MISSOULA — Officials say low flows and stream blockages may have contributed to a decline in spawning results in the annual northwest Montana bull trout survey.
The Missoulian reports the fall creek survey found varied results. The North Fork of the Flathead count of 50 redds was lower than any of the previous 10 years, which range from 51 to 144. But the Middle Fork of the Flathead produced 132 redds, compared with the 10-year average of 114. The Middle Fork’s range was 56 to 171.
Biologists and volunteers from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, as well as the state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Bonneville Power Administration, Avista Corp., Glacier National Park, U.S. Forest Service and Plum Creek Timber Co. helped with the survey.