Summary

Lees Ferry Recreational Trout Fishery Management Recommendations

Goals:

1.	 Maintain and enhance a wild (self‐sustaining) blue ribbon rainbow trout fishery at Lees Ferry

that does not adversely affect the native aquatic community in Grand Canyon National Park

2.	 Provide a dependable, high‐quality recreational trout fishery that sustains economic support for

local businesses and Coconino County.

Major Recommendations:

1.	 Aquatic Food Base Enhancement. Establish a more productive, diverse and stable food base

that includes bigger bugs like mayflies, stone flies, and caddis flies which are currently absent in

the Lee Ferry reach. A more diverse food base would not only benefit rainbow trout size and

condition but also may benefit native fish and the riparian bird community downstream in

Grand Canyon National Park. One strategy for enhancing the food base involves experimentally

altering flow regimes from the dam to allow for repatriation by may‐, stone‐, and caddis flies.

2.	 Spring high flows. Place more emphasis on conducting high flow releases in the spring as a way

to improve the aquatic food base and enhance trout spawning and recruitment, when

needed. The March 2008 high flow had that effect whereas the fall high flows over the past 3

years have had a neutral or negative effect on the food base and trout recruitment.

3.	 Trout Management Flows. Test trout management flows as a means to control the density of

young trout in the reach and reduce downstream migration of trout where they compete with

and/or prey upon native fish like the endangered humpback chub.

4.	 Dam operations In general, maintain the current release patterns from Glen Canyon dam which

provides relatively low daily fluctuations that are adjusted monthly based on water availability

and water delivery requirements to Lake Mead. Some modification of the current flow regime

may be needed to support the establishment of a more diverse and stable food base.

5.	 Minimum flows. Avoid minimum flows below 8000 cfs whenever possible.

6.	 Water Temperature Control Device. Implement a water temperature control device that has

the capacity to release both cold and warm water from the Glen Canyon Dam. Recently studies

suggest that amount of water in Lake Powell will likely decrease in the future as a result of

increased water demands and climate change. Lower Lake Powell level will lead to warmer

water release from dam which would seriously impact the Lees Ferry trout fishery and lead to an

invasions of cool and warm water fishes into Grand Canyons National Park.

7.	 Emergency Re‐Stocking Protocol. Re‐stocking protocols and the necessary environmental

compliance should be in place to respond to catastrophic loss that would at least minimally

restore the fishery in the near term.

8.	 Dissolved Oxygen Response Protocol. Rarely, but on occasion, situations have emerged where

water quality below Glen Canyon Dam was threatened because of a lens of poorly‐oxygenated

water passing through the reservoir. These conditions can pose a direct and immediate hazard

to aquatic resources in Lees Ferry. Action strategies are needed to reduce or avoid the potential

effects to aquatic resources when these conditions emerge.
LEES FERRY

RECREATIONAT TROUT

FISHERY MANAGEMENT

RECOMMENDATIONS:

T.he Voice of Lees Ferry Recreational Anglers, Guides, and Businesses
Table of Contents

Executive Summary..

The Lee's Ferry Trout Fishery

Purpose and Need..

Goals and Objectives ...........

Recommendations......

Aquatic food base enhancement

Glen Canyon Dam operations i ,!-- !-_ _

tvilrìtmum Ttows

High Flow Experiments

Trout management flows

Equalization flows

Fishþg regulations

fhoenü

Marble Canyon trout fishery

Riparian vegetation restoration

Trout stocking

Low dissolved oxygen protocol

Temperature control device

Bypass tube electrícal generation

Turbidity enhancement

Monitoring and Management Triggers.......

Summary and Conc[usions.........

Literature Cited....., ..

Appendix

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Funding for this report made possible by a grant from wildlife for Tomorrow

Photo credit: All photos from Lees Ferry,Anglers unless otherwise noted.
Executive Summary: Lees Ferry Recreational Trout Fishery Recommendations

The 1S.5-mile stretch of Colorado Riverwinding through Glen Canyon between the Glen Canyon Dam and the

beginning of Marble Canyon (within Grand Canyon National Park) is commonly referred to as Lees Ferry. Since 1964,

with the completion of the Glen Canyon Dam, this unique tailwater has hosted a recreational trout fishery that has

grown in importance and reputation locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. This blue ribbon recreational sport

fishery has also become a financial and economic mainstay for the small cpmmunity of Marble Canyon and Coconino

County, supporting fishing guide services, hotels, restaurants, fishing and outdoor recreation equipment and supplies,

and visitor services.

A primary purpose of the Lees Ferry Recreational Fisheries Management Recommendations is to complement and

augment the National Park Service's 2014 Comprehensive Fisheries Management Plan for the Colorado River below

Glen Canyon Dam. Additionally, the recommendations are provided to inform decisions about future management

of Glen Canyon Dam and the blue ribbon rainbow trout fishery in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Another

key purpose is to help shape alternatives in the Glen Canyon Dam Long Term Experimental and Management Plan

Environmental lmpact Statement.

These recommendations are intended to:

. Maintain and enhance a wild (self-sustaining) blue ribbon rainbow trout fishery at Lees Ferry that does not

adversely affect the native aquatic community in Grand Canyon National Park.

. Provide a dependable, high-quality recreational trout fishery that sustains local businesses and the economy of

Coconino County.

