3.25 CFS Modular Design

Deep Creek

Deep Creek

This project includes a redesigned fish return flume which provides a more efficient, lower maintenance method for getting fish, debris, and bypass flows back to the stream.

About

The diversion feeds in to Black Lake, which is used as a spawning and rearing pond for the privately-owned Crystal Lakes Fish Hatchery.

Crystal Lakes partnered with the Montana FWP to create a genetic reserve for Arctic Grayling and a certified disease-free source of Brook Trout. The diversion was previously unscreened, risking that endeavor. The new Farmers Screen systems provides passage, fish protection, and clean screened water to Black Lake and ensures that resident westslope cutthroat trout, bull trout, brook trout, and rainbow trout stay in Deep Creek.

The project included a new headgate, inlet pipe and a 3.25cfs modular Farmers Screen. The screen has 20 feet of straight inlet flume leading up to the two-section 20-foot screen. The new fish return flume provides a more efficient, lower maintenance method for getting fish, debris, and by-pass flows back to the stream.

Crystal Lakes Hatchery Manager Bob LeBlanc sent us this terrific video of the screen operating in very icy conditions just after install.

Installing the first inlet flume section.
Attaching inlet flume to head gate inlet pipe.
Attaching inlet flume to head gate inlet pipe.
Two sections of inlet flume installed.
Modular flumes bolt together on site.
First modular screen section in place and bolted to inlet flume.
Two screen sections installed, ready for backfill.
End of screen, with cut-off panels in place.
Bolting the cut-off panels in place.
Backfilled screen, ready for water.
Contractor tidying up the work site.
First start up.
Screened water flowing to open ditch.
Screen operating.
FCA patent plate installed.
Screen operators discuss operation with Montana FWP representative.
Fish hatchery holding pond.
Black Lake, which the Farmers Screen feeds.
Bob LeBlanc gives us a tour of the hatchery facilities.
Juvenile brook trout
Hatchery facility.
Hatchery supplies arctic grayling and brook trout.
Deep Creek Farmers Screen operating in ice.
  • Type:3.25 CFS Modular Design
  • Location: Fortine, MT
  • Basin:Tobacco River Drainage
  • Partners: Montana FWP, BPA through Libby Mitigation Project, the irrigator (James Smith) and Koocanusa Excavating
  • Installation Date: October 2013
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