Announcing the DRA 2016-2017 Macroinvertebrate Hatch Survey Report
The Deschutes River Alliance is pleased to present its 2016-2017 Macroinvertebrate Hatch Survey Report, prepared by Rick Hafele. As in previous years, this report describes survey data collected by lower Deschutes River fishing guides, documenting the presence and abundance of the major adult aquatic insect hatches on the lower river.The survey data compiled in the DRA Hatch Survey Reports represent a systematic attempt to document changes in adult insect emergence timing and abundance on the lower Deschutes River. This data, submitted by highly experienced guides, provides the only ongoing assessment of changes to the lower river’s aquatic insect populations.Here are some of the key takeaways from this year’s survey results and analysis:
- As in previous years, survey results show that adult abundance of the four major orders of aquatic insects—mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies, and Diptera (chironomids and crane flies)—is low from spring through fall. Percent of observations with high numbers of adults is rarely above 10% of all observations.
- Emergence of all major hatches are occurring four to six weeks earlier than they did prior to the commencement of surface water withdrawal operations at Round Butte Dam.
- The earlier emergence of these hatches is creating a period in the spring (typically early April through late May) when the vast majority of insect hatches now occur. After early- to mid-June insect hatches become scarce and unpredictable.
- Many river users have reported that wildlife along the lower Deschutes River corridor that depend on aquatic insect adults (e.g. swallows, bats, nighthawks, and song birds) continue to show depressed numbers. This is mostly likely due to a lack of available food.
DRA believes that the above changes in adult insect timing and abundance can be directly linked to the changes in water quality—including higher nutrient loads and warmer water temperatures in the spring and early summer—resulting from selective water withdrawal operations at Round Butte Dam. The survey data summarized in this year’s report, along with reports from previous years, provide key information needed to fully understand the impact of recent changes in the lower Deschutes River.Read the full report here.
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