Alaska TU chapters expand knowledge of steelhead on Kenai Peninsula
There are many reasons steelhead, that coveted and often illusive quarry, have captured the imaginations of anglers for so long.
Perhaps it’s their large size and the almost inconceivable power they exhibit as they bolt upstream, melting line from your reel in unimagined fury.
Perhaps it’s their rarity. Or it may simply be that they are a fish shrouded in a great deal of mystery; their strange and relatively unique lifecycle a quandary to many.
Funding knowledge
There’s simply so much we don’t know about steelhead, like even how many return each year.
That’s why the Kenai Peninsula and Southcentral Alaska chapters of Trout Unlimited recently funded the extension of the Anchor River weir through the end of October.
The chapters were initially approached by Anchor Point resident and avid steelheader Lynn Whitmore, who in turn connected them with Homer-based Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) biologist, Mike Booz, who oversees the weir.
With the popularity of the fishery, not only with local TU members, but with anglers throughout the state, it was undoubtedly a worthy project.
A weir full of value
The weir, run by the ADFG, usually stays in until late September, and its primary purpose is to count king salmon. The chapter funding allowed for the first full count of Anchor River steelhead, ever.
The weir is made of PVC pipe, which prevents fish from going upstream, except through a narrow tunnel equipped with a glass screen, motion detector, light and camera. A video image of every fish is recorded and sent to a computer housed in a nearby shed, as well as transmitted to the ADFG offices in Homer. The video quality is exceptional, the species, size and even sex of each passing fish is monitored and noted.
Leaving the weir in until the end of October, however, comes with its own set of challenges. At any time, the Anchor River is susceptible to flooding with debris that can affect the efficiency of the weir. ADFG technicians Danielle Siegert and Sarah Faris were often kept busy clearing large sheets of ice from the weir while clad in drysuits.
A total of 1,389 steelhead were counted, with most arriving before mid-October. Booz believes this number is likely higher than average. The size of the fish counted will give some indication of which may be multi-year spawners, although without further study, such as mark-recapture or telemetry studies, we can’t be sure. Nevertheless, this important data on numbers, when compared to catch rates, might one day be used to influence future management decisions. Booz is, however, quick to point out that one year of data, while a positive first step, is hardly sufficient in that regard.
When asked about his best-case, dream-study, when it comes to understanding these fish, Booz was quick to suggest a radio telemetry study. That would allow scientists to know the exact distribution of steelhead, where precisely they overwinter, which would in turn influence land use and habitat decisions, beneficial to their survival. With a more in-depth understanding, scientists would know whether some steelhead are part of “meta-populations,” that only enter the river a short time and then spawn elsewhere. They would also gain valuable insight into just how many are actually repeat spawners, which again, teamed with catch data would be a key to updating management of these fish.
While TU chapter leaders hope to see public funds support this project in the future, they were happy to ensure a positive start to understanding this particular and popular run of steelhead. “This is something that is near and dear to those of us who fish these rivers,” says Roger Sensabaugh, president of the Kenai Chapter, “especially with the increased fishing pressure we are seeing each year.”
Knowledge helps drive good management and good fishing
Throughout the years, various important protections on lower Kenai Peninsula streams have been put in place for steelhead. It’s been over 30 years since the steelhead fishery became strictly catch-and-release. Though controversial at the time, estimated numbers of this iconic fish were plummeting, and something needed to be done. The population, based on angler surveys, appeared to rebound, yet more was needed.
The fishery now closes on November 1st in order to protect fish that tend to become lethargic and are more susceptible to mishandling in the cold weather.
Whether it’s dead-drifting, swinging a fly or bouncing a jig, we know we’ve truly connected to something special when we’ve hooked one of these fabled denizens of angling legend and lore. Each one of our senses, every aspect of our being is tied even tighter to the river with even a faint hope of an encounter with one of these iconic creatures. It’s what keeps us coming back time and again, and what makes it imperative that we learn all we can about this unique and remarkable fish. Hopefully this angler-led act of community-funded science is only the first step in that direction. Thank you to the Kenai Peninsula and Southcentral Alaska TU chapters for funding this important work.
Mike Booz will present findings from this weir study at two events this winter. Join us in Soldotna on Tuesday, January 7 at 6 pm or Anchorage on Wednesday, January 16 at 6 pm.
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