Smolts
Instructions for counting Smolts (and other fish) in the fish trap box. There will be mostly coho Smolts.
SAFETY FIRST! Only conduct fish count if water level is safe. Have clean gumboots and hands.
- Record on the data sheet:
- date and time Eg. May 23, 8am
- names of volunteers
- temperature – leave thermometer in water for at least 1 minute
- water gauge reading
- general weather conditions & other comments
- At the counting box
- open the lid slowly, and immediately drop down the inlet pipe screen on the right side (to prevent fish swimming up the pipe).
- drop down the plywood between the 2 compartments to make it easier to catch fish.
- count & identify fish
- try NOT to touch the fish with your hands
- the recording sheet has approximate sizes of smolts on the paper!
- fill halfway the small plastic box with water
- carefully scoop and collect fish, transfer to plastic box, identify, count & record fish numbers
- cohoe smolts (and the smaller coho fry) have a black line on the forward edge of their anal fin
- transfer fish to stream by submerging plastic box in quiet water & allow fish to swim away
- When finished counting
- Lift up screen at the inlet pipe
- Lift up the plywood between the compartments
- Remove any debris collected along the screens
- Quietly close the lid
- Stow away in tote box
- Thermometer and pencil
- Clipboard with data sheets
- Plastic box and dip nets
Please report any damaged equipment or dead fish to John immediately: 250-465-1728.