where no Bull Trout were collected. In cooperation with the Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group, staff will begin PIT tag monitoring in Deep Creek, the only Bull Trout spawning tributary of Bumping Reservoir.

PIT and Acoustic Monitoring Sites Fully Operational

Basinwide Monitoring Underway

PIT tag monitoring sites throughout the Yakima basin are online and actively collecting data. Arrays cover spawning tributaries associated with Rimrock, Kachess, and Keechelus reservoirs, the Schaake restoration project, supplementation streams managed by the Kittitas Reclamation District, Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge, and other locations near Bureau of Reclamation infrastructure.

SCA Interns Join the Team

We are excited to welcome Emma Meyer (Top) and Lauren Knitter (Bottom) to our team as summer interns through the Student Conservation Association (SCA), a program dedicated to providing youth and young adults with hands-on experience in environmental conservation. Emma graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, and Lauren graduated from James Madison University with a degree in Integrated Science and Technology with a concentration in environment and sustainability. Throughout the summer, Emma and Lauren will support our team and collaborators on a variety of critical projects, gaining valuable real-world experience that will help launch their careers in conservation.