GAME FISH STREAMS and RECORDS of FISHES from the POTOMAC-SHENANDOAH RIVER SYSTEM of VIRGINIA

Home , Christians Creek, Dry River (Virginia), Eastern blacknose dace, Hogue Creek, Middle River (Virginia), North River (Maryland)

) • GAME FISH STREAMS AND RECORDS OF FISHES FROM THE POTOMAC-SHENANDOAH RIVER SYSTEM Of VIRGINIA

Robert D. Ross Associate Professor of Biology

Technical Bulletin 140 April 1959

Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station Virginia Polytechnic Institute Blacksburg, Virginia ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The writer is grateful to Eugene S. Surber, Robert G. Martin and Jack M. Hoffman who directed the survey and gave their help and encouragement. A great deal of credit for the success of the Survey is due to all game wardens who rendered invaluable assistance. Special thanks are due to many sportsmen and assistant game wardens who helped the field crew. Personnel of the Commission of Game and Inland Fisheries, who helped in the work from time to time were William Fadley, William Hawley, Max Carpenter and Dixie L. Shumate. The Virginia Academy of Science gener- ously donated funds for the purchase of alcohol in which the fish collection was preserved. GAME FISH STREAMS AND RECORDS OF FISHES FROM THE SHENANDOAH-POTOMAC RIVER SYSTEMS OF VIRGINIA

Robert D. Ross Associate Professor of Biology Virginia Polytechnic Institute

INTRODUCTION From June 15 to September 15, 1956, the Commission of Game and Inland Fisheries, Division of Fisheries, Richmond, Virginia, undertook a survey of a major part of the Shenandoah-Potomac River watershed in Virginia. This work was done as Federal Aid Project No. F-8-R-3, in cooperation with Vir- ginia Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, under the direction of Robert G. Martin, Dingell-Johnson Coordinator, and Jack M. Hoffman, Leader. Robert D. Ross, Crew Leader, and David W. Robinson and Charles H. Hanson worked in the field. The work covered the Shenandoah River and direct tributaries of the Potomac River in Virginia above Goose Creek, Loudoun County. The purpose of the survey was to collect physical, chemical and hydrographic data on the important game fish streams, and to secure collections of fishes. This report summarizes the results of this survey. Game Wardens in all counties involved submitted lists of the trout and bass streams in their Counties, together with other streams not presently managed for game fishes, which they felt were worth investigation. The field crew worked primarily in these streams. Collections were made with a Homelite 230 volt AC 2500-watt generator, and an alternate polarity electroseine. Elec- troseines of three lengths were available : 16, 30 and 100 feet in length. Scale samples of game fishes were obtained and preserved by the Division of Fisheries at Richmond, Virginia. Game fishes were returned to the streams alive. Non- game species were killed in 10% formalin, and stored in 80% alcohol in the collection of fishes at Virginia Polytechnic Institute. THE NORTH FORK OF SHENANDOAH RIVER The North and South Forks of Shenandoah River join at Front Royal to form the Shenandoah River. The North Fork has a basin of 1036 square miles above its mouth and a length of about 100 river miles (Parker, et al., 1907). Several montane streams unite above Bergton, Rockingham County to form the North Fork and these provide most of the flow in the upper part of the river. Between Bergton and Broadway, several temporary streams are tributary to the North Fork and add little to the flow of the river. These are Pewee Creek, Lairs Run, Root Run, Little Dry' River, Shoemaker Creek and Runion Creek. In spite of the lack of adequate tributaries in this section, the North Fork of Shenandoah River maintains a good flow, is cool, well shaded, and has several excellent pools. The river flows over a well developed flood plain

(3) below Bergton and is easily accessible almost anywhere. The small-mouth bass thrives here and there are trout in the upper part of the river. This section of the river offers many possibilities for development as a sports-recrea- tion area. It was the best bass stream observed on the survey. Linville Creek enters the North Fork of Shenandoah River at Broadway. It is warm and turbid. Eutrophication from civic wastes at Edom enrich the stream so that it is unusually productive. It probably serves as an important bass feeder stream for the North Fork. Discharge at the mouth of Linville Creek was estimated to be from 20-30 c.f.s. (cubic feet per second), July 9, 1956. Mill and Smith Creeks join the North Fork of Shenandoah River near Mt. Jackson, Shenandoah County. Mill Creek was estimated at between 20-30 c.f.s. at its mouth, whereas Smith Creek flowed from 40-50 c.f.s. at Mt. Jackson, July 9, 1956. Smith Creek is warm and turbid. Big Stony Creek flows into the North Fork of Shenandoah River at Edin- burgh, Shenandoah County. Two dams impound the waters of Big Stony Creek above Edinburgh. In the depths of these, several trouts were observed. Some excellent pools may be found on Big Stony Creek between Edinburgh and Columbia Furnace ; few above that point. Large trout were located in the upper pools. The upper section of Big Stony Creek runs over sandstones and shales and seems to be more or less impoverished judging from rough estimates of the bottom fauna. For this reason and because of lack of good pools it is less suitable as a game fish stream. Several minor tributaries join the North Fork between Edinburgh and Strasburg, none of which was investigated. Cedar Creek has its mouth in the North Fork of Shenandoah River at Strasburg, Shenandoah County. The lower section of this creek is warm and slightly turbid. Several excellent pools occur in its lower portion, but most of these are difficult of access because Cedar Creek is deeply entrenched below Marlboro, Frederick County. Flow is sluggish. The upper portion of Cedar Creek is developed upon a narrow flood plain and flow is rapid. Some excellent pools may be found in this section. For most of its length Cedar Creek is well shaded. Passage Creek is the first major tributary of the North Fork above its confluence with the South Fork of Shenandoah River. The upper part of Passage Creek is well shaded, and cool. Few really excellent pools occur here but the gradient is sufficient to provide numerous small plunge basins. This section of the Creek is managed as a trout stream. The middle part of Passage Creek meanders across a flood plain, with a gentle gradient. This portion of the stream passes through farms, where most of the cover bordering the stream has been removed. Passage Creek warms as a result, so that water temperatures tend to approximate air temperatures. At the lower end of its valley, Passage Creek runs through its water gap in Massanutten Mountain and once more acquires a steep gradient. Many fine pools are found in the gap. Flow records for the North Fork of Shenandoah River and its tributaries are listed in Table 1. Flood crests rising in the headwaters of the North Fork may require as much as 3 days to reach Strasburg (flood of August 19-21, 1950). A more general precipitation, however, may develop crests which pass this distance in 24 hours (flood of October 15-16, 1943; September 18-19, 1945). (4) Table 1.—Flow records for the North Fork of Shenandoah River and its tributaries. Discharge figures in cubic second feet. Data compiled from Holmes, (1957) North Fork of Shenandoah River Cootes Store, east of Brock's Gan, Rockingham County Average discharge, 1925-1955 189 Maximum, Oct. 15, 1942 50,000 Minimum, Oct. 1, 1929 0.4 Mount Jackson, Shenandoah County Average discharge, 1943-1955 388 Maximum, Aug. 18, 1955 30,000 Minimum, Sept. 26-30, 1954 17 Strasburg, Shenandoah County Average discharge, 1925-1955 586 Maximum, Oct. 16, 1942 100,000 Minimum, Sept. 26 and Oct. 1, 1930 41 Big Stony Creek Columbia Furnace, Shenandoah County Average discharge, 1947-1955 74.7 Maximum, Aug. 18, 1955 4,990 Minimum, Sept-. 3-15 and Oct. 13, 1954 5.1 Cedar Creek Winchester, Frederick County Average discharge, 1937-1955 89.9 Maximum, Oct. 15, 1942 22,000 Minimum, Aug. 24-31, Sept. 6, 1938 5 Passage Creek Buckton, Warren County Average discharge, 1932-1955 70.5 Maximum, Oct. 15, 1942 21,000 Minimum, Aug. 5, 1932 0.1