Currently, the Lees Ferry trout fishery is ecologically unstable due to an impaired aquatic food base and high levels

of trout recruitment that results in a population that exceeds the carrying capacity of the river. Specific management

recommendations are provided for:

. Establishing a more diverse aquatic food base by repatriating the Lees Ferry reach with native aquatic

invertebrates.

. Continuing the current modified low-fluctuating flow regime with adjustments to develop a more diverse aquatic

food base.

. Conducting spring and fall high flow experiments to restore more natural flow regimes to the river, enhance the

aquatic food base, and improve trout survival/recruitment when needed.

. Carefully testing trout management flows to help achieve desired trout recruitment and abundance targets.

. Developing an action plan to respond to low dissolved oxygen conditions that are lethal to rainbow trout in Lees

Ferry.

. Assessing the feasibility of adjusting Lake Powell-Lake Mead equalization guidelines to better manage trout

survival and recruitment.

. Enacting fishing regulations to provide for a quality fishery and help manage the Lees Ferry trout population.

. Exploring ways for tribal members, local guides, and recreational anglers to harvest rainbow trout in Marble

Canyon as a means of reducing downstream emigration of rainbow trout, and enhancing recreational use and

employment and business opportunities in the local community.

. Restocking rainbow trout in Lee Ferry in the event of a catastrophic loss of the fishery.

. lmplementing a water temperature control device at Glen Canyon Dam to maintain a water temperature regime

that will support both a healthy trout and native fish population in Lees Ferry and downriver.

. lntroducing turbidity at the confluence of the Paria and Colorado rivers as a means of controlling trout populations

below the Paria River.

. Evaluating the feasibility of making structural modifications to the bypass tubes at Glen Canyon Dam to allow for

water temperature regulation, mitigation of low DO levels, and electrical generation when the bypass tubes are in

use.

. Conducting long{erm resource monitoring to support adaptive management and to measure progress toward

achieving goals and desired future condition

The Recommendations are consistent with and will benefit many other Colorado River resource values below Glen

Canyon Dam including humpback chub recovery, sand conservation, hydropower generation, and cultural resource

protection.

Page 1
Land, water, and wildlife

resources in the Colorado River Corridor in Glen

Canyon are managed by

mult¡ple authorities.

USBR -The US Bureau of

Reclamation manages water and dam operations, in

concert with Western Area

Power Administration, for

hydroelectric generation.

NPS -The National Park

Service manages the lands

and compatible uses on

the land, including wildlife

resources in Glen Canyon

National Recreation Area

and Grand Canyon NationThe Lees Ferry Trout Fishery Photo: George Andrejko al Park'

USFWS -The US Fish

Anglers from around the world travel to Lees Ferry to fish for high quality rainbow andwildlifeservice

trout in the large, clear, swift-flowing Colorado Rive

the lower, scenic segment of Glen Canyon. This Le

has become a financ¡al and economic mainstay for ble

Canyon, the city of Page to the north, and Coconino County. A2013 statewide angler and AZGFD havea joint

survey estimated the contribution of the Lees Ferry fish

excess of $16.8 million, helping to support 251 jobs in

support local businesses such as hotels, restaurants a

addition to utilizing fishing and outdoor recreation equip

Because of the reliable flows of cold water ranging from 44 to 60 degrees F, the Lees the primary management

Ferry reach of the Colorado River has a proven capacity to support a remarkable esidentfish

troui fishery in a desert environment. The fishery itself has changed significantly in the state of

since it was first created following the completion of the Glen Canyon Dam in 1964.

During its infancy, the fishery proãuced huge rainbow trout ranging from 10 to 20 fiTH:"J:;.ff:i-:T; pounds. Since then the fishery has gone through peaks and valleys, but throughout croui¡sa r"¿"ralAdvisoits history has provided some of the most sought-after destination trout fishing ry committee formed as a

opportunities in the southwest ::i[1]$J;:lilif]

Rainbow trout are the primary sport fish targeted by anglers at Lees Ferry. ?-"111i:l:"rlnterior

By agreement with the land and water managers, the Arizona Game and on matters related tothe

Fish Department (AZGFD) initiated regurar stocking of trout of the Lees Ferry 3:i:t''"'orGlen 

canvon

reach in 1964. The sport fishery was maintained through stocking catchable

and later fingerling-rainbow trout from 1964 through the mid-1990s. Natural

reproduction of rainbow trout became more substantial and self-sustaining in the early 1990s with

the establishment of more stable flows as a result of the re-operation of Glen Canyon Dam. Stocking

ceased in 1998 when it became clear that natural reproduction and recruitment of the trout population

was meeting angler demands.

After nearly two decades of success, anglers and the local community at Marble Canyon consider the

Lees Ferry recreational fishery a highly valued resource on par with other values when it comes to

making decisions about Glen Canyon Dam operations and experiments.

ln 2014, anglers spent more than 10,000 fishing days at Lees Ferry (Rogowski et al. 2014 citation in

prep). ln recent years, angler use of the Lees Ferry fishery has declined, and the fishery currently falls

Page 2
far short of its potential to generate angling recreation and economic wellbeing in northern Arizona

Purpose and Need

This report and recommendations were developed collaboratively among recreational anglers based on the

best available science in consultation with the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and the U.S.

