Field reports: Fish weir installed on Okanogan River
FISH – A temporary picket-style salmon weir recently has been installed on the Okanogan River about 15 miles upstream from its confluence with the Columbia River near Brewster, the Colville Tribe reports.
The structure spans the Okanogan River, but leaves room along the west bank for small watercraft to pass.
The weir was installed a mile downstream from Malott Bridge by Chief Joseph Hatchery staff to test methods for sampling chinook salmon heading upstream to spawn. The river can flow through the weir but the picket slots form a barrier to upstream-bound adult salmon and angles them into a trap to be sorted before wild fish are allowed to continue on to spawn.
Invasives issues close Crater Lake to diving
PARKS – National park officials have temporarily closed Oregon’s Crater Lake to scuba diving over the threat of invasive species.
Park officials announced Wednesday the closure will remain in effect while they develop rules to be sure that microscopic species, such as quagga mussels, spiny water fleas and viruses, don’t hitchhike into the pristine lake waters on diving gear.
Lying in the caldera created by the collapse of a huge volcano more than 7,000 years ago, Crater Lake is the nation’s deepest and clearest lake.
Steelhead forecast runs short of expectations
FISHING – Fish managers downsized the forecast for the summer steelhead run this week, predicting 191,000 A-run summer steelhead would head up the Columbia River. The forecast issued in spring expected 311,800 fish.
The new forecast suggests the lowest return to the upper Columbia and Snake rivers since 1999.
The forecast for larger B-run steelhead, generally bound for the Clearwater River, also is less than expected.
Appleseed Project sets marksmanship clinic
SHOOTING – Rifle marksmanship clinics are being offered at the Fernan Gun Club next weekend.
The Revolutionary War Veteran’s Association’s Project Appleseed clinics on shooting positions and other techniques include talks on the impact of marksmanship in American history.
Preregister: (208) 819-0866 or email ID@appleseedinfo.org.
Fly-fishing art, beer featured at benefit
FISHING – Fly tying and fly-fishing artwork will be on display and local brews will be served at a Fly Fishing Art Show to benefit Project Healing Waters, 5 p.m.-8 p.m., Friday at the Steam Plant, 159 S. Lincoln St.
Project Healing Waters ( projecthealingwaters.org) addresses the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and veterans through fly-fishing and fly-tying education and outings.
The nonprofit group is organizing activities in the Spokane area.
Featured artists include photographer Tony Roslund, painter Christina Deubel and fly tier John Newbury. Local brews from the Steam Plant and spirits from Dry Fly Distillery will be offered.
Info: (509) 995-9945.