A unique and innovative restoration project is underway on Hat Creek to address deteriorating streambanks and improve habitat conditions on this fragile spring creek. The project, a cooperative effort between California Trout, Department of Fish and Game, and Pacific Gas and Electric, is part of a long-term effort to address sedimentation and bank erosion issues on one of California’s most famed trout streams.
This pilot project will implement a unique and creative restoration method to repair fragile undercut streambanks, a favorite habitat of fish and aquatic insects, damaged by years of muskrat burrowing, past cattle grazing, and heavy angler foot traffic. This destabilization of habitat and aquatic vegetation has resulted in increased fine sediment inputs, loss of undercut banks, smothering of aquatic vegetation and stream channel widening, all of which damage fish habitat and water quality.
Hat Creek has a special history as it was designated as the state’s first Wild Trout Stream in 1972 following a successful trout restoration project that changed the stream from one overrun by suckers and other invasive species to one of the state’s most productive wild trout fisheries. The 3.5 mile Hat Creek Wild Trout Area once contained one of the state’s healthiest and most robust populations of rainbow trout. Beginning in the late 1980’s, however, the quality habitat for wild rainbow and brown trout began to decline, as evidenced by angler surveys and studies by the Department of Fish and Game and other fish biologists.
The first phase of the project will focus on a 750’ section of Hat Creek just downstream from the Carbon Bridge fishing access. The project consists of placing logs parallel to the damaged streambank and back filling the damaged sections with dirt and large gravel. The rock and fill are then covered with natural sod mats that help stabilize the structure and improve aesthetics. The immediate result is the appearance of a relatively natural, undisturbed and overhanging stream bank. Over time the logs decompose and rooting from the sod mats and other riparian vegetation will further stabilize the banks and promote the establishment of a natural undercut bank.
“Another important aspect of the project is to demonstrate the ability of the design to discourage muskrats from further burrowing,” explained Mike Dean, Wild Trout biologist for the Department of Fish and Game. “Muskrats are non-native to the Hat Creek/Fall River region, but have flourished after being released from a commercial rat farm near McArthur, CA in the early 1930’s. The population quickly spread to any suitable waterway in the region, causing considerable damage to the banks of rivers and streams throughout the area.”
To more comprehensively address deteriorating resource conditions along Hat Creek, California Trout, Department of Fish and Game, and Pacific Gas and Electric have spearheaded the formation of the Hat Creek Resource Advisory Committee. The Committee, consisting of conservation groups, state agencies, local citizens, and restoration experts, is currently developing a long-term plan that identifies restoration priorities and seeks funding for implementation. This current project represents one of the first projects implemented by the Committee.
The overarching goal of the Committee is to return Hat Creek to its glory years of fishing when, in the 1980’s, the spring creek was widely regarded as one of the top fly-fishing destinations in the nation.
Hat Creek rose to greatness as a wild trout fishery through the combined efforts of PG&E, the Department of Fish and Game and California Trout. “It is exciting -- and fitting -- to have these partners join forces again to address the problems the creek now faces and begin to restore Hat Creek to greatness,” said Dick Galland of Clearwater House on Hat Creek.
For more information about the Hat Creek Restoration Project contact Curtis Knight, California Trout’s Northeast Manager, at 530.926.3755 or by email at caknight@jps.net.
Hat Creek at Carbon Bridge, early 1970’s. Compare this photo with photo below.
Hat Creek at Carbon Bridge 2003. Muskrat tunneling has collapsed overhanging streambanks resulting in loss of habitat and increased inputs of fine sediment. Walking along Hat Creek was treacherous due to hidden tunnels.
Logs are placed parallel to the streamflow.
Rock and gravel are placed behind the logs to fill in collapsed banks and deter future muskrat burrowing. Sod is then laid on top of the log.
Sod placed over the top of the fill hides the logs and fill. Over time the logs will rot and leave an overhanging bank—excellent habitat for fish and macroinvertebrates.
A finished section of Hat Creek Streambank Restoration project. Note the depth of water just off of the restored bank is steep and habitat is created under the bank and hidden log.
A close up view of a completed section of the Hat Creek Streambank Restoration project.