Geological Survey (USGS) Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center (GCMRC). The recommendations

are intended to complement and augment the National Park Service's (NPS) 2014 Comprehensive Fisheries

Management Plan and help achieve the desired future conditions established by the Glen Canyon Dam

Adaptive Management Work Group (AMWG), and approved by the Secretary of the lnterior (Appendix

A). Additionally, the Recommendations are provided for the consideration of the Arizona Game and Fish

Commission, Bureau of Reclamation, NPS, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Western Area and power

Administration, and Department of lnterior to inform decisions about future management of Glen Canyon Dam

and the blue ribbon rainbow trout fishery. Another key purpose is to help shape alternatives in the Long Term

Experimental and Management Plan (LTEMP) Environmental lmpact Statement (ElS).

These Recommendations will be modified periodically based on new information and used to inform future

Colorado River planning processes and guide decisions related to management of the Lees Ferry trout fishery and operations of Glen Canyon Dam.

Goals and Objectives

Our goals and objectives are based on the best available scientific information gathered through the Glen Canyon

Dam Adaptive Management Program (GCDAMP), the Desired Future Conditions that were adopted by the AMWG

and the Secretary of the lnterior, the CFMP, and the mandate of the Grand Canyon Protection Act to operate Glen

Canyon Dam to improve the values for which Glen Canyon National Recreation Area was established.

1. Maintain and enhance a wild (self-sustaining) blue ribbonl rainbow trout fishery in Lees Ferry, without adversely affecting the native and endangered fish community in Grand Canyon National

Park. Key objectives or targets that define a wild (self-sustaining) blue ribbon rainbow trout recreational

fishery include:

' A size structure indicative of a stable rainbow trout population (on an annual basis 20-50 percent of the

population will be less than 6 inches in length).

. An angler catch rate of at least 1 trouVhou r 2 14 inches in length. . An angler catch rate of at least 0.1 troulhour 2 20 inches in length.

' A robust body condition factor (K",for adult rainbow trout of >1.0 in the summer.

' A diverse aquatic food base wildrr 10% of the abundance comprised of mayflies, stoneflies and caddis

flies.

2. Provide a dependable, high-quality recreational trout fishery that sustains local businesses and the

economy of Goconino Gounty.

. Regain angler use levels > 20,000 angler days per year

' Explore ways for tribal members, local guides, and recreational anglers to harvest rainbow trout in

Marble Canyon as a means of reducing downstream emigration of rainbow trout, and enhancing

recreational use and employment and business opportunities in the local community.

r A Blue Ribbon fishery is a designation that identifies recreational fisheries of extremely high quality. BIue Ribbon

status is based on a set of established criteria which typically addresses the following elements:

o Water quality and quantiLy; A body of water that has sufficient water quality and quantity to sustain a viable fishery o Water accessibility: The water is accessible to the public.

o Natural reproduction capacity: The body of water possesses a natural capacity to produce and maintain a

sustainable recreational fishery. There must be management strategies that will consistenfly produce fish of

significant size and/or numbers to provide a quality angling experience.

o Angling pressure'. The water must be able to withstand angling pressure.

Arizona Game and Fish Department is currently developing a specific definition forArizona.

Page 3
Key Federal Laws and the Glen

Canyon Dam Adaptive Management

Program

Glen Canyon Dam was constructed

pursuant to the Colorado River

storage ProiectAct of 1956 (CRSPA)

which provided for the reclamation

of arid and semiarid land, the control

of floods and the generation of

hydroelectric power. Modifi cation

of Colorado River flows due to the

construction and operation of Glen

Canyon Dam has impacted frsh, wildlife

and their habitats through reduction

or elimination of overbank flooding,

channelization, water depletions and

water quality. Mitigation for these

impacts is authorized through CRSPA.

The Grand Canyon Protection Act

(GCPA) of 1992 directed the Secretary of

the Interior to operate Glen Canyon Dam

and exercise other authorities "in such

a manner as to protect, mitigate adverse

impacts to, and improve the values for

which Grand Canyon National Park

and Glen Canyon National Recreation

Area were established including, but

not limited to, natural and cultural

resources and visitor usel'The GCPA also

specifies that it should be implemented

consistent with various laws that govern

water allocation and development in the

Colorado River.

The Endangered Species Act of 1973

prohibits Federal agencies from taking

actions that are likely to jeopardize the

continued existence of threatened and

endangered species. The impacts of GCD

operations on the endangered humpback

chub is a significant consideration.

The Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive

Management Program (GCDAMP)

was establish ed in 1997 , under the

direction ofthe Secretary ofthe Interior,

in compliance with the GCPA and the

1996 Record of Decision. The GCDAMP

provides for adapting the dam's

operations to facilitate management

actions, scientific research, and

monitoring consistent with the purposes

for which the dam was constructed.

Recommended Actions to Meet Management Goals and

Objectives

Aquatic Food Base Enhancement through Experimental

Reoatriation andttBrro Flows"

The current aquatic food base in Lees Ferry is insufficient to sustain a

quality trout fishery, being composed of few varieties of invertebrates,

all of which are small in size. The abundance and size composition

of the available food items for trout, when viewed in the context of

anatomical realities of how trout collect their food, limits their ability to

grow to preferred sizes (Mike Dodrill, USGS 2015, annual reporting

meeting). The availability of energy-rich food items in the right size

assortments influences the ability of trout to grow both in length and in

girth (condition).

Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera,

Tricoptera (EPT) are three orders of

aquatic insects commonly referred

to as mayflies, stone flies and caddis

flies. The EPT lndex is a widelY

accepted measure of stream quality

based upon the abundance ofthese

aquatic insects, premised on the

understanding that the most productive and resilient aquatic ecosystems have

the highest diversity of species in these three orders (Lenat and Penrose,

1996). The EPT index is particularly well suited for evaluating the aquatic food

base of primarily insectivorous fishes like rainbow trout and humpback chub.

