Fish

The Monument includes the Hanford Reach, the nation’s last, non-tidal, free-flowing segment of the Columbia River. Forty-three species of fish have been documented as occurring in the Hanford Reach. Salmonids are of particular interest, large numbers of fall chinook salmon (Onchorynchus tshawytscha) spawn in the Hanford Reach, Upper Columbia River Spring Chinook (Onchorynchus tshawytscha), listed as a federally threatened species, also uses the Hanford Reach for migration, as well as both the Middle Columbia River Steelhead (Onchorynchus mykiss) and Upper Columbia River Steelhead (Onchorynchus mykiss) both of which are federally threatened species. Beach seine catches from April-June in the Hanford Reach are dominated by subyearling fall chinook salmon (USGS, unpublished data). Other numerically important species during this time are redside shiners, carp, largescale suckers, northern pikeminnow, and peamouth. Mountain whitefish are common in the Hanford Reach and support a recreational fishery. Centrarchids and percids are more common in McNary Reservoir, although smallmouth bass are also abundant in the Hanford Reach. Tench, three-spine sticklebacks, and mountain whitefish are rarely captured in Hanford Reach seining activities. The ponds and lakes created by irrigation run-off also have populations of introduced fishes such as carp, bass, sunfish, and panfish. Riparian vegetation and backwater sloughs are very important for fisheries habitat. Shoreline vegetation provides shade, moderates temperatures in shallow water and provides shelter and substrate for invertebrate populations all of which are critical for sustaining fish populations. Occasionally, vegetation may become dense and limit open water habitat.

Spanish

• FWS Home
• Pacific Region Home
• USGS Hydrograph Station: Columbia River Below Priest Rapids Dam

For best printing results, set your printer to landscape.