The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation recently worked with other agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Southwestern Power Administration, as well as sportsmen's groups such as the Indian Nations Chapter of Trout Unlimited and Tulsa Fly Fishers to put in place a new system to provide water and oxygenation to the river during periods of low flow. Also, a system has been put in place to monitor downstream water quality.

Currently, none of Lake Tenkiller's water is allocated for managing the popular fishery. Instead, the Wildlife Department has relied on a limited supply of water made available by other water storage rights holders, such as Sequoyah Fuels, and even then only during sporadic water releases. Leakage in the dam had provided some water flow as well until being repaired recently, leaving the Wildlife Department with access to just two hours of water flow or less per day for managing the 7.75 miles of trout fishery.

The inability to secure adequate water flow from the dam has caused problems for the fishery, including low dissolved oxygen levels, toxic algae blooms and significant fish kills. Studies indicate the fishery has an economic impact of up to $5 million per year. Local businesses may feel the ache of the water shortages as much as the fishery itself.

The new system, which was recently unveiled at a ceremony held among partners at the site of the project, includes a low-flow pipeline that the Wildlife Department can use to deliver borrowed water to the river even when the dam isn't generating water flow.

"This pipeline allows us to make more efficient use of available water," said Barry Bolton, chief of fisheries for the Wildlife Department. "Prior to construction of the pipeline, we were unable to control the volume of water released. With the ability to more closely monitor water releases, we can more effectively manage water quality downstream."

Additionally, a dissolved oxygen enhancement system has been provided to increase oxygen in the water immediately below the dam. Paired with the water provided by the new pipeline, this system can help prevent the conditions that have resulted in fish kills in the past. Monitoring stations set up at 13 downstream locations can help managers track water conditions as well.

"The system we've put in place will conserve water and improve dissolved oxygen levels, meaning better management, effective prevention of fish kills and improved fishing for anglers," Bolton said.

Though the new system will help address the issues facing the fishery, Bolton said a long-term solution is still needed, which must include a dependable source of water to maintain the fishery down the stream.

Established in 1965 as mitigation for the construction of Tenkiller Dam, the Illinois River trout fishery has become a recreational and economic staple for the region. While finding a solution to water shortages in the river poses unique challenges, Bolton said the Wildlife Department is committed to the survival of the fishery and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure quality fishing for those who depend on the fishery for recreation and business.

News Source: Oklahoma DWC - Jul. 05, 2013