Once again, many of our members volunteered their time for an important project on March 21, 2013. The Cheesman Canyon, Temperature Profile, campaign has been one that has been ongoing since 2010. The purpose is to measure temperature of the river, in four locations and pass this information to the Colorado Parks and Recreation aquatic biologist, in charge of the upper portion of the South Platte River.
The biologist uses the information gathered as a tool to manage the fishery. How is the data used? One example deals with the spawning of Rainbow trout. Rainbow trout begin the spawning process after periods of 46 degree water temperature. When does that happen above the Wig Wam Club?
You can see (sorry, the computer would not let me make it larger!) from the above graph that in 2011 the temperature started pushing above 46 degrees F about April 15th. So far our little project has provided three years’ worth this data.
We monitor the South Platte River at four locations from Cheesman dam to below Deckers. Jim Rasmussen has championed this effort. Submerged temperature loggers sample data every twenty minutes over the year. These monitors are retrieved and downloaded twice a year. The results are downloaded to a data shuttle and later transferred to a computer for further analysis. Critical to the retrieval process (LOL) is the hydroscope, which allows the workers to visualize what they’re doing under water. This is required as the monitors are secured to steel rods embedded into the riverbed. The hydroscope is a large plastic jar that is inverted in the water, providing a clear view beneath the surface. The jar was originally filled with pretzels, requiring Jim and Bill to eat all of them along with consuming several beers. They then generously donated the hydroscope to CCTU. Thanks guys for your sacrifice and generosity.
Rasmussen and Wiebesiek using Hydroscope to view nuts on clamps holding data logger to bottom of river.

Freeing the Temperature Sensor from its protective housing.

Temperature sensor in its protective housing.

Temperature sensor and housing mounted on re-bar in the river.
Many others joined the effort including Jim Klug, Allen Adinoff, Bill Wiebesek (chief hydroscope technician), Greg Ledges. It was a cool crisp sunny day, and all enjoyed the experience. Although flow rates were a bit lower than usual at 40 cfs, plenty of nice fish were landed. Everyone appreciated the fun, experience, and camaraderie. Projects like these are a great way to fulfill the mission of TU, spend some time with other Chapter members, and enjoy some fishing.
Consider joining us for one of our many CCTU conservation projects in the future. Jim Klug jjklug1@comcast.net and Jason Agin jagin2032@msn.com lead our conservation program for CCTU. The schedule of conservation projects can also be found on our web site. Our next project is May 11th. at 11 Mile Canyon where we will be reseeding burned areas in Springer Gulch.
See you on the river!
Allen Adinoff and Jim Rasmussen,
CCTU Membership Chair and Temperature Profile Project Leader
Photos by Jim Klug,
Conservation Director