Williston Watershed Kokanee Spawner Distribution and Enumeration Surveys (2002

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PEACE REGION

Williston Watershed Kokanee Spawner Distribution and Enumeration Surveys (2002 – 2006)

A.R. Langston

December 2012

FWCP – Peace Region Report No. 357

The Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program – Peace Region is a cooperative venture of BC Hydro and the provincial fish and wildlife management agencies, supported by funding from BC Hydro. The Program was established to enhance and protect fish and wildlife resources affected by the construction of the W.A.C. Bennett and Peace Canyon dams on the Peace River, and the subsequent creation of the Williston and Dinosaur Reservoirs.

Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program ––– Peace Region

9228 – 100 th Avenue, Fort St. John, BC, V1J 1X7

Website: www.fwcp.ca

This report has been approved by the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program – Peace Region Fish Technical Committee.

Citation : A.R. Langston. 2012. Williston Watershed Kokanee Spawner Distribution and Enumeration Surveys (2002 – 2006). Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program – Peace Region Report No. 357. 11 pp plus appendices.

Author: A.R. Langston, BC Hydro

Correspondence: BC Hydro - Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program – Peace Region 9228 – 100 th Avenue, Fort St. John, BC V1J 1X7

Williston Reservoir Kokanee Spawner Surveys 2002-2006 A.R. Langston

ABSTRACT

Kokanee ( Oncorhynchus nerka ) were stocked into Williston Reservoir from 1990 to 1998 to create a kokanee sport fishery and a prey source for large piscivorous fish species. The status of the kokanee population in Williston Reservoir and success of the kokanee stocking program is unknown. Therefore, a five-year study (2002–2006) was conducted to determine trends in Williston Reservoir’s kokanee population. The study had four objectives: (i) to determine the peak spawning period of kokanee; (ii) to determine if kokanee populations are increasing; (iii) to identify kokanee spawner distribution and limits to upstream migration; and (iv) to propose candidate streams for a long-term population trend monitoring program.

Survey flights to locate and enumerate spawning kokanee were conducted annually by helicopter over all suspected and reported spawning streams. Kokanee spawners were most abundant in the tributaries in mid-September. The observed number of spawners increased from 81,000 in 2002 to 1,011,000 in 2006. This change suggests a dramatic increase in the Williston Reservoir kokanee population and a successful result to the 1990–1998 kokanee stocking program. Kokanee were found to be distributed throughout the watershed, but their abundance varied. The Peace Reach tributaries had the lowest number of kokanee spawners (<1% of all spawners), and the Parsnip tributaries had the second lowest (<8%). The greatest distribution and highest numbers were observed in the Omineca Arm (60–89%, depending on the year) and Finlay Reach (2–36%) tributaries. During the survey, information was recorded about upstream migration barriers. These barriers are not believed to limit kokanee spawning success, because accessible spawning habitat appeared to be abundant in lower reaches. The barriers have prevented kokanee access to some locations, most notably the Nation Lakes, Germansen Lake, and the Finlay River upstream of Cascade Canyon.

Based on the five years of aerial surveys, a long-term population trend monitoring program is recommended for up to nine identified index tributary streams. Annual monitoring of the index streams is recommended with an evaluation of the monitoring in 2010. In addition, biennial aerial surveys beginning in 2008 are recommended for Parsnip River tributaries in the vicinity of Arctic and Tacheeda lakes. These biennial surveys will determine if non-native kokanee are expanding their range closer to native kokanee populations. Whole watershed surveys similar to those conducted in 2002 to 2006 are recommended every fourth year (beginning in 2010) to document colonization of new habitat and range expansion of kokanee.

i Williston Reservoir Kokanee Spawner Surveys 2002-2006 A.R. Langston

INTRODUCTION

Background and Scope The Peace/Williston Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (PWFWCP), created in 1988, compensates for impacts to fish and wildlife associated with the formation of Williston Reservoir. Williston Reservoir was formed in 1968 by the construction of the W.A.C. Bennett hydro-electric dam on the Peace River. The goals and objectives of the PWFWCP are available in Bergmann et al. 2003.

Williston watershed, prior to reservoir formation, supported localized native kokanee populations, in at least three locations: Thutade Lake (Finlay River headwaters), Arctic Lake (upper Parsnip River tributary) and Tacheeda Lakes (mid Parsnip River tributary). Small numbers of native kokanee have always existed in Williston Reservoir, most likely from the headwater Thutade Lake kokanee ( Oncorhynchus nerka ) population. In the late 1980s, the British Columbia Ministry of Environment made the management decision to stock kokanee into Williston Reservoir (Harvey Andrusak, pers. comm., Redfish Consulting Ltd., previously with Ministry of Environment). The intent was to hasten the establishment of kokanee as a significant pelagic population in Williston Reservoir to provide both sport fishery opportunities and a prey source for piscivorous fish species (Blackman et. al. 1990). Kokanee from Hill Creek and Meadow Creek, both in BC (Columbia River origin), provided the donor source of fish for stocking. The PWFWCP funded and managed the stocking into the Carbon, Davis, Dunlevy, Manson, and Nation (Williston tributaries) systems from 1990–1998 (Appendix A).

Kokanee are a pelagic planktivore that survive exceptionally well in reservoirs despite large drawdowns. Kokanee were stocked and have survived and grown very well in southeastern BC reservoirs: Mica and Koocanusa (Harvey Andrusak, pers. comm.) and Kinbasket (Oliver 1995).

The establishment of a Williston Reservoir kokanee population may be a success that benefits recreational anglers, potential First Nations fisheries, certain terrestrial wildlife species (e.g., bears, eagles), and most fish species. However, there are concerns about an expanding kokanee population of Columbia River origin having potentially negative impacts on some native species (e.g., Arctic grayling ( Thymallus arcticus ) and native Williston kokanee.

Aerial surveys have previously been conducted to locate and enumerate spawning native kokanee. Presence/absence surveys were conducted in the lower Finlay River in 1989. In 1990 the entire Finlay River and 18 tributaries of Williston Reservoir were surveyed (McLean and Blackman 1991). Four of the 1990 surveyed tributaries were re-surveyed in 1994 (Langston and Zemlak 1998). The results of the 1990 and 1994 surveys (5,000 or less spawning kokanee observed) indicated that relatively low numbers of native kokanee inhabited Williston Reservoir. No further enumerations had been conducted until the current study, which used aerial enumeration of spawning kokanee, as described by Fleck 1992, to evaluate the results of the 9-year kokanee stocking program and to estimate relative changes in kokanee populations and spawner distribution in the Williston Reservoir watershed.

1 Williston Reservoir Kokanee Spawner Surveys 2002-2006 A.R. Langston

Study Objectives This five-year study (2002–2006) in the Williston watershed had four objectives: (i) to determine the peak spawning period of kokanee; (ii) to determine if kokanee populations are increasing; (iii) to identify kokanee spawner distribution and limits to upstream migration; and (iv) to propose candidate streams for long-term population trend monitoring.

