Crappies, Channel Cat and Buffalo Seerned to Fit Into This Category

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

A BASIC SURVEY OF WATERS IN DISTRICT IV

Roger Gruenewald

Project F-7-R-t Cornpletion Report Work Plan 4 January 16, 1958 - Job A-1 January I 5, 1959 Objective To make a basic physical, chernical and biological survey of waters in District IV to determine the predominant factors involved which have an influence upon the fish population. Procedure All chernical, physical and lirnited biological characters of the waters in question are recorded and filed on permanent data cards. Exarnples of each are enclosed for one lake. After several months of organizing, observing and working in this district, it becarne quite apparent that tocation of work as outlined in Job A-l should be modified to include six additional lakes so basic survey material could be collected on all major waters during the same time interval. Roosevelt, Apache and Pleasant Lakes were originally scheduled and Bart- lett, Saguaro, Canyon, San Carlos, Riggs Flat and Pena Blanca reservoirs were i:rcorporated. A1I sampling was done on a monthly schedule and chem- ical detetminations were rnade in accordance with standard rnethods, as outlined in "studies in Freshwater Fishery Biology" by Karl F. Lagler" Treatment of more extensive and pertinent biological characters such as tagged fish returns, length-weight relationship data, Iength frequency data.were produced solely with the use of the department electrical shocker barge. ft was found that during the hot summer months best results were obtained by night shocking with the use of lights. Even then, some fish populations went unsampled because of their relative unavailability. Crappies, channel cat and buffalo seerned to fit into this category. All fishes taken were weighed in pounds and hundredths of a pound and measured in inches and tenths of inches (total length) with the exception of two species, the bluegill and green sunfish. These were considered of an inconsequen- tial nature since they produced tittle toward a harvestable fishery, and great nurnbers of small individuals would have made an arduous task in weight and measurernent deterrninations. It is hoped with length-weight relationship data on all species including yellow bass, carp and buffalo that the effects of the threadfin shad introduction can be better evaluated in future years. It is not known to what degree or how selective the shocker is in obtaining a true cross section of existing fish populations. Largemouth bass tagging operations were also carried on by the shocker personnel on a limited basis" Results of tagged fish returns' of course, due to limited money and personnel, were on a rrvotuntary re- turnrrbasis. It is the authorrs opinion that this is an extremely poor method for harvest. Percentage figures, however, -- the results -- are reported and may give some indication of harvest.

Success of natural reproduction was also observed through the use of the electrical shocker; however, earlier spring determinations were made with the use of rotenone in small coves on all the lakes. Table I gives a list of the common fish species present in the lakes of District IV. It is not the intention to imply this is a comptete list, although the more prevalent and dominant species are included. Data collected is best instrumented under individual lake head- ings and shall be parcelled in that rnanner. TABLE I. Common Fish Species Present in Lakes of District IV. oH tr d +) q.g tr H,q u d lr Common Narne (& Scientific (a o d fiJ ?^ J( Name) (u i !i{ t (J d A Largernouth Bass (Micropterus fitr.!$;#I$ F, salrnoides) X xxxxxxx Bluegill (Lepornis macrochirus) X x xxx x x Green Sunfish (Lepornis cyanellus) X x xxx x x Blaek Crappie (Pornoxis nigro- xxx maculatus) White Crappie (Pomoxis annularis) X x x Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens) x Channel Catfish (Ictalurus lacustus) X x xx XX xx Bullhead (Arneirus sp. ) .. X x xx xx x Common Sucker (Catostomus sp. ) x Bonytail (Gita robusta) x x Carp (Cyprinus carpio) X x xx XX x Buffalo (Megastomatobus sp. ) x xx Mosquito fish (Gambusia offenis) X xx xx x Flathead Gtfish (fitoaictis oli- varis) x Threadfin Shad (Dorosoma petenen- X x xxx x x x sis) Red Plaihs Shiner (Notropis lutren- x sis) Rainbow Trout (Salrno gairdneri) X x Yellow Bass {Morone interrupta) xx x FTRI-WP4-JAl z Carl Pleasant Lake: Pleasant reservoir is irnpounded by carl Pleasant Darn, a concrete structure situated on an interrnittent stream, the Aqua Fria. The sole and primary function is the retention of water to be used for irrigation; thus, lake levels are ever changin$, generally d-rastically. Sincl its construction in the early l930rs, the water has only reached spillway level twice and once dried completely. The surface acreage ai spillway level is 3,585 acres but at present provides oaly 893 sur- facJ""".i with a rnaximum depth of 35 feet. Pleasant is an isolated lake, having no perrranent water above or below its location, thus lend- ing itself tJexpJrimental fisheries management, but for the lack of adequate water depicted by its history. Length-weight relationship data for the largemouth bass plotted on Graph I indicates a decrease in condition of the bass between the spring and fall surveys. This rnay be of a ternporary nature,, due partly td rising and turbid water conditions which persisted during the bulk of the sumrner. Some other prohibitive factors may be prevalent since com- paring pteasant bass (faUtl II) with other lake bass populatio.n data shows ih.i" weights are falling short of those bass of comparable size. TABLE II. Comparative Length-$/eight Data for Largemouth Bass. Fall Surveys - 1958. (Weigtrts in Pounds & Hundreds) Inch Roose - Class Pleasant Canyon Pena Blanca Saguaro Bartlett APache velt