All parts of the North Fork of Shenandoah River basin east of Big North Mountain are developed upon limestone formations. These formations are porous and this, together with the present drought cycle caused most streams of the North Fork and other parts of the Shenandoah River' system to flow at low stage in 1956. Low stages, however, must be considered to represent normal flow under present conditions. Remarkably few springs occur within the North Fork drainage basin. At Strasburg there are two major springs which flow from 100-450 gallons per minute and a third with a flow of more than 450 g.p.m. Another spring of the latter type is at Lacey Spring on Smith Creek in Rockingham County. None of these springs is thermal (Collins, et al., 1930). A curious spring of the "tidal" type, which alternately flows and stops at irregular intervals, occurs on upper Linville Creek, 5% miles southwest of Broadway (Cady, 1938; U.S.G.S. Broadway 15' quadrangle, 1950 ed., scale 1/62500). Because of the declining water resources and extreme fluctuations in flow, and also in order to develop power at the Big Falls of the Potomac River, efforts have been made from time to time since 1921 to build a number of reservoirs in Virginia. One of the proposed impoundments was to be located at Brock's Gap, west of Broadway (Tyler, 1921). Elsewhere, several low dams have been built across the North Fork below Broadway which impound the water so that lacustrine conditions develop at more than one point along the river. Plankton blooms appeared and the water became green in July and August, 1956 in these places.

(5) Fishes of the North Fork of Shenandoah River North Fork of Shenandoah River was sampled at six stations: Coll. No. 693. Two roadmiles north of Fulkes Run, Rockingham County. .Tuly 9, 1956. 695. Three and one-half roadmiles north of Fulkes Run, Rocking- ham County, July 10, 1956. 696. One roadmile southeast of Bergton, Rockingham Ceunty, July 10, 1956. 697. At Bergton, Rockingham County, July 10, 1956. 708. At Fulkes Run, Rockingham County, July 18, 1956. 738. At Warren-Shenandoah County line, 1 72 miles southeast of Strasburg, Aug. 22, 1956. Linville Creek was sampled once: 694. One mile north of Edom, Rockingham County, July 9, 1956 Map references: U.S.G.S. Broadway, Va.; Orkney Springs, W. Va -Va.: Strasburg, Va. 15' quadrangles, scale 1.'62500. These collections are summarized together. Trout family, Salmonidae. Rainbow trout, Sahli() gairdneri (696) Sucker family, Catostomidae. Common white sucker, Catostomus c. commersoni (694, 695, 696, 697, 708, 738). Hog sucker, Hypentelium nigricans (695, 696, 697, 708, 738). Minnow family, Cyprinidae. Ohio stoneroller minnow, Campostoma a. anomalum (693, 695, 697, 708). German carp, Cyprinus carpio (708). Cutlips minnow, Exoglossum maxillingua (708). River chub, Hybopsis micropogon (693, 695, 696, 697, 708). Eastern common shiner, Notropis c. cornutus (693, 694, 695, 606, 697, 708). Northern swallowtail shiner, Notropis p. procne (708). Bluntnose minnow, Pimephales notata (693, 694, 695, 696, 708). Eastern blacknose dace, Rhinichthys a. atratulus (693, 695, 696, 708). Longnose dace, Rhinichthys catara. cte (693, 694, 695, 696, 697, 708), Northern creek chub, Semotilus a. atromaculatus (696, 697). Fall fish, Semotilus corpora/is (695, 708, 738). American eel family, Anguillidae. American eel, Anguilla rostrata (738). North American catfish family, Ictaluridae. Yellow bullhead, Ictalurus n. natalis (708, 738). Margined madtom, Schilbeodes in. marginatus (708). Perch family, Percidae. Fantail darter, Etheostoma flabellare subsp. (693, 694, 695, 696, 6°7, 708, 738). Sculpin family, Cottidae. Northern muddler, coitus bairdi (695, 696, 697, 708). (6) Sunfish family, Centrarchidae. Northern rockbass, Amb/ophtes r. rupestri.s. (696, 697, 708, 738). Yellowbelly sunfish, Lepomis auritus (695, 696, 708, 738). Bluegill sunfish, Lepomis m. macrochirus (696). Northern smallmouth bass, Micropterus d. dolomieui (693, 694. 695, 697, 708, 738). Northern largemouth bass, Micropterus s. salmoides (708). Smith Creek was sampled at three places: Coll. No. 698. Six and two tenths airmiles south southeast of Broadway; 1 mile east southeast of Lacey Springs; 5.2 airmiles east of Linville Church, Rockingham County, July 11, 1956. 699. Four and 6 tenths airmiles east of Linville Church, about rivermile below coll. no. 698, Rockingham County, July 11, 1956. 750. At Endless Caverns, Shenandoah County, Aug. 29, 1956. Big Stony Creek was sampled at four stations: 711. At Lantz Mill, Shenandoah County, July 23, 1956. 713. One roadmile northwest of Edinburgh, Shenandoah County, at the second dam, July 25, 1956. 714. Two roadmiles southwest of Columbia Furnace, Shenandoah County, July 25, 1956. 715. Seven tenths roadmile north of Strawderman, Shenandoah County, July 25, 1956. Map references: U.S.G.S. Edinburgh, Va.; Mt. Jackson, Va.; Broadway, Va. and Orkeny Springs, W. Va.-Va. 15' quadrangles, scale 1/62500. Smith Creek and Big Stony Creek collections are summarized together. Salmon family, Salmonidae. Rainbow trout, Salmi gairdneri (711, 713). Sucker family, Catostomidae. Common white sucker, Catostomus c. commersoni (698, 711, 713, 715, 750). Hog sucker, Hypentelium nigricans (698, 711, 714, 715, 750). Minnow family, Cyprinidae. Cutlips minnow, Exoglossuni maxillingua (698, 711, 714). River chub, Hybopsis lnicropogon (698, 711, 714). Satinfin shiner, Notropis analostanus (714). Eastern rosefin shiner, Notropis a. ardens (711). Eastern common shiner, Notropis c. cornutus (698, 711, 713, 714). Spottail shiner, Notropis hudsonius amarus (711). Bluntnose minnow, Pimephales notata (698, 711, 713). Eastern blacknose dace, Rhinichthys a. atratulus (698, 711, 714). Longnose dace, Rhinichthys cataracte (698, 713). Horned dace, Semotilus a. atromaculatus (711). Fallfish, Sernotilus corporalis (711, 714). American eel family, Anguillidae. American eel, Anguilla rostrata (698, 699, 713, 750). North American catfish family, Ictaluridae. Margined madtom, Schilbeodes m. marginatus (714).

