&

Status of Loach Minnow in the Black River Drainage, Arizona

Final Report to

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Phoenix Area Office P.O. Box 9980 Phoenix AZ 85068-0980

Submitted by

Paul C. Marsh Arizona State University Center for Environmental Studies Tempe AZ 85287-3211

In Fulfillment of Federal Grant 6-FG-32-00710

24 March 1997 Black River, located in Apache and Greenlee counties in eastern Arizona, joins with White River to form the Salt River. Black River is formed by East and West Forks of the Black River, which have headwaters originating near 9,000 and 11,000 feet (2743 and 3353 m) elevation, respectively. The stream drains portions of the Apache- Sitgreaves National Forests, Fort Apache (White Mountain) Indian Reservation, and private lands. The Black River system contains six native fish species: Apache trout ( Oncorhynchus apache) historically present and recently reintroduced to the system (Gee 1938, Anonymous 1988, Stephenson 1988), roundtail chub ( Gila robusta), speckled dace ( Rhinichthys osculus), loach minnow ( Tiaroga cobitis) discovered in 1996 (Bagley et al 1996), Sonora sucker ( Catostomus insignis), and desert sucker ( Pantosteus dark). Black River also is inhabited by six non-native species: rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss), Apache x rainbow trout hybrid (0. apache x 0. mykiss), brown trout (Salmo trutta), brook trout (Salvelinus font/nails), fathead minnow ( Pimephales promelas), and smallmouth bass ( Micropterus dolomiew). Black River is managed as a trout fishery (Arizona Game and Fish Department 1995, Stephenson 1988) and historically has been stocked with non-native species. Recent stockings have included federally threatened, native Apache trout. Stream renovations and surveys have typically revolved around trout management.

METHODS

Our objective was to do a conduct a general fisheries survey of the area (i.e., Black River drainage on land administered by the Apache -Sitgreaves National Forests) to get an idea of fish species diversity and relative abundance. Early in the field studies we discovered a new population of federally threatened loach minnow. Our efforts thus became more focused toward documenting where loach minnow occurred within the Black River system. The sampling area was expanded and riffle habitats preferred by loach minnow were targeted. Fishes were captured by gill net, trammel net, dip net, seine, battery or gas powered backpack electrofisher, and angling, with various methods applied as appropriate to specific habitats. Four collecting trips were made during the periods 10-14 June, 04-06 July, 22-26 July, and 05-08 August 1996 (Appendix A, Figs. 1-7). Fishes were identified to species, enumerated, and released. Voucher specimens were fixed in 10% formatin, later transferred into 70% ethanol and deposited with the Arizona State University (ASU) Museum, Tempe. Twenty-five loach minnow were frozen on dry ice for genetic analysis. AS U holds state and federal scientific collecting permits, which authorize the above activities.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Fish collections were made at 47 locations on 24 streams during 1996. A total of 12 fish species was captured, including six native and six non-native species (Table 1, Appendix A). Of special interest was the discovery of a new population of leach minnow collected in the North Fork of the East Fork of the Black River near Three Forks.

Federally threatened loach minnow is known to occur at about a dozen different locations within the United States (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1988). We found loach minnow common throughout more than 2.25 miles (3.6 km) of stream, from 0.25 mile (0.4 km) above Three Forks and downstream to at least 0.50 mile (0.8 km) above Open Draw (Appendix A, Figs. 1 and 7). Ironically, this area was targeted during one of the first stream renovations in Arizona (Rinne and Turner 1991). The North Fork of the East Fork of Black River was poisoned with rotenone in 1958 from Crosby Crossing to Diamond Rock Lodge to enhance the trout fishery by removing "rough fish."

The nearest loach minnow population within the Black River watershed is located more than 130 miles (208 km) downstream in White River. In addition to this expansive distance, large populations of non-native, piscivorous smallmouth bass and several species of trout inhabiting Black River make it unlikely that loach minnow migrated upstream from White River, at least within recent times. Based on genetic analysis of 25 individuals, the Black River loach minnow population is distinct from all other populations (White River population has not been analyzed) (unpublished data, C. Alana Tibbets, AS U).

Roundtail chub was locally abundant in Black River near Forest Service Road (FSR) 25 ( Appendix A, Figs. 1 and 3). Although an early report documented its presence near Three Forks (Gee 1938), we did not encounter the species there in 1996. It seems likely that roundtail chub has been eliminated from upper reaches by introduced trouts, and further downstream by smallmouth bass. Downstream from FSR 25 to the Fort Apache Indian Reservation boundary there seemed to be an area where trouts were less abundant and smallmouth bass was not established in large numbers. It was in this area that roundtail chub was found, and appeared represented by a reproducing population.

Federally threatened Apache trout and Apache x rainbow trout hybrids were encountered at several locations (Table 1). Apache trout recovery efforts have included ongoing efforts to eliminate hybrids and reintroduce pure native stocks (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1978). Rainbow trout have direct access to both streams in which we collected pure Apache trout thus, the future of these Apache trout populations seems precarious because of the potential for hybridization with the non-native species.