2.0 . 003 . 003 . 003 3.0 .0I .01 .0I 4.4 .03 .02 .02 .03 .03 .03 .03 5.0 .05 .05 .05 .05 .05 .05 .05 6.0 .09 .09 .09 . t0 .10 .t0 .II 7.0 .15 .16 ..15 .17 .17 .r6 .19 8"0 .24 .25 .25 "26 .27 .24 .29 9.0 .35 .38 .39 .39 .40 .36 .42 10.0 .49 .54 "57 .55 .56 .50 "59 11. 0 .66 .75 ,80 .76 .77 "69 .80 LZ. A .88 l. 09 I. 01 l. 03 "9t 1.05 13. 0 1.13 r.46 t.32 1.35 t. tg r.36 14.0 1.44 r. 90 t. 70 r.73 1. 51 ,:!? 15. 0 1. 80 :::' 2"44 z. L4 2. 17 1. 89 16. 0 z. zL 3.08 2.66 2.70 2.34 17. 0 2.68 3. 83 3.26 2.85 3. 23 r8.0 3, 22 3.95 '_ 19 3.43 19" 0 3. 83 4.82 4.73 4. A9 ^:i 20.0 4" 52 5.62 4.84 zr. 0 5. ?9 6.62 5.67 zz.0 6. 14 7.74 Graph No. 2 (Iength frequency data) substantiates early spring rotenone findings that good bass reproduction has taken place this year. The largemouth population, as of the fa11 survey, has four peaks in its population, FTRI-WP4.JAT 3 7. 00 Spring Fa11 Lg. Wt. Lg. Wt. z.o . 003 4.0 .03 5.0 .06 5.0 .05 5. 00 5.0 .10 6.0 .09 7.4 .17 7.0 .16 6.U .26 8.0 .24 9.0 .39 9.0 .35 r0.0 .54 10. 0 .49 11.0 .74 lt.0 .66 5. 00 rz.0 r.02 12.0 .88 13. 0 1.27 13. 0 r. l3 14.0 l. 61 14. 0 r.44 15. 0 z.-01 15. 0 r. 80 r6.0 2.48 16.0 z. zl 4. OO r7.0 3.0t 17. 0 2.68 €UI o 18.0 3.62 r8.0 3. 22 rdk r9.0 4.31 19. 0 3. 83 E ?0.0 s. 09 20.0 4.52 F 2r. 0 5.96 21.0 5.29 tr 3.00 z?.0 6. 14 ,E b0 {) Spring F Log W Log C + N. Log L. 'W' z.0a Log -3.49681 + 3. 23097. Log L. Fa11 Log W= -3.52304 + 3.21152. Log L.

Sprirtg ---Fa1I r. 00

l0 tz t4 22 24 Inches

Graph l. Largemouth Bass Length-weight Relationship Data - Carl Pleasant Lake - 1958.

FTRI .WP4-JAI 4 120

t\ t\ t\ r00 .\,\ l1 , \ SPring , I FalI I - I I I I F'J I I -.1 F t{ I o I I p a1 I I q'€ E60 t tr z I s I I I I (-{ I I I /1 I I /\ I I I I I I I I I \ I t/ \ I I \,, I \t I I I f I 24 I8 zo 22 z4 z6 Inch Classes 1958' Graph z. Largemouth Bass Length Frequency Data - Pleasaflt Lake - Spring Fall Wt. Lc.. Wt. 3. 00 2.0 . 003 Spring f 3.0 .01 Log W Log C + N. Log L. I 4.0 .03 Log lf -3.82OL2 + 3.54532. Log L. 5.0 .05 5.0 .06 Fall 6.0 10 t.g W -3.58I40 + 3.33196. Log L. 7.0 .L7 8.0 .24 8.0 .27 9.0 .34 9.0 .40 Ut 10.0 .53 r0. 0 .56 -- E -Fall (u 1r. 0 .74 rt.0 .77 h -Spring aZ.n- 00 12.0 1. 01 rz.0 1.03 H 0 1. 35 F 13. 0 1. 35 13. 14. 0 r.73 d 15.0 2. 17 q +r r5.0 2.70 -I h0 F o 17.0 3.49 17.0 3. 30 L I il< rA I q F

3 *g e-- rll I 9 r0 11 I3 Inches Graph 7. I-argernouth Bas s Length-Weight Relationship Data - Bartlett Lake - 1958 200

Spring 'q ,'\t Fa11 -l /\ 150 I t^r d I Ab a rO I ! -o \ FF t 100

\ I \ I \/\z 1/,t \

Inch Classes Graph 8. Largernouth Bass Length Frequency Data - Bartlett Lake - 1958. Spring LogW Loe N. Log L. = Q * LogW: -3.74361/ 4.40089 . Log L" I

FaIl LogW = -3.33041 t' 3.00718. Log L.

Spring FalI . wt. wt. / 4.0 .03 I 5.0 .04 5.0 .06 6.0 .08 6.0 "10 l.v .L+ 7.0 .16 u"0 .2L 8.0 .24 I I 9.0 .&2 9.0 .35 ru. u .+c IU. U -48 11.0 .63 11.0 .63 L2"0 .84 L2.0 .82 I / 13.0 1. 11 13.0 1.05 I 14.0 L.43 14.0 1. 31 I I 15" 0 1.61 / +l I 16.0 1. 95 .9 s. oo / 17.0 2.34 18.0 2"78 19.0 3"27 20.0 3.82 2L.0 4.42 24.0 6. 6l

SPring; ------Fall ,

468101214161820 Inches Graph" 9" Carp Length-Weight Relationship Data Bartlett Lake - 1958

F7R1 .WP4.JAI t4 --spring Fall

46810L2L416182022 Inch Classes

Graph 10. Carp Lsngth Frequency Data Bartlett Lake, 1958

F TRr - WP4 - JAl r5 TABLE III. Corntrnrative Length-Weight Data for Carp.. Fatl Surveys - 1958-. (Weignts in Pounds & Hundreds) - (Continued) Inch Class Pleasant Saguaro Bartlett Apache Roosevelt

