Stock assessment of Redband Trout populations tributaries to the upper Columbia River, fisheries surveys in tributaries to the upper Kettle River and abundance estimates of Redband Trout in an index area of the upper Spokane River.

Stock assessment in Onion Creek includes abundance and density estimates of Redband Trout from the confluence of the Columbia River to the barrier falls. Abundance estimates are conducted through backpack electrofishing mark recapture experiments. Biological data is collected to evaluate age and growth characteristics of the Redband Trout populations. Recruitment and escapement is evaluated through spawning ground surveys and stationary PIT tag arrays at both Big Sheep and Onion creeks.  

Stock assessment in the upper Kettle River includes an inventory of tributaries between the towns of Midway and Danville, WA for the presence of wild Rainbow Trout (Redband Trout) using eDNA analysis. Conduct fisheries surveys in tributaries that test positive for Rainbow Trout to evaluate species composition, relative abundance, and biological metrics. Conduct DNA analysis to evaluate wild Rainbow Trout populations for genetic purity, diversity, and relationships with other regional Redband Trout stocks.

Redband Trout stock assessment in the upper Spokane River includes annual abundance estimates, age analysis, and descriptive statistics of biological metrics. Initial estimates provided a baseline of Redband Trout abundance prior to non-native Smallmouth Bass removal. Annual abundance estimates are used to examine the Redband Trout population response throughout Smallmouth Bass removal efforts.