James Bartlett and Don Ratliff gave an engaging and informative presentation from PGE on the Deschutes basin steelhead/salmon reintroduction project.

An impressive array of research studies have been done in the 15 years leading into the 50th year relicensing of the Round Butte-Pelton dam complexes. Although we have focused on the fish reintroduction aspects in the past, it was learned that a second major goal of this work was to bring water quality in the lower Deschutes into compliance by reducing excessively warm water temperatures in the late summer.  Other research has worked on habitat problems, fish genetics, behavior and spawning activities, risks of whirling disease, and hydrology of Lake Billy Chinook, amongst others. You can find out more about these studies by visiting their site here.  

Much work has already been accomplished.  We learned about habitat restoration work in Wychus Creek and the Deep Creek drainage last April.  At this meeting we heard in depth about the fish sorting and temperature-regulating tower (it is operational as of December 3, 2009).  This engineering feat accomplishes fish screening and sorting (no small task).  A second function is to restore current patterns within Billy Chinook.  This result is modeled to restore successful out migration of smolts. Tower operation also regulates temperature profiles of the reservoir outflows while continuing to maintain hydroelectric generating capacity.

Early results for smolt collection as well as other fish species were presented.  Fish populations in part reflect the warm water characterizing this reservoir during past summers.  The project is modeled to maintain a much colder reservoir profile in the future, offering hope that reservoir populations will be favorably impacted in the future.  To see what type of fish and what quantities are being passed through the facility, you can visit their daily fish counts page here.

We look forward to an update this fall.

Please remember that our next General Membership Meeting is on April 22nd.  Once we have more information on the topic, please visit our Calendar Page or look for an email and/or postcard announcement from us.

Michael Tripp
Programs Chair
Deschutes Chapter #552 of Trout Unlimited