23.0 u'_:n_ 5.78 24.0 6,52 6.6r 25.0 7 .37 26.0 27.O

Saquaro Lake: The results of Stewart Mountain Dam are Saguaro Lake, the lowest impoundrnent on the "Salt River Chain. tt It has a maxirnum surface acreage of. I,277 and a rnaximum depth of ll9 feet. Since its capabitities to produce power are less desirable than that of the other darns, its prin- cipal purpose is water storage plus the regulations of irrigational flows. Piominent fluctuations are again pncounteyed. A twenty-year history shows it has never been allowed to run over the spillway and has been al- rnost entirely dry five tirnes. This body of water is a fisheryts "melting Pot", having numerous species of fish, sorne of which have never been introduced, fortunately, into our other warrrl water lakes. Yellow bass or ttstripiesrr as they are called locally and limited yetlow ring perch are found within its confines along with the rrregularsrr as listed in Table I. In spite of the changing water elevations and the cornplexity of its fish population, the largemouth have managed to propagate and maintain their kind. The probable reason is stable or slowly rising water conditions during spawning periods. Graph No, ll shows what appears to be a decided increase in condition of largemouth bass between the spring and faLl surveys. Future plans call for fall surveys only and comparison of this inforrna- tion with fall. data of 1959 wiLt deterrnine if sufficient differences a,re factual. Length frequency, Graph No. 12, again portrays considerable growth and a "healthyt'population with peaks at 8", l4'r, 16t', and 20". Of f 16 hgged bass released in Saguaro, 14 were voluntarily returned for a questionable I2,.7% harvest figure. Fall shocking gave information on two recaptured individuals as listed below. Tag No. Date Released Length lttglglg_ Date Recap. Length Weight 470 5-9-58 ll.4'r .80 LZ-r2-58 L5.Zn z. r0 385 4-9 -58 14. I " 1.64 l2*r0-58 16.9" 3.00 If this is indicative of the entire black bass population, a substantial fishery should be the end product. Carp length-weight data as shown in Table II and Graph No. l3 place them as first in comparison with other populations. Although being in better condition, the population does suggest a static element with F?RI-WP4.JAI l6 Spring LogW Log C Log L. = /- N. LogW -3.55039 S.ZSZOS. Log L. = * Fall LogW= -3.61780 + 3.357L6. Log L I I Spring FaII , I " Wt"wt Le. Wt. I 4fi -03 4_O I 5.0 .05 5.0 .05 I 6.0 .10 6.0 .10 7.0 .16 7.0 .L7 8"0 .24 8.0 .26 - 9"0 .36 9.0 "TE 10.0 .50 10.0 .55 11. 0 .69 11.0 .76 L2.0 .91 L2.0 r. 0l 13.0 1.lt 13.0 L.32 14" 0 1. 5( L4.0 L.70 15.0 1. 8€ 15.0 2.L4 16.0 2.32 16.0 2.66 17.0 2. 8! L7.0 3.26 18.0 3.4C 18.0 3. 95 19.0 4.06 19.0 4.73 20.0 5.62 21.0 6.62 22.0 6.54 22"0 7 .74

Spring ------Fall

2 468101112L416 Inches Graph 11. Largemouth Bass Length-Weight Relationship Data Saguaro Lake, 1958. FTRI .WP4-JAl t7 60 Spring Fa11

I I /i I I I I I \rf I /' I rl a t/\tl o I p t1 I H 30 I z t I I J I I

I I I I a I I \ I \ I l\ I t\ I t* -r'\, /t,t \ \--J \ \

t2 14 16 Inch Classes

Graph lZ. Largemouth Bass Length Frequency Data - Saguaro Lake - 1958.

F7R1 .WP4-JAI 18 Spring FalI Lg. Wt. Lg. Wt. rz.0 97 r3.0 r. z0 Spring 14.0 1.47 Log W' - Log C + N. Log L. 15. 0 1.78 15. 0 t.72 Log \4r =2.95679 + 2.72619. Log L. 10.00 16. 0 2. rz r6.0 2.07 Fa11 17.0 2.50 17. 0 2,46 Log W - -3.09284 + 2.83079. Log L. 18.0 z.92 r8.0 ?.89 ry. u 3. 38 19.0 3.37 Spring 20. 0 3.89 20. 0 3. 89 FaIl 8. 00 zL,u 4.45 21.0 4.47 - : z?.o 5.05 zz. o 5.10

F{ 23.0 5.70 23.0 s.78 \t 'i 24.0 6.40 24. O 6.52 hl o rd 25. a 7. 15 25.0 7. 32 I o t{ 6: 00 26.0 7.96 rt . 27.0 8.82 5{ H Fid fl Fr4 '5 I g q F {-) b0 4. 00 q) F

2.00

t. 00

13 L4 I r9 z0 zI z z3 Inche s Graph 13. Carp Length-Weight Relationship Data - Saguaro Lake - r958. 100

l\ t\ Spring FaII

h Q) sa- t)Ets{ z {h"J F

I 8€ A! t g P F _!

I 13 14 18 19 2,O zl zz 26 z7 Inch Classes Graph 14. carp Length Frequency Data - Saguaro Lake - 1958 3. 00

Spring Log W Log C + N. Log L. Log W -3.64145 + 3.32931. Log L. Fa11 Log W - -3.80977 + 3,58375. Log L.