Description of Study Area Williston Reservoir (56° N latitude, 124° W longitude) is located approximately 140 km north of Prince George in northeast British Columbia, Canada (Fig. 1). The reservoir was created in 1968 by impounding the Peace River in the canyon near Hudson’s Hope, B.C. for hydroelectric generation (W.A.C. Bennett Dam). A second dam, Peace Canyon, is located 22 km downstream of the W.A.C. Bennett Dam. The Peace River flows east to Lake Athabasca within the Mackenzie River drainage system, which flows north and discharges into the Arctic Ocean.

Williston Reservoir has a mean depth of 44 m and a maximum depth of 166 m (BC Research 1977). The shoreline is dendritic in shape and estimated to be about 1,770 km long (BC Research 1977). With a surface area of 1,779 km 2 at a maximum, normal operating level of 672.1 m (BC Hydro 1988), Williston Reservoir is the largest lentic freshwater system in British Columbia. A comprehensive description of the watershed is available in Stockner et al. 2005.

Thutade Lake

Peace Reach Finlay Reach

Omineca Arm

Parsnip Reach Tacheeda Lakes

Arctic Lake Fig. 1. Williston Reservoir watershed. The four areas with kokanee spawning tributaries (circled), the 3 known locations of native kokanee populations highlighted in yellow.

2 Williston Reservoir Kokanee Spawner Surveys 2002-2006 A.R. Langston

METHODS Tributary selection The streams stocked with kokanee from 1990 to 1998 (Appendix A) were surveyed in 2002 to 2006. In addition, the streams surveyed in 1990 (McLean and Blackman 1991) and 1994 (Langston and Zemlak 1998) were re-surveyed in 2002 to 2006. Other streams were selected according to geographic area (so the survey would cover as much area as possible), habitat attributes, and reports from local area residents of kokanee presence.

Not all streams were surveyed in each year of the 2002–2006 survey. Rain storms and shortage of time meant skipping some streams in some years. Other streams were only surveyed after a report was received indicating that fish were present. Some streams were surveyed only when water clarity was high enough to allow counting of kokanee. Water clarity did not pose an accuracy issue in the streams surveyed. A few streams were surveyed only once or twice after initial surveys indicated kokanee presence would be unlikely or impossible.

Aerial enumeration The aerial enumeration methodology was based on Fleck (1992), with adaptations according to advice provided by two experienced salmon enumerators, Richard Bailey (Fisheries and Oceans Canada) and Grant Thorpe (Columbia Aquatic and Technical Services). An enumeration flight was conducted with Grant Thorpe (>10 years experience enumerating Columbia River watershed kokanee spawners) to ensure PWFWCP staff methodology and estimates were appropriate.

A Bell 206 Jet Ranger helicopter equipped with a rear bubble-window was used to survey Williston Reservoir tributaries. During surveys, the helicopter speed ranged from 10 to 50 km/hr at a height of 30 to 50 metres above water level. The primary observer sat in the front seat with the best overall view, and the secondary observer/recorder sat in the rear seat. Two observers independently estimated kokanee at a specific location by grouping the fish into schools of 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 individuals. The observers then conferred to agree on an estimate. In locations where surface glare, or helicopter’s physical position obscured one viewers vision, the other viewers estimate was used.

Results from the 1994 kokanee enumeration surveys were used to estimate a time window (late-August to mid-October) when kokanee spawners would be present. In 2002 (Year 1), the streams were surveyed three times during the time window to identify the one-week period of highest kokanee spawner abundance. Kokanee were enumerated during the same one-week peak period in all five years of the 2002–2006 survey.

Locations of tributaries surveyed were identified by recording the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates using a handheld global positioning system (GPS) unit. The tributary mouth and farthest upstream point surveyed were recorded. Locations of difficult passage or blockage (e.g., waterfall) were recorded.

3 Williston Reservoir Kokanee Spawner Surveys 2002-2006 A.R. Langston

Kokanee distribution Handheld GPS units mounted in the helicopter were used to determine the location of barriers as well as start and stop points for the survey. Approximate or exact maximum upstream distribution of kokanee spawners was documented in all surveyed streams.

For reporting purposes, the locations of kokanee spawning streams were categorized as Finlay Reach, Omineca Arm, Parsnip Reach, and Peace Reach (Fig. 1).

RESULTS Migration Timing In Year 1 (2002), three replicate surveys of 85 tributaries and a fourth survey of only 14 of the tributaries throughout the watershed allowed us to determine kokanee migration timing (Flights 1–4, Table 1). The first of these surveys, in late August, confirmed that kokanee had not entered tributaries by August 30. The second survey flight, September 16–20, recorded the highest number of kokanee at 81,000 fish. The third survey, in early October, recorded substantially fewer fish, and a fourth confirmation flight of 14 selected tributaries in late October recorded only 95 kokanee. These 14 tributaries had contained thousands of kokanee in mid-September.

Table 1. The number of kokanee observed in specific time windows during Year 1 (2002) replicate surveys.

Flight 1 Flight 2 Flight 3 Flight 4 August 25–30 September 16–20 October 7–11 October 30–31 Number of tributaries 85 85 85 14 Number of kokanee 0 81,000 28,000 95

Fish Enumeration Over the five years of this study, the estimated number of kokanee spawners increased from 81,000 in 2002 to 1,011,000 in 2006 (Fig. 2, Table 2). The number of fish observed in each stream surveyed is presented in Appendix B.

Table 2. Williston Reservoir kokanee spawner enumeration (annual observations rounded to nearest hundred unless <100 fish observed, total rounded to the nearest thousand).

Location Year 1 (2002) Year 2 (2003) Year 3 (2004) Year 4 (2005) Year 5 (2006) Finlay Reach 2,600 15,400 47,300 61,000 359,300 Omineca Arm 72,000 169,300 186,700 130,700 605,300 Parsnip Reach 6,400 14,000 88 300 44,200 Peace Reach 200 16 98 300 2,200 Williston Total 81,000 199,000 234,000 192,000 1,011,000

4 Williston Reservoir Kokanee Spawner Surveys 2002-2006 A.R. Langston

1,100 1,000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200

Number ofNumberkokanee (x1000) 100 0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Year Fig. 2. Estimated number of kokanee spawners observed

Fish Distribution Watershed location Over 117 streams were surveyed during the 5-year study period (Appendix B). Sixty-six of the streams were surveyed in all five years, and 17 were surveyed in four of the five years.

Kokanee spawner numbers varied annually by stream. In most cases, the number of kokanee in each stream increased each year, but some streams that had kokanee in earlier years did not have kokanee in later years.

In all five years, streams that flowed to the Omineca Arm had more kokanee than in all other areas of the watershed combined (Fig. 3, Table 2). The tributaries that flow to the Finlay Reach had the second highest kokanee estimate in all but the first year (2002). By 2006, the kokanee returning to Finlay Reach streams had increased from 2% to 36% of the total watershed kokanee estimate (Fig. 3). The lowest numbers of kokanee were observed in the Parsnip and Peace Reach systems. Peace Reach kokanee numbers represented less than 0.2% of the total estimate for the watershed.

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 8% 2% 7% 8% 0% 0% 4% 20% 32% 36%

68% 60% 80% 90% 85% Omineca Arm- ■ Finlay Reach- ■ Parsnip Reach- □ Peace Reach- too low to present .

Fig. 3. Proportion of kokanee observed in each of the four survey areas in Williston watershed.

