Data Collection Protocols
For Walking Surveys, you will begin your survey from the downstream end shown on your
map, travel in or alongside the creek, and move in an upstream direction.
For Floating or Driving surveys, you can modify the start locations and upstream/downstream
movement. Contact us for help planning these surveys.
No matter how you travel for the surveys, as you do so, you’ll be documenting observations of
the Fish, Redds, and Other (which are explained in detail further below).
These observations, plus your start/end data points, will comprise your Survey Data Log, which
you will complete every time you survey a creek.
When documenting any observations, you will record details AND the location.


A GPS unit with notation/comment capabilities fulfills both requirements and is the
most effective way of capturing survey data;
OR, A combination of a rain-proof notepad AND either printed survey area maps or a
GPS unit. Approximations for location are okay.
Take lots of photos and videos if you can, especially if you have any questions about an
observation (ie, what is this? Is this a Male/Female? Is this a Redd? Is this a Coho?, etc)
If you find a fish carcass, please do the following:

Open the egg/sperm sack and record Full // Partial // Empty for sperm/eggs present.
The location to cut is on the underside between the belly and tail. You’ll see a small
opening closer to the tail, this is where the egg/sperm come out normally. You can
squeeze the body from the belly toward the tail to exhume additional eggs/sperm.

Cut off the tail to prevent double-counting carcasses. Leave the carcass and tail in the
creek. Please remember to do this!
When recording survey data, I recommend using abbreviations and removing titles to reduce
your data recording/entry work load.


This guide provides a number of examples for how different data point types can be
documented as unabbreviated, abbreviated, or even abbreviated with no titles.
Just remember, to remove titles from your data collection, you’ll have to record the
data in the same order/sequence every time for each data type – otherwise, we’ll have
no clue what the abbreviations are supposed to be representing!
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RECORDING DATA
Survey Start & Survey End – Template w/ Guidance
When starting or ending a survey day (or when starting/ending a new survey creek on the same
survey day), the first and last data points will include:
Date & Time
Creek Name and Map Code
Data Point #
Start at “1”, unless your GPS automatically assigns a number
Type
Choose One – Start // End
You can use letter abbreviations rather than the full word – S // E
Survey Start/End Location
Use GPS or label w/ Data Point # on your printed maps
Weather
Choose One – Clear // Overcast // Foggy // Rain // Snow // Partly Cloudy
You can use letter abbreviations rather than the full word – C // O // F // R // S // PC
Stream Flow
Choose One – Low // Moderate // High // Flooding
You can use letter abbreviations rather than the full word – L // M // H // F
Visibility
Choose One –See bottom of riffles AND pools // See bottom of riffles // Cannot see either
You can use numbers rather than the full words – 1 // 2 // 3
Temperature (if thermometer is available)
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RECORDING DATA
Survey Start & Survey End – Template Blank
When starting or ending a survey day (or when starting/ending a new survey creek on the same
survey day), the first and last data points will include:
Date & Time
Creek Name and Map Code
Data Point #
Type
Survey Start/End Location
Weather
Stream Flow
Visibility
Temperature (if thermometer is available)
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RECORDING DATA
Survey Start & Survey End – Example 1
Recording a survey start/end data points for survey on Mainstem North Yamhill
River (NYR1)
Example Start/End Survey Data Record – No Abbreviations
Date & Time: 11/20/2015; 1pm
Creek Name and Map Code: Mainstem North Yamhill River, NYR1
Data Point #: 1
Type: Start
Survey Start/End Location: GPS
Weather: Overcast
Stream Flow: Moderate
Visibility: Can see bottom of riffles AND Pools
Temperature (if thermometer is available): NA, don’t have
Date & Time: 11/20/2015; 2:30pm
Creek Name and Map Code: Mainstem North Yamhill River, NYR1
Data Point #: 4
Type: End
Survey Start/End Location: GPS
Weather: Rain
Stream Flow: High
Visibility: Cannot see bottoms of riffles or pools
Temperature (if thermometer is available): NA, don’t have
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Example Start/End Survey Data Record – Using Abbreviations
Date & Time: 11/20/2015; 1pm
Creek Name and Map Code: MNYR, NYR1
Data Point #: 1
Type: S
Survey Start/End Location: GPS
Weather: O
Stream Flow: M
Visibility: 1
Temperature (if thermometer is available): NA
Date & Time: 11/20/2015; 2:30pm
Creek Name and Map Code: MNYR, NYR1
Data Point #: 4
Type: E
Survey Start/End Location: GPS
Weather: R
Stream Flow: H
Visibility: 3
Temperature (if thermometer is available): NA
Example Start/End Survey Data Record – Using Abbreviations and No Titles

