Locally Adapted SUmmer Steelhead Broodstock Supplementation Program - Phase III

This project is a continuation of projects implemented with previous years PCSRF funding - projects CCT01-5 and CCT03-2. In order to adequately evaluate the success of the locally adapted Omak Creek summer steelhead broodstock program the program needs to be consistently implemented for a minimum of three generations (12 years). As part of an integrated recovery program targeted at the listed Upper Columbia ESU summer steelhead, each year approsximately 100,000 Wells stock steelhead yearlings are out-planted to the SImilkameen River, the Okanogan River, and Omak and Salmon creeks. The Upper Columbia River summer steelhead ESA has been greatly homogenized through this widespread planting of Wells stock hatchery fish in concurrence with the overall poor survival of natural-origin fish in the Okanogan subbasin. The Colville Tribes believe recovery of the steelhead ESU to sustainable levels requires the development of locally adapted broodstocks that will exhibit a unique genetic and life-history specific to the Okanogans tributaries.

Under this project Omak Creek summer steelhead broodstock will be collected at a permanent trap on Omak Creek (see CCT03-2); adult holding, spawning and incubation will take place at the Cassimer Bar Hatchery; and final rearing will take place at the Colville Tribal Hatchery. Production targets for this pilot project are 30 percent of the spawning escapement, not to exceed more than 16 adults (dependent of run size), with a target of 20,000 differentially marked smolts released back into Omak Creek. Specific broodstock collection protocals spawning protocols, incubation, and rearing and release strategies are defined in the Okanogan River summer steelhead HGMP.

Increase genetic and life-history diversity, improve survival of naturally produced Upper Columbia ESU summer steelhead, and increase production of naturally spawning populations of Upper Columbia ESU summer steelhead.