This Visual Encounter Survey (VES) protocol and associated datasheet are for use in river and stream reaches up several kilometers in length where information on all lifestages and the habitat associations of each individual is desired. The data from this survey protocol is intended to 1) describe the abundance, distribution and habitat associations of R. boylii (Foothill yellow‐legged frog or FYLF), and 2) provide the data necessary to coordinate with other stream reach study efforts, such as instream flow studies where hydrodynamic modeling will be used.