(7) Sculpin family, Cottidae. Northern muddler, Coitus bairdi (698, 711, 714). Perch family, Percidae. Fantail darter, Etheostonia flabellare subsp. (698, 711, 713, 714). Sunfish family, Centrarchidae. Northern rockbass, Amb/op/ites r. rupestris (698, 699, 711, 713, 714, 715, 750). Yellowbelly sunfish, Lepomis auritus (698, 699, 711, 713, 715). Bluegill, Lepomis m. macrochirus (698). Northern smallmouth bass, illicropterus d. dolomieui (711, 713, 715, 750). Northern largemouth bass, Micropterus s. salrnoides (713). Cedar Creek was sampled at four stations. Coll. No. 716. On Rt. 11 crossing, 2.5 roadmiles southwest of Middletown, on Shenandoah-Warren County line, July 26, 1956. 717. Just below mouth of Huffman Hollow, at ford, 2.6 airmiles southeast of Mountain Falls; 2 airmiles northwest of Marl- boro on Frederick-Shenandoah County line, July 26, 1956. 718. Three-tenths mile northeast of Star Tannery; 5.5 airmiles east of Marlboro, on Frederick-Shenandoah County line, July 26, 1956. 719. Two miles east of Strasburg, about 1 rivermile above its mouth in North Fork of Shenandoah River, Shenandoah County, July 27, 1956. Paddys Creek, a tributary of Cedar Creek was sampled once: 724. Three and 2 tenths airmiles southwest of Star Tannery; 7 airmiles west of Lebanon Church, Frederick County, Aug. 1, 1956. Passage Creek was sampled at two stations: 712. One-half mile southeast of Kings Crossings (Edith Cross- roads) and 1 mile above, near Joppa Church, Shenandoah County, July 25, 1956. 740. Four and 8 tenths airmiles southwest of Waterlick; 4.5 roadmiles southwest of Front Royal State Fish Hatchery, Shenan- doah County, Aug. 22, 1956. Map references: U.S.G.S. Strasburg and Middletown, Va. 15' quadrangles, scale 1/62500. These are summarized together. Sucker family, Catostomidae. Common white sucker, Catostomus c. comniersoni (740). Hog sucker, Hypentelium nigricans (712, 716, 724, 740). Minnow family, Cyprinidae. Ohio stoneroller minnow, Campostoma a. anomalum (712, 716). Cutlips minnow, Exoglossum maxillingua (712, 724). River chub, Hybopsis micropogon (712, 716, 717, 718). Satinfin shiner, Notropis analostanus (716). Eastern common shiner, Notropis c. cornutus (712). Rosyface shiner, Notropis rubellus (712). Bluntnose minnow, Pimephales notata (716).

(8) Eastern blacknose dace, Rhinichthys a. atratulus (712, 724). Longnose dace, Rhinichthys cataracte (712, 716, 717, 724). Fallfish, Semotilus corporalis (712, 716). American eel family, Anguillidae. American eel„inguilla rostrata (719, 724, 740). Perch family, Percidae. Fantail darter, Etheostoma flabellare subsp. (712, 716, 724) Sculpin family, Cottidae. Northern muddler, Cottus bairdi (712, 716, 717, 718, 724). Sunfish family, Centrarchidae. Northern rockbass, Ambloplites r. rupestris (719, 740). Common sunfish, Lepomis gibbosus (716, 740). Yellowbelly sunfish, Lepomis auritus (716, 740). Northern smallmouth bass, lllicropterus d. dolomieui (716, 718, 740).