0) l.'| E Fi - - -FalI E tr -Spring {-, "qu0 o) F Spring Fa11 L g. Wt. Lg" Wt. 7.4 .15 8.0 .23 8,0 .27 9.0 .34 9.0 .4r r0. 0 .49 10.0 .59 11. 0 .67 11.0 .84 rz. a .89 rz" 0 t. t4 13. 0 t.52 I4I. U I. 9U r7.0 2.85

Graph 15" Black Crappie Length-Weight Relationshlp Data Saguaro Lake - 1958

FTRI .VTP4-JAI 2T replicate peaks for spring and fall surveys forming at 19 inches (Graph No. 14). Another obvious circumstance registers a certain repressive effect or group of influences are responsible for the lack of successful survival or propagation of carp. It rnay be that in future years very intensive study will reveal this limiting cause. Black crappie, although limited in number, appear to have increased in condition significantly (Graph No. t5). Successful reproduction for 1958 was not evident in cove sarrrpling in the spring and restricted numbers of obtained individuals by shocking make the forecast of strong year classes unpredictable (Graph No. 16). A decided picture in Graphs Nos. 17 and l8 can be formed of a typical stunted yellow bass populace. The complete mass ranged from 5'r to 9" with no smaller or larger individuals presenting themselves with the shocker or cove renovations. In spite of retardment and undesirabil- ity to fisheries managernent, this species is an ever ready and much utilized population by many anglers who prefer to creel them or are unable to cope with the allusiveness of the largemouth bass. No restrictions are placed upon the numbers of individuals that can be harvested, but it apparently has little effect in increasing their condition. Mention should also be made of the fact that this lake is within thirty miles of Phoenix and extrerne usage by water skiers and boat racing enthusiasts is prevalent. Thbir effect upon the anglers and their success is certainly of consequence.

Canyon Lake: Canyon Lake was irnpounded by the construction of Mormon Flat Dam irnmediately above Saguaro Lake on the Salt River. It is l42r deep and provides 952 surface acres at maximum elevation. Spillway level has been reached approximately six times and the lake has been ernptied twice, the most recent date being October, 1957. Power is rnanufactured at the dam and probably would be listed along with storage as its prirnary function. Early years show drastic level changes, but in the last decade more stability is evident with only three drawdowns of rnajor consequence. Three hundred and fifty largemouth brood. bass were introduced into this irnpoundrnent after drainage in the fall of 195? along with threadfin shad and crappie. Because of the infeasibility of removing sufficient numbers of the brood bass through angling and problems involved in closing this lake to fishing, it was decided to leave it open; however, public opinion was so in favor of restricted fishing that the lake was finally closed early in l9 58. No spring cove rotenone sampling was necessary on this water, as observations were more than adequate. Great numbers of bass ranging from l'r to 5trwere recorded early in June, reminiscent of hatchery brood ponds. Additional notice rnade known that bluegill and green sunfish (5" to 7tt) were in fair nurnbers, denoting survival of certain species in undrained 'rpotholes.'r Fall aqualunging provided visual data that some yellow bass had F7R1 -WP4-JAI z2 Fall Spring -

h p!) ! sd z \ I \ I \ I I Ia

r0 ll 12 Inch Classes

Graph 16. Black Craptrrie Length Frequency Data - Saguaro Lake - 1958.

FTRI .WP4-JAI z3 il,''

Spring Log W : LogC / N. Log L Log W = -3.2L736 + 2.8298L. Log L.

Fall Log W = -2.85616 + 2.'&7,4L7 . Log L.

Spring Fall . Wt. LE. Wt. 5"0 .06 6.0 .1.0 7.0 .15 7.0 .L7 8.0 .22 8.0 Weight in .24 9.0 .30 9.0 Hundreds .32

.20

Inches

Graph'I7. Yellqar Bass Length-Weight Relationship Data Saguaro Lake, lgbg,

FTRI-WP4-JAI z4 Spring /l Fall /l /\

5 6 Ira. Class? I Graph l.8.Yeltow Bass Length Frequency Data Saguaro take, 1958

FTRI-WP4.JAI 25 also survived the ordeal and that a good number of t58 bass spawn were lOrtand 12" long. Late fall shocking substantiated the ample supply of bass, and the length frequency graph implies two peaks in the population -- one at 6" and the other at 11". The latter was the result of exceedingly early hatches andf or cannibalism, in all probability. Total figures showed about LZTy of. the population was in the harvestable I0'r to 13" and one pound size class (Graphs Nos. 19 and 20). Continued work throughout the year produced negative observations for the survival of threadfin, but indicated that bass were preying upon the srnaller bass and, perhaps, some cray- fish. Recommendations were made to open fishing February I, 1959, in view of the bass upon bass predacity, and that harvestable nurnbers of largemouth were available at this time. Results of this opening will be tabulated in F7R2 project completion report.

Apache Lake: Horse Mesa Dam, forrning Apache Lake, the second highest on the Salt River chain, is a major source for the production of power. Impound- rnent levels are rather stable since conditions for peak energy production are rnore conducive when a full reservoir is rnaintained. This is demonstra- ted by elevation tables noting only two dry periods in two decadeg, the lake being at or near the spillway the remainder of the time. Surface area is 2,656 acres along witlr 264 feet in depth at crest levels. Limited rnaterial on length-weight data was obtained in spring surveys due to confining schedules of shocker operations and fisheries'personnel being involved in a departrnent training school. An insufficient number of fishes were procured for reliable results during this period and their inclusion is merely expletive in nature. Thirty-three Apache largernouth were tagged and voluntary returns of six tags brought the harvest figure to 18. I%. The black bass population ranks second lowest in condition in cornparison with fall data presented in Table II and Graph No. 2I. Since an adequate length frequency picture forrns in the fatl (Graph No. ZZ\, it is hoped threadfin introduced into this lake will irnprove the condition of this population. Renovation of coves in the spring and predicted propalation success were verified by the shocker in the fall. Shocking also disclosed a reasonable portrait of existing larget size groups at 9'tt, 13" and I5t' bass. The condition of the carp in Apache ranks third in cornparison with other bodies of water in this district (tatte fff). Variation of condition between spring and fall (Graph No. 23) cannot be observed because of srnall spring sample size. Fall survey did produce the knowledge of a strong size group (Graph No. 24) around 12" with little evidence of successful carp reproduction. Due to the lack of availability, both black crappie and channel catfish remained unsarnpled until fall surveys. Figures in Graph No. 25 rnark a channel cat population which is in extremely poor condition. Cats do not FTRI-WP4-JAI z6 ,I,r 400 I ,t - FalI F'J \t ,l v tL 300 ,l \=.8 rl xE I tz I C{ I P I 200 1l /r I /l rl tl I /lrl / t. /-* - n -,