11/20/2015; 1pm; MNYR, NYR1; 1; S; GPS; O; M; 1; NA

11/20/2015; 2:30pm; MNYR, NYR1; 4; E; GPS; R; H; 3; NA
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RECORDING DATA
FISH OBSERVATIONS—Template w/ Guidance
Fish Observations
For each live fish, fish carcass, or partial fish remains, document the following:
Data Point #
If the GPS auto-numbers each data point, that’s great, just go with it.
Otherwise, just continue your numbering from the last data point taken. If this is your first
observation data point for the survey creek, then your data point # will be “2” (because #1 will
be the survey start data point)
Regardless of the observation type (Fish, Redd, Other), increase the data point # by 1 each time
a new observation is recorded on the same survey creek.
Type
Fish
Location
Use GPS Unit or write the Data Point # on a printed map in the estimated location.
Species
Choose one – Coho // Steelhead // Cutthroat // Unknown
You can use letter abbreviations rather than the full word – C // S // CT // U
Status
Choose one – Live // Carcass // Remains
You can use letter abbreviations rather than the full word – L // C // R
Sex
Choose one – Male // Female // Unknown
You can use letter abbreviations rather than the full word – M // F // U
Age
Choose one – Adult // Juvenile // Unknown
You can use letter abbreviations rather than the full word – A // J // U
Eggs / Sperm (if and only if you find a carcass) – And remember to cut off carcass tails, too!
Choose one – Full // Partial // Empty
You can use letter abbreviations rather than the full word – F // P // E
Comments
Add special notes about the observation. If you took pics/video, note that here.
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RECORDING DATA
FISH OBSERVATIONS—Template Blank
Fish Observations
For each live fish, fish carcass, or partial fish remains, document the following:
Data Point #
Type
Location
Species
Status
Sex
Age
Eggs / Sperm (if and only if you find a carcass)
Comments
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RECORDING DATA
FISH OBSERVATIONS – Example 1
Recording a data point for a live adult coho male, using a GPS Unit only
Example Fish Observations Data Record – No Abbreviations
Data Point # 2
Type: Fish
Location: GPS will auto-fill Lat/Long coordinates for each data point
Species: Coho
Status: Live
Sex: Male
Age: Adult
Comments: Photos and Video taken
Example Fish Observations Data Record – Using Abbreviations
Data Point # 2
Type: F
Location: GPS
Species: C
Status: L
Sex: M
Age: A
Comments: PhV
Example Fish Observations Data Record – Using Abbreviations & No Titles
To save time while recording data points, I always write down my data in the exact same order,
and skip the headings. Doing so, the data record would look like this:
 2, F, GPS, C, L, M, A, PhV
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RECORDING DATA
FISH OBSERVATIONS – Example 2
Recording a data point for an adult coho female carcass, using a field notebook
and printed maps.
Example Fish Observations Data Record – No Abbreviations
Data Point # 3
Type: Fish
Location: See map notes
Species: Coho
Status: Carcass
Sex: Female
Age: Adult
Eggs/Sperm: Empty
Comments: NA
Example Fish Observations Data Record – Using Abbreviations
Data Point # 3
Type: F
Location: M
Species: C
Status: C
Sex: F
Age: A
Eggs/Sperm: E
Comments: NA
Example Fish Observations Data Record – Using Abbreviations & No Titles
To save time while recording data points, I always write down my data in the exact same order,
and skip the headings. Doing so, the data record would look like this:
 3, F, M, C, C, F, A, E, NA
REMEMBER TO CUT OFF THE TAILS FROM CARCASSES TO HELP
CONTROL for DOUBLE-COUNTING
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RECORDING DATA
REDD OBSERVATIONS – Template w/ Guidance
Redd Observations
If you come across a redd, please document the following:
Data Point #
If the GPS auto-numbers each data point, that’s great, just go with it.
Otherwise, just continue your numbering from the last data point taken. If this is your first
observation data point for the survey creek, then your data point # will be “2” (#1 will be the
survey start data point)
Regardless of the observation type (Fish, Redd, Other), increase the Data Point # by 1 each time
a new observation is recorded on the same survey creek.
Type
Redd
Location
Use GPS Unit or write the Data Point # on a printed map in the estimated location.
Species
Choose one – Coho // Steelhead // Unknown
You can use letter abbreviations rather than the full word – C // S // U
Location instream (looking upstream)
Choose one – Left // Middle // Right
You can use letter abbreviations rather than the full word – L // M // R
Comments
Add special notes about the observation. If you took pics/video, note that here.

