When river flows come up, side channels are a safe haven for trout to seek shelter from the heavy currents. Side channel protection is especially important for juvenile trout, including baby brown trout that recently emerged from their redds/nests and don’t swim very well yet.

Here is a photo of the side channel where BVFF has been working to improve trout habitat. You can see the main river is raging but there are numerous soft areas in the side channel for trout, including the corner where we added some woody cover. The gravel BVFF added to the side channel this Spring is tucked out of the main current and is at a good depth and flow for rainbows to spawn. We will keep an eye on it and report spawning activity.