60-3 Comttetion REPORT

STATE OF UTAH

DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME

Harold S. Crane, Director

FEDERAL AID IN FISH RESTORATION

INVESTIGATIONS OF SPECIFIC PROBLEMS IN UTAH'S FISHERY

Donald B. McDonald and Phil A. Dotson, Fishery Biologists

Departmental Information Bulletin Number 60-3

COMTtETION REPORT Federal Aid Project No. F-4-R-6

Job No. V Pre-Impoundment Investigations of the Green River and Colorado River Developments TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Abstract...... 1

Objectives ......

Techniques Used...... 2

Recommendations ...... 4

Findings: Colorado River Investigations ...... 6 Fishery Studies ...... 6 Aquatic Insects ...... 15 Plant Life ...... 24 Algae Collected in Glen Canyon ...... 24 Limnology of the Colorado River ...... 25 Limnology of the Ti-ibutary Streams ...... 26 Present Utilization of the Glen Canyon Area ...... 33 Summary...... 33

Green River Investigations ...... 34 Fish Species ...... 34 Condition Factor ...... 41 Diseases ...... 52 Parasites ...... 52 Food of Bonytail Chub 52 Potential Trout Spawning Areas...... 53 Investigations Below Dam Site 54 Present Fishery Utilization of ...... Green River and its tributaries ...... 54 Aquatic Insects 56 Aquatic and Terrestrial Plants 57 Limnology of the Green River and ...... its Tributaries .... 59 Summary 67 Bibliography ...... 69 JOB COMPLETION REPORT

INVESTIGATIONS PROJECT

State UTAH

Project No. F-4-R-6 Name Investigations of Specific Problems of Utah's Fishery

Job No. V Title Pre-impoundment Investigations of the Green River and Colorado River Developments. Period Covered: August 1, 1958 to July 31, 1959 Abstract: Seventeen species of fish are know to occur in the Glen Canyon pre-impoundment area at the present time. The Flaming Gorge vicinity has sixteen known species. A stomach analyses, which involved several species of fish, tends to indicate a scarcity of food items in the two rivers. There will be a scarcity of spawning areas for game fish species, especially the salmonids, in both of the reservoirs. At the present time, a few small tributary streams in the Flaming Gorge area support trout spawning. The high turbidity and scouring action of sand undoubtedly affects the bottom fauna and aquatic plants found in the rivers and large tributaries. No chemical conditions were found in either of the rivers or tributary streams that would be deleterious to fish life.

The dominant riparian vegetation along the rivers was found to be tamarix and willow. There is a scarcity of aquatic plants in the river proper'.

Pre-impoundment investigations revealed that game fish stocking recommendations should be considered as follows: largemouth bass, rainbow trout and kokanee salmon for Lake Powell, created by the Glen Canyon dam, while the same species, excluding the largemouth bass, for the Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

Objectives: The general objectives of the pre-impoundment investigations were to determine and evaluate the ecological conditions at the present time and to attempt to "foresee the probable conditions which may arise in the two reservoirs. Specifically, the investigations were insti- tuted to: 1. Determine the species of fish present in the rivers and tributary streams and the specific conditions under which the various species are found.

2. To study the chemical and physical characteristics of the river and the tributaries and to determine the diurnal and seasonal changes which occur.

To determine the types and distribution of bottom organisms in the rivers and tributaries and their importance as fish food.

To determine the possibility of establishing and maintaining game fish in the proposed reservoirs and determination of the forms which will be most suited to these environments.

To determine the availability and condition of spawning areas and prospective spawning areas and methods whereby these areas may be improved.

. As time and manpower permit, to examine the forms and relative abundance of plankton in the rivers and tributary streams.

Techniques Used: Fish samples were collected all along the rivers and at all tributaries where sampling was possible. Seines, gill nets, explosives (primacord and dynamite), and set lines were used to collect fish from the rivers. Rotenone, seines and a common hendscreen, used as an entrapment. device, were used to collect fish from the tributary streams. The fish samples were preserved in formalde- dyde and each collection Was kept separate in an individual plastic bag to be identified at a later date. A stomach analysis was made to determine feeding habits.

Bottom fauna samples were taken from the rivers and tributaries. Dip nets, composed of finely meshed cloth, and handscreens were used to entrap these organisms. The organisms were then preserved in 70 percent alcohol and later identified by personnel of University of Utah Department of Biology.

