Monitoring O. mykiss Life Stages on the Stanislaus River

This study is designed to partly address steelhead conservation measures outlined in the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation's Proposed Action for the Long-Term Operation of the CVP. This effort is funded under the Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA) authority Provision 3046 (g)(4), which states the primary purpose of this effort shall be to support the Secretary's efforts in fulfilling the requirements of this title through improved scientific understanding concerning, but not limited to, measures needed to restore anadromous fisheries to optimum and sustainable levels in accordance with the restored carrying capacities of Central Valley rivers, streams, and riparian habitats. Conceptual and quantitative work described in this report encompass multiple O. mykiss life-stages and transitions among life stages. The geographic scope of the report extends from Goodwin Dam to the confluence of the Stanislaus and San Joaquin Rivers. The goal of this study is to develop a framework for monitoring O. mykiss life stages, and transitions among life stages, to quantify how water project operations and environmental variation influence life history expression, abundance, and population productivity. Here we provide results from activities performed during 2022. The completed dataset for the 2021 portion of the Project includes several components: 1. Electrofishing and seining: In 2021 electrofishing, seining, hook and line sampling and PIT tagging of captured fish occurred by CFS staff as well as by volunteer anglers. 2. PIT tagging: PIT tag detection records are included in the dataset after being filtered for false detections. 3. Species Counts and Physical Attributes: The species and the number caught are included in the dataset. For some O. mykiss individuals caught, the weight and fork length measurements are included. Whether or not a genetic sample (either fin clip or scale) was taken is indicated as well. 4. Supplementary Data: Data reporting field staff, weather, water temperature, electrofishing settings, and collection method used are included for greater context. Data is recorded in a combination of paper to computer files and electronic only files. Annual reports summarize the survey findings. While this project is ongoing, this is a completed dataset for the collection sessions performed in the year 2021. The completed dataset for the 2022 portion of the Project includes several components: 1. Electrofishing and seining: In 2022 electrofishing, seining, hook and line sampling and PIT tagging of captured fish occurred opportunistically by CFS staff as well as by volunteer anglers. 3. Egg to Fry Survival: Data related to the construction of artificial redds, deployment of egg boxes, and their subsequent retrieval are included in the dataset. 4. Species Counts and Physical Attributes: The species and the number caught are included in the dataset. For some O. mykiss individuals caught, the weight and fork length measurements are included. Whether or not a genetic sample (either fin clip or scale) was taken is indicated as well. 5. Rotary Screw Trap: Data related to rotary screw trap sampling are included in the dataset. This includes, but is not limited to, the environmental and metadata regarding sampling events as well as species ID, counts, recaptures, and mortalities. 6. Supplementary Data: Data reporting field staff, weather, water temperature, electrofishing settings, and collection method used are included for greater context. Data is recorded in a combination of paper to computer files and electronic only files. Annual reports summarize the survey findings. While this project is ongoing, this is a completed dataset for the collection sessions performed in the year 2022.