14 15 Inch Clas ses Graph 19. Largerrouth Bass Length Frequency Data - canyon Lake - r 958 Log W LogCl . LogL. Log W -3.67497 1 S.+OsZg .

3.0 ..01 4.0 "02 5.0 .05 6.0 .09 7.0 .16 8,0 "25 9.U .3E 10.0 .54 11.0 .75 t2.0 1.01 19.0 4.82

246810L2L4161820 Inches Graph 20. Largemouth Bass Length-Weight Relationship Data Canyon Lake, Fall, 1958.

FTRI-WP4-JAl z8 Spring Log W = Log C / N. Log L. I Log W = -4" 18978 / 3.79240 . Log L. I I Fall Log W = -3" 556L2 * g.Zsgea . Log L. Spring Fall Weight in . Wt. Lg. Wt. Hundreds 4.0 03 5.0 .05 6.0 .10 7.0 .16 8.0 .L7 8.0 .24 9.0 .27 9"0 .36 r0" 0 .40 10.0 .50 3.00 11.0 "57 11.0 .69 LZ"U .80 L2.0 .91 13.0 1. 08 13.0 1. 19 14.0 L.44 L4.0 1. 51 15.0 1. 86 15" 0 1" 89 16.0 2.38 16.0 2" 34 L7.0 3. 00 L7.0 2.85 18" 0 3.72 r_8.0 3.43 19.0 4.57 19.0 4.09 20.0 4.84 2L.0 5.67 1" 00 Spring ------Fall

10 L2 L4 16 18 20 Inches Graph 21. Largemouth Bass Length -weight Relationship Data Apache take, lgb8.

FTRT-WP4-JAI 29 100

It'1 Spring 1,, t\ Fa11 ,( ll I k l1 0) E lr F{ z llA /\ i.t ttt'\ \ I I I

-r

Inch Classes

Grap}: 22. Largemouth Bass Length Frequency Data - Apache Lake - 1958

FTRI .WP4-JAl 30 Spring Fall Lg. wt. Lg" W't. (.v IO 8.0 .23 Spring 9.6 .33 Log W = Log C +N. Log L. 10.0 .45 Log W =4.2742 + 2.72975. Log L. 1r. 0 .50 Fall 5. 00 rz. o .77 r3.0 1.03 r3.0 .98 14.0 1.26 14.0 r. zz r5.0 r.52 15. 0 r.49 Spring /' 16.0 r.82 16.0 1. 80 -- - Fall r7.0 2. 14 17. 0 z. t5' 4. 00 18.0 z.5r r8.0 2.55 u 22.0 4.60 'EJ € z*-l C) rP c H€:rn 3. 00 t.HA+) rt h0 L.t 'd E#

1.00

- z3' -l'

r0 lt L4 15 15 t7 t8 20 ZI Inches Graph 23. Carp Length-Weight Relationship Data - Apache Lake - 1958. Spring FalI

q {t{ Hq) r! t *€-t z A I I ts

Inch Classes

Graph 24. Carp Length Frequency Data - Apache Lake - 1958 " Lg . Wt. 5. 00 2.0 .003 Log W Log C + N. Log L. 3.0 .01 Log W -3.36377 + 2.82724. Log L. 4.O .02 5.0 .04 6.0 .07 4. 00 7.0 . tl 8.0 I5 t) E 9.0 .zz (l) li 10. 0 .29 E tr I 1.0 38 3.00 H*{- r2.0 .49 c 13. 0 62 r4. 0 t{t .75 ut) 15.0 .91 q) 16.0 l. r0 F 17.0 1,30 r8.0 r..53 26.0 4.33

1.00

12 t4 z4 26 Inches

Graph 25. Channel Catfish Length-'W'eight Relationship Data - Apache Lake - Fall 1958.

F7R1 .WP4-JAl .33 lla I I ----Fa1l t aI !{ I I 0) p I I F H z I I I I I I I l

I I I t I I \r lr\ r1 I \7 \r \ v,t \r \ I {/ \ I \ I a

468 10 LZ t4 16 18 ?0 ZZ ?4 z6 z8 Inch Classes Graph 26, Channel Catfish Length Frequency Data - Apaehe Lake - 1958.

FTRI .WP4.JAI 34 tip the scales to the one pound figure until obtaining a length of approxi- rnately I6". It is planned in the future to collect opercular bones and/or pectoral spines so that age data can be determined in view of liberal- izing regulations in harvest methods and limit. Graph No" 26 indicates that channel cat can spawn and rnaintain their nurnbers in spite of poor feeding conditions" Fall-sampled black crappie registered trernendous nurnbers of this species with over 500 individuals being taken in a strong Srryear class (Graph No. 27). Little proof of a strong t5S year class was displayed by shocker operations. Condi.tions of this species (Graph No. 28)rire considered arbitrar- ily as good with average individuals reaching three quarters of a pound at 1I"" While not included in this project or in F7R2, it is hoped a creel census can be initiated on Apache to discover what part the crappies play in the creel rnake-up.