Algae samples were collected and preserved in 1:22 parts of lacto-phenol in water and stored in corked vials. These samples were then identified when they reached the University of Utah by Dr. Seville Flowers, Professor of Botany. - - Ax.wwcF-yermw,MaixOrr,. AONOW14 ,v,

-3-

All water samples were collected below the surface in a 250 cc sample bottle and analyses were made at the collection site using a portable chemical analysis field kit. The chemical analyses methods are as follows:

Ph Hydrogen-ion concentration was measured with a Rascher and Bechtold colorimetric pH kit using cresol red and bromthymol blue as indicators.

Oxygen The sodium azide modification of the Winkler method, as outlined in the "Standard Methods of Water Analysis" (1955), was used to determine the dissolved oxygen (D.0.) concentration in the Colorado River study, while the Winkler method was applied to the Green River Investigations. Results are expressed in parts per million (ppm) of D.O.

Carbon dioxide The amount of free carbon dioxide is recorded as ppm by titrating 100 cubic centimeters (cc) sample of water with N/44 Sodium Hydroxide, using phenolphthalein as an indicator.

Alkalinity Phenolphthalein alkalinity was measured by titrating a 100 cc sample of water using N/50 Sulfuric acid and again using phenolphthalein as the indicator. These measurements were converted and expressed as ppm of carbonate by means of a formula given by Welch, 1948: 215, after this reading, methy orange was added to the same sample and again titrated with the same acid. This reading was also converted and expressed as ppm of bicarbonate.

The physical data were obtained by the following:

Location -The exact location of each collection site was obtained by referring to the U.S. Geological Survey maps.

Average Width and Depth - Measurements of average width and depth were obtained by estimating the extremely variable conditions.

Color and Turbidity - Notes on water color were made from observation in the field. The turbidity samples were taken to the University of Utah and measured with a Hellige Turbidimeter.

Temperature - Temperature measurements were made with a field type thermometer and recorded to the nearest degree Farenheit. Findings: See Page 6 - Glen Canyon Report • See Page 34 - Flaming Gorge Report

Recommendations: GLEN CANyon

1. Research on both the liMnology and fishery of Lake Powell, created by the Glen Canyon Dam, should be con- tinued during the period of constructing the dam and subsequent impoundment of the lake. Special attention should be given to the effects of impoundment on present fish populations, the limnological conditions which develop in the littoral areas and the extent of initial productivity in the lake.

2. Refrain from stocking any species of forage fish in the lake until the value of present species can be determined. If stocking of forage fish appears necessary, intensive studies of requirements and habitats of potential forage species should be made prior to introduction.

3. Preliminary information indicated that areas within the impoundment may be suitable for introduction of cold water species. The species that should be considered are: rainbow trout and kokanee salmon.

4. Introduction of warm water species should initially be limited to largemouth bass and/or black crappie. No subsequent introduction of other warm water fish should be made until the success of these species in the lake can be evaluated.

5. Studies should be undertaken to determine the extent and condition of spawning areas in the reservoir and the possible methods whereby these areas may be improved. The advisability of clearing the littoral areas in the vicinity of springs and seeps in order to increase the flow of water and thus improve the habitat for kokanee salmon spawning should be seriously considered.

6. Steps should be taken to insure adequate access roads and boat launching facilities in the lake area. The most likely sites for these facilities appear to be present in the Wahweap Creek bay, the Bullfrog Creek bay and Hite-White Canyon area.

FLAMIng Gorge

1. It is strongly recommended as a result of the Green River investigations that a rough fish eradication program be initiated on the Green River and tributary streams just prior to closure of theFlaming Gorge Dam. To assure a through rough fish eradication job, the river and tributary streams should be chemically —5—

RecoMmendations: treated from Seedskadee Dam Site to the Flaming Gorge (Cont'd) Dam. The most economical feasible time to initiate this eradication program would be during the fall of 1962 when the dam is scheduled to be completed.

2. It may be advisable for this department to ask for a fish hatchery to help sustain the fishery in the reservoir with the existing scarcity of trout and kokanee salmon spawning areas at the present.

3. There will be a need for more access roads leading to the anticipated cold water fishery below the dam to get full utilization from the fishery.

4. The rate and volume of water discharge should be controlled to protect the stream fishery resources below the dam. It is necessary that the rate of discharge be increased at approximately 400 cfs per hour until the maximum rate of discharge is reached.

