Dave's Spruce Triangles

Triangle in use

Small fish need cover to hide from birds and larger fish.  In areas where it was not practical to bring in heavy wood debris, the salmon coalition developed Dave's Spruce Triangles (DST).  They are black 1 1/2 inch PVC pipe filled with foam for buoyancy.  The DST is a float and tying long lasting spruce branches to it provide cover.  The DST does not become waterlogged and sink, and can be anchored in slow water.

We have been using DST in Eagle Creek since the winter of 1999.  Small fish gather around like any natural obstruction.  Spawning fish were using them for protection from birds, and frogs were laying eggs in one.

Cut the pipe:  2 @ 31 inches,  1 @ 43 inches, 2 @ about 4 inches for the endcaps.

Fill the legs with foam fill slowly allowing for expansion, allow to dry overnight.

Glue the 2 - 31 inch pieces to the elbow.

Glue the 'Y' fittings and the 43 inch piece.

Glue the short pieces and end caps on the open ends of the 'Ys'.

Drill starter holes in the elbow and 'Y' fittings and install the screws using glue to seal them. 

Cover your spruce triangle in place with 10 to 14 branches.  Secure with ty-wraps or rope.  

Anchor it to a stump or rock to keep it in place.