Coastal Cutthroat Trout: Life in the Watershed

Home , Coastal cutthroat trout, Cutthroat trout

Coastal cutthroat trout is one of three cutthroat subspecies found in Oregon. The coastal subspecies, which is closely related to steelhead/rainbow trout and Pacific salmon, displays the most diverse and flexible life history of any of the Oregon salmonids. Coastal cutthroat can be found in streams and rivers from the Eel River in northern Adult cutthroat trout are distinguished from steelhead and Pacific salmon by the length of the California to Prince William upper jaw bone, which extends well behind the eye, and by the presence of two red-orange Sound in Alaska. slashes below the lower jaw. (These slashes may be absent in silvery, sea-run cutthroat.) In Oregon, coastal cutthroat use various life history strategies to occupy a variety of ecosystems in most coastal and lower Co- lumbia River streams. This distribution closely follows the coastal rain forest belt. Mature fish may range from 6 inches, in populations that remain in small headwater streams throughout the life cycle, to 20 inches, in pop- Juvenile cutthroat trout are identified by long, numerous, black spots on the tail fin. ulations that migrate to and from the ocean. Illustrations © 1999 by Barbara B. Gleason Current abundance is not bia to be sensitive. The lack where they live. At the same known, but many scientists of good population infor- benefits individuals and time, we must address other believe that populations mation for the remaining communities by enhancing factors that threaten cut- have declined substantially coastal streams and rivers, water quality and quantity. throat, such as harvest and since the 1950s and 1960s. along with the cutthroat’s This publication is hatchery effects. The federal government list- demonstrated sensitivity to designed to help you un- Coastal residents have ed the coastal cutthroat trout habitat disturbance, makes derstand how, where, and a critical role to play in as endangered throughout vigilance the rule. when cutthroat trout live improving fish habitat in the Umpqua River basin Efforts to restore and in watersheds and the role watersheds. Improving below natural barriers in conserve cutthroat trout you can play in conserving watersheds will prevent August 1996, and the state must focus on improving and restoring this natural extinction of species and government considers popu- habitat in the watersheds heritage. lations in the lower Colum-

© 1999 by Oregon Sea Grant, Oregon State University This publication may be photocopied or reprinted in its entirety for noncommercial purposes.1 The Flexible, yet like the other cutthroats, Fragile, Existence spawn in tributaries; how- We Live in Watersheds . . . of Cutthroat ever, juveniles and post-re- productive adults migrate to Trout coastal lakes rather than the Because it is a master ocean or large rivers. These at solving the problems lakes may be either isolated of living in many diverse or connected to the ocean. environments, the coastal Anadromous (or sea-run) cutthroat trout has been populations of cutthroat likened to the canary in the migrate as juveniles to es- coal mine—if its popula- tuaries and the ocean in the tions are declining, what spring, like their salmon and does that say about our steelhead cousins. However, coastal environment? the fish stay in the estuaries Although cutthroat trout or nearshore waters, rarely share many characteris- migrating more than 40 tics with their cousins the miles offshore, and usually Pacific salmon, they differ return to freshwater later (along with steelhead trout) that same year in summer in that some adult cutthroat or fall. These returnees, survive spawning to repro- silvery and lacking spots, duce again. may either spawn in streams Coastal cutthroats come that first winter or spring in all sizes and spots. or return to the sea for yet Scientists typecast them another cycle of growing into four major categories: and maturing. resident, fluvial, adfluvial, This flexibility in life pat- and anadromous. terns means that cutthroats Resident cutthroats, use all parts of coastal darker with prominent watersheds. Yet cutthroats spots, dominate most of are the least aggressive of Life history the headwater tributaries the salmon and trout found and small coastal streams in these waters and are often 1 Resident cutthroats grow, mature, and spawn often in Oregon. These environ- pushed to marginal habitat very close to the location from which they hatched. Adult ments are often closed to by more aggressive coho cutthroat trout may be as small as 6 inches long, but most larger salmon and trout salmon and steelhead trout. mature at a length between 10 and 20 inches. by barriers, but the small This means that cutthroats Fluvial and adfluvial cutthroats migrate to spawning cutthroats found there teeter on the brink, making streams in the spring, usually to the streams in which they thrive, rarely venturing far them critically dependent on hatched (natal streams), and spawn in spring or summer in from the site in which they functioning watersheds to small streams. hatched. provide refuge. Sea-run cutthroats migrate into freshwater in late sum- Fluvial cutthroats Watersheds are the cir- mer to late fall, usually to their natal streams, and spawn are found in larger river culatory system of the land, from late winter to spring. The adults migrate back to the systems throughout the draining ridgetops through ocean shortly after spawning. coast. These fish remain streams and then rivers and The eggs hatch in summer, the precise time depending in the rivers for most of finally coming to a conflu- on water temperature. their adult lives, leaving ence in a lake or the ocean. only briefly to migrate (Evaporation from the ocean 2-3 Resident cutthroat fry emerge in spring or summer and remain in their natal streams. into smaller tributaries to falls on the highlands in spawn or to seek refuge in Fluvial and adfluvial cutthroat fry also emerge in spring the form of rain or snow to or summer and may remain in their natal streams or mi- winter months. complete the circuit.) Fire, Adfluvial populations, grate (usually the following spring) to other streams, rivers, or lakes.