Three other native species, speckled dace, Sonora sucker, and desert sucker were common throughout much of the study area (Table 1, Appendix A).

Brown trout was the most frequently encountered non-native fish species (Table 1). It was collected from both the upper (headwaters of the East and West forks) and lower (Black River near the Fort Apache Indian Reservation boundary) reaches of our study area, and was common in between (Fig. 1). Rainbow trout was found in 6 streams but

3 was never abundant (Table 1, Appendix A). Brook trout was collected only from Boneyard Creek (Table 1), where it was locally abundant.

Fathead minnow was collected in high elevation headwaters of the North Fork of the East Fork of the Black River and in Open Draw (Table 1). Smallmouth bass was encountered only in the downstream most 2 miles (3.2 km) of Black River, upstream of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation boundary. Because only spot samples were taken above this reach, the species may have occurred upstream as far as Buffalo Crossing but escaped our detection.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Black River is home to 6 native fish species, including two that are federally listed as threatened, and thus plays an important role in the future of southwestern native fishes. As such, it needs to be managed and monitored accordingly. It is important to know the extent of the Black River loach minnow population. The species known to occur at least from 0.25 mile (0.4 km) above Three Forks to 0.5 mile (0.8 km) above Open Draw (Fig. 7, Appendix A). We did not encounter loach minnow 3 miles (4.8 km) downstream of Crosby Crossing, but there is a 3 mile reach of river above Three Forks that has not been sampled. Likewise, at the lower end there is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of river in the Open Draw area that has not been examined (Fig. 5). Identification of all leach minnow populations is a priority 1 task in the species' Recovery Plan (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1988).

Predacious fish such as trout can have a detrimental impact on loach minnow populations. Therefore, future trout stockings should not occur in areas that will jeopardize this federally protected species. Curtailing introductions of non-native fishes into loach minnow habitat is a priority 1 task in the species' Recovery Plan (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1988). Roundtail chub and smallmouth bass were collected near

4 the lower end of our study area, however, sampling above this area was limited. It would be useful to know the upstream limit of these fish species.

Of critical importance is cooperation and support of the Fort Apache Indian Tribe, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the United States Forest Service towards mutual recovery of threatened fishes. Consolidation of field data will give us a better picture of species distribution as well as indicate areas that need to be surveyed more extensively. The White River population is the only one that has not been looked at genetically. Specimens from this population would be invaluable in providing the final piece to the loach minnow puzzle. Determination of genetic characteristics of existing loach minnow populations is a priority 1 task in the species' Recovery Plan (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1988).

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The initial draft of this document was prepared by Brian E. Bagley (ASU); he and Robert W. Clarkson (U.S. Bureau of Reclamation), Dean K. Foster, Gary Schiffmiller, Patricia A. Sowka (ASU), and Terry Meyers (U.S. Forest Service) participated in field operations. Permits were issued by Arizona Game and Fish Department and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

5 LITERATURE CITED

Anonymous. 1988. Fisheries and riparian habitat improvement for the Apache- Sitgreaves National Forests. Implementation plan. Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests and Arizona Game and Fish Departnient, Pinetop.

Arizona Game and Fish Department. 1995. Wildlife 2000 strategic plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix.

Bagley, B.E., G.H. Schiffmiller, P.A. Sowka and P.C. Marsh. 1996. A new Arizona locality for loach minnow Tiaroga cobitis. Proceedings of the Desert Fishes Council 28(1996).

Gee, M.A. 1938. Memorandum for regional forester: plans-Apache lake and stream surveys. U.S. Forest Service, Albuquerque, NM.

Marsh, P.C. 1990. Factors affecting trout populations in southwestern mountain streams. Final Report to U.S. Department of Agriculture, United States Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Tempe, AZ. Arizona State University, Tempe.

Rinne, J.N. and P.R. Turner. 1991. Reclamation and alteration as management techniques, and a review of methodology in stream renovation. Pages 219-244 in W. L. Minckley and J. E. Deacon, editors. Battle Against Extinction, Native Fish Management in the American West. University of Arizona Press, Tucson.

Stephenson, R.L. 1988. Arizona cold water fisheries strategic plan 1985-1990. Federal Aid Project FW-11-R. Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1978. Apache trout Seim() apache recovery plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque, NM.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1988. Loach minnow Tiaroga cobitis recovery plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque, NM.

6 Table 1. Number of fish caught and catch per unit effort (# caught per minute of shocking) at various sampling locations near Black River, Apache/Greenlee Counties, AZ. June 10-14, July 4-6, July 22-26, Aug. 5-8, 1996.

Location Apache rainbow Apache/ brown brook roundtail speckled touch fathead Sonora desert small- # of fish 0 of trout trout rainbow trout trout chub dace minnow minnow sucker sucker mouth shock hybrid bass sec.

