WYOMING GAME & DEPARTMENT April 2006 Volume 3, Issue 1 JACKSON REGION NEWSLETTER

Welcome to the 2006 Inside this issue: Newsletter! Treatments Restore 1-2 The focus of this issue is on native Native species—including a few you might Populations not think about on a daily basis. The Auburn Fish 3 non- and other aquatic life Hatchery are very important to the lake and river systems of the Snake River Know Your 4-5 drainage and we are discovering more Natives: Sculpin about these species annually. Wyoming’s 6 Freshwater We hope you enjoy learning about Fisheries Technician Chris Mussels western pearlshell mussels and mot- Menard with a Snake River tled and Paiute sculpin. In addition, . Fish and Fire: 7 you will find information on the Au- Greys River burn Fish Hatchery, lake rehabilita- Thanks to the contributors to this is- tion projects scheduled for 2006, the sue: Pete Cavalli, Teresa Cole, Steve Wyoming Game 8 Diekema, Gordon Edwards, Rob and Fish new Wyoming Game and Fish De- partment E-Newsletter, and how fire Gipson, Mark Gocke, Ray Messamer, Department Darren Rhea, and Lara Sweeney. E-Newsletter can benefit watersheds. Biologists use Chemical Treatments to Wyoming Free Restore Native Trout Populations Day Introductions of non-native fish are non-native fish that provide valuable the single greatest threat to native opportunities with little or no Saturday fish, such as Snake River cutthroat impact to native fish populations. June 3, 2006! trout. Non-native fish compete with However, in some situations, the con- native fish for habitat and food and sequences of non-native fish introduc- can hybridize with native fish causing tions far outweigh the benefits. Be- significant losses of unique genetic cause of these threats, fisheries characteristics. Some areas contain (Continued on page 2)

Jackson/Pinedale Regional Website: http://gf.state.wy.us/services/news/RegionalNews/JacksonPinedale/index.asp

You’ll find great regional information and an “electronic bulletin board” with great hunting, fishing, and trapping photos! Learn how you can post your favorite photos! Jackson Region Fisheries Newsletter Volume 3, Issue 1

Page 2 Biologists Restore Native Trout Populations (continued)

(Continued from page 1) biologists are faced with the task of removing non- Dry Creek Lake is a small (2 acres) lake located on native fish from certain areas to ensure the long- Dry Creek, a tributary to the Salt River. A self- term survival of native fish in Wyoming. sustaining population of non-native lives in Dry Creek One of the most effective ways of removing exotic Lake and drifts fish is to treat the water with chemicals that target downstream to Dry fish, known as piscicides. Chemical treatments are Creek and the Salt generally conducted with one of two chemicals: ro- River where they tenone or antimycin. Rotenone and antimycin act compete with cut- on the respiratory system of fish and have few nega- throat trout. tive effects on other wildlife. These chemicals have been used successfully in many restoration efforts Each lake will be and have proven highly effective at removing un- treated with a liquid wanted fish species from lakes and streams. mixture of rotenone to remove the non- The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is plan- native fish. Detoxi- ning two projects to remove exotic fish species from fication of the areas in the Snake River drainage. During the sum- chemicals will take mer of 2006, biologists will chemically treat two place downstream lakes, Stump Lake and Dry Creek Lake, to remove of each lake to en- non-native fish and restore them with native fish. sure there are no Both lakes are relatively small but contain isolated adverse effects to Pinedale Fisheries Biologist populations of non-native trout that threaten native fish below the treat- Matt Kondratieff applies liq- cutthroat trout. ment locations. uid rotenone along a shore- Plans are in place to line during a chemical reha- Stump Lake is 5.5 acres and is located on Fawn stock each lake with bilitation project. Creek, a tributary to the Greys River. Stump Lake catchable cutthroat contains a small trout a short time after each treatment to population of non- ensure continued recreational opportuni- native rainbow ties. Long-term plans include the stocking trout that could and hatching of eyed eggs to restore sus- readily hybridize tainable cutthroat trout populations. with cutthroat trout. If rainbow Stump and Dry Creek lakes will be chemi- trout were to hy- cally treated the week of August 28 – Sep- bridize with cut- tember 1. The Game and Fish Department throat trout, the re- asks that these areas be avoided during the sult would be a loss treatment period. For more information of native fish well on chemical treatments in the Snake River adapted to the rig- drainage please contact the Wyoming ors of the Greys Stump Lake in the Greys River Game and Fish Department at 1-800-423- River. drainage will be restored to native 4113 (WY only) or 1-307-733-2321. Snake River cutthroat trout in 2006. Jackson Region Fisheries Newsletter Volume 3, Issue 1 Page 3 Auburn Fish Hatchery

Located about 14 miles west of Afton, Wyoming, is the picturesque Auburn Fish Hatchery. In con- tinuous operation since 1941, Auburn is staffed with three permanent fish culturists who live on the premises year-round.

