Monitoring trout barriers

Authors: Kelly J. Meyer, Lisa Ozborn

Year: 2013 (xlv)

Abstract

Arizona Game and Fish Department has established a protocol for monitoring Apache trout fish barriers. Apache trout streams are sampled by electrofishing one mile above trout barriers every June and October to look for incursions by nonnative salmonids. This protocol has been effective in determining the method of barrier failures (swim through or swim over) and the timing of barrier failures (normally during summer monsoons). This protocol provides for early detection of incursions and has been successful in protecting native trout populations. Long term efforts should be made to making better barriers so that this work could be irrelevant.