Bear Crk. 1 mile above --- 1 --- 67 --- ..... ------68 476 Black River (0.1) (8.4) (8.6)

Beaver Crk. @ Thomas --- 2 --- 6 ------80 ------21 173 -- 282 1103 Crk. (0.1) (0.3) (4.4) (1.1) (9.4) (15.3)

Beaver Crk. @ FS rd --- 2 --- 3 --- -- 113 --- -.... 19 62 -- 199 842 24 (0.1 ) (0.2) (8.0) (1.3) (4.4) (14.0)

Black R. 1 mi. above ------33 40 --- ___ 2 33 --- 108 shock/ gill FS rd 25 net

Black R. @ FS rd 25 ------1 ------50 102 ------39 32 --- 224 1957 (<0.1) (1.5) (3.1) (1.2) (1.0) (6.9)

Black R. 0.5-2 mi - .... --- 2 --- 3 ------12 14 11 42 gill net above Reservation

Boneyard Crk. @ ------10 67 - 24 ------2 -- -- 103 578 headwaters (1.0) (7.0) (2.5) (0.2) (10.7)

Boneyard Crk. 1.5 ml. ------13 1 --- 52 ------71 2 --- 139 868 above 3 Forks (0.9) (0.1) (3.6) (4.9) (0.1) (9.6)

Boneyard Crk. @ 3 ------3 ------180 ------2 58 --- 243 420 Forks (0.4) (25.7) (0.3) (8.3 ) (34.7)

Conklin Crk. @ FS rd --- 36 4 ------40 808 25 (2.7) (0.3) (3.0)

Corduroy Crk. @ Fish ------13 ------62 ------75 592 Crk. (1.3) (6.3) (7.6)

Coyote Crk. 1.5 mi. ------0 seine below Bear Spr

Coyote Crk 2.5 ml ------yes ------Yes -- -- seine above FS rd 276

Coyote Cris @ E. Fk ------2 ------69 ------6 21 --- 98 338 of Black River (0.3) (12.2) (1.1) (3.7) (17.4)

7 Table 1. cont.

Location Apache rainbow Apache/ brown brook roundtail speckled loach fathead Sonora desert small- t# offish # of trout trout rainbow trout trout chub dace minnow minnow sucker sucker mouth shock hybrid bass sec.

Deer Crk @ Concho --- ___ ------— — 0 visual Bill Spr.

East Fk of Black R. @ 9 ------38 --- ._ 12 --- -- 3 36 -- 98 1070 Deer Crk. (0.5) (2.1) (0.7) (0.2) (2.0) (5.4)

East Fk of Black R. yes --- .... yes -- .... yes --- -- yes yes — --- 4918 From FS rd.24- Diem ond Rock

East Fk of Black R. ------9 -- -- 69 -- -- 6 12 — 96 1243 From FS rd 24-West (0.4) (3.3) (0.3) (0.6) (4.6) Fk of Black R

Fish Creek @ --- - 24 ------103 ------127 430 Corduroy Crk (3.3) (14.4) (17.7)

Fish Creek 5 miles --- - 84 ------291 ------375 1376 above Black River (3.7) (12.7) (16.3)

Hayground Crk. 3 ------— — ------0 visual miles above W. Fk of . Black River

Horton Crk. @ FS ------0 visual rd. 26

Johns Cyn. 2.25 ml ------0 visual above Beaver Crk.

North Hi. of E. Fk of ------11 --- 207 ------218 413 Black R. @ Hwy 261 (1.6) (30.0) (31.7)

Trib. of N. FIE. of E. Fk --- 1 --- 33 ------216 -- --- 7 --- -- 257 seine & of Black R. 3 mi. shock downstream of Big Lake

North Fk of E. Fk of ------4 -- -- 231 --- 124 16 48 — 423 gill net + Black River @ Crosby shock Crossing

North Fk of E. Fk ------1 2 --- - 187 --- 1 36 40 --- 267 474 Black R 3 nil below (0.1) (0.2) (23.7) (0.1) (4.6) (5.1) (33.8) Crosby Crossing

8 TABLE 1 CONT

Location Apache rainbow Apache/ brown brook roundtall speckled loach fathead Sonora desert small- # of fish # of trout trout rainbow trout trout chub dace minnow minnow sucker sucker mouth shock hybrid bass sec.

North FIc of E. Fk ------yes --- — yes yes -- _ 505 Black R. 1/3 mi. above FS rd 249

North Fk of E. Fk ------yes 1 --- yes yes — — 29 Black R. 1/4 mi. above (2.1) FS rd 249

North Fk of E. Fk ------1 -- — 273 11 -- 2 118 -- 405 418 Black R. @ Boneyard (0.1) (39.2) (1.6) (0.3) (16.9) (58.1) Creek

North Fk of E. Fk •------yes 15 --- yes yes - -- 1679 Black R. @ Boneyard (0.3) Creek

North Fk of E. Fk --- 1 ------yes 14 --- yes yes -- — 856 Black R. from 3 Flo. to (0.1) (1.0) 2 mi. below

North Fk of E. Fit ------2 ------138 ------3 55 -- 198 not 3/4 ml Black R. above . recorded Diamond Rock

Open Draw @ FS rd. ------8 --- 77 --- — -- 85 226 582 (2.1) (20.4) (22.6)

Snake Creek @ Black --- -- 12 ------134 ------146 528 River (1.4) (15.2) (16.6)