Roosevelt Lake: Roosevelt is the first of the series of impoundments on the main stern of the Salt River and has an additional tributary, Tonto Creek, which ernpties into its basin" As probably suspected, it is utilized to regulate flows throughout the entire chain but does produce special 25-cycle power for the limited usage of mining operations. Water levels are entirely dependent upon rainfall and snow pack conditions during winter rnonths in the White Mountain region of the state. This lakees history depicts good bass fishing, great water fluctuations, and high fertility. Records over the past twenty years disclose that the reservoir has only spilled once -- in 1941, but has been at or near minimum pool level sorne ten tirnes. While being very productive in bass -- when water is available, most of the time it remains as a problern area for fisheries management. When full, it reaches a total of 17,335 surface acres with a maximum depth of. 236 feet. The most recent water difficulties were in late 1956 and L957, which reflected in the failure of the largernouth to spawn. A conglomerate of causes such as highly turbid water, cornpetition for food with large rough fish populations, large bass preying on srnatl bass, and lowering water levels during spawning periods made it almost impossible for young bass survival. Early spring shocking revealed lirnited numbers of large bass estirnated to be six or seven years of age, and just a rernnant of srnaller individuals (Graph No. 29). Of course, fishing success had already dropped to a very low ebb and the cry to replenish the lake with anything frorn smaII fingerlings to l2rrbass was heard. Sufficient brood stock was available and if water conditions remained low, little hope could be held for introduced bass fingerling stock in the face of such diverse factors. Econornic feasibility of stocking 12r' bass was out of the question. A good water year during 1958 provided the return of Roosevelt Lake into a rnanageable fishery with approximately 10,000 surface acres. As predicted, natural brood stock contributed a good spawn which was found with the shocker in the fall of r58 and in the early surnfirer by cove renovations. Cove sampling also recorded successful spawns of white crappie, buffalo and carp" F7R1 -WP4-JAI 35 700

600 /1 * Fall

I I I I I

\ \ \

I I I I /

100

Grap}a ?7. Black crappie Length Frequency Data - Apache r-a.ke - 1959.

FTRI-WP4-JAI 36 Lg. wt. r. 00 5.0 .05 Log W. - Log C + N. Log L. 6.0 .10 Log \4r = -1. 67928 + 3.42414. Log L. 7.O .16 .26 9.O .39 r0.0 .56 tI.0 .77

Inches

Graph 28. Black Crappie Length-Weight Relationship Data - Apache Lake - FalI - 1958"

FTRI-WP4.JAI 37 LZ0

.-l,3 Spring FaIl 'lI ,1I , 'l,l IL fl I''t tl ,l It /la, /1 l. a/l /\ /1 /1 /r /l . **1

Graph 29. Largemouth Bass Length Frequency Data - Roosevelt Lake - 1958.

F7R1 .WP4-JAI 38 Comparative Table II ranks the bass condition of Roosevelt Lake as second of the Lakes under study. Material obtained for length-weight data (Graph No. 30) during the two surveys may not strike a true curve since samples were extremety limited in the small fish of spring survey and of large fish in the fall. Perhaps better treatment can be procured in the fall of 1959 when greater nurnbers of black bass over a larger spread can be recorded" One hundred and thirty bass, three pounds and over in weight, were tagged during the spring and a return of 13.8% was registered by the I5th of January, L957. The carp mass of Roosevelt, condition-wise, assumes the poorest rank - vying for this position with Lake Pleasant (tabLe III) - (Graph No. 3t). Because a vast population has been present in these waters in years past' a carp trapping and removal program had been pursued. Evidence col' lected through the years indicated that it was ineffectual as set up, so con- tinuance was culminated during f 958. Fall shocking failed to recover both young of carp and buffalo populations (Graphs Nos. 32 ar.d. 33)," known to exist in good nurnbers from spring cove renovations. An additional failure is the complete lack of any white crappies being registered, when knowledge of the catch demonstrates a large over-poputation of this species.

14lhi1e data were not collected on channel catfish with the shocker barge, a fair sample was achieved with traps (GraphNo. 34). Condition of this species plotted in Graph No" 35 intimates again a poor growth rate with 15" individuals first reaching the one pound class. Opercular bones and pectoral spines will be collected in the future so that age data can be compiled to ascertain if less restrictive regutations could parallel this situation" Cooperation between agencies, the Salt River Water Users and our department, may make it possible to hold water levels"static Long enough during the peak spawning periods of largernouth to facilitate continued re- pleiei shrnent andmaintain a fi shery.

Pena Blanca:

Pena Blanca is i newly created departrnent lake located near the Mexico border on an intermittent stream of the same narne. Its morpho- metric features include a depth of 60r when full, and an area of.4j surface acres. Original stockings included largemouth bass, black crappie, channel catfish a.nd threadfin shad. To date, other'undesirable fishes such as bluegill, green sunfish or carp have not appeared within its waters. This lake, similar to Pleasant, has no permanent water above or below, and will lend itself to future management practices and controls very well.

FTRT-WP4-JAI 39 Spring Fa11 . Wt. Ls. Wt, 2.0 .003 3.0 .01 Spring 4.0 .03 LogW-LogC+N. LogL. 5.0 .04 5.0 .06 Log W = -1. 90729 + 3.58823.Log L. 5.0 .08 6.0 .11 Fa11 7.0 I3 7.0 .19 --'3.4s3s4 + 3. zzorg. Log L. 8.0 .29 ^r 9.0 .42 r0.0 .s9 Spring ll.0 .80 Fall t2. o r.05 13.0 r. 23 13. 0 .$ t.36 (u 14. 0 r.50 r4.0 t.73 ,ri€k r5.0 2.06 F,fl-lg 16.0 2.59 Fl{ r7.0 3.22 17. 0 3. 23 rC 18.0 3.95 5€: 19. 0 4.80 19.0 4.62 FS.c) 20.0 5.77 0 (-{'ts 2r. 6.87 F 2:_0.0.