THE SOUTH FORK OF SHENANDOAH RIVER The South Fork of Shenandoah River is formed at Port Republic by the union of North and South Rivers and flows northeastward to Front Royal, Warren County, where it joins the North Fork of Shenandoah to form the Shenandoah River. The South Fork has a drainage basin of 1638 square miles. Between Port Republic and Front Royal it is 96 rivermiles long. North River is about 46 rivermiles in length and drains a basin of 440 square miles, or 805 square miles if the basin of its major tributary, Middle River, is added. Middle River flows for approximately 54 rivermiles. South River is about 38 rivermiles long with a basin of 245 square miles (Parker, et al., 1907). Of the streams which unite to form the South Fork, North River is unique in that commonly it has a dry stream bed above Bridgewater, Rockingham County. This is caused by underground solution of limestone formations. A huge basin has been created west of Mt. Solon, Augusta County, which is 100 feet deep in places and extensive in width. This basin is filled with stream cobbles so that North River disappears into this extremely porous bed after emerging from its water gap in Shenandoah County (Fara, 1957). Ap- parently solution has been in operation for some time in this region. Natural chimneys, near Mt. Solon, represents, to some degree, a measure of downward solution in former times. Round Hill, Natural Chimneys, and other hills in this region which form the major relief features, are cherty hills or columns which have resisted the general action of solution. North River suddenly emerges on the surface a short distance above Bridge- water. Below this point, North River is somewhat eutrophicated and im- proves in quality so that its lower section is an excellent bass stream. The river is well shaded here and is deeply incised. Long pools alternate with long riffles and aquatic vegetation is abundant. The fish fauna is rich and varied. This is in marked contrast with its headwaters, however, where few fishes were found. Flow was reduced to about 3 c.f.s., July 17, 1956. The few tributaries of North River in its gorge added little to the main stream. Most of the water in North River in the Narrowback Mountain gap came from its tributary Little River. A few excellent pools were found here. The flow

(9) was estimated at between 7-10 c.f.s. on June 21, 1956, but 7 days later this had dwindled to about 1 c.f.s. Beaver and Muddy Creeks, tributaries to Dry River of North River, maintained good flow, both having an estimated flow of from 7-10 c.f.s., July 11, 1956. Beaver Creek is clear, cool, and managed as a trout stream. Muddy Creek, on the other hand, is warm and turbid and scarcely suited for the smallmouth bass. Spring Creek, another tributary of Dry River in this area, flows through the town of Spring Creek, Rockingham County. It is a small stream, not well suited for trout. Dry River, tributary to North River at Bridgewater, is well named. It is completely dry except during heavy rains and the spring runoff. It then flashes and spreads over a braided stream bed from 100 to 200 feet wide. It has ruined acres of excellent farm land. War Branch, a tributary of Dry River at Rawley Springs, Rockingham County, was reduced to intermittent flow when visited by the survey in 1956. Briery Branch, another tributary which joins Dry River below Spring Creek, was one of the few streams in this region which maintained a good flow. The survey crew estimated this to be from 10-15 c.f.s., July 11, 1956. Middle River rises in Southern Augusta County west of Staunton. It is poorly shaded in its upper section and becomes a warm water stream abound- ing in suckers. It carries a considerable load of silt. Further down in its middle section, this stream meanders in a fairly deep entrenchment and becomes an excellent bass stream. A dam at Damtown impounds a lake teem- ing with bass and sunfishes, bullheads and turtles. Below the dam, the rocky riffles support a rich fauna of madtom catfishes and minnows. This is the site of a large water snake population ( Natrix s. sipedon). The shelter of the rocks and the abundance of fish food combine to make this place ideal for the snakes. Fishermen come equipped not only with rod and line but a rifle with which to kill the snakes. In spite of the water snakes, however, this place is productive of fishes. Lower Middle River assumes the characteristics of lower North River. Long pools and riffles are overgrown with thick beds of plants, which serves as excellent shelter for young fishes of all kinds. Yellowbelly sunfishes spawn here and form great nests from 2-4 feet in diameter, closely placed together, and in certain places to be found lining the gravel bottom continuously for a distance of 200-400 feet or more. Excellent shade trees border both banks of the stream. Access to the stream is good. Christians Creek is the largest tributary of Middle River. It is warm and turbid and exposed for most of its length. It contains numbers of rockbass and suckers. Three and one-half miles southeast of Fort Defiance, it joins Middle River. South River rises in Southern Augusta County. Between Waynesboro and Port Republic it receives several small tributaries from the Blue Ridge. Al- most all of these run dry in the summer. South River is a warm water stream of moderate turbidity with several excellent pools near its mouth. Pollution originating at Waynesboro unfortunately colors the water black. Numerous springs occur on North, Middle and South Rivers, but below Port Republic there are only five major springs which have a flow of 100 gallons per minute or more (Collins, et al., 1930). The South Fork of Shenandoah River is marked with numerous pools and deep riffles along its course from Port Republic to Front Royal. In the lower (10) section submergent aquatic plant life is luxurious. Below Elkton the dark stain- ed polluted water originating in the South River at Waynesboro is scarcely noticeable. Hawksbill Creek enters the South Fork of Shenandoah River 3% miles north of Luray. The headwaters of this creek, above Ida, Page County, appear to be ideal for trout. Little Hawksbill and Upper Hawksbill Creeks, however, maintain a flow of about 1 c.f.s. during the summer months. The middle and lower portions of Hawksbill Creek are exposed so that the stream warms up and water and air temperatures tend to parallel each other closely. The lower portion of Hawksbill Creek descends abruptly through a small gorge to the entrenched South Fork of Shenandoah River. Cub Run flows into the South Fork 5,1, miles north of Shenandoah, Page County. Pitt Spring, a tributary of Cub Run, is more likely to maintain an adequate flow during the summer than the upper part of Cub Run. A recent clearing on Masanutten Mountain for a gas line has caused Cub Run to carry a heavy load of silt after rains, whereas Pitt Spring remains clear. Both of these streams would serve as excellent trout streams if they had greater flow. Hydrological data for the South Fork and its tributaries is given in Table 2.