To Reduce Double Counting Redds: Using flagging tape to mark an adjacent tree or
structure. As an added measure to reduce double-counting redds, on the flagging tape, use
a permanent marker to write out the following:
1. Date & Time
2. Data Point #
3. Location instream (looking upstream)

If you find what you think might be a redd, but you are not 100% certain, please treat this
observation as a fish’s “digging activity” and follow the protocols for documenting “Other
Observation” data. Also, take a photo so we can review the record.
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RECORDING DATA
REDD OBSERVATIONS – Template Blank
Redd Observations
If you come across a redd, please document the following:
Data Point #
Type
Location
Species
Location instream (looking upstream)
Comments
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RECORDING DATA
REDD OBSERVATIONS – Example 1
Recording a data point for a Coho redd, using a GPS Unit only
Example Redd Observations Data Record – No Abbreviations
Data Point # 4
Type: Redd
Location: GPS will auto-fill Lat/Long coordinates for each data point
Species: Coho
Location Instream: Left
Comments: Photo taken; Redd measures about 3ft x 3ft.
Example Redd Observations Data Record – Using Abbreviations
Data Point # 4
Type: R
Location: GPS
Species: C
Location Instream: L
Comments: Ph; Redd 3’x3’
Example Redd Observations Data Record – Using Abbreviations & No Titles
To save time while recording data points, I always write down my data in the exact same order,
and skip the headings. Doing so, the data record would look like this:
 4, R, GPS, C, L, Ph; Redd 3’x3’
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RECORDING DATA
REDD OBSERVATIONS – Example 2
Recording a data point for a Steelhead redd, using a Field Notebook and Printed
Maps
Example Redd Observations Data Record – No Abbreviations
Data Point # 5
Type: Redd
Location: See map
Species: Steelhead
Location Instream: Middle
Comments: Photo taken; Redd measures about 4’ x 4’
Example Redd Observations Data Record – Using Abbreviations
Data Point # 5
Type: R
Location: M
Species: S
Location Instream: M
Comments: Ph; Redd 4’x4’
Example Redd Observations Data Record – Using Abbreviations & No Titles
To save time while recording data points, I always write down my data in the exact same order,
and skip the headings. Doing so, the data record would look like this:
 5, R, M, S, M, Ph; Redd 4’x4’
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RECORDING DATA
OTHER OBSERVATIONS – Template w/ Guidance
Other Observations
If you come across something that catches your eye as important or interesting,
please document it!
Some examples could be: other animals/wildlife, redd digging activity (but not a redd), largescale erosion, large wood spanning the creek, deep channel-spanning pools, large-active
floodplains, an active or inactive beaver dam, a culvert road-crossing with a drop of more than
6” from the outlet end of the pipe to the creek, etc, etc.
Data Point #
If the GPS auto-numbers each data point, that’s great, just go with it.
Otherwise, just continue your numbering from the last data point taken. If this is your first
observation data point for the survey creek, then your data point # will be “2” (#1 will be the
survey start data point)
Regardless of the observation type (Fish, Redd, Other), increase the Data Point # by 1 each time
a new observation is recorded on the same survey creek.
Type
Other
Location
Use GPS Unit or write the Data Point # on a printed map in the estimated location.
Short Description
A few words to describe what you’ve found