678 9 10 11 t2 13 14 15 16 L7 18 19 z0 ZT Inches Graph 30. Largernouth Bass Length-W.eight Relationship Data - Roosevelt Lake - 1958. 7. 00 Spring FaIl . wt. .w 5.0 .06 6.0 .10 7.0 t5 6. 00 8.0 .22 9.0 .24 9.0 .31 r0.0 .35 10. 0 .42 11.0 .49 11. 0 .56 12.0 .67 rz.0 .72 5. 00 13. 0 .88 r3.0 .90 14. 0 I. 14 14. 0 7. IZ 15.0 1. 45 15. 0 L. 37 16.0 r. 81 15. 0 r.65 17.0 2. 24 r 7.0 1.97

UI 18. 0 ?,.73 18.0 z.32 E 4. 00 o 19. 0 3.30 19.0 .2.72 ttk 20.0 3.95 H H ln 23.0 6.42

E s+l 3. 00 b0 Spring {J Fa11 F

?.00

1. 00 Spring Log W LogC*N. Log L. Log W - 3.93523 + 3.48?.77. Log L, Fa11 l,og W = - J.27715 + 2.907,48. Log -.--/ ---1--f 6 8r0rz14t618z0 zz z4 z6 z8 Inches

Graph 31. Carp Length-Weight Relationship Data - Roosevelt Lake - 1958

FTRI .1AIP4-JAI 4t Spring FaIl

A ft\ ,\ ,t

F tl s0) E ,t J I z I 1 a I , I I 1 I \

I \

I I

r0 rz L4 Inch Classes

Grapta 32. Carp Length Freguency Data - Roosevelt Lake - f 958.

FTRI-VrP4-JAt 42 Lg. vrt. 17. 0 2.77 r8.0 3.32 LogW= Log C + N. Log L. 19. o 3.94 LogW= -3.46457 + 3.17507. Log L. 20.0 4.64 zt.0 5.42 22.0 6. z8 23.0 7. 23 24.0 8.27

rdUI g6.oo q €- { H 5 F F

I E ${ +) fu+. oo At .6€ I F L{ P

17 18 19 zo zl z2 23 24 Inches Graph 33. Buffalo Length-W'eight Relationship Data - Roosevelt Lake - Spring & Fall - 1958. FalI

i-1' \ k a o F I E I zJ

A I /\ \7 o- \. A--/ '- -/ \r- -. - -1- -y'' -r- -

L4 t6 20 22, z4 2,6 Inch Classes

Graph 34. Channel Catfish Length Frequeney Data - Roosevelt Lake - 1958.

F7R1- WP4 - JAI 44 7.00 Lg. wt. Log W LogC+N. LogL. 7.0 .09 Log ltr -3.73482 + 3. 19053. Log L. 8.0 .14 .za 6. 00 9.0 10. 0 .20 Il.0 .39 12.0 .51 r3.0 .66 14.0 .84 r5.0 t.04 r6.0 1. 28 17. 0 r, )) 18. 0 1.85 v) rd 19. o z. 21 c) 4. 00 20. 0 z.6t €'h H zl. 0 3.05

HF zz.0 3.53 si 23. o 4.07 24.0 4.66 €{'.1 b0 3. 00 25.0 5. 31 o .26.0 6.0?, F

z. 00

I Inches

Graph 35. Channel Catfish Length-Weight Relatisnship Data * Roosevelt Lake - FaIl I958.

FTRI .WP4-JAl 45 No cove renovations were used to determine if spawning had occurred since close observations served the purpose. A good hatch of bass was discernible and their exist'ence was noted with a late fall shocking survey (Graph No. 36). Length-weight data was also collected (Graph No. 37) co that future bass condition and the largemouth compat- ibility with only threadfin shad as the main forage could be outlined. While there is no reason to assume this lake will be any less productive than other warm water reservoirs in the state, it is only ex- pedient to point out that it wilt appear to the public as non-productive after initial surpluses have been cropped. Pena Blanca, being the only warm water lake within 100 miles or rnore of the fishing-starved populated area of Tucson, will no doubt receive greater pressure than a srnall lake could be expected to support to alt sportsrnenrs satisfaction. Recommendations Basic surveys on all major waters in District IV should continue for another year. A more intensive tagging program on largernouth bass and crappies should be inaugurated in order to ascertain present growth conditions. This program coordinated with a creel census will give rrrore reliable results of harvest figures of these populations" Creel census is a primary tool in the evaluation of fisheries production in terms of return to the angler, and should be instigated on the Salt River lakes in the irnmediate future" Modification of the present shocker barge should be made to include bothA.C. and D.C. power. Further engineering improvernents should include the ability to pulsate D. C. current at different frequencies to test the feasibility of selective attraction of different size groups of fishes. Addifional. testing equipment should be purchased to enable accurate determinations of voltage, amperage and frequency of power being delivered by the elec- trodes at various distances in the field. Shocker surveys for length-weight data should be discontinued during the spring and maintained on a fall survey basis only. For future management, recommendation for channel catfish, the collection of opercular bones and/ot pectoral spines should be rnade to determine age composition and correlate with length-weight data in lieu of more Ienient regulations on methods of capture and possession limits. Since Carl Pleasant Lake has an apparent over-abundance of forage in the threadfin shad, an experimental stocking of white bass should be made in an atternpt to obtain additional garne fish production. Further work on an experimental branding and rnarking process of rainbow trout should be continued and evaluated as a permanent identification of group plantings.