Table 2.—Flow records for the South Fork of Shenandoah River and its tributaries. Discharge figures in cubic second feet. Data compiled from Holmes, (1957) South Fork of Shenandoah River Front Royal, Warren County Average discharge, 1899-1906, 1930-1955 1,668 Maximum, Oct. 16, 1942 130,000 Minimum, Jan. 30, 1934 59 Luray, Page County. Average discharge, 1925-1930, 1938-1951 1,263 Maximum, Oct. 16, 1942 100,000 Minimum, Sept. 16, 1925 and Sept. 28, 1930 135 Lynnwood, Rockingham County. Average discharge, 1930-1955 1,019 Maximum, Oct. 15, 1942 80,000 Minimum, Sept. 21 and 29, 1930 93 South River Harriston, Augusta County. Average discharge, 1925-1951 237 Maximum, Oct. 15, 1942 23,100 Minimum, Nov. 14, 1941 17 Waynesboro, Augusta County. Average discharge, 1928-1952 148 Maximum, Oct. 15, 1942 12,000 Minimum, Oct. 6, 1939 21 Middle River Grottoes, Rockingham County. Average discharge, 1927-1955 313 Maximum, March 18, 1936 24,500 Minimum, Sept. 21, Oct. 3 and 12, 1930 22 North River Burketown, Augusta County. Average discharge, 1926-1955 387 Maximum, June 19, 1949 62,600 Minimum, Sept. 24, 1930 20 Stokesville, Augusta County. Average discharge, 1946-1955 29.4 Maximum, June 17, 1949 11,100 Minimum, Oct. 2-24, 1953 0.3 Fishes of the South Fork of Shenandoah River South River was checked at four stations: Coll. No. 687. One mile south of Waynesboro, Augusta County, July 4, 1956. 745. Just south of Waynesboro, Augusta County, Aug. 27, 1956. 748. Three miles south of Grottoes, Rockingham County, Aug. 26, 1956. 749. One half mile north of I-Iarriston, Augusta County, Aug. 28, 1956. Back Creek, tributary of South River, was sampled twice: 680. One half mile south of Sherando, Augusta County, June 19, 1956.

681. North Fork of Back Creek, 4 mile below Lake Sherando Dam; 6 miles south of Sherando, Augusta County, June 19, 1956. Twin Ponds, and Spring Pond, of South River drainage in Big Levels Game Preserve were investigated twice: 703. 10 airmiles northeast of Vesuvius, Augusta County, June 29, 1956. Twin Ponds. 705. Same locality, same date. Spring Pond. Christians Creek was sampled once: 517. Five and 8 tenths miles south of Staunton; 6.1 airmiles northeast of Greenville, Augusta County, July 18, 1952 (not per- formed on this survey). Map references: U.S.G.S. Buckingham 30' quadrangle, scale 1/125000; Waynesboro, Harrisonburg, Staunton, Vesuvius and Lexington 15' quadrangles, scale 1/62500, all of Virginia. These collections are summarized together. Sucker family, Catostomidae. Common white sucker, Catostomus c. comniersoni (517, 680, 687, 745, 748, 749). Hog sucker, Hypentelium nigricans (517, 680, 681, 687, 748, 749). Rustyside sucker, Thoburnia rhothoeca (517, 681). Minnow family, Cyprinidae. Redside dace, Clinostomus vandoisulus (681). River chub, Hybonsis micropogon (680, 681). Cutlips minnow, Exoglossum maxillingua (687, 745). Eastern common shiner, Notropis c. cornutus (517, 681, 687, 745). Rosyface shiner, Notropis rubellus (687). Bluntnose minnow, Pimephales notata (517, 745). Eastern blacknose dace, Rhinichthys a. atratulus (517, 680, 681). Longnose dace, Rhinichthys cataracte, (517, 680, 681). Horned dace, Semotilus a. atromaculatus (517, 687, 745). Fallfish, Semotilus corporalis (687, 745). American eel family, Anguillidae. American eel, Anguilla rostrata (749). North American catfish family, Ictaluridae. Yellow bullhead, Ictalurus n. natalis (748). (12) Killifish family, Cyprinodontidae. Eastern banded killifish, Fundulus d. diaphanus (703, 705). Sculpin family, Cottidae. Northern muddler, Coitus bairdi (517, 680, 681, 687, 745). Perch family, Percidae. Fantail darter, Etheostoma flabellare subsp. (680, 681). Johnny darter, Etheostoma nigrum subsp. (687). Sunfish family, Centrarchidae. Northern rockbass, Ambiop/ites r. rupestris (687, 745). Yellowbelly sunfish, Lepomis auritus (749). Green sunfish, Lepomis cyanellus (703). Common sunfish, Lepomis gibbosus (748). Northern smallmouth bass, Alicropterus d. dolomieui (680, 681, 703, 705, 748, 749). Northern largemouth bass, Micropterus s. salmoides (748, 749). South Fork of Shenandoah River was sampled once: Coll. No. 726. Ten miles south of Front Royal, Warren County, Aug. 2, 1956. Gooney Creek, a tributary of the South Fork of Shenandoah River was sampled once: 739. Three fourths mile north of Glen Echo, Warren County, Aug. 21, 1956. Middle River was sampled at four stations: 707. At Damtown, Augusta County, July 17, 1956. 709. One mile south of Augusta-Rockingham County line, 2.6 airmiles southeast of Weyers Cave, Augusta County, July 19, 1956. 1 710. At Rt. 250 crossing, 1 /2 miles southeast of Churchville, Au- gusta County, July 19, 1956. 747. One rivermile above its mouth in North River, 3 airmiles southeast of Weyers Cave, Augusta County, Aug. 28, 1956. Back Creek, a tributary of Middle River was sampled once: 515. On County Road 876 crossing, 2.3 airmiles north of Middle- brook, Augusta County, July 18, 1952, (not done on this survey). Map references: U.S.G.S. Luray 30' quadrangle, scale 1/125000; Front Royal, Stony Man, Harrisonburg, Staunton and Waynesboro 15' quadrangles, scale 1/62500, all of Virginia. These collections are summarized together. Salmon family, Salmonidae. Rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri (739). Sucker family, Catostomidae. Common white sucker, Catostomus c. commersoni (515, 709, 710, 739, 747). Hog sucker, Hypentelium nigricans (515, 709, 710, 739, 747). Minnow family, Cyprinidae. Redside dace, Clinostomus vandoisulus (515). German carp, Cyprinus carpi° (709, 747). Cutlips minnow, Exoglossum maxillingua (515, 709, 747).