Preserving the Past

Auburn Hatchery produces Snake River cutthroat trout for Wyoming to help maintain one of the four forms of native cutthroat trout present in the The Auburn Fish Hatchery facility. state. fish then go to the Daniel Fish Hatchery, near Pinedale, where they will become part of a broodstock, which produces fish for various restoration pro- jects designed to Part of the self-guided tour. increase the Fish Culturist Steve Diekema population and expand the range of this form of cut- working with Snake River throat trout. cutthroat trout.

The station also produces ko- The Auburn Fish Hatchery is also committed to edu- kanee, , and occasion- cating and informing the ally splake or brook trout, to help public about our role in help- maintain existing sport fisheries ing to keep Wyoming’s fish in Wyoming. wild. There are several in- teresting displays and a self Enhancing the Future guided tour available for in- terested visitors, and station personnel are always happy The Auburn Fish Hatchery’s iso- to answer your questions and lation facility is a vital link in the show you around the facility. production of Colorado River Bring your family and come cutthroat trout. Eggs are quaran- see the fish! Auburn Fish tined and hatched here, and the Hatchery is located at 2430 fish are reared until they are cer- The Auburn Fish Hatchery isolation facility. Fish Hatchery Road, tified disease free. The young Auburn. Jackson Region Fisheries Newsletter Volume 3, Issue 1

Page 4 Know Your Natives: Sculpin Twelve native fish species live in the rivers and Mottled and Paiute sculpin can be difficult to distin- lakes of the Upper Snake River drainage in Wyo- guish from one another because they share many ming. Among them are two native sculpin species, similar traits. One of the easiest distinguishing the mottled and Paiute sculpin, who frequent the characteristics to identify is the presence of a small cold, clear waters of the Snake River and its tribu- row of teeth on the roof of the mouth of mottled taries. Often referred to as “bullheads” by local an- sculpin known as palatine teeth. Mottled sculpin glers and outdoor enthusiasts, sculpin are actually will also have two spines along the edge of their gill only distant rela- tives of the true “bullheads,” who reside in the fam- ily of bullhead catfishes known as Ictaluridae. Though sculpin are not nearly as attractive or char- ismatic as the na- tive cutthroat trout, they play Mottled sculpin. Paiute sculpin (pronounced pī-yüt). an important role Identifying characteristics: Identifying characteristics: in the aquatic eco- • Small row of teeth on the roof of the • No small row of teeth on the roof of system of the mouth the mouth Snake River • Two spines along the edge of the gill • One spine along the edge of the gill drainage and are cover cover often overlooked. cover (operculum), whereas Paiute sculpin will only Sculpin are members of the family of fish known as have one. Body color and spotting patterns of both Cottidae, recognized by their flattened heads and species can be highly variable and especially diffi- slender tapered bodies which allow them to inhabit cult to distinguish from one another. Common col- the complex cracks and crevices among and be- ors of both species include variations of green, tween rocks. Other specialized adaptations such as brown, gray, and blue. enlarged pectoral fins and flexible fin spines give them the ability to maneuver and rest in swift water. Mottled and Paiute sculpin share a preference for Unlike most other in Wyoming, sculpin lack similar habitat characteristics and can often be scales. Interestingly, most sculpin species live in found inhabiting the same reach of stream or section the ocean, along the coastlines of Asia and North of river. Both species tend to prefer cold, clear America; however, a handful of species have man- streams with rock and gravel substrates and high aged to survive in freshwater systems of western water velocities, although it is not uncommon to North America. Adults of most species are small, find them inhabiting the shorelines of lakes and and sculpin in the Snake River drainage will rarely ponds with similar bottom characteristics. Both exceed 4 inches. species feed on small fish and insects, and will oc- casionally prey on the eggs of other fish. In fact, it Jackson Region Fisheries Newsletter Volume 3, Issue 1 Page 5 Know Your Natives: Sculpin (continued) other fish. Sculpin also serve as an important food item for many local trout species. In fact, one study demonstrated that the diet of cutthroat trout larger than 11 inches in the Snake River near Jackson was comprised mostly of mottled and Paiute sculpin.

