Kinbasket Reservoir bull trout radio telemetry study  $30,863

The Kinbasket Reservoir (2000) study is a continuation of a project initiated under Columbia Basin Trust funding since 1998. Owing to timing difficulties associated with contract award in 1998, sampling efficiencies for adult bull trout in early summer were compromised by rising water levels. The project was deferred until the spring of 1999 to facilitate adult bull trout capture at a time when fish are much more vulnerable to angling. Despite prevailing weather conditions that limited angling opportunities during the first week of May 1999, 15 adult bull trout were successfully implanted with radio transmitters. The majority of fish were sampled at the junction of the Columbia and Canoe Reaches (Redrock Harbour) and spawning bull trout are anticipated to have an equal chance of utilizing tributaries north and south of this location. The intent of the Y2000 study is to implant the remaining 10 radio transmitters previously purchased, obtain a further 10 new tags, and extend tagging operations to the southern half of the reservoir. Continuation of the ongoing study is expected to expand the information base of reservoir tributaries known to support spawning escapements of bull trout. The Golden District Rod and Gun Club is highly supportive of bull trout research efforts in Kinbasket Reservoir to date and wish to continue the project by providing both in-kind and monetary contributions to the study. The local club recognizes the recreational value provided by Kinbasket Reservoir, the quality and value of large bull trout produced, the importance of spawning escapements to maintain natural production, the growing interest in angling opportunities in the area and the need for baseline information to support future angling regulation changes. Continuation of the ongoing project is expected to facilitate a number of these concerns.

Objectives of the project are:
To continue surveys initiated in 1999 and expand on information base in tributaries between Sullivan and Bush Arms of the Columbia Reach; (ii) to insert radio transmitters into 20 adult bull trout in May 2000 and track movements into spawning tributaries in September 2000; and (iii) to determine critical instream spawning habitats and evaluate physical characteristics and stream parameters at selected redd locations.

Support for this project has also been provided by BC Hydro (Ric Olmsted and Dean den Biesen.)

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