Description:
Strong Creek is a small tributary to the Henry's Fork River in the vicinity of Ashton, Idaho. It is characterized by low flows, virtually no holding water for trout, and a high concentration of fine sediments. The small drainage area of this tributary combined with an in-channel dam and pond located just upstream of the project area limit the ability of the stream to scour out the fine sediments and maintain pools and clean spawning gravels. Intermountain Aquatics electrofished the reach prior to conducting any work and only two trout (8' and 3') were present. A pre-existing culvert crossing is also located in the project area and serves a barrier to fish passage. The project included the excavation of 24 pools, the addition of logs for cover and scour, and the addition of 12 spawning riffles in areas with sufficient gradient. The culvert will be replaced with a bottomless arch, and the streambanks will be revegetated with native vegetation including willows, by the summer of 2008. Electrofishing will also be repeated to determine the extent to which trout will utilize the restored habitat.