Fish Count
South Fork Smith River
July 25-27, 2008

	Gary Reedy instructs the volunteers. by Thomas Dunklin

The Smith River Alliance invites all swimmers and wild-fish-enthusiasts to participate in the 2008 Fish Count. Come help us track the abundance of California's healthiest population of coastal cutthroat trout -- big fish in every pool! We will also be on the lookout for the rare summer steelhead and spring Chinook salmon, some of which are seen every year. Participating snorkelers will experience wild fish in their native habitat, and also enjoy the unsurpassable beauty of the Smith River while floating among the canyon walls and searching within the clear water.

This event contributes to an annual program monitoring summer populations of adult fish in the Smith River. Training and leadership will be provided by experienced participants. Data collection is coordinated with the Calif. Dept. of Fish and Game and the US Forest Service.

An "entry-level" river snorkeling and fish identification workshop will be held on Friday from 1:00-5:00. This training is fun and is required for all new participants who want to collect data on Saturday. Experienced fish snorkelers are encouraged to help with the workshop and improve their skills.

	The pools and riffles along Rock Creek Ranch provide an ideal training location. by Thomas Dunklin

Training and coordination will take place at Rock Creek Ranch, ideally situated on the South Fork Smith River. Camping is available to participants beginning the afternoon of July 25 and ending July 27, following the fish count. Donations for food and camping are requested.

Food provided: Friday dinner by RSVP, Saturday breakfast, Saturday BBQ items (wieners, veggie-burgers, and condiments). Bring your own beverages and a food item to share for the Saturday evening BBQ. The nearest motel and store is located in Hiouchi, 10 miles away. Children are welcome, but only good swimmers older than 12 years may participate in the count. Please do not bring your dog.

Friday Schedule:
1:00 -- Welcome and Fish Count Introduction, Dry-land Training
2:00 -- Equipment Check
2:30 -- River Snorkeling, Fish Count Training
6:30 -- Dinner (Bring your own beverages and dessert to share)
8:00 -- Smith River Natural History Presentation
9:00 -- Music Jam!?

Saturday Schedule:
8:00 -- Breakfast served, Registration begins
9:00 -- Instructions and Team Assignments -- Don't be late!
9:30 -- Safety and Equipment checks
10:00 -- Depart Rock Creek Ranch in carpools
5:00 -- All data and equipment returned -- BBQ begins!

What to Bring:
Mask and snorkel, full body wetsuit and dive hood
Wetsuit gloves are recommended for all but the tough, hot-blooded type
Booties with soles, or wetsuit socks and shoes to swim in
Flexible fins are recommended for those with experience using them
Small durable pack with lunch*, water bottle, sunscreen (* energy bars will be provided but some people need to pack additional food)
Potluck or grill item for Saturday evening feast
Camping gear, including lantern and solar shower, if you have one
Musical instruments

Equipment:
Please come prepared. Wetsuits, hoods, masks and snorkels may be rented at Pacific Quest Dive Center in Crescent City (707-464-8753). The Smith River Alliance has a limited set of equipment that we use to supplement gaps or inadequacies.

	Fins and weights are some of the tools used by fish counters. by Thomas Dunklin

Directions:
Rock Creek Ranch is located 8.0 Mile up South Fork Road which starts at Highway 199 twelve miles NE of Crescent City, and 7 miles West of Gasquet. South Fork Road crosses the Middle Fork, then the South Fork, then turns up the South Fork canyon. The driveway for Rock Creek Ranch is located immediately after the signs for five small streets (Madrone, Cedar, Oak, Pine, and Fir) and will be marked.

Please RSVP by email before July 18 gary.reedy@gmail.com

See you in the water!

Click the left-side links on this page to learn more about our conservation programs and to view our useful Resources pages.

Smith River Alliance
PO Box 2129
Crescent City, CA 95531

© 2004-2008 Smith River Alliance