(13) River chub, Hybopsis micropoyon (709, 747). Eastern silvery minnow, Hybognathus nuchalis regius (710). Eastern common shiner, Notropis c. cornutus (515, 707, 709, 710, 739, 747). Spottail shiner, Notropis hudsonius aniarus (709). Bluntnose minnow, Pimephales notata (747). Eastern blacknose dace, Rhinichthys a. atratulus (515, 709). Longnose dace, Rhinichthys cataracte (515, 709, 710). Horned dace, Semotilus a. atromaculatus (710). Fallfish, Semotilus corporalis (709, 747). Allegheny pearl dace, Semotilus m. ntargariscus (515). American eel family, Anguillidae. American eel, Anguilla rostrata (709, 739). North American catfish family, Ictaluridae. White catfish, lctalurus ca/us (726). Yellow bullhead, Ictalurus n. natalis (709, 747). Margined madtom, Schilbeodes tn. marginatus (709). Sculpin family, Cottidae. Northern muddler, Cottus bairdi (515, 709, 710). Perch family, Percidae. Fantail darter, Etheostoma flabellare subsp. (515, 709, 710). Johnny darter, Etheostoma nigrum subsp. (709). Sunfish family, Centrarchidae. Northern rockbrass, ilmbloplites r. rupestris (710). Yellowbelly sunfish, Lepomis auritus (707, 709, 726, 739, 747). Green sunfish, Lepontis cyanellus (707). Bluegill, Lepomis in. macrochirus (709). Northern smallmouth bass, Micropterus d. dolomieui (707, 709, 710, 726, 739). North River was sampled at four stations: Coll. No. 683. At BM 2306, 6.8 airmiles north of Lebanon, Augusta County, June 28, 1956. 704. One and 2 mile above mouth of Middle River, 6 airmiles southeast of Mt. Crawford, Augusta-Rockingham County line, July 17, 1956. 706. At mouth of Dry River, just above Bridgewater, Rockingham County, July 17, 1956. 758. North River gap, 5 airmiles northeast of Parnassus, Rocking- ham County, July 17, 1956. Muddy Creek, a tributary of Dry River was sampled once: 700. At Hinton, Rt. 33 crossing, Rockingham County, July 11, 1956. Beaver Creek, a tributary of Dry River was sampled once: 701. Nine tenths mile south of Ottobine, Rockingham County, July 11, 1956. Map references: U.S.G.S. Parnassus and McDowell, W. Va.-Va. and Har- risonburg, Va. 15' quadrangles, scale 1/62500. These collections are summarized together. Salmon family, Salmonidae. Rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri (683). Brown trout, Salmo trutta, (683). ( 14 ) Sucker family, Catostomidae. Common white sucker, Catostomus c. commersoni (700). Hog sucker, Hypentelium nigricans (704). Minnow family, Cyprinidae. Redside dace, Clin.ostomus vandoisulus (683). German carp, Cyprinus carpio (706). Eastern common shiner, Notropis c. cornutus (683, 700). Bluntnose minnow, Pimephales notata (700). Eastern blacknose dace, Rhinichthys a. atratulus (683). Longnose dace, Rhinichtlzys cataracte (683). American eel family, Anguillidae. American eel, Anguilla rostrata (758). North American catfish family, Ictaluridae. Yellow bullhead, Ictalurus n. natalis (700). Sunfish family, Centrarchidae. Northern rockbass, Ambloplites r. rupestris (700, 701, 704). Yellowbelly sunfish, Lepomis auritus (700, 704). Bluegill, Lepomis in. macrochirus (700). Northern smallmouth bass, Micropterus d. dolomieui (700, 701, 704, 758).

THE NORTH AND SOUTH FORKS OF POTOMAC RIVER AND DIRECT TRIBUTARIES OF THE POTOMAC RIVER Northwestern Highland County is drained by some of the headwaters of the North and South Forks of Potomac River. Hydrological data are lacking for this small drainage area. The South Fork of Potomac River rises north of Hightown, Highland Coun- ty. It meanders through a broad valley for the first 7 miles of its flow. The bottom is soft, cover is lacking, there are few large springs, and the stream becomes a warm-water type from near the source. White suckers and common shiners are the dominant fishes. After 7 miles of flow, the South Fork passes through its water gap in Mont- erey Mountain, acquires a rubbly bottom and joins Strait Creek. For the rest of its length in Virginia it is well shaded, and has a hard bottom and is much cooler than its upper section. This is due to the cold water of Strait Creek. Strait Creek has an important tributary, Peck Run, which rises from a large cold spring. Lower Strait Creek is cooled from this source. Upper Strait Creek is somewhat warmer but fairly well shaded and quite suitable for trout. The flow in upper Strait Creek was estimated at between 5-7 c.f.s. and this rises to 8-10 c.f.s. after the addition of water from Peck Run. The South Fork of Potomac River flows with about 10-15 c.f.s. below the mouth of Strait Creek. These flow data were taken Sept. 5, 1956. Laurel Fork is a tributary to the headwater system of the North Fork of Potomac River. It rises in Northwestern Highland County, and flows through a densely wooded mountain valley. Rt. 250 is the only road giving access to the stream. Trails follow the stream through the steep valley and a few sportmen's cabins have been built in the area. Laurel Fork has been scarcely disturbed by human interference and supports a population of fishes which ap- parently represents normal primaeval conditions in a montane stream. Trout are everywhere. This may be one of the best trout streams of the Potomac River drainage in Virginia.

(15) Back Creek in Frederick County is a direct tributary of the Potomac River. Its major tributary is Hogue Creek, and another of minor importance is Isaac Creek. All of these are managed for bass. Hydrological data are lacking for these streams. Isaac Creek becomes intermittent in flow during the summer although several pools remain with sufficient flow (about 1 c.f.s.) to prevent stagnation. Hogue and Back Creeks maintain flow adequate to support a varied fish fauna. Hogue Creek had a flow estimated at from 10-15 c.f.s. and Back Creek, below the mouth of Hogue Creek, flowed at approximately 20-30 c.f.s., July 31, 1956. All of these streams flow through a hilly region and are incised, well shaded, but poorly fed by springs. They are warm water streams. The bottom is gravelly, with sand and silt forming soft bottoms in the pools. Fine pools are developed at several places, but these permit the sun to warm the water. Trout are stocked in the upper parts of these Creeks although there is no evidence that they survive through the summer. Suckers are abundant and esteemed by local fishermen. Opequon Creek is a direct tributary of the Potomac River, and in Virginia it forms the Clark-Frederick County line. It has a drainage basin of 335 square miles, and flows through gently rolling country (Parker, et al. 1907). There is a well developed flood plain. Fairly well shaded but poorly supplied by springs, it is a warm water stream with water temperatures approximating air temperatures through the day and night. The bottom is rubbly or gravelly. Sand and silt make the pool bottoms soft. The upper section is not managed for game fishes but bass are stocked in the middle portion of the stream. Sunfishes and suckers are abundant and provide much sport for fishermen. Hydrological data for Opequon Creek are summarized in Table 3. Goose Creek rises in northern Fauquier County and flows to the Potomac River through Loudoun County. It has a drainage basin of 385 square miles ( Parker, et al., 1907). It is entrenched in rolling country and well shaded but is a warm water stream. The bottom is sandy or gravelly. A flood in 1955 altered the character of Goose Creek profoundly. Several deep holes were filled, others excavated, and some of the riffles migrated downstream. It is an excellent bass-sunfish stream for which it is managed. Hydrological data for Goose Creek are summarized in Table 3. Catoctin River appears to resemble Goose Creek in the character of its bottom, its entrenchment, shade, water temperatures and fish fauna. The survey did not observe much of the middle portion of this river, however. It drains northern Loudoun County and is a direct tributary of the Potomac River. Hy- drological data are unavailable to the writer for Catoctin River.

