Byrne Creek Spawner Patrol 2005.1.5
It was a cold spawner patrol on January 5, with the ground hard with frost and the breeze nipping at our noses.
Yumi and I checked the area from the habitat (Tag 508) near Meadow Ave. up to the bottom of the ravine stairs (Tag 521), and saw loads of cutthroat in the sediment pond. There were two largish fish hiding in the turbulent flow right beneath the stop log at the lower end of the culvert, however we couldn't tell if they were simply larger-than-average trout, or possibly a small coho or two. Wishful thinking!
It's a letdown to think the spawning season is likely over. It's the most exciting part of the year for streamkeepers in an urban watershed like Byrne Creek. However we feel happy that the spawner count of 91 chum and coho sets a new record since the creek was wiped out by a toxic spill about six year ago.
It was sunny and clear, with an air temperature 0C - 5C from shady ravine to open sun, while the water temperature in the sediment pond was 3.5C.
Posted by Paul at January 5, 2005 05:57 PM