Species Research & Monitoring - Aquatic & Riparian

Bull Trout Spawning

SPU staff measuring a bull trout redd in the upper municipal watershed.

Redd surveys are often the most effective method for estimating adult abundance and escapement for resident fish. Seattle Public Utilities staff has conducted annual bull trout redd surveys in selected tributaries of Chester Morse Lake from 2000 to the present.

In addition to providing an estimate of the number of bull trout in the adult spawning population, these surveys also provide important data regarding spatial distribution of redds within the stream network. This allows us to evaluate potential effects of reservoir management on bull trout spawning (e.g., redd inundation) and define reaches of stream that might benefit from stream restoration or habitat enhancement projects.

View bull trout spawning metrics on the bull trout species web page.

For more information, contact:
Dwayne Paige
(206) 233-1517
dwayne.paige@seattle.gov