Anglers have long recognized the importance of sculpin in the diet of cutthroat and other trout spe- cies. Sculpin imitations such as marabou muddlers, matukas, and double bunnies, are a staple among local fly anglers looking to coax a giant cutthroat out of heavy Be sure to consult Glade Creek provides habitat suitable for both cover. Anglers current fishing sculpin species. who frequent local lakes and regulations regarding was once believed that sculpin predation on trout reservoirs have the use of baitfish in the eggs may negatively impact trout populations. also realized the However, it is now known that the effects of sculpin importance of Snake River drainage predation on fish eggs are minimal. sculpin in the and Grand Teton diet of large National Park prior to Both species of sculpin spawn in the spring by lay- trout, and will ing eggs in a “nest”, which the male will then guard regularly use fishing in Wyoming. until the young sculpin hatch. It is not uncommon dead sculpin as for several mating pairs to share the same nest loca- bait or jig or troll with bucktails, marabous, or flat- tion. Sculpin are generally thought to be nocturnal, fish, that resemble mottled and Paiute sculpin. restricting the majority of their activity to night to re- The next time you find your- duce encounters with self along the banks of a predators, while remaining stream or lake in the Snake concealed during the day. River drainage take a moment to look for areas sculpin are Sculpin play an important likely to inhabit. Even spend a role in the aquatic ecosys- few moments looking for one tem of the Snake River of our native sculpin along the drainage in Wyoming. By cracks in the rocks or under a occupying high gradient few cobbles. See if you can sections of rivers and locate the features on a sculpin streams that many other that will indicate what species fish species cannot inhabit, you were fortunate enough to they prey on insects and in- Typical size sculpin found in the encounter. vertebrates not available to Snake River. Jackson Region Fisheries Newsletter Volume 3, Issue 1 Page 6