Comments
Add special notes about the observation. If you took pics/video, note that here.
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RECORDING DATA
OTHER OBSERVATIONS – Template Blank
Other Observations
If you come across something that catches your eye as important or interesting,
please document it!
Data Point #
Type
Location
Short Description
Comments
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RECORDING DATA
OTHER OBSERVATIONS – Example 1
Recording a data point for a Fish Passage Barrier Culvert, using a GPS Unit only
Example Other Observations Data Record – No Abbreviations
Data Point # 6
Type: Other
Location: GPS will auto-fill Lat/Long coordinates for each data point
Short Description: Culvert, fish passage barrier
Comments: Photo taken; Outlet drop of 2’; Rusted out; Undersized for active channel width;
Several coho observed in outlet pool attempting to jump the drop, some successful – see data
point # 8 for coho data from outlet pool.
Example Other Observations Data Record – Using Abbreviations
Data Point # 6
Type: O
Location: GPS
Short Description: CFPB
Comments: Ph; Outlet drop 2’; Rusted; Undersized; Coho outlet pool – see #8
Example Other Observations Data Record – Using Abbreviations & No Titles
To save time while recording data points, I always write down my data in the exact same order,
and skip the headings. Doing so, the data record would look like this:
 6, O, GPS, CFPB, Ph; Outlet drop 2’; Rusted; Undersized; Coho outlet pool – see #8
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RECORDING DATA
OTHER OBSERVATIONS – Example 2
Recording a data point for a Beaver Dam, using a Field Notebook and printed
maps
Example Other Observations Data Record – No Abbreviations
Data Point # 7
Type: Other
Location: See map
Short Description: Beaver Dam
Comments: Photo taken; About 3’ tall; Fresh alder cuttings packed in;
Example Other Observations Data Record – Using Abbreviations
Data Point # 7
Type: O
Location: M
Short Description: BDam
Comments: Ph; 3’ tall; Fresh alder added
Example Other Observations Data Record – Using Abbreviations & No Titles
To save time while recording data points, I always write down my data in the exact same order,
and skip the headings. Doing so, the data record would look like this:
 7, O, M, BDam, Ph; 3’ tall; Fresh alder added
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Survey Log Example 1-Unabbreviated
Example survey log: Walking mainstem North Yamhill River (Map Code NYR1),
using GPS Unit only.
Date & Time: 11/20/2015; 1pm
Creek Name and Map Code: Mainstem North Yamhill River, NYR1
Data Point #: 1
Type: Start
Survey Start/End Location: GPS
Weather: Overcast
Stream Flow: Moderate
Visibility: Can see bottom of riffles AND Pools
Temperature (if thermometer is available): NA, don’t have
Data Point # 2
Type: Fish
Location: GPS
Species: Coho
Status: Live
Sex: Male
Age: Adult
Comments: Photos and Video taken
Data Point # 3
Type: Redd
Location: GPS
Species: Coho
Location Instream: Left
Comments: Photo taken; Redd measures about 3ft x 3ft.
Date & Time: 11/20/2015; 2:30pm
Creek Name and Map Code: Mainstem North Yamhill River, NYR1
Data Point #: 4
Type: End
Survey Start/End Location: GPS
Weather: Rain
Stream Flow: High
Visibility: Cannot see bottoms of riffles or pools
Temperature (if thermometer is available): NA, don’t have
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Survey Log Example 1-Abbreviated & No Titles
Example survey log: Walking mainstem North Yamhill River (Map Code NYR1),
using GPS Unit only.
Same data record as Example 1-Unabbreviated, but abbreviated and no titles:

