August 10, 2010 – Bend Bulletin – Biologists to sample fish population on Middle Deschutes

This article was published on: 08/31/10 12:00 AM

Biologists to sample fish populations on Middle Deschutes

Published: August 10. 2010 4:00AM PST

Biologists from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife are scheduled to survey fish populations on sections of the Middle Deschutes, beginning today and running through Friday.

According to ODFW biologist Brett Hodgson, he and other biologists will electroshock fish on parts of the river near Tumalo State Park, Cline Falls State Park near Redmond, and the Foley Waters area near Crooked River Ranch.

Electroshocking temporarily stuns fish so that biologists can record data. Hodgson said limited short-term effects on angling opportunities in those areas of the Middle Deschutes are expected for a couple of hours after the surveying.

Hodgson said the last time the ODFW sampled fish on the Middle Deschutes was more than 15 years ago. He added that this could be the initial year of a potential five-year monitoring study.

“We want to know how good of an angling opportunity we are providing,” Hodgson said.

The biologist added that the ODFW also wants to learn if fish populations are responding to increased efforts in improving stream flows on the Middle Deschutes.

—Bulletin staff report

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