Smolt Count Checklist

Smolts

Instructions for counting Smolts (and other fish) in the fish trap box. Smolts are 4-6″, fry are 1-2″.

SAFETY FIRST!  Only conduct fish count if water level is safe. Have clean gumboots and hands.

  • Record on the data sheet:
    1. date and time Eg. May 23, 8 am
    2. names of volunteers
    3. temperature – leave thermometer in water for at least 1 minute
    4. water gauge reading
    5. general weather conditions & other comments
  • At the fence
    • the screens on the fence/dam are designed to help guide the maximum amount of water through the black pipe. Allow the screens to plug up with debris enough so the water going into the pipe is the most it can be. It is only necessary to partially clean the dam screens when the dam’s water level is getting near the top or overflowing the dam. This usually only happens after a heavy rainfall.
    • Each time a count is done, the 8 x 8 inch screen at the upper end of the big black pipe should be cleared of debris (mostly sticks and leaves).
  • At the counting box
    • open the lid slowly, and immediately drop down the inlet pipe screen on the right side (to prevent fish swimming up the pipe).
    • drop down the plywood between the 2 compartments to make it easier to catch fish.
    • count & identify fish
      • try NOT to touch the fish with your hands
      • the recording paper has approximate size of a smolt (4-6 inches) and fry (1-2 inches)
      • fill halfway the small plastic box with water
      • carefully scoop and collect fish, transfer to plastic box, identify, count & record fish numbers
      • cohoe smolts (and the smaller coho fry) have a black line on the forward edge of their anal fin
      • transfer fish to stream by submerging plastic box in quiet water & allow fish to swim away
    • When finished counting
      • Lift up screen at the inlet pipe and check for fish caught against screen
      • Lift up the plywood between the compartments
      • Remove any debris collected along the screens
      • Quietly close the lid
  • Stow away in tote box
    • Thermometer and pencil
    • Clipboard with data sheets
    • Plastic box and dip nets

Please report any damaged equipment or dead fish to John immediately: 250-465-1728.