Table 3.—Flow records of Opequon Creek and Goose Creek and its tributaries. Discharge figures in cubic second feet. Data compiled from Holmes, 1957. Opequon Creek Rt. 340 bridge, 5 miles west of Berryville, Frederick County. Average discharge, 1943-1955 39 Maximum, Dec. 4, 1950 3,710 Minimum, Oct. 7, 1947 1.2 Goose Creek Evergreen Mills, Loudoun County. Average discharge, 1902-1912, 1930-1955 308 Maximum, Aug. 26, 1937 45,000 Minimum, Sept. 29, 1941 0.4

(16) Fishes from the North and South Forks of Potomac River South Fork of Potomac River was sampled at two stations: Coll. No. 751. At mouth of Strait Creek and 500 feet below, 6 roadmiles northeast of Monterey, Highland County, Sept. 4, 1956. 1 753. At Russell Rexrode farm, 1 /2 miles northeast of Hightown, Highland County, Sept. 5, 1956. Strait Creek, tributary of South Fork of Potomac River was sampled once: 752. At mouth of Strait Creek and 500 feet above. 6 roadmiles northeast of Monterey, Highland County, Sept. 5, 1956. Laurel Fork, tributary of North Fork of Potomac River was sampled once: 754. Rt. 250 crossing, 3 airmiles northwest of Monterey, High- land County, Sept. 5, 1956. Map reference: U.S.G.S. Monterey, Va.-W.Va. 15' quadrangle, scale 1/62500. These collections are summarized together. Salmon family, Salmonidae. Rainbow trout, SaImo gairdneri (751). Brook trout, Salve/inns fontinalis (754). Sucker family, Catostomidae. Common white sucker, Catostomus c. commersoni (752, 753, 754). Hog sucker, Hypentelium nigricans (752). Minnow family, Cyprinidae. Ohio stoneroller minnow, Campostoma a. anomalum (754). River chub, Hybopsis micropogon (753). Eastern common shiner, Notropis c. cornutus (752). Rosyface shiner, Notropis rube//us (751). Bluntnose minnow, Pimephales notata (752). Eastern blacknose dace, Rhinichthys a. atratulus (753). Longnose dace, Rhinichthys cataracte (753). Horned dace, Semotilus a. atromaculatus (754) . Perch family, Percidae. Fantail darter, Etheostoma flabellare subsp. (753). Sunfish family, Centrarchidae. Northern rockbass, Ambloplites r. rupestris (752). Northern smallmouth bass, Micropterus d. dolomieui (754).