Thomas Creek @ weirs ------— ------0 visual

Thomas Creek @ --- - — --- — ------0 71& Beaver Creek visual

West Fk Black R. 1.5 --- _ --- 109 ------4 ------113 996 ml above rd116 (6.6) (0.2) (6.8)

West Fit Black R. @ 24 --- 5 61 ------139 --- _ --- 11 --- 240 1879 FS rd. 116 (0.8) (0.2) (1.9) (4.4) (0.4) (7.7)

West Fk Black R. ------yes ------yes ------yes --- -- 1300 above campground

9 Table 1. cont.

Location Apache rainbow Apache/ brown brook roundtall speckled loach fathead Sonora desert small- Of of fish # of trout trout rainbow trout trout chub dace minnow minnow sucker sucker mouth shock hybrid bass sec.

West Fk Black R. 1st yes yes --- yes --- -- yes ------— — --- no record rd crossing in campground

West Fk Black R. @ — ------9 --- -- 160 --- — 17 13 --- 199 1344 FS rd. 68 (0.4) (7.1) (0.8) (0.6) (8.9)

West Fk Black R. @ ------51 --- -- 10 5 --- 66 867 FS rd. 25 (3.5) (0.7) (0.3) (4.6)

West Fk Black R. FS ------.... 5 --- — 59 ------11 15 --- 90 1864 rd. 25 to E. Fk. (0.2) (1.9) (0.4) (0.5) (2.9)

Unnamed trib Vs ml ------9 --- -- 123 ------14 11 ...._ 157 662 west o13 Forks (0.8) (11.1) (1.3) (1.0) (14.2)

Willow Creek @ weirs ------... ------0 visual 1&2

Willow Creek @ FS ------— --- 0 363 rd. 26

10 Appendix A

Black River and Tributaries, Apache and Greenlee Counties field data from June 10-14, July 4-6, July 22-26, Aug. 5-8, 1996, and data published in Marsh 1990.

Bear Creek Bear Creek 1 mile upstream of Black River at FS rd. 24 (T4N R28E Sec.26) (Fig.3). July 23, 1996. Sampled upstream for 150m. Stream has many downed logs for habitat enhancement. Short riffles, many pools, very clear water, average depth <20cm. Crayfish uncommon. Shocked for 476 seconds. Marsh 1990 July 23, 1996 (476 seconds) May 1. 1989 (4413seconds) rainbow trout 1 brown trout 67 brown trout 75 Total 68 Total 75

Beaver Creek Beaver Creek at confluence with Thomas Creek (T4N R3OE Sec. 9 NW1/4) (Fig.4) Aug. 7, 1996. Sampled 150m of stream downstream of Thomas Creek. Shallow gradient, 2m wide, 15cm deep, cobble/silt substrate, clear water. Shocked for 1103 sec.

Marsh 1990 (1.5 lun E of Hawknest Cyn) Aug. 7. 1996 (1103 seconds) May 30. 1989 (4010 seconds) rainbow trout 2 Apache/rainbow hybrid 1 brown trout 6 brown trout 7 speckled dace 80 speckled dace 677 Sonora sucker 21 Sonora sucker 25 desert sucker 173 desert sucker 80 Total 282 Total 790

Beaver Creek Beaver Creek from F.S. rd.24 and upstream for 1/4 mile. (T4.5N R29E Sec.33&34) (Fig.4). July 23, 1996. Shallow riffle/pool habitats, moderate gradient. Crayfish present, vouchers preserved. Shocked for 842 seconds. Marsh 1990 July 23, 1996 (842 seconds) June 14, 1989 (3720 seconds) rainbow trout 2 rainbow trout 18 brown trout 3 brown trout 9 speckled dace 113 speckled dace 296 Sonora sucker 19 Sonora sucker 96 desert sucker 62 desert sucker 265 Total 199 Total 684

11 Black River Black River 1 mile upstream of F.S. rd 25. (T4N R28E Sec.30) (Fig.3). July 26, 1996. The canyon narrows at this point. The water is deeper and faster with several good sized pools. Crayfish abundant. Set a 30m long experimental gill net for 1 hour and shocked for 808 seconds (sampling mainly riffles but some pools and runs).

roundtail chub 33 (all size classes) speckled dace 40 Sonora sucker 2 desert sucker 33 Total 108

Black River from F.S. rd.25 and downstream for 1/4 mile. (T4N R27E Sec.36) (Fig.3). July 24&26, 1996. Started 150m upstream of bridge, slow moving water, shallow and wide, shallow gradient. Most of the roundtail chub came from under the bridge, all were young of the year. Crayfish abundant, vouchers preserved. Shocked for a total of 1957 seconds during two visits.

