Asotin Steelhead Population

The Asotin Creek steelhead population is comprised of several Snake River tributary watersheds including Tenmile Creek, Couse Creek, Asotin Creek, Alpowa Creek, Penawawa Creek, and Almota Creek. The current recovery goal for the Asotin steelhead population is 1000 adult Steelhead returning for more than 8 consecutive years. Currently, the Asotin steelhead population is being monitored in Asotin Creek, George Creek and Alpowa Creek. Steelheads spawning in tributaries not currently being monitored or down-stream from existing traps are not included in the estimates provided in the figures and tables attached. It is also important to note that population values listed in the table 1 and figures 1&2 represent conservative estimates of total population size. Future efforts to estimate the entire Asotin Creek population is underway and will rely on additional funding for monitoring.

George Creek Steelhead

George Creek originates in the North East drainages of the Blue Mountains in Asotin County, and flows into Asotin Creek approximately six miles upstream from the Snake River confluence. George Creek summer steelhead are included in the Asotin Creek steelhead population, and are part of the Snake River ESU protected as threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Population monitoring at a trap operated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife began in 2009 and continued in 2010. The current monitoring efforts in the drainage are part of an expansion of the Asotin Creek monitoring effort into previously unmonitored drainages, which will build an understanding of population size and trends in various portions of the Asotin population. George Creek is considered spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and is designated as a priority restoration reach by the Snake River Salmon Recovery Board.

Alpowa Creek Steelhead

Alpowa Creek originates in the Blue Mountains of Garfield County, and flows into the Snake River approximately ten miles downstream from the City of Clarkston. Alpowa Creek summer steelhead are part of the Asotin Creek steelhead population, which is part of the Snake River ESU, and is protected as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (1973). Population monitoring is conducted by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and adult steelhead trapping began in 2008. The purpose of this monitoring effort is to better understand population trends and the effects of improvements in habitat restoration and management actions. High incidences of hatchery steelhead stray into Alpowa Creek. Alpowa Creek is considered spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and is designated as a priority protection reach by the Snake River Salmon Recovery Board.