Bright Angel Creek Trout Reduction Project

The NPS has issued a decision document for the Bright Angel weir project. The proposal (preferred alternative) was to remove non-native fish, primarily trout, from the creek during their spawning season (approximately October-January) each year for five years. The dual purposes of the proposed action are to benefit endangered humpback chub (Gila cypha) and other native fish species in the mainstem Colorado River, and to restore and enhance, to the extent possible, the native fish community that once flourished in Bright Angel Creek. The project is needed because non-native species, primarily trout, have become dominant in Bright Angel Creek, and trout are known to prey on or out compete native fish including the endangered humpback chub in the mainstem Colorado River and side streams.

After consideration of public and agency comments on the EA/AEF, Alternative B, as modified in response to comments received, was selected as the preferred alternative and proposed undertaking. Under Alternative B, all non-native fish, primarily brown trout and rainbow trout, will be mechanically removed from Bright Angel Creek using 1) a weir to capture the fish as they move upstream into the creek to spawn, and 2) electrofishing and dip netting (depletion sampling) in conjunction with weir use as part of fish community response monitoring to determine the effects of the project on the fish community in the creek. Initial depletion efforts will focus on removal of brown trout. Rainbow trout will not be removed until consultation with the state has occurred and required state permits have been obtained as required by Title 43 of the Code of Federal Regulations §24 4.

Contact Information

Joseph F. Alston, Superintendent
Grand Canyon National Park
P.O. Box 129 / 1 Village Loop
Grand Canyon, Arizona 86023

Or contact Rick Ernenwein, Project Planning Leader, at (928)779-6279 or rick_ernenwein@nps.gov.