5 Williston Reservoir Kokanee Spawner Surveys 2002-2006 A.R. Langston

Upstream distribution During the survey, we recorded the maximum distribution of kokanee (i.e., the distance upstream) as well as barriers to upstream passage (Appendix C). In general, the upstream distance that kokanee travelled increased in successive years (data on file).

The kokanee spawners observed in the 2002–2006 surveys appeared to select the first available suitable habitat they encountered. Once kokanee entered a stream (e.g., Osilinka River) the earliest spawners appeared to start spawning in the habitat at the mouth of the river. As additional spawners entered the stream, kokanee were observed spawning farther upstream. For example, a 25-km stretch of slow, meandering habitat, which is unsuitable for spawning, occurs upstream of the confluence with Dead Bear Creek and extends to approximately the Osilinka River/Wasi Creek confluence. In years with greater numbers of spawning kokanee (e.g., 2006), kokanee were observed in the Osilinka River farther upstream of the confluence with Wasi Creek than in years with fewer fish (e.g., 2002). Although not quantitatively measured, the density of kokanee spawners in the lower Osilinka River appeared to be similar in all survey years (2002– 2006; Arne Langston, personal observation. This observation indicates that the advancement of kokanee upstream was not due to a decline in suitable habitat sites in the lower river. Similarly, kokanee were observed spawning in Pelly Creek downstream of the canyon area in 2002 to 2005, but in 2006, with an increased number of spawners, kokanee were observed spawning upstream of the canyon.

DISCUSSION

Migration Timing The surveys conducted in 1994 and kokanee sightings reported by First Nations and local residents from 1989 to 2002 indicated that a mid-September survey would be the most appropriate for enumerating spawning kokanee. The replicate surveys conducted in 2002 confirmed that kokanee spawners are most abundant in Williston watershed streams in mid-September.

Declining numbers and the advanced deterioration of spawners observed during the October 2002 surveys indicated that only 1 peak spawning run occurred. Some additional kokanee spawners entered streams after the mid September peak (assumed due to relatively “fresh” condition of some spawners observed during the October surveys). However, based on kokanee spawning habits and the 2002 replicated survey results, the later spawners are not believed to contribute very much to the overall numbers or distribution of fish.

In 1990 and 1991, native kokanee had been observed in a few locations of the Finlay River in late October, but no kokanee spawners were observed in these location in late October during the 2002 surveys

Fish Enumeration From 2002 to 2006, the number of kokanee observed returning to spawn in Williston Reservoir tributaries increased dramatically (Fig. 2). The majority of this increase occurred between 2005 and 2006 (427%). Some of this large increase is attributed to including the Omineca and Ospika rivers in the 2006 survey. Unlike in previous years, in 2006 it was possible to survey the Omineca and Ospika rivers because of unusually low river water levels and reduced turbidity.

6 Williston Reservoir Kokanee Spawner Surveys 2002-2006 A.R. Langston

An estimated 236,700 kokanee were observed in the Omineca and Ospika rivers in 2006. With the exclusion of the Omineca and Ospika river fish, the observed estimate for kokanee spawners in 2006 becomes 774,300, a 303% increase from 2005 (Fig. 4).

1,100 1,000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200

Number ofNumberkokanee (x1000) 100 0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Year

Fig. 4. Estimated number of kokanee spawners observed (2006 Omineca and Ospika values excluded).

The dramatic increase in kokanee in the 2006 estimate is not solely attributable to including the Omineca and Ospika rivers or improved visibility for observing kokanee. The number of kokanee present in rivers that had similar visibility in 2005 and 2006 also increased (Table 3). Increases in the Finlay River and its tributaries ranged from 100 to 1,000%.

Table 3. Increase in kokanee numbers in selected Williston Reservoir tributaries, 2005–2006.

Location 2005 2006 % increase Germansen River 41,100 108,000 163 Osilinka River 65,500 246,800 276 Ingenika River 30,500 171,500 463 Mesilinka River 0 15,400

The 2002–2006 surveys indicate that the number of kokanee returning to spawn in Williston Reservoir tributaries has increased, with the largest numbers occurring in 2006. The survey results indicate an overall increase in the Williston watershed kokanee population.

Fish Distribution Watershed location Kokanee were distributed throughout the reservoir (Appendices B and C) with greatest numbers and widest distribution occurring in the Omineca Arm and Finlay Reach. In 2006, kokanee entered tributaries not used in previous years (e.g., Mesilinka River—see Table 3, Akie River, Nabesche River). Some rivers (e.g., Clearwater Creek, Bower Creek, Swannell River) had

7 Williston Reservoir Kokanee Spawner Surveys 2002-2006 A.R. Langston

few kokanee using them in 2002 to 2005 and had dramatic increases in 2006 (Appendix B). The expansion into new habitats appears to be occurring to the greatest extent in Omineca Arm and Finlay Reach tributaries. Kokanee were only observed in relatively small numbers in the Parsnip Reach tributaries and showed no evidence of expanding into new streams or increasing in numbers. The Peace Reach has fewer streams with suitable habitat than the other reaches. Although expansion of kokanee into new streams did occur in 2006, the overall number of Peace Reach kokanee spawners remained the lowest of all areas surveyed (Fig. 3).

Upstream distribution Kokanee spawners appeared to prefer the first available spawning habitat encountered. Kokanee were distributed upstream only as far as the amount of spawning habitat required for the number of spawners in a particular year.

In some cases, it may be possible to infer a higher or lower spawner return in a given year simply due to the extent of upstream migration. However, in some years, certain systems like the Germansen River experience dramatic channel migration, which can reduce the area of suitable habitat in the lower reaches of the stream, thereby increasing the distance upstream that spawners may be encountered in a given year.

Physical barriers to upstream kokanee spawner distribution were rarely observed. In most systems, there is more spawning habitat available farther upstream but no kokanee to use it. A few notable exceptions include:

• Nation River . The canyon area in Nation River (approximately 35 km upstream of the mouth and 4 km upstream of the confluence with Philip Creek) appears to be a barrier to upstream migration. No kokanee are reaching the Nation Lakes.

• Germansen River . A large boulder and associated landslide in the middle of the channel, approximately 7 km upstream from the mouth, appears to create a blockage and velocity barrier that kokanee cannot currently pass. No kokanee are reaching Germansen Lake.

• Finlay River . Cascade Canyon, approximately 100 km from the mouth, was the uppermost location kokanee were observed and may be a velocity barrier to upstream migration. McLean and Blackman (1991) reported a school of 3,000 kokanee near the Fishing Lakes area of the Finlay River, far upstream of Cascade Canyon. The sighting occurred on October 25, 1990, from a helicopter under poor light conditions. The school of fish was thought to be kokanee but was not confirmed. No kokanee have been observed in the Fishing Lakes. The late October 2002 aerial survey did locate a large school of what appeared to be mountain whitefish in the same area.

• Porter Creek (Omineca tributary). A waterfall located 2 km from the mouth limits kokanee upstream migration. Large schools of kokanee are observed at the base of the waterfall each year. A very small amount of spawning habitat exists above the waterfall.

