Reaches

McKay Creek

All Reaches
a stream in the forest

Restoring McKay Creek's Natural Flows

McKay Creek flows 37 miles from the Ochoco National Forest to the Crooked River, passing through farmland and ranchland in Crook County. In summer, streamflows in the middle section often drop to critical levels due to irrigation withdrawals, creating barriers for fish and degrading habitat. Efforts are underway to restore more natural flows to this important tributary.

Read more about the McKay Creek Water Rights Switch

Wildlife Inhabitants:

Steelhead trout

Redband trout

Spawning and rearing grounds

Progress:
 (Goal: 11.2 CFS)

+11.2 CFS

 (in progress)
Challenges:

Streamflow

Water Quality

 (temperature)

Fish and Wildlife Habitat

Solutions:

Irrigation Water Source Switch

Transferring Water Rights Instream

Crooked River background image