Summary Of Fish Shocking Results

[Justin Spencer]

Here’s a quick description of the North Fork’s trout fishery.

In the BRTA, rainbows are estimated at 502 fish/mile. This is the second highest estimate since 1996, excluding 2010 when we did not conduct a two day sample. When comparing last year’s sample day to 2011’s first sample day, we saw fewer fish this year. However, I believe there are more variables when only comparing the one day samples. I believe we have fewer fish than last year, mainly due to a poor spawn last fall/winter. Over 46% of the rainbows are 8-12”, while 38% are 12-15”. Fish greater than 15” make up 13% of the population with only 1% greater than 18”. Overall, I believe the rainbow fishery is in good condition and the fish are in good body condition.

The brown trout fishery, in the BRTA, continues its decline since no brown trout have been stocked above Blair Bridge since 1994. The current population is estimated at 16 fish/mile. Over 31% of these fish exceed 18”.

In the last two years there has been an increase in the number of rainbows, in the RRTA, as the current population is estimated at 125 fish/mile. Nearly 53% of the population is 8-12”, while 35% is 12-15”. Fish greater than 15” make up over 11% of the population and less than 1% exceed 18”.

Brown trout, in the RRTA, are currently very similar to the population found in 2008. It has declined from the previous two years and is now estimated at 257 fish/mile. Almost 50% of the population exceeds 15” while 8% exceeds 18”. Our annual brown trout stocking (8-11”) is scheduled to take place this month, which will help boost the population.

I think if all goes well at the hatchery we are slated to get 6000 browns here and with 9-10 miles of red ribbon water that would add over 600 fish per mile. I caught an 8" brown today (on a big articulated streamer) that looked pretty fat so that makes me think they may have stocked this week, or maybe he just finally figured out how to eat in the wild.

Sounds like good news for the river, now lets hope we get some water so we can have a good spawn and keep those rainbow #'s up without having to rely on Cloud 9.

[dgames]

I am surprised there are 4 times as many bows in the BR vs RR area. While it has been a year since I have been down there, I always seem to catch rainbows along with the browns below patrick, particularly the big hole below the island that is about a 1/3 mile downstream from Riverside.

So, is it below Patric where you see the dramatic drop in Bows or do you start to see a drop below Blair? I am guessing below Patrick because your stretch and the islands above Patrick always seem full of bows to me.

[Justin Spencer]

I think they are just spottier as you go past Patrick. Fewer good riffles and some long unproductive water. I think the good runs still probably hold close to as many fish as the good runs in the BRTA but there just aren't as many of them leading to the fewer fish per mile. Less good spawning areas down there lead to fewer rainbows. The Blue Ribbon Section goes to Patrick so that has to be factored in.

[Chief Grey Bear]

Here’s a quick description of the North Fork’s trout fishery.

Sounds like good news for the river, now lets hope we get some water so we can have a good spawn and keep those rainbow #'s up without having to rely on Cloud 9.

Yeah it would be nice. But you have to do what you have to do. It is good you have nice neighbors willing to help you out though.

[Gavin]

Missed this for some reason..It sounds like the fish counts are still pretty decent...Cant wait to get down there later this month.

[Justin Spencer]

They stocked over 3700 browns on Wed., got a little rise on the river, hopefully will keep getting some rain and I think we will have decent spawning conditions.

[sean c]

They stocked over 3700 browns on Wed., got a little rise on the river, hopefully will keep getting some rain and I think we will have decent spawning conditions.

Rain dance Justin rain dance. Hell sacrifice a chicken just to cover the bases.