Fishes of Direct Tributaries to the Potomac River Back Creek was sampled at three stations: Coll. No. 720. Rt. 600 crossing, 0.7 miles north of Gainesboro, Frederick County, July 31, 1956. 722. Barney's Farm, 2.6 airmiles southeast of Suer; 2.5 airmiles northeast of Gainesboro, Frederick County, July 31, 1956. 723. At Virginia-West Virginia state line on County Road 671, Frederick County, Aug. 1, 1956. Issac Creek, tributary of Back Creek was sampled once: 727. Two miles north of Gainesboro, Frederick County, Aug. 3, 1956. (17) Hogue Creek, Tributary of Back Creek was sampled once: 721. Rt. 522 crossing, 1.5 miles southeast of Gainesboro, Fred- erick County, July 31, 1956. Opequon Creek was sampled at two stations: Coll. No. 725. At Burnt Factory, 4.7 airmiles east of Winchester, Frederick- Clark County line, Aug. 2, 1956. 729. At Wadesville Dam, 7.7 airmiles northeast of Winchester, Frederick-Clark County line, Aug. 9, 1956. Map references: U.S.G.S. Gerardstown, W.Va.-Va.; Capon Bridge, W. Va.-Va.; Middletown, Va.-W.Va. 15' quadrangles, scale 1/48000; Win- chester, Va. 15' quadrangle, scale 1;62500. These collections are summarized together. Salmon family, Salmonidae. Rainbow trout, Salrno gairdneri (729). Brown trout, Saint° trutta (722). Sucker family, Catostomidae. Common white sucker, Catostomus c. cornmersoni (722, 723, 725, 729). Creek chubsucker, Erimyzon o. oblongus (722, 723). Hog sucker, Hypentelium nigricans (722, 723, 725, 729). Minnow family, Cyprinidae. Ohio stoneroller minnow, Cam postoma a. anomalum (722, 725). River chub, Hybopsis micropogon (722, 723). Eastern silvery minnow, Hybognathus nuchalis regius (729). Eastern golden shiner, Notemigonus c. chrysoleucas (729). Eastern common shiner, Notropis c. cornutus (725, 729). Bluntnose minnow, Pimephales notata (722, 723, 725, 729). Horned dace, Semotilus a. atromaculatus (725). Fallfish, Semotilus corpora/is (722, 723, 729). Eastern blacknose dace, Rhinichthys a. atratulus (725). Longnose dace, Rhinichthys cataracte (725). American eel family, Anguillidae. American eel, Anguilla rostrata (720, 722, 723, 725, 729). North American catfish family, Ictaluridae. Eastern yellow bullhead, Ictalurus n. natalis (723). Northern brown bullhead, Ictalurus n. nebulosus (723). Margined madtom, Schilbeodes in. marginatus (722). Pike family, Esodidae. Chain pickerel, Esox niger (720). Killifish family, Cyprinodontidae. Eastern banded killifish, l'undulus d. diaphan.us (725). Perch family, Percidae. Fantail darter, Etheostoma flabellare subsp. (722, 723, 725). Johnny darter, Etheostoma nigrum subsp. (722). Sunfish family, Centrarchidae. Northern rockbass, mblop!ites r. rupestris (721, 722, 723). Yellowbelly sunfish, Lepomis auritus (722, 723, 725, 729). Green sunfish, Lepomis cyanellus (723, 729). Common sunfish, Lepomis gibbosus (729). Bluegill, Lepomis in. macrochirus (729). (18) Northern smallmouth bass, Micropterus d. dolomieui (720, 721, 722, 723, 727, 729). Northern largemouth bass, Alicropterus s. salmoides (722, 723, 729). Goose Creek was sampled at two stations: Coll. No. 730. At County Road 624 crossing, 3.9 airmiles north northeast of Rectortown, Fauquier County, Aug. 10, 1956. 731. At Evergreen Mills, 6.7 airmiles south of Leesburg, Loudoun County, Aug. 10, 1956. Sycoline Creek, tributary to Goose Creek was sampled at two stations: 728. At Syclon, near Union Church, 2.8 airmiles south of Lees- burg, Loudoun County, Aug. 8, 1956. 734. Three tenths mile east of Syclon, 3.5 airmiles south of Lees- burg, Loudoun County, Aug. 11, 1956. Little River, tributary to Goose Creek was sampled at two stations: 732. At Aldie Dam on County Road 632, just west of Aldie, Loud- oun County, Aug. 11, 1956. 733. At its mouth in Goose Creek, 1% miles west of Evergreen Mills, Loudoun County, Aug. 11, 1956. Tuscarora Creek, tributary to Goose Creek was sampled once: 735. At Izaak Walton Park, Leesburg, Loudoun County, Aug. 11, 1956. Catoctin River was sampled at three stations: 736. North Fork of Catoctin, at junction of Rts. 9 and 287, Loud- oun County, Aug. 12, 1956. 737. South Fork of Catoctin, just north of Waterford, Loudoun County, Aug. 12, 1956. 775. Catoctin River 72 mile southwest of Taylorstown on County Road 663, Loudoun County, Aug. 12, 1956. Map references: U.S.G.S. Charlestown, Va.-W.Va.; Berryville, Va.-W.Va.; Round Hill, Purcellville, Waterford, Leesburg, Rectortown, Lincoln, Up- perville, Middleburg, (the last eight all of Virginia) 7Y2' quadrangles, scale 1/31250. These collections are summarized together. Sucker family, Catostomidae. Common white sucker, Catostomus c. commersoni (728, 730, 731, 732, 733, 734, 735, 736). Creek chubsucker, Erimyzon o. oblongus (735). Hog sucker, Hypentelium nigricans (728, 730, 731, 732, 733, 735). Minnow family, Cyprinidae. Ohio stoneroller minnow, Campostoma a. anomalum (735). Cutlips minnow, Exoglossum maxillingua (731, 734, 775). River chub, Hybopsis micropogon (731, 732, 737, 775). Attractive shiner, Notropis amoenus (731). Eastern common shiner, Notropis c. cornutus (731, 734, 735). Spottail shiner, Notropis hudsonius aniarus (731). Rosyface shiner, Notropis rubellus (728, 731, 735, 775). Northern swallowtail shiner, Notropis p. procne (737). Bluntnose minnow, Pimephales notata (728, 731, 735, 775).

(19) Eastern blacknose dace, Rhinichthys a. atratulus (737). Longnose dace, Rhinichthys cataracte (775). Fallfish, Semotilus corporalis (728, 731, 737, 775). American eel family, Anguillidae. American eel, Anguilla rostrata (728, 730, 731, 732, 733, 734, 775). North American catfish family, Ictaluridae. Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (736). Yellow catfish, lctalurus n. natalis (728, 731, 735, 736, 775). Margined madtom, Schilbeodes m. marginatus (775). Sculpin family, Cottidae. Northern muddler, Cottus bairdi (734). Perch family, Percidae. Fantail darter, Etheostoma flabellare subsp. (734, 775). Stripeback darter, Percina notogramma (775). Sunfish family, Centrarchidae. Northern rockbass, Ambloplites r. rupestris (728, 732, 733). Warmouth, Chaenobryttus coronarius (775). Yellowbellv sunfish, Lepomis auritus (728, 730, 731, 732, 733, 735, 737, 775). - Green sunfish, Lepomis cyanellus (728, 730, 732, 735). Common sunfish, Lepomis gibbon's (732, 735, 737). Bluegill, Lepomis m. macrochirus (728, 730, 732, 733, 775). Northern smallmouth bass, Micropterus d. dolomieui (728, 730, 731, 732, 733, 735, 736, 737). Northern largemouth bass, Micropterus s. salrnoides (732). Black crappie, Pomoxis nigro-maculatus (775).

REFERENCES CITED Collins, W. D., M. D. Foster, F. Reeves and R. P. Meachum, 1930. Springs of Virginia. Commonwealth of Va. Comm. Consv. and De- velopment, Div. Water Res. and Power, Bull. 1, 55 pp., map. Cady, R. C., 1938. Ground water resources of northern Virginia. Va. Geol. Surv. Bull. 50, 200 pp., 7 pls, 42 tables. Fara, Mark, 1957. The Geology of the Parnassus-Mount Solon area of central Shen- andoah Valley, Virginia. Thesis (M.S.) Virginia Polytechnic In- stitute, Blacksburg. Typewritten. Holmes, H. B., 1957. Surface water supply of Virginia: Potomac, Rappahannock and York River basins, 1951-1955. Dept. Consv. and Dev. Div. Water Res. and Power, Bull. 16, Richmond, Va. Parker, H. N., B. Willis, R. H. Bolster, W. W. Ashe and M. C. Marsh, 1907. The Potomac River basin. U.S.G.S. Water Supply and Irrig. Pap. 192; 59th Congr., 2nd. sess., H. R. Doc. 786, 364 pp., 2 figs., 10 pls. Tyler, Major M. C., 1921. Development of Great Falls for water power and increases of water supply for the District of Columbia. Fed. Power Comm. 66 Congr., 3rd sess., Sen. Doc. 403, Washington, D. C.

(20)