Wyoming’s Native Freshwater Mussels

Wyoming is long ago. Unfortunately, freshwater mussels are home to head- among the most threatened species in the world. water drain- ages of the Western pearlshell mussels are the most common mighty Colum- mussel species in the Pacific Northwest and have bia, Missouri, been found in the Snake and Salt River drainages and Colorado in Wyoming. Western pearlshells prefer cold, rivers, and clean creeks and rivers. Sand, gravel, and cobble thus, a unique are their preferred stream bottom habitats. They group of seven can live a very long time, with an average lifespan The western pearlshell mussel freshwater of 60 to 70 years and a maximum lifespan exceed- above is about 3 inches long. mussel species. ing 100 years. Western pearlshells can be up to 5 Their maximum size is 5 inches. Little is known inches about the dis- long. tribution of these species and others may be waiting Their color for discovery in Wyoming. Unobtrusive and well varies from camouflaged, Wyoming’s freshwater mussels are light largely unnoticed in our creek bottoms and lake- brown shores, despite their important ecological, cultural, when they and evolutionary values. Freshwater mussels are are young important “bioindicators,” or species that reflect the to dark quality of their habitats. Mussels filter the water in brown or which they live and some species may live more black as than 100 years, potentially subjecting them to the they get long-term effects of pollution. They provide an im- Western pearlshell mussels were older. portant source of food for terrestrial wildlife, such found in Polecat Creek in 2005. as raccoons, bears, skunks, and shorebirds. Ancient and modern peoples, The Wyoming freshwater mussel program is truly alike, have used fresh- in the discovery phase, which is rare in the 21st water mussels for food, century. If you find freshwater mussels, PLEASE Many mussel buttons, jewelry, tools, DO NOT DISTURB THEM! and pearl “seeds” in oys- species can live ter culture. Freshwater What to do if you find mussel shells are fre- freshwater mussels: over 100 years quently found as cultural artifacts by modern ar- 1) Take good notes of the find. Record location chaeologists in Wyoming and provide a unique win- coordinates (UTMs from your GPS are great!). dow into geologic history and evolution. The com- How many were visible? Were they alive or plex life cycles of freshwater mussels rely upon par- empty shells? How big were they? ticular species of fish or amphibians as hosts and allow mussels to disperse into new areas. This is 2) Take pictures, preferably with a digital camera. likely how the western pearlshell mussel crossed the continental divide with the westslope cutthroat trout 3) Notify your local fisheries biologists with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Jackson Region Fisheries Newsletter Volume 3, Issue 1 Page 7 Fish and Fire: How They Come Together in the Greys River People often ask why the “fish folks” partner on pre- loss of aspen is contributing to decreased water stor- scribed burn projects to manage vegetation. The sim- age in the watershed. Conifer and sagebrush commu- ple answer is more water. Prescribed burn projects nities use more water throughout the year than aspen, indirectly provide more water, overhead cover, and decreas- increased habitat diversity for fish and other species ing the that depend on streams. The relationship between amount healthy habitat that is dependent on fire and improv- of water ing streams is important for fisheries managers to un- retained derstand and, over the long term, improves the re- in the source for the public. soil and eventu- Before proposing prescribed fire, managers identify ally in an area where fire is needed to help the aspen com- the munity, meaning that without fire the aspen would be streams. lost. Currently, the Bridger-Teton National Forest is Conifers planning to introduce fire to manage aspen to benefit and The headwaters of Weiner Creek. Note fish and wildlife in the Greys River watershed. The sage- the decadent aspen being encroached project is called the Weiner Creek Aspen Treatment brush by conifers. Project. The main goal of the project is to restore the also de- health and function of aspen stands and adjacent crease grasses and forbs, which are critical to soil sta- sagebrush habitat on 2,000 acres of the upper Weiner bility and water retention during run-off events. Creek watershed. This will help prevent continued When properly managed, prescribed burns will bene- decline in habitat quality and enhance sustainability fit vegetation in the basin and improve the watershed. of wildlife and fish habitat in the area. Expected benefits of the Weiner Creek Aspen Treat- Aspen clones, conifer stands, and sagebrush commu- ment Project to fisheries include increased water nities in the Weiner Creek watershed are monotypic, yield and improved habitat conditions for Snake which means they are all of the same age class and River cutthroat trout and other native fish species. are not reproducing. Aspen trees are dependent on Fire also creates fish habitat for the stream, in the fire to regenerate and are declining because sagebrush form of large woody debris. After a fire, dead coni- and sub-alpine fir out-compete them for water, nutri- fers fall into the stream for many years providing im- ents, and portant cover for fish and habitat for aquatic inverte- sunlight. brates. Conifers and aspen/ The Weiner Creek Aspen Treatment Project is sagebrush- planned for late summer/fall of 2006, but the actual complexes timing of the prescribed burn will depend on many dominate the factors such as fuel moisture, weather, and other ele- headwaters of ments. When conditions are best for a safe and suc- Weiner Creek. cessful treatment it is referred to as the “burn win- These habitats dow”. In the Greys River, the burn window usually are an impor- becomes available in late summer to early fall. So, tant compo- when you start feeling a nip in the air and see a little A healthy aspen stand with a nent for wild- black smoke in the sky, start thinking about the great variety of ages present. life, but the fishing the future holds. WYOMING GAME & FISH DEPARTMENT 15th Annual PO Box 67 Jackson Kids Fishing Day! 420 North Cache Jackson, WY 83001 Saturday, June 3, 2006 Phone: 307-733-2321 Fax: 307-733-2276 Sleeping Indian Pond at the Email: [email protected] Jackson National Fish Hatchery

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Learning about aquatic invertebrates at Kids Fishing Day. Wyoming Game & Fish Department E-Newsletter The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has a new • Wildlife Heritage Foundation of Wyoming monthly e-newsletter. The e-newsletter arrives once a News month in your e-mail inbox to keep you informed of all the latest news related to hunting, fishing, recreation, • Regional news and events from each Game and and wildlife conservation efforts in Wyoming. Fish region • Species Spotlight – learn more about one Wyo- Two ways to subscribe to the e-newsletter: ming species each month http://gf.state.wy.us/newsview/frmSubscribe.aspx • Calendar – events, activities and deadlines of or e-mail: [email protected] interest to sportsmen • Get the Gear – one stop shopping for Game You’ll find information you can use each month to get and Fish clothing, resources and merchandise out there and enjoy the landscape. The e-newsletter will also cover other issues affecting the Game and Fish De- • Reader feedback – your chance to sound off or partment, and ultimately your hunting and fishing ex- chime in on Game and Fish activities perience. • Careers in Wildlife –if you have a passion for hunting, fishing, or conserving our natural re- Monthly sections include: sources, there’s a career out there for you. • News – headlines from across the state • Get Out There – tips, tricks and hits to help you en- The e-newsletter is a free service of the Wyoming joy the great outdoors Game & Fish Department. We’re confident you’ll enjoy our newest publication!