ODFW to conduct trout survey

PRINEVILLE — Biologists from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will sample redband trout and mountain whitefish populations in the Crooked River below Bowman Dam from Monday through Friday, June 19, according to an ODFW press release.

Biologists will be electrofishing the river between the Big Bend and Cobble Rock campgrounds. During the sampling, fish will be stunned and netted so biologists can record the size, condition and abundance of both redband trout and mountain whitefish. The fish then will be released unharmed.

According to Tim Porter, ODFW fish biologist in Prineville, fishing is likely to be adversely affected in the portion of the river being sampled, but the remainder of the river will be unaffected.

“We also suggest anglers avoid this stretch of the river during sampling due to safety concerns,” Porter said.

ODFW began sampling the Crooked River in 1989 in order to track the long-term health of the redband trout population. The population assessment estimates the number of redband trout and mountain whitefish 8-inches long or longer per river mile.