Assemblages of EPI which are present in every other tailwater fishery in the

west and are found upstream of Lake Powell and in tributaries in the Grand

Canyon, are totally absent below the Glen Canyon Dam. Astudy is included

in GCDAMP FY 2015-2017 Triennial Budget and Work Plan to test whether

daily fluctuating releases may be influencing the availability and abundance of

EPT in the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam (USGS and BOR 2014)'

We strong suppod this study including the testing of the so called "bug flows"

as a means for establishing a healthy and robust EPT population (USGS and

BOR 2014). Recommended experimental "bug flows" involve stable flows

every weekend from May through August. The discharge on weekends would

be the minimum discharge for that month to ensure that the insect eggs laid

during weekends would not be subjected to drying due to lowerwater levels at

any point priorto larval development. No change in monthly volumes, ramping

rates, or the daily range in discharge during weekdays would be required as

part of this experiment. To offset the smaller water releases that would occur

during weekends within a given month, larger releases would need to occur

during the weekdays within a given month.

Consistent with National Park Service policy that the recovery and

restoration of extirpated species is a desired goal, we also strongly

recommend the translocation of historic EPT species from other parts

of the Colorado River drainage into the Lees Ferry reach coincidental

with the experimental flows discussed above. A series of experimental

translocations to repatriate these native species should be initiated,

followed by monitoring and evaluation of success and sustainability.

Page 4
Dam Operations

ln general, we recommend a continuation of the current Modified Low Fluctuating Flow (MLFF) regime. The

MLFF regime provides relatively low daily fluctuations that are adjusted monthly based on water availability,

electrical energy demands and water delivery requirements to Lake Mead. However, some modification of the

MLFF regime is needed to determine whether a more steady flow regime will promote the establishment of a

more diverse and stable aquatic food base (see above).

Minimum Flows

As a general rule, the minimum release from Glen Canyon Dam should be 8,000 cfs other than for exceptional

events when the minimum could be reduced by 1000 cfs for short periods of time during night time. Exceptional

events include pre and post High Flow Experiments or years when releases from Lake Powell are significanfly

lower than normal. We are concerned that lower water releases in combination with daily fluctuations will result

in reduced nearshore habitats which are important for survival of young of year fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Low flows also create navigation problems and safety concerns for boaters and fishermen. Ongoing studies to

establish a more science based minimum flow should be continued.

Fall and Sorino Hioh Flow E-oeriments IHFEsì

High flow Experiments (HFEs)are controlled water releases from Glen Canyon Dam that are designed to mimic

natural pre-dam seasonalflooding. The primary objective of these releases is to rebuild sand bars that provide

habitat for native plants and animals, rebuild camping beaches for river runners, and provide a source of fine

sediments that protect archaeological sites from weathering and erosion. The 2008 spring high flow enhanced

recruitment and survival of young rainbow trout, and enhanced the aquatic food base (Korman et al. 2Oi1;

Kennedy and Ralston 2Q11). Because of concerns about rainbow trout impacts on the endangered humpback

chub, recent HFEs have been restricted to the fall to help manage rainbow trout recruitment and survival.

ln general, we support implementation of fall high flows consistent with the 2012 EnvironmentalAssessment

(USBR, 2012) and as part of an experimental design to further evaluate trout response in both Lees Ferry and

Marble Canyon, as well as food base and other resources. However, we believe that additional spring HFE's

are needed to assess the food base and trout response that was observed in 2008. We also recommend that

more emphasis be placed on conducting HFE's in the spring as a management option for use when there has

been a significant decline in the trout population and/or drop in food production. We believe that spring high

flows will provide other resource benefits such as helping to control nonnative mud snails and build camping

beaches in Marble and Grand canyons immediately before

the peak rafting season. Spring HFE's will also provide

a source of fine sediment just prior to the windy season

in the Grand Canyon that will help protect archeological

sites from weathering and erosion. Finally, spring floods,

which historically occurred on a regular basis in the Grand

Canyon, will help re-establish natural ecological processes

in the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam

Triggers for spring high flows should be identified based

on trout recruitment, and adult trout population and

aquatic food production, in addition to down river sediment

conservation needs. A spring HFE could be used in lieu of

or in conjunction with trout stocking when the trout fishery

has experienced a significant decline.

Experimental Trout Manaqement Flows

Under certain conditions, rainbow trout at Lees Ferry have reproduced prolifically. Historically, when there is

an over-abundance of young-of-year rainbow trout, the quality and condition of rainbow trout decline. This

is likely due to the low quality and low abundance of food sources in Lees Ferry. Trout Management Flows

(TMFs) are flow treatments that are hypothesized to reduce the abundance of young-of-year trout by stranding

Page 5
trout shortly after they emerge from their redds (Korman, Ecometric Research, lnc., personal communications,

2015). We believe the best long term and ecologically appropriate solution to controlling trout densities is to

increase invertebrate diversity and manage Grand Canyon Dam flows to avoid excessive trout spawning and

recruitment (see recommendations related to the aquatic food base and equalization flows). We are concerned

about the collateral damage that TMFs could have on other resources especially the aquatic food base

and native fish. TMFs may be especially useful when spring HFE's are implemented or in years when high

equalization flows are required.

