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The impact of small irrigation diversion dams on the recent migration rates of steelhead and redband trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

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Abstract

Barriers to migration are numerous in stream environments and can occur from anthropogenic activities (such as dams and culverts) or natural processes (such as log jams or dams constructed by beaver (Castor canadensis)). Identification of barriers can be difficult when obstructions are temporary or incomplete providing passage periodically. We examine the effect of several small irrigation diversion dams on the recent migration rates of steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in three tributaries to the Methow River, Washington. The three basins had different recent migration patterns: Beaver Creek did not have any recent migration between sites, Libby Creek had two-way migration between sites and Gold Creek had downstream migration between sites. Sites with migration were significantly different from sites without migration in distance, number of obstructions, obstruction height to depth ratio and maximum stream gradient. When comparing the sites without migration in Beaver Creek to the sites with migration in Libby and Gold creeks, the number of obstructions was the only significant variable. Multinomial logistic regression identified obstruction height to depth ratio and maximum stream gradient as the best fitting model to predict the level of migration among sites. Small irrigation diversion dams were limiting population interactions in Beaver Creek and collectively blocking steelhead migration into the stream. Variables related to stream resistance (gradient, obstruction number and obstruction height to depth ratio) were better predictors of recent migration rates than distance, and can provide important insight into migration and population demographic processes in lotic species.

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Acknowledgments

Funding and materials were provided by the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation. We are grateful to the local landowners, G. Ott and V. Stokes, who allowed access to sites on Beaver Creek. M. Newsom provided valuable scientific direction to the project. G. Knott and M. Notaro provided support with local coordination and permitting. K. Martens, B. Fisher, W. Tibbits and N. Glasser assisted in data collection and operation of the weir and tag readers. J. Faler conducted the genetic analysis. Any use of trade names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Snake River Area Office, Bureau of Reclamation, 220 5th St. Suite 105, Moscow, ID, 83843, USA

    Dana E. Weigel

  2. Columbia River Research Laboratory, Western Fisheries Research Center, U. S. Geological Survey, 5501A Cook-Underwood Road, Cook, WA, 98605, USA

    Patrick J. Connolly

  3. Aquaculture Research Institute, University of Idaho, 3058-F National Fish Hatchery Road, Hagerman, ID, 83332, USA

    Madison S. Powell

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  1. Dana E. Weigel
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  2. Patrick J. Connolly
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  3. Madison S. Powell
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Correspondence to Dana E. Weigel.

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Weigel, D.E., Connolly, P.J. & Powell, M.S. The impact of small irrigation diversion dams on the recent migration rates of steelhead and redband trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Conserv Genet 14, 1255–1267 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-013-0513-8

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