Upper John Day River Passage and Habitat Phase I & II

The Upper John Day River Crossing & Habitat Project focused on multiple aspects of stream restoration and fish habitat in a critical cold-water habitat reach. The activities included; replacing a bridge that was washed out in 2011 on the Jacob’s Ranch. The landowner used the bridge frequently for moving cattle, hay and equipment to the other pastures, plus the frequent feeding in the winter months. After the bridge washed out the only access to the other pasture was downstream at a water gap, which became a ford in the river for vehicle transportation, cattle-crossing and water access. PCSRF funds were specially used for the installation of the bridge and well. The previous crossing/ford in the river was fenced off by ODFW and is abandoned as a watering location once the off-channel water development was installed. This is allowing for successful spawning and reduce erosion and un-wanted nutrient inputs into the river. The bridge was completed in fall 2017, planting around the site, riparian fence installment and off-channel water development was completed in March 2018. Phase 2 of the project has changed. Designs were completed for the project using non-PCSRF funding, but when analyzing the flood inundation map it was determined that the proposed solution would not adequately allow river access to the floodplain. An alternative solution proposed replacing the main road crossing over the John Day River instead of the culverts. Designs have been completed to incorporate instream habitat work in the reach and will be implemented in the future with the road crossing. ODFW remains committed to address the 11 barrier screens.

Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), Mid-Columbia River Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus).


The John Day Subbasin Revised Draft Plan (NPCC 2005a) lists the fourth-field Upper John Day River (Hydrologic Unit Code 8: 17070201) where the project is located as a high priority for protection of habitat for summer steelhead and high priority for both protection and restoration for spring Chinook salmon and bull trout.


The John Day River Watershed Restoration Strategy (CTWSRO 2014) also identifies the Upper John Day River as a high priority for fish passage and instream habitat complexity for juvenile rearing.


The project is located in the HUC5 Reynolds Creek-John Day River watershed, this reach provides critical cold-water habitat to many species of fish. This project will improve fish passage and instream habitat for juvenile rearing, which is utilized by many native fish species for migration, spawning and rearing habitat. Survey data collected by ODFW since 2009 indicates there is less successful Chinook spawning occurring at and below the current river crossing. Protecting this location may allow for improved spawning and protect the redds from destruction by cattle and equipment that crosses the river frequently. Installing the bridge and fencing out the river will reduce the sediment and disturbance affecting the river, which may enhance the production of redds downstream as well. According to the redd count numbers by ODFW since 2009, the downstream numbers vary between 20-40 redd/Km, whereas the project site area and above range between 40-70 redd/Km; please see attached map. There have been multiple visual sightings of Chinook spawning in the crossing area each year and documentation by ODFW.


Riparian fencing and plantings will improve the stability of the riverbanks and canopy cover over the river. This will improve adult and juvenile fish habitat by creating more shade and protection from predators, helping to reduce erosion and pollutants into the river.


Phase II of the project will be developing several screening projects that currently allow ESA fish species access to irrigation ditches where they become stranded. It will also incorporate a meander with large wood placement to provide habitat and protection for juvenile fish, while benefiting the landowners concerns of flooding.