8 Williston Reservoir Kokanee Spawner Surveys 2002-2006 A.R. Langston

• Nabesche River . A waterfall located approximately 12 km upstream from the mouth is a barrier to upstream kokanee migration. Although a vast amount of apparently suitable spawning habitat exists above the falls, few kokanee have been observed in the Nabesche River below the falls or in other similar systems (e.g., Carbon Creek, Clearwater Creek) in the Peace Reach. Water temperatures, ice scour, or some other factor may not be conducive to kokanee spawning in the Peace Reach tributaries.

• Dunlevy Creek . A waterfall located approximately 5 km from the mouth is a barrier to upstream kokanee migrations, but few kokanee are returning to Dunlevy Creek. A very small amount of spawning habitat exists above the waterfall.

The concern that the stocked kokanee could in some way affect the three known native kokanee stocks in Arctic, Tacheeda, and Thutade lakes is valid. However, this concern may be alleviated, at least temporarily, by the 2002–2006 survey results and general observations indicating that the stocked kokanee extend upstream only as far as they have to. The following describes results from the tributaries associated with each of the lakes where native kokanee occur.

Arctic and Tacheeda lakes Reynolds Creek was the farthest upstream point in the Parsnip River system where kokanee were observed. The access point to Arctic Lake is over 100 km upstream of the Reynolds Creek kokanee observation. It does not appear that the current Williston Reservoir kokanee population range is expanding upstream into the Parsnip River system to present a threat to native kokanee in Arctic Lake.

The access point to Tacheeda Lakes is approximately 30 km upstream of the Reynolds Creek kokanee observation. No kokanee have been observed in the small stream that connects Tacheeda Lakes to the Parsnip River.

The outlet creeks that connect the Arctic and Tacheeda lakes to the Parsnip River are very small meandering streams with little or no kokanee spawning habitat. The 2002–2006 aerial surveys did not observe kokanee entering streams similar to the outlets of Arctic and Tacheeda lakes.

Thutade Lake The Thutade Lake kokanee population cannot be affected by the stocked Columbia-origin kokanee spawners migrating upstream from Williston Reservoir. Thutade Lake is situated a few kilometres upstream of the Cascadero Falls on the Finlay River. The Cascadero Falls are a natural barrier to any kokanee migrating upstream from Williston Reservoir.

Long-Term Population Trend Monitoring Index Stream Monitoring Annual monitoring of certain streams (index streams) would provide an indication of changes or trends in the Williston Reservoir kokanee population. Records of 1990–2006 kokanee spawner information were reviewed, and eight criteria for index stream selection (Oliver 1995) were applied to select nine index stream candidates. Index streams for each of the four kokanee spawning areas identified (Parsnip, Omineca, Finlay, and Peace) should be monitored annually up

9 Williston Reservoir Kokanee Spawner Surveys 2002-2006 A.R. Langston

to and including 2010. After the 2010 surveys, the monitoring program should be evaluated to determine if alterations are required for long-term monitoring. The number and locations of index streams could be reduced or changed depending on results obtained from future surveys. The nine streams proposed for consideration as index streams are:

• Manson River (Parsnip) • Germansen River (Omineca) • Osilinka River (Omineca) • Swannell River, Ingenika tributary (Finlay) • Pelly Creek, Ingenika tributary (Finlay) • Bower Creek, Finlay River tributary (Finlay) • Tsyadiz Creek, Finlay River tributary (Finlay) • Russel Creek, Finlay River tributary (Finlay) • Clearwater Creek (Peace)

Consideration should be given to a program to monitor fish size and possibly fecundity in some of the index streams to indicate whether or not the kokanee population in Williston Reservoir has reached carrying capacity.

Distribution Monitoring Kokanee expansion in the Parsnip River system and a resulting threat to native kokanee populations in Arctic and Tacheeda lakes does not appear to be occurring at present. However, aerial surveys along the Parsnip River should be conducted at least every second year to address the concern that kokanee of Columbia River origin may affect the native kokanee populations in Arctic and Tacheeda lakes.

Colonization/expansion of distribution range To determine if the Williston Reservoir kokanee population is expanding into new locations, an aerial survey that examines all the systems surveyed from 2002 to 2006 should be repeated every fourth year beginning in 2010.

10 Williston Reservoir Kokanee Spawner Surveys 2002-2006 A.R. Langston

REFERENCES

BC Hydro. 1988. Williston Reservoir raising: Environmental overview. Environmental Services, Systems Operations and Maintenance Division, Rep. No. ES-118. BC Hydro, Burnaby, BC.

BC Research. 1977. Limnology of Arrow, McNaughton, Upper Campbell, and Williston Lakes. Project No. 1-05-807. Prepared for BC Hydro Power and Authority, Vancouver, BC.

Bergmann, U., D. Cattanach, T. Down, and J. Metcalfe. 2003. Program overview and strategic direction (2001-2005). Peace/Williston Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program Report No. 273. 7pp.

Blackman, B.G., D.A. Jesson, D. Ableson, and T. Down. 1990. Williston Lake fisheries compensation program management plan. Peace/Williston Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program Report No. 58. 38pp.

Fleck, J.L. 1992. Kokanee enumeration manual. Kootenay Region BC Environment and Lands Fisheries Program report. 5pp.

Langston, A.R. and R.J. Zemlak. 1998. Williston Reservoir stocked kokanee spawning assessment, 1994. Peace/Williston Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program Report No. 176. 13pp + app.

McLean, A.R. and B.G. Blackman. 1991. Williston watershed aerial kokanee (Oncorhynchus nerka ) spawning survey 1990. Peace/Williston Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program Report No. 62. 10pp + app.

Oliver, G.G. 1995. Kokanee spawner distribution survey and stock-monitoring plan for the upper Columbia Basin. Interior Reforestation Co. Ltd. report. 19pp + app.

Stockner, J.G., A.R. Langston, D. Sebastian, and G. Wilson. 2005. The Limnology of Williston Reservoir: British Columbia’s Largest Lacustrine Ecosystem. Water Qual. Res. J. of Canada, Vol. 40, No. 1, 28-50.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Critical review of this report and helpful suggestions were provided by Sumac Writing and Editing.

11 Williston Reservoir Kokanee Spawner Surveys 2002-2006 A.R. Langston

APPENDIX A Kokanee stocking in Williston Reservoir tributaries, 1990–1998.

Years fish Year Carbon Davis Dunlevy Manson Nation Total return as stocked Creek River Creek River River stocked spawners 1990 106,500 0 25,000 225,000 100,000 456,500 93,97,01,05,09 1991 101,798 0 25,000 101,898 25,000 253,696 94,98,02,06,10 1992 193,000 0 25,089 72,375 163,085 453,549 95,99,03,07,11 1993 100,000 0 25,000 192,400 72,000 389,400 96,00,04,08,12 1994 105,000 0 27,398 206,198 79,000 417,596 97,01,05,09,13 1995 100,000 0 25,000 200,000 75,000 400,000 98,02,06,10,14 1996 100,000 0 0 204,000 100,000 404,000 99,03,07,11,15 1997 109,000 50,000 0 194,434 50,000 403,434 00,04,08,12,16 1998 100,000 25,000 0 0 0 125,000 01,05,09,13,17 Total 1,015,298 75,000 152,487 1,396,305 664,085 3,303,175

APPENDIX B The number of fish observed in each stream surveyed, 2002–2006.