TMF's should only be implemented in a carefully designed experimental framework that includes quantified

criteria for success (for managing trout recruitment and improving the humpback chub population) and the

impacts to other resources, especially the aquatic food base, are fully assessed. TMF's should only be used

when the rainbow trout population is stable and includes a healthy abundance of all size classes of rainbow

trout. Mitigation measures such as emergency stocking of trout need to be in place prior to the implementation

of TMFs in case of catastrophic loss to the fishery (see recommendations on Trout Stocking). ln conclusion,

the experimental evaluation of TMFs needs to recognize the trout fishery as a highly valued asset. The AZGFD

should have a seat at the table along with Federal agencies on any discussion and decisions related to

implementation of TMFs.

Equalization Flows

The impact of sustained periods of high flows that are designed to equalize water storage in Lake Powell

and Lake Mead can result in undesirably high trout recruitment in the Lees Ferry reach. For example, the

high equalization flows in 2011 are correlated with a large recruitment of trout that cannot be sustained under

normal release volumes. While outside the scope of the current LTEMP ElS, we believe that the current

equalization guidelines should be revisited to provide greater flexibility in meeting annual delivery requirements

from Lake powell to Lake Mead. For example, greater flexibility in making water deliveries outside of the water

year would increase the flexibility to manage Glen Canyon Dam releases consistent with the desired future

conditions for sand conservation and the Lees Ferry rainbow trout fishery.

Fishino Requlations

Historically, harvest regulations were the only tools available for managing the Lees Ferry trout

population. The Arizona Game and Fish Commission should adjust harvest regulations as needed

to achieve the desired quality and numbers of fish in the Lees Ferry trout population. Consideration

should be given to encouraging the public to harvest trout especially when the rainbow trout

population has exceeded the carrying capacity of the river. Public education and outreach campaigns

will be necessary to encourage anglers to embrace new harvest regulations and trout population

management goals.

Marble Ganyon Trout Fisherv

Rainbow trout numbers downstream of Lees Ferry in Marble Canyon can at times approach or even exceed

those in the Lees Ferry reach. The CFMP provides for using angling to remove trout in Marble Canyon as

a mean of reducing competition between rainbow trout and native warm water fish. The Marble Canyon

trout population also provides an opportunity to use a presently underutilized recreational fishing resource

to grow local businesses and employment. We recommend that the NPS and the AZGFD explore ways for

tribal members, local guides, and recreational anglers to harvest rainbow trout in Marble Canyon as a means

of reducing downstream emigration of rainbow trout, and enhancing recreational use and employment and

business opportunities in the local community.

Rioarian Veoetation Restoration

Restoration of riparian vegetation in the Lees Ferry reach should be a high priority of the NPS. ln addition, the

feasibility of using dead tamarisk as fish habitat to improve aquatic productivity in the Lees Ferry reach should

be investigated. Riparian vegetation plays an important role in supporting terrestrial insect abundance (trout

food source), and providing overhanging shade and cover for fish.

Page 6
Stocking in the Event of a Catastrophic Fisherv Failure

Sequential annual losses of young-of-year recruits to the population would have severe consequences

on future catch rates, angler satisfaction, and the local economy. To respond to this possibility, ine Cfn¿p includes the provision to stock sterile rainbow trout in the event of a significant decline in troui abundance and

fishermen catch rates over a period of several years. However, as discussed below, there is also the possibility of a catastrophic failure of the fishery resulting from low dissolved oxygen levels or high water temperatures. ln these events, stocking should be utilized to restore the trout fishery as soon as the factors that caused the

catastrophic failure have been identified and ameliorated. Given that the goal of these Recommendations

is to maintain a wild, self-sustaining trout fishery, we recommend that restocking should occur using the

progeny of wild trout currently found in the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam. We believe that wild

trout currently found in Lee Ferry are well adapted to survive and provide a quality fishery consistent with the

Blue Ribbon standard. A sufficient number of wild trout should be collected for use as brood stock if it appears that a collapse of the fishery is imminent. lf this is not feasible, we recommend securing a high quality strain

of rainbow trout from reputable commercial and governmental sources. Additionally whãn stõcking is deemed

appropriate, management agencies should consider translocation of wild rainbow trout from downstream of the

Paria River to supplement the trout population within the Lees Ferry reach. Translocation could help achieve

multiple goals by enhancing Lees Ferry sportfish opportunities and reducing down river migration of trout.

A contingency stocking plan should be developed and made ready by AZGFD with necessary environmental

compliance so that an immediate response to stocking triggers or catastrophic failure of the tiout fishery can be

implemented in a timely manner.

Low Dissolved Oxvgen Response Protocol

The availability of oxygen in the water released from the dam is directly influenced by the oxygen profile of

Lake Powell. That profile is affected by complex processes, including cold runoff input eventÁi¡cfr ¡n organic materials that occur far upstream of the dam, which can create mid-depth sags in oxygen levels. poorly

oxygenated water, if discharged through the dam, can severely stress fish in the tailwater, resulting in reduced

growth and even mass mortality.

Fish kills in the Lee Ferry reach have been documented in 2005 due to the low dissolved oxygen (DO) levels.

ln 2014, dissolved oxygen levels dangerously approached the lethal limit for trout. The combined effect of

low dissolved oxygen, high water temperatures, and low food production pose a direct and immed iate hazard

to rainbow trout and other fish species in Lees Ferry. USBR and GCMRC should closely monitor DO levels

in Lake Powell and in the Colorado River and provide alerts when DO levels are expected to approach dangerous levels below Glen Canyon Dam. USBR should immediately develop an action plan io reduce or

avoid the potential effects to aquatic resources when these conditions emerge. ln addition, dissolved oxygen levels should be made publically available at Glen Canyon Dam in addition to at the Lees Ferry gage.

