This article was published on: 05/15/16 12:00 AM
BEND — Crooked River will flow heavier as fish experts try to recreate historic conditions that brought steelhead smolt to Lake Billy Chinook and into the ocean.
The Bend Bulletin reports Bowman Dam will start releasing more water starting Monday night, with levels returning to normal by Friday morning.
State wildlife officials advised against fishing in the area during the experiment.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries spokesman Michael Milstein says the basic idea is to simulate the historic spring runoff.
Experts want to observe how the increased flows impact young steelhead.
Portland General Electric started reintroducing the fish in 2007 as part of its efforts to renew steelhead runs under a 2005 relicensing agreement and help the species pass Deschutes River dams.
The Endangered Species Act lists steelhead as threatened.