Lower Bull River side channel enhancement $2,000

Aberfeldie Dam is a small hydroelectric generation project located on the lower Bull River in southeastern British Columbia. The Bull River is a glacial-fed system that drains into the Kootenay River approximately 30 km east of Cranbrook. The bull River supports a wide range of sport and non-sport fishes both upstream and downstream of Aberfeldie Dam. Sport fishes include bull trout, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, kokanee and mountain whitefish. Until recently, the Bull River was inaccessible to kokanee, as a cement dam near the confluence with the Kootenay River created a velocity barrier to small (and juvenile) salmonids. This was partially destroyed in 1997 floods, and kokanee have pioneered to the tailrace of Aberfeldie Dam since that time to spawn each fall.

BC Hydro has conducted baseline bioinventory studies on the Bull River since 1997. During these investigations, BC Hydro has identified a small unnamed stream (gazetted name unknown) that flows north into the lower Bull River approximately 1 km downstream from Aberfeldie powerhouse. Preliminary investigations have shown that this stream provides sufficient continuous water flow to support sport fish spawning and rearing opportunities, primarily cutthroat and rainbow trout, and kokanee. In 1999, R. Olmsted (pers. comm.) viewed kokanee spawning throughout this small watercourse. Water supply to this steam are suspected to originate from high elevation beaver ponds and adjacent ground water sources. No baseline/historical data (including property status and access) are available for this stream. The preliminary stage of the proposed study would involve the collection of baseline inventory data to determine the best option(s) for potential enhancement. Stage two of the proposed study would be the selection of the best option(s) for delivery of the technical aspects of the program.

Objectives/Anticipated Outcomes:

• obtain baseline inventory data to determine potential options

• determine abundance and seasonal use of both resident and migratory fish populations

• identify critical/sensitive habitats within the stream

• determine the status and baseline productivity of the stream which will provide information on which to base sound fisheries/aquatic management

• apply enhancement prescriptions/techniques to assist sport fish production

back to project list

[Home][CKFRP Priority Issues][Current Projects][Past Projects]
[Map][Ripple Effects][Programs][CKFRP & Other Funding][Contacts & Links]