Temperature Control Device

Water temperatures are a primary driver for the well-being and health of native and non-native fish

communities in Glen, Marble and Grand Canyon, yet currently there is no capability to affect release

temperatures from Glen Canyon Dam. The recently completed USBR Water Supply and Demand Study for

the Colorado River Basin suggests that Lake Powell elevations will likely decrease in the future as a result of

increased water demands, drought, and climate change. Lower Lake Powell elevations will lead to warmer

water release from Glen Canyon Dam, which could lead to invasions of warm water fishes and other invasive

species into the Marble and Grand canyons. There is clear evidence from the upper Colorado River basin that

such an invasion would have a devastating impact on humpback chub and other native fishes in the Colorado

River below Glen Canyon Dam (Tyus and Saunders 2000).

The Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) should immediately move forward with implementing a Temperature Control Device that has the capacity to release both cold and warm water from the dam as recommended

by the GCDAMP Science Advisors (Gunderson et al. 2003) and reaffirmed in a 2008 expert panel review

(GCMRC,2008).

Page 7
Bvpass Tube Electrical Generation

USBR should also consider making structural modifications to the outlet

works at Glen Canyon Dam to allow for the generation of electricity when

the bypass tubes are in use for HFEs or to address water quality (low

dissolved oxygen and high water temperature) emergencies in the Lees

Ferry reach. Having the ability to release water below the current penstock

may be the only way to cool the river when warm releases occur and

instantly mitigate low DO releases from the dam. This strategy could also

mitigate for loss in power revenue during times of emergency response or

during their utilization for HFEs.

lntroduce Turbidity

It is well established that rainbow trout significantly reduce feeding activity

when water clarity is low. Runge et al (2011) identified the strategy of

a "turbidity curtain" (providing inputs of fine sediment below the Paria

River) as the highest priority mitigation option for controlling rainbow trout

in Marble Canyon. lntroducing turbidity into the Colorado River below

the Paria River would minimize the need for mechanical removal near

the Little Colorado River. We recommend investigating the possibility

of reducing water clarity below the Paria River by artificially suspending

sediment in that drainage and increasing turbidity in the main stem.

Monitoring and Measurement of Manaqement Triggers

Long-term resource monitoring is the key to effective adaptive management (Walters and Holling

1ggó). AZGFD has been conducting standardized electrofishing surveys of the Lees Ferry fish

popuíation since 1gg1 . Electrofishing surveys currently occur in spring, summer and fall and prov¡de

vaiuable information on relative abundance, population structure, recruitment, and condition of the

entire fish community in Lees Ferry. ln addition, AZGFD has been conducting a creel survey since

1g64 that has provided valuable information that is currently used to address many of the concerns

of the angling community, particularly as it relates to angler catch, angler satisfaction, harvest rates,

and the economic impacts of the fishery. The GCMRC has an established water food base monitoring

program for the Lees Ferry reach (Carlisle et al 2012). lt is important to continue all these programs

"nd 

to provide timely reporting of findings and conditions related to the Lee's Ferry fishery.

Additionally a surveillance plan for other aquatic invasive species (e.g., quagga muscles, crayfish,

and whirling disease) that may harm the fishery should be fully developed. The existing monitoring

programs hãve the ability to detect invasive species, but need to be expanded and coordinated to

improve early detection and to report findings rapidly

and consistently.

ln addition, flows, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and

nutrient levels should continue to be monitored below

Glen Canyon Dam. Conditions in Lake Powellthat may

potentially lead to releases of low DO should be monitored

and reported in a timely fashion. Channel geomorphology

(mapping)and riparian habitat in the Lees Ferry reach

should be monitored on a periodic basis.

We recommend that Lees Ferry monitoring programs and

proposed management actions should be a major focus

of the Protocol Evaluation Panel (PEP) review of the

GCDAMP fishery program in late 2015 or early 2016. The

Panel should be requested to provide recommendations on

Page 8

Photo: Arizona Game and Fish Department
1. Approaches to identify the root cause(s) of the unstable trout populations in Lees Ferry;

2. The highest priority actions to stabilize and enhance the quality of the aquatic food base and the Lees

Ferry trout fisherY;

3. The appropriate metrics to trigger TMF's, stocking, and other management actions;

4. The most appropriate methods and level of effort to effectively monitor progress towards achieving the

goals outlined in this report;

b. lmportant data gaps that need to be filled and uncertainties that need to be resolved; and

6. The need to develop a Stock Assessment Model to:

a. measure progress towards reaching the goals contained in this report,

b. determine the suitability of the metrics identified in the report, and

c. evaluate the effectiveness of increasing harvest as a tool for managing the trout fishery.

A synthesis of available fish, food base, floq and water quality data fo 14 should precede

the PEP review. This period includes warming water temperature, spri r TMF's, periods of

low DO, equalization flows, and several steaãy flow tests. To facilitate w, we recommend

that a technical workshop should be held prioito the PEP review to summarize the available data for the panel.