Apache X rainbow hybrid 1 roundtail chub 50 speckled dace 102 Sonora sucker 39 desert sucker 32 Total 224

Black River 0.5-2.0 miles upstream of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation (T3.5N R28E Sec.30) (Fig.3). July 25, 1996. Several good sized pools, most of habitat is too deep to effectively shock with a backpack unit. Crayfish present, not common. Roundtail chub were collected at lowest sampling location, 0.5 miles upstream of reservation. Smallmouth bass were taken as high as 2 miles upstream from reservation. Sampling utilized a combination of angling and 6 net hours with a 30m long experimental gill net.

brown trout 2 roundtail chub 3 Sonora sucker 12 desert sucker 14 smallmouth bass 11 Total 42

12 Boneyard Creek Boneyard Creek at headwaters (T6N R29E Sec.27) (Fig.5). June 11, 1996. Started 3/4 mile upstream of confluence with Lake Sierra Blanca drainage. Sampled 200m of stream. Stream narrow, marshy surroundings. Shocked for 578 seconds.

brown trout 10 brook trout 67 speckled dace 24 Sonora sucker 2 Total 103

Boneyard Creek 1.5 miles upstream of Three Forks (T6N R29E Sec.32) (Fig.5). June 12, 1996. Sampled 1/3 mile of stream near ranch. Shallow gradient stream runs through meadow in narrow valley. Shocked for 868 seconds. (Four brook trout caught by angling). Marsh 1990 June 12. 1996 (868seconds) Oct. 18, 1988 (4238 seconds) rainbow trout 5 brown trout 13 brown trout 18 brook trout 1 brook trout 1 speckled dace 52 speckled dace 400 Sonora sucker 71 Sonora sucker 25 desert sucker 2 desert sucker 41 Total 139 Total 490

Boneyard Creek at Three Forks (confluence with North Fork of East Fork of Black River) (T5N R29E Sec.5) (Fig.5). June 12, 1996. Sampled for 150m upstream of confluence. Shocked for 420 seconds. brown trout 3 speckled dace 180 Sonora sucker 2 desert sucker 58 Total 243

Conklin Creek Conklin Creek at F.S. rd 25 crossing. (T3.5N R28E Sec.21 NE1/4) (Fig.3) Aug. 6, 1996 Sampled for 200m downstream of rd crossing. Small, clear stream, lm wide, 15cm deep, moderate gradient. Shocked for 808 sec. Marsh 1990 Aug. 6. 1996 (808 seconds) May 24. 1989 (5829 seconds) rainbow trout 36 rainbow trout 1 Apache x rainbow Apache x rainbow hybrid 4 hybrid 133 Total 40 Total 134

13 Corduroy Creek Corduroy Creek at confluence with Fish Creek. (T3N R29E Sec. 4 NW 1/4) (Fig.4) Aug. 6, 1996 Sampled upstream for 200m. Cobble/boulder substrate, clear stream, lm wide, 8cm deep, mostly riffle habitat, some pools, moderately steep gradient. Shocked for 592 sec. ' Apache x rainbow hybrid 13 speckled dace 62 Total 75

Coyote Creek Coyote Creek 1.5 miles downstream of Bear Spring (T5N R3OE Sec.17) (Fig.6). July 22, 1996. Stream is intermittent, mostly dry. Seined a stock tank 10mX10mX0.5m deep.

No fish

Coyote Creek 2.5 miles upstream of F.S. rd. 276 (T5N R3OE Sec.18) (Fig.6). June 14, 1996. Started sampling at rd. 276 and finished 2.5 miles upstream. Most of area was dry except for 5 bathtub sized pools. Only two pools contained fish. Fish captured by seining.

speckled dace desert sucker

Coyote Creek at confluence with East Fork of Black River (T5N R29E Sec.8) (Fig.5). June 14, 1/2 1996. Started 50m above confluence and ended mile upstream (stream intermittent at this point). Shocked for 338 seconds.

brown trout 2 speckled dace 69 Sonora sucker 6 desert sucker 21 Total 98

Deer Creek Deer Creek at Concho Bill Spring (T5N R28E Sec.14) (Fig.5) Aug. 7, 1996 Sampled for 1/4 mile downstream. Small, intermittent stream (mostly dry), clear water, moderate gradient. Visual inspection, no fish observed.

No Fish

14 East Fork of Black River East Fork of Black River @ Deer Creek. (T5N R29E Sec.30) (Fig.5). July 24, 1996. Wide stream, shallow gradient, pool/cobble/riffle habitats. Shocked for 1070 seconds. Apache trout 9 brown trout 38 speckled dace 12 Sonora sucker 3 desert sucker 36 Total 98

East Fork of Black River from F.S. rd. 24 and upstream to Diamond Rock Campground. (T4N R 28E Sec.1, T5N R28E Sec. 25, 35, 36; T5N R29E Sec. 19, 20, 30) (Fig.5). July 24, 1996. Wide, shallow, slow moving stream. Sampled in all good looking loach minnow habitats (mainly riffles). No loach minnow were collected. The nearest loach minnow population is located 2.5 miles upstream of Diamond Rock Campground. Crayfish common. Shocked for 4918 seconds. apache trout brown trout speckled dace Sonora sucker desert sucker No loach minnow

East Fork of Black River East Fork of Black River from FS rd 24 downstream to confluence with West Fork of Black River (T4N R28E Sec.12) (Fig.5). July 5, 1996. Sampled 1/2 mile of stream. Water very silty, cobble/boulder substrate. Crayfish abundant (sample preserved). Shocked for 1243 seconds. brown trout 9 speckled dace 69 Sonora sucker 6 desert sucker 12 Total 96

