We Need a Riparian Strategy

Posted by admin on December 21, 2011 | No Comments

The South Fork Boise River below Anderson Ranch Reservoir is a regulated river. That means river flows are controlled as if with a spigot. Popular float boating flows in the summer are coupled with the steady, generous 300 cfs winter flows that benefit the wild trout fishery.

But a regulated river also affects the health of a river corridor and the riparian community. We have enjoyed fishing the river and it’s been pretty terrific that we may have been neglecting to notice the riparian conditions along the river.

Yes there have been some fencing and planting projects such as along Cow Creek and along the SFB on the north (river right) side downstream of the Cow Creek bridge.

What’s the Deal with the Tributaries?

Posted by admin on December 5, 2011 | No Comments

After several posts about the Pierce Creek culvert removal project it’s appropriate to step back and have a look at the role of these tributaries in the South Fork Boise River fishery.

It would be uncommon — to say the least — that people who fish the SFB go there to fish one of the tributaries. Many anglers may not even know these small streams exist. Some may be attracted unwittingly to the confluence zone of these streams with the SFB to find rising fish, or good holding water provided by structure in the river channel.

Small streams play an important role in the health of a trout fishery.

First, they contain a significant amount of stream length and therefore habitat than may be at first realized. Even a trickle of water can still provide some holding water in small pools for fish, especially those young-of -year. Second, during certain times of the year, such as spring and early summer, the flows in these streams swell and more water can mean more habitat – space for fish to live.

Giving Thanks for a Wild Trout Fishery

Posted by admin on November 24, 2011 | 1 Comment

Some new reading material is posted in the Library. It’s the IDFG write up of the October 2009 fish population survey. We’ll add some thoughts after the jump after we have some time to digest both the report and some Thanksgiving turkey. Your thoughts are welcome too. Continue Reading…

Tagged population survey

Bridge is Built; Pierce Creek now Part of South Fork Boise

Posted by admin on November 14, 2011 | No Comments

By Friday November 11 the new bridge was installed over Pierce Creek and the road bed was filled and rebuilt. Guard rails were added to the bridge and the water was turned back into Pierce Creek. Here are some photos:

Looking downstream as Pierce Creek flows under the new bridge.

PIERCE CREEK: Construction Starts, Cofferdam In, Culvert Out, Connection Coming

Posted by admin on November 4, 2011 | 1 Comment

Pierce Creek Culvert 11.02.2011

Wednesday November 2 we broke ground on the Pierce Creek Reconnection Project. The 48-inch culvert, one that has over the years turned into a fish barrier, will be removed and a new steel bridge installed. Here’s a report on the first two days of work.

Photo at right shows the clearing and grubbing on the downstream end of the culvert. For the first time a clear picture of the stream gradient can be fully appreciated. And even this did not reveal a surprise (more after the jump). Prior to clearing, willow bushes and aspen trees obscured Pierce Creek between the South Fork Boise road and the South Fork Boise River.