Develop an Omak Creek Locally Adapted Summer Steelhead Hatchery Supplementation Program - Phase II

This project is Phase II of a project launched with PCSRF FY01 funding (CCT01-5) Through this project the Colville Tribes will develop a locally adapted Upper Columbia ESU summer steelhead broodstock in Omak Creek. Under the proposal, a permanent adult steelhead tributary collection facility will be developed on Omak Creek; adult holding, spawning and incubation will take place at the Cassimer Bar Hatchery Facility; and final rearing will occur at the Colville Tribal Trout Hatchery. Production targets for this pilot project are 30 percent of the spawning escapement, not to exceed more than 16 adults (dependent on run size); with a target of 20,000 differentially marked smolts released back into Omak Creek. Specific broodstock collection protocols, spawning protocols, incubation, rearing and release strategies will be defined in the completed Okanogan River summer steelhead HGMP.

Objective 1- Beginning in October of 2004, the semi-permanent trap was constructed to enumerate and collect adult steelhead returning to Omak Creek. This structure includes a holding pond and is designed to effectively collect adult summer steelhead at flows up to 500cfs. This project was completed by leveraging funds between multiple agencies. The trap began collecting returning steelhead for the locally adapted program during the spring of 2005.

Objective 2- The broodstock collection facility was operated and maintained between September 2004 and March of 2005. Costs included personnel time, supplies (nets, wet-gear), travel, and infrastructure maintenance and operation.

Objective 3- Collection of steelhead broodstock in the spring of 2005 will be transported to the Cassimer Bar Hatchery for holding, spawning and egg incubation, and rearing for release. Costs included personnel time, travel, supplies (coded wire tag/elastomer tag purchases), fish food, chemicals, and telephone and utilities (including pumping costs).

Improve survival of naturally produced steelhead through adaptation to local environmental conditions by increasing genetic diversity and life history.