KAKWA RIVER BULL TROUT RESEARCH PROJECT 

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Here are some pictures from the Kakwa River Bull Trout Research project, being undertaken by the Alberta Conservation Association. The project is taking place on Lynx Creek, a tributary of the Kakwa, and one of the areas where the Bull Trout spawn (please note Lynx Creek on the Kakwa River system, is closed to angling year-round, and is not to be confused with Lynx Creek on the Ram River system).

 

Bird's Eye View

Here's a nice overhead view of the Lynx Creek (a tributary of the Kakwa River).  This section of the creek was selected due to it being representation of a northern unexploited Bull Trout population in a pristine watershed.

Welcome to the Party

Paul and Trevor prepare to document all the details about this bruiser Bull Trout.

A Ride To Work

ACA staff, and the media are ferried to the project by helicopter.

My, How You've Grown!

Length, weight, and sex data are recorded for ongoing use in the study.

OH....So, That's What It Is!

The fish trap that was installed on Lynx Creek is used to intercept and capture fish on spawning migrations.

Annual Check-Up

A Sign Of The Times

This sign designates that an ACA project is in operation.  If you see one of these signs  please avoid angling in the immediate area.

 

Each fish is tagged with a colored, numbered, 'floy' tag, that will help ACA staff identify the fish in the future.  A small fin sample is also taken, for use back at the lab.

Powered Up

Paul gets suited up in the electro fishing gear.  This unit will send an electrical shock into the stream, temporarily stunning any fish within 10 ft.  The shock causes no permanent damage to the fish and allows ACA staff to work with each specimen without causing undue stress.

Home Sweet Home

Each Bull Trout is carefully released back to the Kakwa.  This is the fish's favorite part of the operation.

Looks Like A Good Run

Paul and Trevor work as a team to find the next specimen for the study.

All In A Day's Work

It's not all fish and fun.  Paul removes clumps of leaves and makes repairs to the trap so it will continue to function effectively without drastically altering the natural flow of the river.

A Bull Trout's Dinner

Whitefish are an important part of a Bull Trout's diet.  The Kakwa River system has an abundant population of these little guys.

Business As Usual

Aside from the fish trap, ACA staff leave the area exactly as they found it, and nature takes over once again.  For more information on the Kakwa River Bull Trout Study, or any other ACA projects call toll-free, (877) 969 9091.

Meet The Press

Trevor and Paul get interviewed by the media.  Coverage of ACA projects is an important element in providing the public with information about projects that benefit Albertans.