The restoration of an unused side channel as an important part of the fishery was among the Kings River Fisheries Management Program’s first projects. The intent was to improve spawning and rearing habitat for trout by providing shelter from the river’s swift currents. Today it remains one of our most successful endeavors, becoming a nursery for young incubator trout fry and a pocket of amazing biodiversity on the riparian corridor.
The 2000-foot long Thorburn Spawning Channel was constructed during the spring of 2000. Maintenance and improvement of the channel has also been important since the channel was constructed. To ensure that the channel continues to function properly, pest weeds are routinely eliminated and the site is monitored for channel erosion. Improvements via the installation and anchoring of half-logs and boulders to provide diversity of habitat and cover for trout utilizing the channel have also been completed in recent years.