Fish Creek Fish Creek at confluence with Corduroy Creek (T4N R29E Sec.33 SW1/4) (F'ig.4) Aug. 7, 1996 Sampled upstream for 100m. Steady gradient, boulder/cobble substrate, riffle/pool habitat, lm wide, 10cm deep, clear water. Shocked for 430 sec. Marsh 1990 Aug. 7, 1996 (430 seconds) May 3, 1989 (6196 seconds) Apache X rainbow Apache X rainbow hybrid 24 hybrid 40 brook trout 0 brook trout 1 speckled dace 103 speckled dace 32 Total 127 Total 77

15 Fish Creek 5 miles upstream of Black River. (T3.5N R28E Sec.14) (Fig.3). July 23, 1996. Sampled where trail 320 meets Fish Creek. Sampled for 200m. Clear water, riffle/pool habitats, cobble substrate, moderate gradient. No crayfish observed. Shocked for 1376 seconds. Marsh 1990 July 23, 1996 (1376 seconds) May 2. 1989 (4879 seconds) rainbow trout 0 rainbow trout 1 Apache X Apache X rainbow hybrid 84 rainbow hybrid 39 speckled dace 291 speckled dace 498 Total 375 Total 538

Hayground Creek Hayground Creek 3 miles upstream of West Fork Black River (T5N R27E Sec.11/12) (Fig.2) Aug. 5, 1996. Sampled from un-numbered road crossing- downstream for 1/4 mile. Shallow gradient stream flowing through open meadow, 0.4m wide, 5cm deep, clear water. Shocked for 295 sec. No Fish

Horton Creek Horton Creek at F.S. rd.26. (T4N R29E Sec.2) (Fig.4). July 26, 1996. Stream practically dry. Narrow stream channel visually inspected. Marsh 1990 July 26. 1996 (visual) Sept.22, 1988 (1403 seconds) No Fish No Fish

Johns Canyon Johns Canyon 2.25 miles upstream of Beaver Creek (T4.5N R29E Sec.23) (Fig.5) Aug. 7, 1996 1/2 Sampled from F.S. rd 405 crossing with unnamed tributary in sec.23- downstream for mile to where Johns Canyon meets another unnamed tributary in sec. 23. Intermittent flow with only a few shallow pools, limited habitat, heavily grazed. Habitat visually inspected. No Fish

North Fork of East Fork of Black River North Fork of East Fork of Black River at State Hwy. 261 (T6N R28E Sec.8,4,9) (Fig.7). June 11, 1996. No water for at least 1/3 mile upstream of Hwy. 261. Downstream of Hwy. 261 water is present for 200m and then dry for at least the next 1/3 mile. Open meadow, shallow, narrow creek. Shocked for 413 seconds. Marsh 1990 June 11. 1996 (413 seconds) June 22. 1989 (885 seconds) brown trout 0 brown trout 2 speckled dace 11 speckled dace 17 fathead minnow 207 fathead minnow 53 Total 218 Total 72

16 Big Lake drainage, 3 miles downstream of Big Lake (tributary to North Fork of East Fork of Black River) (T6N R28E Sec.15,14) (Fig.7). June 10, 1996. Walked 1 mile of creek downstream to confluence with North Fork of East Fork of Black River. Set a 15'X6X0.5" gill net in a small pool over night (1/2 mile upstream of confluence). Shocked for 767 seconds in 1/4 mile of creek. Combined catch:

rainbow trout 1 brown trout 33 speckled dace 216 Sonora sucker 7 Total 257

North Fork of East Fork of Black River at Crosby Crossing (T6N R28E Sec.13) (Fig.7). June 11, 1996. High open meadow, shallow gradient, very little cover. Crayfish abundant. Sampled from F.S. rd. 285 and upstream for 1/3 mile, shocked for 1466 seconds. Set a 100' trammel net in pool immediately downstream of rd. 285, set for 2.5 hours. Combined catch: Marsh 1990 June 11. 1996 June 1. 1989 (5119 seconds) brown trout 4 brown trout 5 speckled dace 231 speckled dace 1016 fathead minnow 124 fathead minnow 4 Sonora sucker 16 Sonora sucker 20 desert sucker 48 desert sucker 49 Total 423 Total 1094

North Fork of East Fork of Black River 3 miles downstream of Crosby Crossing (T6N R28E Sec.24,25 T6N R29E Sec.30) (Fig. 7). July 6, 1996. Started in sec.24 and sampled for 1/4 mile downstream into sec 25. Clear water, silty bottom, shallow gradient. Crayfish uncommon. Shocked for 474 seconds.

Apache-rainbow hybrid 1 brown trout 2 speckled dace 187 fathead minnow 1 Sonora sucker 36 desert sucker 40 Total 267

Spot sampled in riffle habitats for the next 3/4 mile downstream (to center of sec.30). Shocked for 476 seconds-no new species (no loach minnow).