Notes: (a) The estimates, including the grand totals for each Williston reach (highlighted in yellow), are rounded to the nearest hundred, unless <100 fish were observed, in which case the actual number observed is shown.

(b) For Year 1 (2002), the estimate presented is the highest number of kokanee observed during the three dates flown.

(d) McGraw and Russel creeks were not flown in September 2002. The number of kokanee reported were those observed on the October 9 flight.

Stream Name Year 1 (2002) Year 2 (2003) Year 3 (2004) Year 4 (2005) Year 5 (2006) Finlay Reach Tributaries Sept. 16–20 Sept. 15-19 Sept. 13-17 Sept. 12-17 Sept. 11–16 Smaller watersheds (Finlay Reach) Bevel Creek 2 Bruin Creek 0 0 10 25 0 Chowika Creek 0 0 0 200 Collins Creek 0 0 87 15 Davis River 0 6 0 700 Hydro Creek Ed Bird Lake outlet 200 400 Lafferty Creek 0 0 50 63 300 Rubyred Creek 0 0 0 0 Unnamed creek Ospika Arm tributary 3 0 Smaller watersheds total 0 2 66 378 1,615

Williston Reservoir Kokanee Spawner Surveys 2002-2006 A.R. Langston

Stream Name Year 1 (2002) Year 2 (2003) Year 3 (2004) Year 4 (2005) Year 5 (2006) Finlay Reach Tributaries continued Sept. 16–20 Sept. 15-19 Sept. 13-17 Sept. 12-17 Sept. 11–16 Finlay River watershed (Finlay Reach) Finlay River 0 20 0 3,000 33,200 Akie River Finlay R tributary 0 0 0 0 880 Blanchard Creek Finlay R tributary 0 0 Bower Creek Finlay R tributary 0 0 500 92 16,000 Cutoff Creek Finlay R tributary 0 0 0 93 Del Creek Finlay R tributary 200 200 1,800 400 2,900 Delta Creek Finlay R tributary 0 0 Firesteel River Finlay R tributary 0 0 Fox River Finlay R tributary 0 0 0 35 45 Kwadacha River Finlay R tributary 0 McGraw Creek Finlay R tributary 99 98 6 1,300 2,100 Obo River Finlay R tributary 0 0 0 0 Paul River Finlay R tributary 0 0 4 400 5,500 Pesika Creek Finlay R tributary 0 300 0 0 7,500 Russel Creek Finlay R tributary 468 3,200 9,600 15,300 51,500 Stelkuz Creek Russel Ck tributary Spinel River Finlay R tributary 0 0 0 0 Thudaka River Finlay R tributary 0 0 0 0 Toodoggone River Finlay R tributary 0 0 Truncate Creek Finlay R tributary 5 0 56 0 Tsaydiz Creek Finlay R tributary 0 200 900 6,400 Unnamed creek #1 Finlay R tributary 100 Finlay River watershed total 767 3,823 12,110 21,483 126,218 Ingenika River watershed (Finlay Reach) Ingenika River 1,400 7,500 29,000 30,500 171,500 Cutbank Creek Ingenika R tributary 0 Pelly Creek Ingenika R tributary 300 1,300 6,100 6,400 28,500 Zygadene Creek Pelly Creek tributary 400 Tucha Creek Pelly Creek tributary 0 Swannell River Ingenika R tributary 0 2,100 2 1,400 10,400 Ravenal Creek Swannell R tributary 70 500 0 500 225 Wrede Creek 0 Ingenika River watershed total 1,770 11,400 35,102 38,800 211,025 Ospika River watershed (Finlay Reach) Ospika River 18,700 Aley Creek Ospika R tributary 36 200 26 200 1,700 Gauvreau Creek Ospika R tributary 0 0 0 0 0 Stevenson Creek 0 5 7 100 8 Ospika River watershed total 36 205 33 300 20,408 Finlay Reach Tributaries Total 2,600 15,400 47,300 61,000 359,300

Williston Reservoir Kokanee Spawner Surveys 2002-2006 A.R. Langston

Stream Name Year 1 (2002) Year 2 (2003) Year 3 (2004) Year 4 (2005) Year 5 (2006) Omineca Arm Tributaries Sept. 16–20 Sept. 15-19 Sept. 13-17 Sept. 12-17 Sept. 11–16 Mesilinka River watershed (Omineca Arm) Mesilinka River 0 0 0 0 15,400 Carina Creek Mesilinka R tributary 0 Gopherhole Creek Mesilinka R tributary 0 Lay Creek Mesilinka R tributary 0 Prospector Creek Mesilinka R tributary 0 0 Tutizika Creek Mesilinka R tributary 0 0 Mesilinka River watershed total 0 0 0 0 15,400 Omineca River watershed (Omineca Arm) Omineca River 0 3,700 218,000 Big Creek Omineca R tributary 0 Discovery Creek Omineca R tributary 2 2,900 3,200 4,900 9,900 Duckling Creek Omineca R tributary 0 0 0 Germansen River Omineca R tributary 20,000 35,500 44,200 41,100 108,000 Indian Meadow Ck Omineca R tributary 0 20 0 Jackfish Creek Omineca R tributary 1,000 3,400 3,700 2,400 0 Nina Creek Omineca R tributary 5,500 60 800 100 0 Ogden Creek Omineca R tributary 400 Osilinka River Omineca R tributary 36,800 114,600 116,700 65,500 246,800 Dead Bear Creek Osilinka R tributary 1,800 200 400 800 1,800 Tenakihi Creek Osilinka R tributary 0 0 0 0 0 Thane Creek Osilinka R tributary 0 Wasi Creek Osilinka R tributary 0 300 0 1,500 200 Porter Creek Omineca R tributary 5,300 8,200 16,000 9,500 1,000 Silver Creek Omineca R tributary 800 300 Twenty Mile Creek Omineca R tributary 0 400 1,500 4,000 3,500 Unnamed creek #2 Omineca R tributary 1,600 40 200 100 Omineca River watershed total 72,002 169,300 186,700 130,720 589,900 Omineca Arm Tributaries Total 72,000 169,300 186,700 130,700 605,300

Stream Name Year 1 (2002) Year 2 (2003) Year 3 (2004) Year 4 (2005) Year 5 (2006) Peace Reach Tributaries Sept. 16–20 Sept. 15-19 Sept. 13-17 Sept. 12-17 Sept. 11–16

Carbon Creek 0 0 0 0 49 Clearwater Creek 0 0 1 6 1,300 Dunlevy Creek 200 16 7 300 75 Nabesche River 0 0 0 0 700 Point Creek 0 Schooler Creek 20 0 90 0 100 West Nabesche River 0 0 0 0 Peace Reach tributaries total 220 16 98 306 2,224 Peace Reach Tributaries Total 200 16 98 300 2,200