Summary and Conclusions

Currently, the Lees Ferry trout fishery is ecologically unstable

due to an impaired aquatic food base and high levels of trout

recruitment that results in a population that exceeds the

carrying capacity of the river. The food base in the Colorado

River below Glen canyon Dam consists of only a few varieties

of invertebrates. Assemblages of native may flies, caddis

flies and stone flies which are prese¡t in every other tailwater

fishery in the west and are found upstream of Lake Powell and

in tributaries in the Grand Canyon are totally absent below

the dam. Our highest priority recommendation is to pursue

establishment of a more diverse aquatic food base by testing

alternative flow regimes in conjunction with repatriating th

Lees Ferry Reach with native aquatic invertebrates includ

e

ing may- caddis-, and stone-flies

We also recognize that over recruitment of young rainbow trout is a major factor that contributes to the

instability of tñe fishery. we believe the besi long term and most ecologically appropriate solution to controlling

trout densities is to increase invertebrate diversity and manage Glen Canyon Dam flows to avoid excessive

trout spawning and recruitment (e.g., adjusting Lake Powell-Lake Mead equalization guidelines to avoid

unsustainable trout recruitment¡. However, unã"t certain situations, trout management flows (TMFs) may be a

useful tool to help achieve desired trout recruitment and abundance targets, especially when spring HFE's are

implemented or high equalization flows are required. TMFs are untested and we are concerned about collateral

damage to other resouices especially the aquatic food base which could further destabilize and impact the

qualitf of the trout fishery. As such, the experimental evaluation of TMFs needs to recognize the trout fishery as

a highly valued asset and should be used only when recommended criteria are met and measurable criteria for

success have been identified.

We believe the biggest long term threat to the trout fishery and the native Colorado River fishes is increased

water temperature associaied with a lower Lake Powell. The Colorado River Basin is in the midst of a 10

year drought and climate studies suggest significantly reduced water supplies in the future. one of the

ôonr"qu"nces will be the water ternperatures below Glen Canyon Dam will turn much warmer which will

have catastrophic consequences for the Lees Ferry trout fishery and native fish down river. We recommend

implementing a water temperature control device at Glen Canyon Dam to maintain water temperature regimes

that will supp=ort a healthy trout and native fish population in Lees Ferry and downriver.

Page 9
We are also concerned about low dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in the water releases from Glen Canyon Dam. The availability of oxygen in the water released from the dam is direcfly influenced by the oxygen profile of Lake Powell. Poorly oxygenated water, if discharged through the dam, can severely stress fish in the tailwater, resulting in reduced growth and even mass mortality. An aõtion plan should be developed by the Bureau of Reclamation to reduce or avoid the potential effects to aquatic resources when/if low DO conditions emerge. we further recommend an evaluation of the feasibility of making structural modifications to the bypass tubes at Glen Canyon Dam to allow for water temperature regulation, mitigation of low DO levels, and êìectrical generation when the bypass tubes are tn use.

These recommendations uvere developed in fi¡li consideration of other naiural ancj cuitural resources in the colorado River below Glen canyon Dam. we believe that a healthy blue ribbon trout fishery is compatible with healthy native fish populations downstream and that the recommendations in this report wili benefit native fish and many other Colorado River resource values below Glen Canyon Dam, including:

' A more diverse aquatic food base will benefit the native fish community (including humpback chub) and riparian species throughout Glen, Marble and Grand canyons.

' Spring and fall HFE's and adjustments to Lake Powell-Lake Mead equalization guidelines will benefit sand conservation, beach building, and archaeological site protection.

' Trout management flows and a TCD will benefit the native fish community and humpback chub recovery.

' A continuation of the MLFF regime will benefit hydropower production. The native fish community, including the humpback chub, have also done well under the MLFF regime.

' Providing for electrical generation on the bypass tubes will benefit hydropower production.

' Proactive management of the Lees Ferry trout fishery will reduce downstream trout migration, avoid massive trout die-offs, and minimize the need for using lethal means to control trout populations near the Little Colorado River.

The voice of Lees Ferry anglers, guides, and businesses are fully united in their support of these Recommendations. our sincere hope and expectation is that the Recommendations will be given full consideration by the GCDAMP, and the Federal and State agencies responsible for managiñg the Colorado River resources below Glen Canyon Dam.

Page 10
Literature Cited

Bradford, M., Bevelhimer, M., Hansen, M., Mueller, G., Osmundson, D., Rice, J., & Winkelman, D. (2009).

Report of the 2009 Protocol Evaluation Panel for Fish Monitoring Programs of the Grand Canyon

Monitoring and Research Center.

Carlisle, D., Gutreuter, S., Holdren, G. C., Roberts, 8., & Robinson, C. (2012). Final Report of the Aquatic Food

Base Study and Protocol Evaluation Panel.

Fedler, A.J.2014.2013 Economic lmpact of Fishing in Arizona. Technical Report for the Arizona Game and

Fish Department, pp. 14.

Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center, 2008, USGS workshop on scientific aspects of a long-term

experimental plan for Glen Canyon Dam, April 10-11,20Q7 ,Flagstaff, Arizona: U.S. Geological Survey

Open-File Report 2008-1153, 79 p.

Gunderson, L., Howard,A., Hulse, D., Kitchell, J., Loomis, J., Palmer, M.,,.m &Schwartz,l). D. (2003).

Evaluating A Glen Canyon Dam Temperature Control Device To Enhance Native Fish Habitat ln The

Colorado River:A RiskAssessment By Adaptive Management Program Science Advisors.