17 North Fork of East Fork of Black River 1/3 mile upstream of FS rd. 249 (T5N R29E Sec.6) (Fig.5). July 6, 1996. Sampling specifically for loach minnow. Sampled 3 riffle habitats with cobble/boulder substrates. Shocked for 505 seconds. No loach minnow were collected. Thunderstorms cut the sampling effort short.

speckled dace present Sonora sucker present desert sucker present

North Fork of East Fork of Black River 1/4 mile upstream of FS rd. 249 (T5N R29E Sec.6) (Fig.5). July 6, 1996. Sampling specifically for loach minnow. Cobble/boulder riffle habitat, moderate gradient. Shocked for 29 seconds. speckled dace present loach minnow present (1) Sonora sucker present desert sucker present

North Fork of East Fork of Black River at confluence with Boneyard Creek (T5N R29E Sec.5 elevation 8230 ft.) (Fig.5). June 12, 1996. Started sampling 100m upstream of F.S. rd. 249. Sampled 100m of stream. Moderate gradient with many riffles, cobble/boulder substrate, very clear water. Crayfish present but scarce. Shocking seconds not recorded. Marsh 1990 June 12, 1996 June 20, 1989 (7650 seconds) Apache x rainbow Apache x rainbow hybrid 0 hybrid 4 brown trout 1 brown trout 20 speckled dace 273 speckled dace 1266 loach minnow 11 loach minnow 0 Sonora sucker 2 Sonora sucker 29 desert sucker 118 desert sucker 329 Total 405 Total 1648

Sampled area near rd.249 bridge looking specifically for loach minnow: caught 4 on June 12th and 11 on June 13th in a total of 1679 seconds of shocking.

speckled dace yes loach minnow 15 Sonora sucker yes desert sucker yes

This is the first time loach minnow have been recorded from the Black River system. There are no stocking records to indicate that this is a introduced population. The nearest population in this watershed is located more than 130 miles downstream in the White River. A total of 26 loach

18 minnow were brought back to ASU (25 on dry ice and 1 in formalin). Based on the genetic results, this population is unique from all other populations.

North Fork of East Fork of Black River at Three Forks (T5N R29E Sec.5&8) (Fig.5) Aug. 8, 1996. Sampled for 2 miles downstream of F.S. rd 249, stopped 1/2 mile upstream of Open Draw. We stopped every 1/4 mile looking specifically for loach minnow, other species were noted but numbers of individuals were not counted. Once we confirmed presence of loach minnow, we walked another 1/4 mile before sampling. Although all habitat types were sampled, we 1/2 concentrated mostly on riffles. At our last sampling location, mile upstream of Open Draw, loach minnow were present. Rain prevented us from sampling further downstream. (On a previous trip (July 24, 1996) sampling 1.5 miles downstream of Open Draw, loach minnow were not encountered). Riffles were composed of large cobble substrates making it difficult to collect loach minnow since they would sink between cobbles when shocked. Loach minnow abundance is considered "common" throughout this 2 mile stretch of river, with greater densities downstream of F.S. rd 249. Shocked for 856 sec.

rainbow trout 1 speckled dace present loach minnow 14 Sonora sucker present desert sucker present

North Fork of East Fork of Black River 3/4 mile upstream of Diamond Rock Campground. (T5N R29E Sec.21). (Fig.5). July 24, 1996. Sampled with a backpack shocker, seconds not recorded.

brown trout 2 speckled dace 138 Sonora sucker 3 desert sucker 55 Total 198

Open Draw Open Draw at F.S. rd 582 (T5N R28E sec.12/13 and R29E Sec.18) (Fig.5) Aug. 8, 1996. Sampled from rd 582-- downstream for 1 mile (1/4 mile downstream of cattle tank in Sec.13). Intermittent flow upstream of tank (mostly dry), no fish. No water for 1/4 mile downstream of tank. Muddy water present in tank. Shocked for 226 seconds in tank. Marsh 1990 Aug. 8. 1996 (226 seconds) June 22, 1988 (2447 seconds) speckled dace 8 speckled dace 1032 fathead minnow 77 fathead minnow 26 Total 85 Total 1058

19 Snake Creek Snake Creek at confluence with Black River (T3.5N R28E Sec. 19 SE1/4) (Fig.3) Aug. 6, 1996. Sampled from confluence-- upstream for 150m. Small clear stream choked with terrestrial vegetation. Shocked for 528 seconds. Crayfish present.

Apache X rainbow hybrid 12 speckled dace 134 Total 146

Thomas Creek Thomas Creek at weir 1&2 (T4N R3OE Sec. 20 SW1/4) (Fig. 4) Aug. 7, 1996. Stream is intermittent above and below weirs. Visually inspected. Salamander (Ambystoma) larvae present in weirs.

No Fish

Thomas Creek at Beaver Creek. (T4N R3OE Sec.9) (Fig.4). July 26, 1996. Very little water in creek. Stream channel is in a broad meadow. Shocked for 71 seconds.

