The North Umpqua River contains fairly large populations of both winter-run and summer-run steelhead. While it is possible distinquish the two based on run-timing of adults over Winchester Dam (with some overlap), there is little known about where in the watershed they spawn and where juveniles rear for up to 3 years (usually 2 years) before outmigrating to the ocean. Up until now, juveniles were simply identified as generic “steelhead”. This has been a conundrum for fish biologists in effectively managing these fish.
That may change in the near future with an exciting new project. Dr. Mike Miller, a professor of Genetics at the University of California, Davis, has identified the genes that determine run-timing. He has proposed a project, using that technique, to determine the relative distribution of both of these races of steelhead. The project would collect samples of juveniles from about 30 sites, primarily in tributaries, throughout the basin. He would then run the genetic analysis. Based on the site locations, he should be able to determine if there are “strong-holds” for one or the other, or alternatively, they have an over-lapping distribution.
In addition to run-timing, he can genetically determine parentage . He can determine if these fish are wild X wild, wild X hatchery hybrids, or of hatchery X hatchery origin. This information would improve understanding of population dynamics and lead to better informed management decisions.
Many agencies and interest groups have demonstrated support for the project. These include the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Umpqua National Forest, Roseburg Bureau of Land Management, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and Pacificorp. Additionally, Steamboaters and The North Umpqua Foundation, and perhaps other groups, are also supportive. Sampling is expected to occur in the fall of 2017. Permitting requirements will prevent sampling this year.
