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Native Trout Baldy Ryan Creek, RCDO OSP |
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| Baldy Ryan Creek drains Longwall Canyon watershed. | ||
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| Seasonal run off from a side canyon flows through this culvert. | ||
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| During their spring run, native trout sometimes swim up this "cripple creek" by mistake. | ||
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| This trout measured 6 inches long. | ||
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| The instinct to swim upstream is incredibly strong. | ||
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| This fish repeated tried to leap upstream through the current. | ||
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| Only to be washed back down into a lower pool. | ||
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| It would rest briefly, gathering its strength for another attempt. | ||
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| Only to be washed back down again. | ||
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| These repeated attempts would leave the fish gasping open mouthed from the exertion. | ||
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| It would constantly work its fins and tail to stay in place. | ||
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| If it could just get beyond this large black rock! | ||
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| Ready for another attempt. | ||
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| Gulping water to oxygenate. | ||
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| The fish seemed to oxygenate where the water was agitated with lots of bubbles. | ||
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| Forcing its way up a narrow channel between two rocks. What a monumental effort! | ||
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| Then its strength would fail and it would be washed back down. (Fish is in center of photo.) | ||
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| The fish is at the center of the picture. Can you see it? | ||
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| Every year 2-3 trout are stranded in this pool. They usually fall prey to predators within 24 hours. | ||
| Return to Top. | Go to OSA Rancho Preserve. | |