Williston Reservoir Kokanee Spawner Surveys 2002-2006 A.R. Langston

Stream Name Year 1 (2002) Year 2 (2003) Year 3 (2004) Year 4 (2005) Year 5 (2006) Parsnip Reach Tributaries Sept. 16–20 Sept. 15-19 Sept. 13-17 Sept. 12-17 Sept. 11–16 Smaller watersheds (Parsnip Reach) Chichouyenily Ck 20 0 0 2 0 Cutthumb Creek 10 200 0 41 1,800 Gagnon Creek 26 0 2 0 0 Lamonti Creek 0 0 0 Mischinsinlika Ck 6 0 0 0 60 Morfee Creek 0 0 5 27 Mugaha Creek 8 100 0 0 100 Patsuk Creek 17 0 0 0 800 Scott Creek 50 0 0 100 3,000 Six Mile Creek 21 0 0 0 400 Tony Creek 0 0 0 0 50 Tutu Creek 0 0 0 2 30 Weston Creek 0 0 1 62 100 Smaller watersheds (Parsnip Reach) total 158 300 3 212 6,367 Crooked River watershed (Parsnip Reach) Crooked River 0 0 0 0 0 Altzega Creek Crooked R tributary 0 0 0 0 Angusmac Creek Crooked R tributary 0 0 0 0 0 McLeod River Crooked R tributary 0 0 0 0 0 Redrocky Creek Crooked R tributary 0 0 0 0 0 Weedon Creek Crooked R tributary 0 0 0 0 0 Crooked River watershed total 0 0 0 0 0 Manson River watershed (Parsnip Reach) Upper Manson R Upstream of lakes 0 0 Wolverine L outlet Upper Manson R trib. 0 95 Manson River Downstream of lakes 3,800 12,600 85 4 31,300 Ciarelli (Donna) Ck Manson R tributary 0 0 Gaffney Creek Manson R tributary 0 0 0 0 0 Munro Creek Manson R tributary 0 0 0 0 Manson River watershed total 3,800 12,600 85 4 31,395 Nation River watershed (Parsnip Reach) Nation River 0 13 0 0 100 Philip Creek Nation R tributary 200 1,100 0 0 1,800 Rainbow Creek Nation R tributary 0 0 0 0 0 Sylvester Creek Nation R tributary 0 0 0 0 0 unnamed creek Nation R tributary 0 0 Nation River watershed total 200 1,113 0 0 1,900 Parsnip River watershed (Parsnip Reach) Parsnip River 50 0 0 300 Anzac River Parsnip R tributary 0 0 0 0 0 Arctic Lake inlet Parsnip R tributary 0 0 0 Arctic Lake outlet Parsnip R tributary 0 0 0 Colbourne Creek Parsnip R tributary 200 0 0 0 37 Hominka River Parsnip R tributary 0 0 0 0 0 Misinschinka River Parsnip R tributary 1,500 0 0 0 4,200 Missinka River Parsnip R tributary 0 0 0 0 0

Williston Reservoir Kokanee Spawner Surveys 2002-2006 A.R. Langston

Stream Name Year 1 (2002) Year 2 (2003) Year 3 (2004) Year 4 (2005) Year 5 (2006) Parsnip River watershed continued Sept. 16–20 Sept. 15-19 Sept. 13-17 Sept. 12-17 Sept. 11–16 Reynolds Creek Parsnip R tributary 500 0 0 48 0 Table River Parsnip R tributary 0 0 0 0 0 Tacheeda Creek Parsnip R tributary 0 0 0 0 0 Wichcika Creek Parsnip R tributary 0 0 0 0 0 Wooyadilinka Ck Parsnip R tributary 0 0 0 0 Parsnip River watershed total 2,250 0 0 48 4,537 Parsnip Reach Tributaries Total 6,400 14,000 88 300 44,200

Williston Reservoir Kokanee Spawner Surveys 2002-2006 A.R. Langston

APPENDIX C Locations surveyed and distribution of kokanee spawners

Finlay Reach Tributaries Uppermost point Uppe rmost location Stream Name Watershed Code Mouth of stream surveyed kokanee observed Smaller watersheds (Finlay Reach) Bevel C 230 -925700 10 438346 6214706 10 439107 6216375 Bruin C 230 -962600 10 411982 6260546 10 413567 6261478 Chowika C 230 -986000 10 39404 3 6289990 10 396071 6292349 Collins C 230 -958300 10 414762 6256013 10 415272 6257526 Davis R 230 -966200 10 409740 6268587 10 411406 6283144 Kokanee in first km from mouth. Hydro C (Ed Bird Lake outlet) 230 -99880 10 379661 6305452 10 378674 6307091 10 378939 6306418 beaver pond/small lake with beaver dam seems to be barrier to any further upstream movement. Lafferty C 230 -950000 10 418520 6245819 10 420203 6246859 Beaver dam was barrier to upstream kokanee in 2004 a nd 2005; they could only get to 10.424363.6246745. Rubyred C (Finlay Reach trib.) 239 -006700 10 381584 6309022 10 382016 6308861 No kokanee. Unnamed Ospika Arm trib. 230 -935600 10 436866 6239329 10 436655 6239753 3 kokanee at downstream e nd of road culvert. Ospika camp cook reported 100+ fish here in 2004. Finlay River watershed (Finlay Reach) Finlay R 239 10 376713 6316052 9 626764 6330417 10 320519 6378020 Kokanee upstream of Cuttoff creek, into Cascade Canyon. Chute area appears to be barrier at 10.320519.6378020. Akie C (Finlay R trib.) 239 -083100 10 371285 6322683 10 374218 6325005 No kokanee, survey ends just upstream of road crossing bridge. Blanchard C (Finlay R trib.) 239 -135500 10 364941 6332490 10 364899 6332950 No kokanee. Bower C (Finlay R trib.) 239 -406100 10 324801 6370015 9 678082 6369629 No kokanee observed in last km of the survey. Cutoff C (Finlay R trib.) 239 -455000 10 675443 6380017 10 674285 6380630 Kokanee in the first km or so. 2006 was first time kokanee accessed the creek. Del C (Finlay R trib.) 239 -159900 10 363774 6337298 10 363259 6338881 10 363259 6338881 Kokanee present just to the end of the survey point. Delta C (Finlay R trib.) 239 -712000 9 646192 6352651 9 646093 6351768 No kokanee. Firesteel R (Finlay R trib.) 239 -821700 9 625985 6334204 9 623883 6333107 No kokanee. Survey end point is approx. 2km up Firesteel. End point is at base of impassable waterfall. Fox R (Finlay R tr ib.) 239 -350100 10 338999 6368423 10 338961 6368439 Kokanee closer to mouth. Kwadacha R (Finlay R trib.) 239 -333700 10 343633 6366745 10 342913 6367952 No kokanee, too turbid, have never been able to see any kokanee. McGraw C (Finlay R t rib.) 239 -171000 10 361335 6338893 10 360590 6338132 All kokanee within 500 m of stream mouth. Obo R (Finlay R trib.) 239 -544100 9 657440 6391058 9 656231 6392471 No kokanee. Paul R (Finlay R trib.) 239 -280100 10 351753 6354581 10 352914 6356744 10 352914 6356744 Kokanee present at base of water fall. Survey ends at 3 -4 m waterfall barrier to upstream fish passage. Pesika C (Finlay R trib.) 239 -040200 10 376455 6317419 10 377441 6318359 10 377441 6318359 Waterfalls in canyon area are barriers to kokanee upstream movement, ended survey at this point. Russel C (Finlay R trib.) 239 -202800 10 357499 6342941 10 357535 6342937 Kokanee observed farther up Russel in 2006 than any other year. Stelkuz C (Russel C trib.) 239 -202800 -31600 10 349343 6345536 10 348341 6346357 10 348341 6346357 Kokanee present all the way to Stelkuz Lake, no barriers so kokanee have access to the lake and beyond. Spinel C (Finlay R trib.) 239 -515700 9 664669 6390260 9 663824 6391866 No kokanee. Thudaka R (Finlay R trib.) 239 -572600 9 651249 6388928 9 649337 638922 No kokanee. Toodoggone R (Finlay R trib.) 239 -667500 9 647347 6364213 9 645471 6363133 No kokanee. Truncate C (Finlay R trib.) 239 -119 100 10 369139 6329146 10 369742 6329702 Road crossing bridge may be upper limit. Barrier is a cascade, fairly high velocity 0.4 m fall/chute. Tsaydiz C (Finlay R trib.) 239 -085100 10 370755 6322856 10 367046 6321753 No kokanee in the upper most 1km of the survey. unnamed creek #1 (Finlay R trib.) 239 -394900 10 327997 6369526 10 327130 6368437 All fish were downstream of uppermost area surveyed. Ingenika River watershed (Finlay Reach) Ingenika R 230 -991300 10 375649 6290656 10 347906 6294242 10 337784 6296790 Kokanee observed in Ingenika upstream of Pelly Creek confluence. Cutbank C (Ingenika R trib.) 230 -991300 -26300 10 352163 6292822 10 351157 6292713 No kokanee. Pelly C (Ingenika trib.) 230 -991300 -28300 10 350034 6293856 10 348670 6301820 10 348670 6301820 Canyon is not a barrier. Kokanee can access trib. and Pelly Lake, or continue up Pelly Creek. Pelly Lake outlet (Zygadene Creek) 230 -991300 -28300 -78 10 349285 6300589 10 351135 6302672 In outlet just downstream of Pelly Lake. Tucha C (Pelly C trib.) 230 -991300 -28300 -1670010 344272 6305215 10 343039 6306823 No kokanee. Swannell R (Ingenika R trib.) 230 -991300 -03200 10 371674 6289552 10 366767 6278529 10 369154 6279820 Water fall 10.368290.6278830 in canyon approx. 500 m upstream of road bridge is a likely barrier to kokanee spawners. Ravenal C (Swannell R trib.) 230 -991300 -03200 -1490010 369119 6279578 10 369312 6277847 Beaver dam 2km upstream from mouth was a barrier to kokanee in 2004, 2005. Wrede C (Ingenika R trib.) 230 -991300 -46500 10 334934 6297275 10 334093 6295677 No kokanee. Ospika River watershed (Finlay Reach) Ospika R 230 -935100 10 441138 6244078 10 440052 6249888 Ospika too turbi d (glacial), after 2002 just flew lower tributaries. In 2006 not turbid and counted kokanee. Aley C (Ospika R trib.) 230 -935100 -14700 10 442799 6258212 10 445206 6259428 Gauvreau C (Ospika R trib.) 230 -935100 -00800 10 441303 6243784 10 4435 21 6243136 No kokanee. Stevenson C (Ospika R trib.) 230 -935100 -01500 10 441163 6244872 10 443045 6247031 Kokanee at road bridge.