FTRI-WP4-JAI 46 /i, /\ lt ---FaII

\ I \

t-l \ pc) \ g z

__.t _ \ \;-- -1-

t0 lt 15 17 Inch Classes Graph 36. Largernouth Bass Length Freguency Data - Pena Blanca Lake - 1958

FTRI .\AIP4-JAI 47 4. 00 Lg. Wt. 4.0 .02 5.0 .05 6.0 .09 7.O .15 3. 00 8.0 .25 m 9.0 .39 rd (u 10.0 .57 t{ t, 1t. 0 .80 H F{ 12. O r. 09 F H 2.00 13.0 r. 46 H i4.0 l. 90 € 15.0 2.44 b0 16.0 3. 08 0) F 17.0 3. 83 Log W =LogC+N. Log L. Log W =-3.84873 + 3.60226. Log L"

8 10 r2 Inches

Graph 37. I-argemouth Bass Length-Weight Relatioaship Data Pena Blanca - Fall 1958

FTRI-WP4.JAl 48 The feasibility in future years of employing aircraft to facilitate creel census and total fishing pressure estimates should be ex- plored. The use of gill nets and traps should be ernployed in the future to sarnple buffalo and channel cirtfish populations which to date are relatively untouched by shocking operations. Further use of the aqualung should be exlnnded in the procure- ment of stomachs for analysis and in the study of fish behavior. Surnrnary Monthl.y basic surveys were taken on the nine rnajor waters of District IV, which were Roosevelt, Apache, Pleasant, Bartlett, Saguaro, Canyon, San Carlos, Riggs Flat and Pena Blanca lakes. Tagging fish, length-weight data, length frequency information and success of natural reproduction were obtained for the initial time by use of the departrnent electrical shocker b1rge. Crappie, buffalo and channel catfish were not adequately sampled by the shocker. Data were obtained on all fish in the reservoirs except bluegilt and green sunfish. Tag returns are of questionable accuracy. CarI Pleasant Lake: Lake Pleasant is ideal for experirnental fisheries rrranagement except for the tack of water depicted by its history. Length-weight conditioa for largemouth in Pleasant is low in comparison with other lakes. Good reproduction occurred in the spring, although 3A% ot the spawn was heavily parasitized with Lernia. Voluntary tag returns show a 9. l% harvest of.274 tagged bass released" White crappie growth is satisfactory with l2rr individuals reaching one pound in weight. Carp condition is poor but did increase through the year due to the introduction of food by streamflow and inundation of new areas. Bartlett Lake: Bartlett Lake has a history of rnany drainings and only once reaching crest levet. This lake was the first to receive threadfin shad introduc - tion, though by accident.

F'?RI-WP4-JAI 49 spring cove renovations failed to denote successful bass spawn. Fall shocking recorded a srnall bass population was present. It is the theory that Horseshoe Reservoir acted as a bass hatchery for Bartlett" Carp condition was second highest in cornparing their condition with other lakes. Saguaro Lake: Drastic fluctuations are the history of this irnpoundrnent which has a greater nurnber of species than any other of the warm water lakes studied. Black bass condition appears to have increased considerably between the spring and fall surveYs. Fourteen tags were returned from a total of Il6 for a l?.7%lrar- vest figure. Two recaptured tagged individuals show a substantial bass growth. The carp condition is the best of all the lakes but consists of a limited number of large individuals. No propagation was procured. Black crappie were in good condition but taken by the shocker only in small nurnbers. A typicat stunted yellow bass population is present with alt fish ranging frorn 5t' to 9t' in length.

Canyon Lake: Stable water levels have been observed in Canyon for the last decade except for the drainage in the fall of 1957. Largernouth bass, shad, crappie and channel catfish were stocked as brood fish. Great success of bass reproduction took place, rerniniscent of hatchery brood ponds" Bluegill, green sunfish and yellow bass were able to survive the draining operations. Shocking endeavors depicted two peaks in the bass population' one at 6t'and the latter at llt'. . There was no indication of threadfin shad survival.

FTRI-WP4!JAI 50 Apache Lake:

This lake has a very stable elevation since its primary function is the production of power. Onty lirnited length-weight data were collected during the spring. Comparison of the bass shows it to be second lowest. Condition of the carp is fair with a strong size group being present at lLtt " Channel catfish condition is poor with 16" individuals first reaching the one pound figure. Trernendous numbers of black crappie depicted a strong 8, year c las s.

Roosevelt Lake:

Roosevelt Lake is a great problern to fisheries rnanaggment but when higher water levels are maintained it is very productiveln bass. Receding water levels, competition with large rough fish populations and high turbidity have resulted in the failure of bass to sp"-o io cent years. "e-

Electrical shocking inventory indicated only a lirnited number of large bass were present in the spring. A good water year in I95g provided ample bass propagation and survival.

One hundred and thirty bass were tagged and l3.8To of these were returned.

Roosevelt carp ranked lowest in condition in comparison with other lakes.

The shocking procedure failed to recover or sample any of the white crappie population and only a few of the buffalo.

Trapping operations for channel catfish supplied adequate data and recorded a poor growth rate in this species. Continued cooperation with the Salt River W'ater Users may result in the stabilization of water levels during spawning periods. Pena Blanca

Pena Blanca is a newly created departrnent-built lake, with the original stocking including largernouth bass, black crappie, channel catfish and threadfin shad.

FTRI-WP4-JAI 51 This take will be as productive as the other warm water reservoirs but due to the small acreage it wilL have only limited numbers of fish available. Prepared by: Roger Gruenewald Project Leader

Approved by:

Director

Cosper,

F?Rl -1MP4.JAI 52,