Difference between revisions of "FISHERY"
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| − | *[[Media:A local perspective on the Lees Ferry trout fishery.docx| A local perspective on the Lees Ferry trout fishery. By Terry Gunn, owner of Lees Ferry Anglers and Cliff Dwellers Lodge | + | *[[Media:A local perspective on the Lees Ferry trout fishery.docx| A local perspective on the Lees Ferry trout fishery.]] By Terry Gunn, owner of Lees Ferry Anglers and Cliff Dwellers Lodge |
*[http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/research_managing_lees_ferry.shtml Managing for Blue Ribbon Rainbow Trout at Lee's Ferry] | *[http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/research_managing_lees_ferry.shtml Managing for Blue Ribbon Rainbow Trout at Lee's Ferry] | ||
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwY-Z2c3NTUGUmxPbko2dm9URms/view Lees Ferry Anglers Trout Fishery Recommendations] | *[https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwY-Z2c3NTUGUmxPbko2dm9URms/view Lees Ferry Anglers Trout Fishery Recommendations] | ||
Revision as of 13:15, 8 August 2016
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In 1964, the Lees Ferry tailrace on the Colorado River was given birth by the completion of Glen Canyon Dam, which impounded Lake Powell. Subsequent water releases from the bottom of Lake Powell changed the once highly turbid, warm waters of the Colorado River into a constant cold (46-50°F), clear flowing river. Shortly after completion of the dam, the Arizona Game and Fish Department stocked rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in the 15-mile Lees Ferry reach and, in 1981, began to manage this section of river as a Blue Ribbon rainbow trout fishery. The trout began to flourish in the Lees Ferry reach from 1970-1985 when catches of rainbow trout above 10-pounds were not uncommon, and angler pressure was relatively low. In 1991, however, the Bureau of Reclamation implemented the Record of Decision flow regime, which consisted of higher minimum and more stable flows and allowed for increased trout reproduction and survival. Under these conditions, a huge population of trout developed causing individual fish growth rates to decline. Quite simply, there was a large number of fish competing for limited space and food items, resulting in a fishery where trout less than 14-in were dominant. In 2000, the Arizona Game and Fish Department began a long-term monitoring program sponsored by Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center to determine the effects of Glen Canyon Dam operation on the trout fishery at Lees Ferry and to make recommendations for improving this fishery. Since 2000, our data collection has shown an increase in the general health of all trout age classes (especially since 2002). This increase in fish health is usually associated with an increase in growth rates. There has been a marked increase in catch rates of young-of-the-year fish in recent years. With successful spawning and recruitment continuing to occur, fishing conditions in Lees Ferry are improving. [1] |
 Rainbow Trout |
 Brown Trout |
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HISTORY
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