Williston Reservoir Kokanee Spawner Surveys 2002-2006 A.R. Langston

Omineca Arm Tributaries Uppermost point Uppermost location Stream Name Watershed Code Mouth of stream surveyed kokanee observed Mesilinka River watershed (Omineca Arm) Mesilinka R 230-925900 10 408033 6222765 10 332074 6255964 10 379102 625551 Kokanee were observed to about 3 km downstream of 10.379102.625551. Kokanee first present in 2006. Carina C (Mesilinka R trib.) 230-925800-34800 10 380950 6255200 No kokanee, no coordinates collected, coordinates from FISS, surveyed from mouth upstream approximately 2 km. Gopherhole C (Mesilinka R trib.) 230-925900-13000 10 398435 6234142 No kokanee, stream too small not enough water. Lay C (Mesilinka R trib.) 230-925900-75700 10 332074 6255964 10 332322 6258389 No kokanee. Prospector C (Mesilinka R trib.) 230-925900-22600 10 389855 6241835 10 389233 6241648 No kokanee. Tutizika C (Mesilinka R trib.) 230-925900-55400 10 356183 6245141 10 356228 6243997 No kokanee. Omineca River watershed (Omineca Arm) Omineca R 238 10 405895 6219039 10 348097 6181799 Kokanee stop about 4 km below Ominicetla C. Big C (Omineca R trib.) 238-067300 10 402332 6207994 10 401693 6207948 No kokanee. Discovery C (Omineca R trib.) 238-353100 10 368407 6185101 10 368687 6186885 Kokanee observed to about 500 m downstream of survey end point, none past that point. Duckling C (Omineca R trib.) 238-424700 10 358987 6182563 10 358505 6183209 No kokanee. Germansen R (Omineca R trib.) 238-205200 10 394482 6183985 10 395835 6177595 10 395242 6179108 Boulder creates approximately 0.6 m cascade/waterfall appears to be a barrier in 2006 as no kokanee have gone past this point. Indian Meadow C (Omineca trib.) 238-397400 10 362790 6184375 10 362775 6184997 Only one school of kokanee, all at the mouth. Jackfish C (Omineca R trib.) 238-183400 10 397865 6185445 10 398612 6185105 Kokanee concentrated in lower reaches, no fish present at upper survey point, small 1.5 m chute at survey end may be a barrier. Nina/ Echo C (Omineca R trib.) 238-251600 10 384708 6186986 10 385353 6189593 10 385353 6189593 90% of kokanee are downstream of bridge crossing, one or two may have come as far upstream as the end survey point. Ogden Creek (Omineca R trib.) 10 339004 6187028 10 338269 6186760 Kokanee to within 500 m of end survey point. Osilinka R 238-024000 10 404251 6216805 10 360488 6215118 10 374534 6223328 Dead Bear C (Osilinka R trib.) 238-024000-15200 10 387972 6221477 10 387604 6221759 only a few seen in last 800 m of survey. Tenakihi C (Osilinka R trib.) 238-024000-40300 10 367183 6224184 10 366386 6226025 No kokanee. Thane C (Osilinka R trib.) 238-024000-46400 10 361718 6220204 No kokanee. Wasi C (Osilinka R trib.) 238-024000-31900 10 374534 6223328 10 374062 6220270 in 2005 went 3km farther than in 2004. In 2005 kokanee started around the end point of 2004. Porter C (Omineca R trib.) 238-110700 10 402139 6198161 10 403352 6197265 10 403352 6197265 Kokanee concentrated at waterfall at uppermost survey point, barrier. Is Blue Lake outlet. Silver C (Omineca R trib.) 238-485600 10 348097 6181799 10 346180 6181292 Kokanee extended all the way to near end survey point, then fish numbers dropped to none. Twenty Mile C (Omineca R trib.) 238-339800 10 488515 6139109 10 488525 6139260 Cascade/small waterfalls at survey end point probable upstream barrier. No kokanee observed in upper half of the stream. Unnamed C #2(Omineca R trib.) 238-146200 10 401402 6190196 10 401843 6189744 Kokanee concentrated in lower reaches. Accidentally not surveyed in 2005 and 2006.