5. Post - impoundment studies should be conducted on the Flaming Gorge Reservoir for a period of not less than 5 years to determine physical, chemical and biolog- ical changes which will occur following impoundment. Likewise, similar studies should be conducted below the dam. 6. Other species of game fish should be considered for stocking in case the present proposed species are unable to perpetuate themselves.

Project Leader 'Donald B. McDonald Approved by Phil A.Dotson Chief, Fisheries Fishery Biologists

Date SeRtember 12, 1960 Approved by Federal Ais Coord FINDINGS: COLORADO RIVER INVESTIGATIONS

Fishery Studies

At the present time, 17 species of fish are known to occur in the Colorado River and its tributaries in the Glen Canyon area. It appears that the number of species of fish present in the Colorado River are rather restricted, while a more diverse fauna occurs in the tributary streams, (Tables 1 and 2). Fishery studies were conducted throughout the year, but the most intensive sampling was carried on during the summer of 1958. Although relatively complete collections were made in the tributary streams, the methods of collection utilized in the river were not altogether satisfactory. This may account for the restricted number of species collected from the main river channel.

Generally, it appears that the species composition of the Colorado River is similar throughout the Glen Canyon area. Variations in numbers and species of fish were noted between the tributary streams. Some ponded, spring-fed streams, such as Warm Spring Creek and Aztec Creek, support a relatively large and diverse fish population, while others, such as the shallow and dandy- bottomed Escalante River, are virtually devoid of fish. There appears to be little seasonal variation in either the numbers or kinds of fish present, although periods of flash flooding or decreased stream flow doubtlessly cause temporary reduction in the fish population in sections of the tributaries.

Age and growth information obtained from the various species of fish taken from the Glen Canyon area indicate that in most cases the growth rate is relatively slow (Table 3). This may be due to a multitude of factors, such as excessive stream fluctuation and the scouring action of the river.

During the summer of 1958, two species of fish were collected in the river which had not previously been known to occur in Utah. These were the Fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) and the Southwest Plains Killifish (Fundulus zebrinus).

The following fishes were found in the Glen Canyon area during the course of this investigation:

Flannelmouth Sucker (Catostomus latipinnis). This fish was found to occur almost exclusively in the river or backwaters and, with the exception of the Channel Catfish was the most abundant species in both the Colorado and San Juan Rivers. Stomach samples (Table 4) indicates that it feeds primarily on algae and other small organisms. The largest specimen collected was about 15 inches in length. Simon (1946) reports that spawning takes place in the spring.

Colorado River Mountain Sucker (Pantosteus delphinus). This was exclusively a tributary form frequenting riffle areas. It was observed in limited numbers in Aztec Creek, Warm Creek and several other permanent strw"d

(Table 2). It appears to feed primarily on algae and, to a limited 0Ktent, aquatic irsects.

Humpbacked Sucker (Xyrauchen texanus). Although this form is natlo ho the • Colorado River, only two immature specimens were collected during r, urvey Jonez (1954) found the Humpbacked Sucker to be relatively abundanl 111 Lake Mead, especially in the vicinity of river mouths. In Lake Mead thl rish 4 spawns in gravelly areas during March and April. The food consisl. rvimarily of algae.

Colorado River Squawfish (Ptychochelius lucius). Only one specimed ,r this species was collected during the survey, a 4-inch fish taken from T r!nlhyte Color- Creek. Although at one time this fish was reported to be common 1m iha ado River, its numbers have appeared to decrease in recent years. Thla may

be due in part to the presence of the Channel catfish and other inl r.idnced. species which would tend to compete with it. The Squawfish is well wiapted

to lotic environments, but does not appear to do well in reservoiro , Jonez. (1954) reports that although it was commonly found in the lower Col „rado River before the construction of Hoover and Davis dams, few, if any oquaw- have fish occur in the impoundments. In the lower Colorado River, squiw ridh been known to attain a length of 5 feet and a weight of 80 pounds. tt is carniverous and predatory, particularly when large (Simon, 1946).