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Sea-run cutthroat fry migrate to lower reaches of streams 4 In the marine environment, cutthroat trout tend to grow after emerging from the gravel in spring or summer. As early about an inch every month, feeding on a variety of small as the following spring, but more often two to four springs lat- crustaceans and fish. Their residency in seawater is brief— er, juvenile cutthroat trout migrate to estuaries and the ocean usually only a few months—and they tend to stay close to as seawater-adapted “smolts.” the freshwater streams and rivers from which they came. For successful production, juvenile cutthroat trout that live The fish return to freshwater later the same year in autumn at the edges of streams or in backwater areas depend on the to spawn or to spend another year growing and developing presence of streambank vegetation and abundant instream before undertaking another seaward migration. structure created by logs and root wads.

3 continued from page 2 in stream pools, which in the natural disturbances to provide large wood, boul- landslides, erosion, and turn provide cutthroat trout a stream and compromising ders, gravel, shade, and food flooding occur naturally in shelter from their aggressive fish survival. that build healthy stream watersheds, helping to cre- coho and steelhead cousins. Functioning watersheds habitats for trout and salm- ate and maintain the condi- The creation of this habitat are important to us and to on. It’s a fact: we share the tions and habitats in which relies on periodic distur- fish. We’ve come to depend watershed, so we must care cutthroat and other species bances that occur naturally on watersheds for timber, for the watershed. We, and have evolved. within a watershed. Human suitable land for farming other living things, depend For example, woody activities sometimes modify and grazing, and drinking on it. debris and boulders cre- the watershed drastically and irrigation water. The ate structural complexity or frequently, exaggerating lands that people manage

4 You Can Help Salmon

Oregon’s coastal • Leave good natural fea- • Plant willows, cotton- proper review and permits), cutthroat trout—and coho, tures, such as a beaver pond wood, poplar, or other shrubs loss of such habitat can steelhead, and chinook— or natural side channel, and trees along your water- harm fish. Consider options can be saved! Land own- alone. These are important ways. They help stabilize the that preserve these habitats. rearing areas for fish. banks, filter out sediments ers and managers play an • Construction can cause from runoff, and provide important part in this effort. • Check areas where your serious sediment problems, cooling shade. Whether your land cov- roads cross streams. If your even well away from a ers hundreds of acres or a culverts have a drop or are • If riparian pastures are not waterway, if storm-wa- residential lot in town, you above the stream channel, viable options for your oper- ter runoff is not properly can help. they could be barriers to fish ation, consider using fencing contained. Although smaller The first way is by passage. Consider rede- to keep animals away from operations may not need simply being aware of your signing problem culverts or the water’s edge. permits, they still can have place in the watershed and replacing them completely significant impacts. Check • Protect wetlands, rivers, of your local fish runs. with a bridge structure. with the state Department and estuaries through careful The second way is to of Environmental Quality or animal waste management help provide the habitat local construction com- and from the effects of poor conditions the fish need. panies about responsible fertilizer or herbicide appli- Here are a few helpful tips runoff management at your cation. for different kinds of land- site. owners. • If possible, homeowners and businesses should con- nect to a sewage treatment Agricultural and disposal facility. Poorly performing septic tanks can Businesses contaminate groundwater • Create streamside (ri- and nearby streams, lakes, parian) pastures that can be and bays. If you must use a managed for grazing during Land septic tank, be certain it is ForestOperations times when livestock will properly designed, located, prefer pasture grasses over Developers, and maintained. • Protect streamside trees riparian trees and shrubs. • Dispose of household and other vegetation at least Provide a trough or wa- Homeowners, consistent with the Oregon chemicals such as used tering tank away from the Businesses motor oil, antifreeze, pes- Forest Practices Act require- stream. ments. • While state and federal ticides, and paints at ap- law may allow filling wet- proved collection facilities lands or estuaries (with the in your area.

