KTVZ: Central Oregon volunteers battle to protect fish amid reservoir refill

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A major rescue effort took place on the Upper Deschutes River this month, as dozens of volunteers worked to save stranded fish left behind by seasonal water reductions.

Each year, when the Upper Deschutes River is reduced to help refill Wickiup Reservoir, side channels run dry, leaving fish trapped in isolated pools. Volunteers used nets and buckets to move the stranded fish back into the main river, while biologists monitored habitats and identified species during the process.

“This river is the lifeblood of Central Oregon and we need it to be healthy, whether you are a fish, a farmer or a fisherman. So people should care that this river is in good shape,” said Kate Fitzpatrick, executive director of the Deschutes River Conservancy.

Since 2014, the annual rescue has saved thousands of fish. The effort is led by area irrigation districts with support from the Deschutes River Conservancy. It is part of a broader initiative under the Deschutes Basin Habitat Conservation Plan, which aims to increase winter river flows by 2028.

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Cover Photo: Collin H. Richard