No Fish

West Fork of Black River West Fork of Black River 1.5 miles upstream of F.S. rd 116 (T6N R27E Sec. 22 SW1/4) (Fig. 2). Aug. 6, 1996. Clear stream flowing through open meadow, riffle/cobble substrate, 2m wide, 6cm deep, with a few log jam pools. Shocked for 996 seconds.

brown trout 109 speckled dace 4 Total 113

West Fork of Black River at F.S. rd 116 crossing (T6N R27E Sec. 26 SW1/4) (Fig.2). Aug. 5, 1996. Sampled downstream for 1/4 mile. Open meadow, shallow gradient, few riffles, clear water. Shocked for 900 seconds. Marsh 1990 Aug. 5. 1996 (900 seconds) Oct. 14. 1988 (3385 seconds) brown trout 22 brown trout 61 speckled dace 72 speckled dace 27 desert sucker 1 desert sucker 0 Total 95 Total 88

20 West Fork of Black River downstream of F.S. rd 116 between fish barriers (T6N R27E Sec. 26 SW1/4) (Fig.2). Aug. 5, 1996. Shocked for 800 seconds.

brown trout 34 speckled dace 59 desert sucker 10 Total 103

West Fork of Black River downstream of RS. rd 116, below second of two fish barriers (T6N R27E Sec. 26 SW1/4) (Fig.2). Aug. 5, 1996. Shocked for 179 seconds.

Apache trout 24 Apache X rainbow hybrid 5 brown trout 5 speckled dace 8 Total 42

Totals for above 3 sample sites at West Fork of Black River from F.S. rd 116 downstream to just below second of two barriers: 1879 total seconds of shocking.

Apache trout 24 Apache X rainbow hybrid 5 brown trout 61 speckled dace 130 desert sucker 11 Total 240

Unnamed Tributary 1/2 mile west of Three Forks 1/2 Unnamed tributary mile west of Three Forks at F.S. rd. 249 (T5N R29E Sec.6) (Fig.5). June 13, 1996. Sampled where two drainages meet just downstream of rd. 249. Open meadow habitat, shallow gradient. Crayfish abundant, sample preserved. Shocked for 662 seconds.

brown trout 9 speckled dace 123 Sonora sucker 14 desert sucker 11 Total 157

21 West Fork of Black River West Fork of Black River at upper end of West Fork Campground (T5N R28E Sec.29) (Fig.2). July 5, 1996. Sampled upstream for 1/4 mile. Shallow gradient, clean water, gravel/cobble riffles (looked like good loach minnow habitat). Sampling specifically for loach minnow; none were collected. Shocked for 1300 seconds.

brown trout present speckled dace present desert sucker present

West Fork of Black River at 1st road crossing in West Fork Campground (T5N R28E Sec.32) (Fig.2). July 5, 1996. Sampled long riffle immediately below road crossing. Shallow gradient, clean water, shallow depth. Sampling specifically for loach minnow, none were collected. Shocking seconds not recorded.

Apache trout present rainbow trout present brown trout present speckled dace present

West Fork of Black River at F.S. rd. 68 (T4N R28E Sec.4) (Fig.2). July 4, 1996. Sampled 300m of habitat downstream of road crossing. Clear water, water at or below base flow. Sampled 6 riffles, 2 runs, and 2 pools. Crayfish rare, one preserved. Shocked for 1344 seconds. Marsh 1990 July 4. 1996 (1344 seconds) June 13. 1989 (5070 seconds) rainbow trout 0 rainbow trout 5 brown trout 9 brown trout 82 speckled dace 160 speckled dace 207 Sonora sucker 17 Sonora sucker 44 desert sucker 13 desert sucker 66 Total 199 Total 404

Sampled 3 good riffles looking just for loach minnow, none found in 635 seconds of shocking.

West Fork of Black River at F.S. rd. 25 (T4N R28E Sec.11) (Fig.5). July 4, 1996. Sampled upstream for 100m. 60% riffle, 40% pool, silty/boulder substrate, poor visibility. Fish rare, crayfish common (preserved 5). Shocked for 867 seconds. speckled dace 51 Sonora sucker 10 desert sucker 5 Total 66

22 Sampled 300m of stream looking just for loach minnow, 978 seconds of shocking, no loach minnow collected.

West Fork of Black River from confluence with East Fork of Black River and upstream to F.S. rd. 25. (T4N R28E Sec.11) (Fig.5). July 23, 1996: Sampled approximately 1 mile of river. Modest flow, shallow pools, boulder/cobble riffles, heavy silt load. Shocked for 1864 seconds.

brown trout 5 speckled dace 59 Sonora sucker 11 desert sucker 15 Total 90

Willow Creek Willow Creek at weir 1 and 2 (T4N R 29E Sec. 26) (Fig.4). Aug. 7, 1996. Intermittent stream above and below both weirs, water in weirs, 10 salamander larvae (Ambystoma) in weir 2.

No Fish

Willow Creek Willow Creek at F.S. rd.26. (T4N R3OE Sec.7) (Fig.4). July 26, 1996. Stream lm wide, 15cm deep, clear water, moderate flow. Shocked for 363 seconds. Marsh 1990 (1 km upstream of rd. 574) July 26. 1996 (363 seconds) Sept. 22. 1988 (1082 seconds) No fish brown trout 2

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