5 More about Salmon The Return of the Salmon—Restoring the Fish to Rivers and Watersheds. Thirty-minute video produced by Oregon Sea Field Guide to the Pacific Salmon. Robert Steelquist. Grant. Sea Grant Communications, A402 Kerr Administra- Seattle: Sasquatch Books, 1992. 64 pages. Partial proceeds tion, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331. $30. To from the guide’s sale ($5.95) go to the Adopt-A-Stream order, call 1-800-375-9360. Foundation. The Streamkeeper’s Field Guide: Watershed Inventory and Pacific Salmon Life Histories. C. Groot and L. Margolis, Stream Monitoring Methods. Thomas Murdoch, Martha editors. Vancouver, B.C.: University of British Columbia Cheo, and Kate O’Laughlin. Adopt-A-Stream Foundation, Press, 1991. 608 pages. The standard reference work, avail- 600 128th St. SE, Everett, WA 98208. 310 pages. $29.95 + able in larger libraries. shipping. To order, call 425-316-8592. Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife publications are available from the department’s Information Services office: 2501 SW First Ave., Portland, OR 97207; Organizations, Institutions,and 503-872-5264, ext. 5366. All listed below, except Stream Programs Scene curriculum, are free: You can obtain additional information about salmon and Oregon’s Migratory Fish Species. Leaflet. watersheds by directly contacting organizations, institu- Oregon’s Threatened and Endangered Species. Leaflet. tions, and programs. A sampling is presented below. Stream Care. A Salmon/Trout Enhancement Program Adopt-A-Stream Foundation (STEP) publication. 600 128th St. SE Everett, WA 98208 ODFW “Backgrounders”: 425-316-8592 • Coho Salmon Fish Restoration and Enhancement Program • Oregon’s Coastal Salmon and Trout Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife PO Box 59 • Oregon’s Wild Fish Management Policy Portland, OR 97207 • Instream Water Rights 503-872-5252, ext. 5429 • Fish Screening For the Sake of the Salmon 319 SW Washington • The Stream Scene: Watersheds, Wildlife and People. Ste. 706 500 pages. Call for price. A curriculum package for wa- Portland, OR 97204 tershed awareness. 503-223-8511 Fax 503-223-8544 more about Watersheds www.4sos.org/ Oregon Sea Grant: Extension Sea Grant Program . F. D. Euphrat and B. P. A Watershed Assessment Primer Hatfield Marine Science Center Warkentin. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1994. 2030 S. Marine Science Dr. 270 pages. Available from USEPA, Region 10, 1200 Sixth Newport, OR 97365 Avenue, EXA-124, Seattle, WA 98101, or call 206-553- 541-867-0368 1200. (Document EPA 910/B-94-005.) Free (if in stock). seagrant.orst.edu workbook series. Includes Healing the Watershed A Guide Oregon State University Extension Service to the Restoration of Watersheds and Native Fish in the Publication Orders and Pacific Northwest A Citizenʼs Guide to Funding Wa- Extension & Station Communications . The Pacific tershed and Wild Salmon Recovery Programs OSU Rivers Council, Inc. Available from Pacific Rivers Coun- 422 Kerr Administration cil, P.O. Box 10798, Eugene OR 97440. $15 per book. To Corvallis, OR 97331-2119 order, call 541-345-0119. 541-737-2513 A Guide to Placing Large Wood in Streams and Forest eesc.orst.edu Practices Notes Series. Available from Oregon Department of Forestry, Forest Practices Section, 2600 State Street, Salem, OR 97310. Free. To order, call 503-945-7470. continued

6 Organizations, Institutions, and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Programs continued 811 SW Sixth Avenue Portland, OR 97204 Partners for Wildlife Program 1-800-452-4011 US Fish & Wildlife Service www.deq.state.or.us 2600 SE 98th Avenue Suite 100 Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife Portland, OR 97266 2501 SW First Avenue 503-231-6179 PO Box 59 Portland, OR 97207 503-872-5310 Related Management Agencies www.dfw.state.or.us Governor’s Watershed Enhancement Board Oregon Department of Forestry, Forest Practices Program 255 Capitol St. NE 503-945-7470 or contact local Forestry offices Salem, OR 97310 www.odf.state.or.us 503-378-3589, ext. 831 Fax: (503) 378-3225 US Environmental Protection Agency Watershed Branch National Marine Fisheries Service 200 SW 35th Enviro. & Tech. Services Corvallis, OR 97331 525 NE Oregon St. 541-754-4389 #500 Portland, OR 97232 503-230-5400 For more information and for details on your local site, www.nmfs.gov/ contact your local soil and water conservation district or watershed council, or a listed organization. Oregon Department of Agriculture 635 Capitol St. NE Salem, OR 97310 www.oda.state.or.us

7 Oregon Sea Grant Phone: 1-800-375-9360 E-mail: [email protected] Writer: Martin Fitzpatrick ORESU-G-99-012 Production: Cooper Publishing

This publication was funded by the NOAA Office of Sea Grant and Extramural Programs, U.S. Department of Commerce, under grant number NA76RG0476 (project no. M/A-13), and by appropriations made by the Or- egon State legislature. The U.S. government is authorized to produce and distribute reprints for governmental purposes notwithstanding any copyright notation that may appear hereon. Sea Grant is a unique partnership with public and private sectors, combining research, education, and technol- ogy transfer for public service. This national network of universities meets the changing environmental and economic needs of people in our coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes regions.