11/20/2015; 1pm; MNYR, NYR1; 1; S; GPS; O; M; 1; NA

2, F, GPS, C, L, M, A, PhV

3, R, GPS, C, L, Ph, Redd 3’x3’

11/20/2015; 2:30pm; MNYR, NYR1; 4; E; GPS; R; H; 3; NA
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Survey Log Example 2-Unabbreviated
Example survey log: Walking mainstem Mill Creek AND Gooseneck Creek (Map
Code MLC1), using Field Notebook and printed maps
Date & Time: 11/13/2015; 10am
Creek Name and Map Code: Mainstem Mill Creek, MLC1
Data Point #: 1
Type: Start
Survey Start/End Location: See map
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Stream Flow: Low
Visibility: Can bottom of riffiles AND Pools
Temperature (if thermometer is available): NA, don’t have
Data Point # 2
Type: Other
Location: See map
Short Description: Active side-channels x 2
Comments: Photo taken; Gravel deposits have formed three channels, including the mainstem.
Data Point # 3
Type: Redd
Location: See map
Species: Coho
Location Instream: Middle
Comments: Photo taken; Redd measures about 3ft x 3ft.
Date & Time: 11/13/2015; 11:00am
Creek Name and Map Code: Mainstem Mill Creek, MLC1
Data Point #: 4
Type: End
Survey Start/End Location: See map
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Stream Flow: Low
Visibility: Can see bottoms of riffles or pools
Temperature (if thermometer is available): NA, don’t have
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Date & Time: 11/13/2015; 11:15am
Creek Name and Map Code: Gooseneck Creek, MLC1
Data Point #: 1
Type: Start
Survey Start/End Location: See map
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Stream Flow: Low
Visibility: Can see bottom of riffles AND Pools
Temperature (if thermometer is available): NA, don’t have
Data Point # 2
Type: Fish
Location: See Map
Species: Coho (x4)
Status: Live (x4)
Sex: Male (x2) Female (x2)
Age: Adult (x4)
Comments: Photos and Video taken; Pool with 4 Coho
Data Point # 3
Type: Fish
Location: See Map
Species: Coho (x2)
Status: Carcass (x2)
Sex: Male, Female
Age: Adult (x2)
Eggs/Sperm: Empty (x2)
Comments: Photo taken; 2 carcasses
Date & Time: 11/13/2015; 12:15pm
Creek Name and Map Code: Gooseneck Creek, MLC1
Data Point #: 4
Type: End
Survey Start/End Location: See map
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Stream Flow: Low
Visibility: Can see bottoms of riffles or pools
Temperature (if thermometer is available): NA, don’t have
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Survey Log Example 2-Abbreviated & No Titles
Example survey log: Walking mainstem Mill Creek AND Gooseneck Creek (Map
Code MLC1), using Field Notebook and printed maps
Same data record as Example 2-Unabbreviated, but abbreviated and no titles:

11/13/2015; 10am; MMLC, MLC1; 1; S; M; PC; L; 1; NA

2, O, M, ActSdChannel, Ph, Gravel deposits formed two side-channels

3, R, M, C, M, Ph, Redd 3’x3’

11/13/2015; 11am; MMLC, MLC1; 4; E; M; R; L; 1; NA

11/13/2015; 11:15am; GNeck, MLC1; 1; S; M; PC; L; 1; NA

2, F, M, 4C, 4L, 2M 2F, 4A, PhV; Pool w/ 4 coho

3, F, M, 2C, 2C, M F, 2A, 2E, Ph; 2 coho carcasses

11/13/2015; 12:15pm; GNeck, MLC1; 1; E; M; PC; L; 1; NA
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