Kennedy TA, Ralston BE.2011. Biological responses to high-flow experiments from Glen Canyon Dam. ln:

Effects of Three High-Flow Experiments on the Colorado River Ecosystem Downstream. From: Glen

Canyon Dam, Arizona, Melis TS (ed). US Geological Survey Circular: 2011-1366: Reston, VA; 93-125.

Korman, J.,M. Kaplinski, and T. S.Melis. 2011. Effects of fluctuating flows and a controlled flood on incubation

success and early survival rates and growth of age-O rainbow trout in a large regulated river.

Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 140:487-505.

Lenat, D.R., and Penrose. D.L.. 1996. History of the EPTtaxa richness metric: Bulletin of the

North American Benthological Society, v.'13, no. 2, p. 305-307.

McKinney, T. and W. R. Persons. 1998. Lee's Ferry rainbow trout fishery-an ecological synthesis. Final Report

to Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center. Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix.

Rogowski D.L., L.K. Winters, P.N. Wolters, and K.M. Manuell.2014. Status of the Lees Ferry trout fishery.

2Q14 Annual Report prepared by the Arizona Game & Fish Department, Research Division, for the

Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center, Flagstaff, Arizona. Arizona Game & Fish Department,

Phoenix.

Runge, M.C., Bean, Ellen, Smith, D.R., and Kokos, Sonja,2011, Non-nativefish control belowGlen Canyon

Dam-Report from a structured decision-making project: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report

2011-1012,74 p.

Tyus, H. M., and J. F. Saunders, lll. 2000. Nonnative fish control and endangered fish recovery: lessons from

the Colorado River. Fisheries 25(9):17-24.

USGS and BOR. 2014. Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program Triennial Budget and Work PlanFiscal Years 2015-2017, pp.537.

USBR. 2012. EnvironmentalAssessment for Development and lmplementation of a Protocol for High-Flow

Experimental Releases from Glen Canyon Dam, Arizona through 2020, USBR Salt Lake City, UT.

Walters, C.J., and C.S. Holling. 1990. Large-scale management experiments and learning by doing. Ecology

71:2060-2068.

Page 11
APPENDIX A - Goals and Desired Conditions for the Lees Ferry Trout Fishery.

NPS Desired Gonditions for the Lees Ferry Trout Fishery

NPS Goals for the Golorado River below Glen Ganyon Dam

to Grand Canyon National Park,

ecological role of native fish to the extent possible,

decisions and practices, and

GCD Adaptive Management Program Desired Future Conditions for the Lees Ferry Trout Fishery

emigration of non-native fishes.

causing excessive detriment to other resources.

Page 12
Our Supporters

The following organizations, businesses, and Lees Ferry fishing guides support these Recommendations and

encouraþe their full implementation.

Angler Orqanizations

. Anglers United

. Arizona Bass Nation

. Arizona Fly Casters

. Arizona Outdoor Sports . Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation . Arizona Wildlife Federation . Cocorñno Sportsmen

. Desert Fly Casters . lnternational Federation of Fly Fishers . Northern Arizona Fly Casters . Payson Fly Casters Club

. San Pedro Fly Casters

Sun City Grand Hooked on Fly Fishing Club

The Bass Federation

Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

Trout Unlimited

o Arizona State Council

o Gila Trout Chapter

o Grand Canyon Chapter

o Old Pueblo Trout Unlimited Chapter

o Zane Grey Trout Unlimited Chapter

White Mountain Fly Fishing Club

White Mountain Lakes Foundation

Mick Lovette

Dale Gauthier

Lees Ferry Lodge

at Vermillion Cliffs

Marble Canyon Outfitters

a

a

a

a

Lees Ferrv Fishing Guides

Terry Gunn

Jeff English

Skip Dixon

Natalie Jensen

Tyson Warren

Kevin Campbell

TJ Carrington

Jimmy Daniels

Businesses

. Orvis Company

. Lees FerryAnglers . Cliff Dwellers Lodge

Other Organizations

. ArizonaAntelopeFoundatíon . Arizona Big Game Super Raffle . Arizona Big Horn Sheep Society . Arizona Houndsmen

. Arizona Mountain Outfitters . Audubon Western Rivers Action Network

. Extreme Predator Callers . Mohave Sportsmen's Club

. Outdoor Experiences forAll . Safari Club lnternationalArizona Chapter . SRT Outdoors

. South Eastern Arizona Sportsmen's Club . 123 Go Water Safety

a

Page 13
Get involved today!

This is an important time for the Lees Ferry trout fishery. Currently, the Bureau of Reclamation, which manages

Glen Canyon Dam, and the National Park Service, which manages the lands in the Colorado River corridor, are

preparing a Long Term Experimental and Management Plan EIS that will determine Glen Canyon Dam operations

and river restoration actions for next 15-20 years. Over the next year, the coalition of Lees Ferry anglers, sportsmen/

conservation organizations, and businesses will be working to incorporate the Recommendations into the ElS.

YOUR support is needed. Sign up to receive EIS updates at hftp://ltempeis.anl.gov/. Let your elected official know

that the Lees Ferry trout fishery is important to you and encourage their support for these Recommendations.

For more information contact:

John Hamill, Arizona Field Representative

Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

jhamill@trcþ.org

John Jordan, Recreational Fishing Representative, Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program

Trout Unlímited/lnternational Federation of Fly Fishers

jcjordanl @cox.net

For the latest news on Lees Ferry and the LTEMP EIS go to: uruwv.az-tu.org

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at a

l'heodorc

Roosevelt

Conservation

Panncrship

WII,DtIFE T' flJ'fl for

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