CCWRAP: Fish Trapping Efforts and Data

One of CCWRAP's key program elements was to conduct fish counts ("downstream migrant trapping") in Codornices Creek, to estimate the varieties and numbers of fish species in the creek. The CCWRAP program was particularly interested in steelhead trout population levels, but records were kept on other species that appeared in our traps as well.

CCWRAP fish trapping associate Jesse Quay, examining fish trap in spring of 2002.

The trapping efforts have been implemented using Department of Fish and Game traps and methods, and have been undertaken with full, proper permits. Species were captured briefly in the traps, identified and measured, and then returned to the creek immediately.

Initial downstream migrant trapping efforts were conducted in lower Codornices Creek from April through May of 2002 and from March through May in 2003. The results of these efforts indicate that lower Codornices Creek has a community structure dominated by steelhead trout, threespine stickleback, and crayfish. Steelhead were found in a range of sizes, from fingerlings to individuals greater than 200mm in length. It was concluded based on these surveys and past studies that Codornices Creek is supporting a small, self-sustaining population of steelhead.

Detailed trapping data: