- Embracing the Beauty of the Messy River
- The Black Cottonwood Tree – A River’s Unsung Hero
- The Herpetofauna’s Need for our Beautiful & ‘Messy’ Rivers
- Trout, Spawning, and High Water
- Spring Freshet: A Driving Force of the Messy River
- Birds of the Messy River: Breeding in the Chaos
- The Small Things That Hold the River Together
- Algae: Slippery Season in the Kettle and what they tell us about Watershed Health
One could argue that the Kettle and Granby Rivers are among the most spectacular waterways in the southern interior of British Columbia: still untamed, wild, full of native fish, and surrounded by a rich diversity of species—many of them at risk.
It’s that time of year when Rainbow Trout begin to spawn, which is why many streams in the Boundary region are closed to fishing in the spring, from April 1st to June 30th including the Granby River.
Some of the “messiness” in river ecology and restoration comes in the form of coarse woody debris. These fallen trees and branches from the riparian zone are essential in shaping habitat: they create deep pools, slow flows, and form hiding places. These deep pools provide much-needed refuge for Rainbow Trout during the heat of summer—this is also the reason behind the summer closure on the Kettle River, where such pools are scarce.
Coarse woody debris also serves as a landing strip for adult insects laying eggs in the river, and for emerging aquatic larvae. It’s another reason fish gravitate toward these structures—they’re a buffet of insect life and offer shelter from overhead predators like osprey and bald eagles.
The creation of side channels—shaped by the rivers’ natural meandering and the placement of large woody debris—is especially important during high water. These areas offer trout a break from intense flows and are prime locations for building redds—the nests where they lay their eggs. Ideal spawning grounds feature a mix of gravel sizes, good water flow, and little fine sediment, allowing for oxygen-rich conditions crucial to developing alevins, or larval trout.
As the freshet builds and spring rains swell our rivers, the messy beauty of these wild systems comes into its own—offering refuge, nourishment, and a place for the next generation of trout to begin.
Let’s protect that mess. Whether it’s respecting seasonal closures (ensure to check local fishing regulations), supporting restoration projects, or simply spreading the word about the vital role of side channels and woody debris, every action matters. The more we understand the needs of our rivers—and the life they sustain—the better we can stand up for them. After all, wild rivers need wild hearts to keep them flowing free.