Peace Reach Tributaries Uppermost point Uppermost location Stream Name Watershed Code Mouth of stream surveyed kokanee observed Smaller watersheds (Peace Reach) Carbon C 230 -846900 10 519586 6205293 10 512075 6181409 Kokanee near the sidechannel as far up as 10.521090.6184950 seen by a ground survey (2001), none from the aerial surveys. Clearwater R 230 -870800 10 489828 6194512 10 506904 6163649 10 490095 6191235 Cascade chute in the canyon area not a barrier, no waterfall or velocity barrier. Dunlevy C 230 -828900 10 538523 6224798 10 537127 6228534 10 537699 6225870 The survey end point is impassable waterfall. Nabesche R 230 -860500 10 488869 6220139 10 490878 6223936 10 490878 6223936 Kokanee first observed in 2006. kokanee distributed from mouth to base of impassable 4 m waterfall. Point C (Clearwater R trib.) 230 -871600 10 486214 6202415 10 478302 6197177 No kokanee. Survey end site is 2 stage cascade approx. 3 -4 m height. Schooler C 230 -846600 10 513940 6221087 10 513654 6224683 10 513906 6223684 West Nabesche R 230 -860600 10 490126 6218232 10 488254 6218383 No kokanee.

Williston Reservoir Kokanee Spawner Surveys 2002-2006 A.R. Langston

Parsnip Reach Tributaries Uppermost point Uppermost location Stream Name Watershed Code Mouth of stream surveyed kokanee observed Smaller watersheds(Parsnip Reach) Chichouyenily C 230-905600 10 491512 6130404 10 492912 6129946 Cut Thumb C 230-903300 10 479367 6154909 10 481643 6156589 10 481643 6156589 Impassable waterfall at 10.481662.6156594. Kokanee extended to cascades just downstream of waterfall. Gagnon C 230-905800 10 492821 6124889 10 494139 6123804 Lamonti C 230-902900 10 475094 6162038 10 475867 6161845 No kokanee. Mischinsinlika C 230-906500 10 495278 6114711 10 497239 6117463 Morfee C 230-905100-04500 10 488560 6138708 10 489827 6139027 Mugaha C 230-905100 10 488328 6138426 10 488980 6140174 10 488525 6139260 Patsuk C 230-902800-13100 10 474450 6163920 10 475217 6165348 Scott C 230-901900 10 464419 6175528 10 465275 6176956 Six Mile C 230-902800 10 474681 6162510 10 474068 6165183 Tony C 230-904500 10 483695 6145685 10 484920 6148192 Tutu C 230-904600 10 485826 6143966 10 486689 6144917 Weston C 230-901500 10 457604 6186168 10 458303 6184612 Crooked River watershed (Parsnip Reach) Crooked R 230-906800-97600 10 492508 6108688 10 517036 6048082 No kokanee. Altezega C 230-906800-97600-1440010 512740 6066899 10 513273 6067098 No kokanee. Angusmac C (Crooked R. trib.) 230-906800-97600-4130010 517036 6048082 10 517247 6047991 No kokanee. McLeod R (Crooked R trib.) 230-906800-55600 10 497345 6093324 10 496238 6094204 No kokanee. Redrocky C (Crooked R trib.) 230-906800-97600-3240010 518425 6052626 10 519259 6053376 No kokanee. Weedon C (Crooked R trib.) 230-906800-97600-1100010 511487 6070100 10 510291 6069646 No kokanee. Manson River watershed (Parsnip Reach) upper Manson R (above lakes) 230-916700 10 412305 6168756 10 410017 6170926 No kokanee. Manson Lakes upstream to Wolverine Creek confluence. (kokanee only at Wolverine Lake). Wolverine Creek (Manson R trib.) 230-916700-68700 10 410076 6170891 10 409776 6171101 10 409776 6171101 Reliable reports of kokanee spawners in Sept. 2004. Kokanee observed in 2006. lower Manson R (downstream of lakes) 230-916700 10 448217 6177096 10 416773 6160421 10 410076 6170891 Kokanee observed in Wolverine Lake outlet (upper Manson). Ciarelli C (Manson R trib. -aka Donna) 230-916700-45500 10 424391 6156966 10 423546 6157955 No kokanee. Alias name for the creek is Donna Creek, also locally known as Soloman Creek. Gaffney C (Manson R trib.) 230-916700-41300 10 427126 6155474 10 426135 6153859 No kokanee. Munro C (Manson R trib.) 230-916700-33300 10 433112 6156017 10 432966 6154850 No kokanee. Nation River watershed (Parsnip Reach) Nation R 237 10 462532 6146703 10 411219 6116634 10 456441 6136452 Farthest upstream kokanee observed was at bridge pool. Cascade/falls @ 10.458000.6126597 are a possible barrier Philip C (Nation R trib.) 237-131300 10 458318 6128891 10 462696 6125946 10 462037 6176802 based on 2003 year data Rainbow C (Nation R trib.) 237-272900 10 440071 6123109 10 439621 6121780 No kokanee. Sylvester C (Nation R trib.) 237-331000 10 429192 6122399 10 428949 6123849 No kokanee. Unnamed C #1 (Nation trib.-aka Munro C) 237-238200 10 446638 6121894 10 445950 6123134 No kokanee. Parsnip River watershed (Parsnip Reach) Parsnip River 236 10 495440 6114475 10 584155 6032398 10 504225 6104817 50 kokanee mid-channel near Colbourne C in 2002. Too murky (glacial) to observe kokanee, gets worse further upstream. Anzac R 236-313100 10 529662 6072431 10 535525 6078938 No kokanee. Most years flew to bridge crossing, in October 2002 went farther upstream to survey end point depicted. Arctic Lake inlet 236-805000 10 587945 6029758 10 588382 6029590 No kokanee. Arctic Lake outlet 236-805000 10 581928 6033185 10 584152 6032388 No kokanee. Colbourne C 236-101400 10 507127 6102855 10 508221 6104269 10 507794 6103587 Hominka R 236-545600 10 558653 6054001 10 576057 6062429 No kokanee. Misinchinka R 236-073000 10 502588 6106299 10 508856 6109016 10 508856 6109016 Missinka R 236-614900 10 561916 6048402 10 564024 6050457 No kokanee. Reynolds C 236-220100 10 519907 6085825 10 525021 6088910 10 521308 6087799 Table R 236-450800 10 545494 6061879 10 548601 6063928 No kokanee. Average survey was 5 - 10 km, in 2002 also checked up at falls pool for bull trout, no kokanee up there. Tacheeda C 236-352800 10 533612 6067114 10 526555 6057709 No kokanee. Wichcika C 236-615600 10 561869 6048262 10 558959 6047901 No kokanee. Wooyadilinka C 236-375200 10 536675 6064540 10 537308 6066418 No kokanee.