Roundtail Chub (Gila robusta). This fish is also indigenous to the Oolorado 1 0 K 1e River. However, only two small specimens were collected in Aztec 1 T, ) Creeks, during the survey. Although primarily a stream fish, Jone.P. (19'41 08, reports that the Roundtail Cub is present in both Lakes Mead and M011 / and was observed spawning in gravelly areas in Lake Mohave in May, This form appears to feed primarily on insect larvae and small fish. hiwkwater Utah Chub (Gila atraria). Several small cyprinids collected from M at White Canyon and from Aztec Creek appear to be aberrant memberl Lhis Bonnevill , hasin, species. Although this form is primarily a species of the it has doubtlessly been introduced into parts of the Colorado River drainage.. a the- Speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus). This form was abundant in matlY tributary streams, occasionally being the only species of fish pre' in the both tributary. It occurred primarily in schools in clear water, frequell ling the stream and ponds, and was often taken from shallow riffle areas. fish Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas). Although one of the most COMWOH in the Glen Canyon area, this form had not previously been reportedr r'lm Utah. This fish was commonly found in both the clear tributary stre'10 and the muddy backwaters formed at the mouths of the canyon. It often rrmluented areas with muddy bottoms and appeared to tolerate turbid water far hod rel. than did the dace. Like the dace, the fathead minnow was often fonnd in schools. Spawning fathead minnows were observed at White Canyon on 1, 1958, and in Seven Mile Canyon on July 8, 1958, in areas with sandy ttoms. -8-

According to Simon (1946), the food of the fathead minnow consists primarily of slime and ooze and their contained organic substances.

Carp (Cyprinus carpio). Carp were found to occur most frequently in muddy backwaters but were also collected in some clear tributary streams. They are reported to occur in the Colorado River, but none were collected in the course of the survey. Jonez (1954) reports that the most abundant fish in - Lake Mead is the Carp. The growth rate of Carp in the Glen Canyon area appears to be slow (Table 3). One of the larger carp collected during the survey was 9 inches in length and was over 4 years old. Larger individuals were observed, however. In contrast to the restricted growth in the Glen Canyon area, Jonez (1954) reports that in Lake Mead carp grow an average of 8.5 inches during the first year of life. Stomach samples taken from carp in the Glen Canyon area contained small amounts of algae and amorphous matter. The carp was first introduced into Kane County about 1882. (Popov 1950).

Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). This was the most abundant species of fish in the Colorado and San Juan Rivers, specimens being taken by dynamite or hook and line throughout the entire length of Glen Canyon. Catfish were also found to occur in many of the tributaries. Stomach samples indicate that these fish are omniverous, feeding on a great variety of plant and animal material (Table 4). Insects, algae, parts of other fish and various other substances were found in the stomachs. Fish occurred most commonly in the stomachs of the larger catfish. The following ages are for 13 channel catfish ranging in standard length from 3.5 to 9.7 inches:

Age Classes III IV V VI VII VIII IX

No. of Fish 2 3 1 3 2 1 1

The majority of the fish collected were characterized by large heads and small bodies indicating a slow rate of growth. Catfish collected in the river averaged about 8.9 inches in length. The largest catfish observed during the survey was a 24 inch fish taken from a backwater at Aztec Creek. Channel catfish were first introduced into the lower Colorado River about 1892 and into the Green and Colorado Rivers in Wyoming prior to 1930. They were first introduced into the Colorado River in Utah in 1939 (Popov 1950).

Black bullhead (Ictalurus melas). Though not abundant, the bullhead was found to occur in backwaters and in ponds and quiet areas in some of the tributaries. The largest number of bullheads were observed in ponds in Warm Springs Creek.

Southwest Plains Killifish (Fundulus zebrinus). The five specimens of this fish collected near the mouth of Warm Creek in August, 1958, comprise the only record of this species in the state. This fish was originally found in the Brazo and Pecos drainages of Texas and New Mexico in shallow ponds and streams (Koster 1957). According to R. Miller, it was probably introduced into the Little Colorado River drainage of northern Arizona about 1938. Western Gambusia (Gambusia affinis). A single specimen was collected in Warm Creek in the spring of 1958. Although not previously reported from the Glen Canyon area, these fish are widely used in Utah for mosquito control. Jonez (1954) states that gambusia were considered as occurring in Lake Mead in 1942, but due to extreme water fluctuations in the reservoir and other factors are probably unable to exist over the lake for prolonged periods.

Largemouth Bass (Micropteous salmoides). Largemouth bass were collected at only • •one station during the survey. Three specimens ranging in size from 2.5 inches to 7 inches were collected from deep pools in Aztec Creek. Aztec Creek is a relatively large, clear stream with many quiet pools which are considerably deeper (up to 10 feet) than those occurring in most of the other tributaries. The largemouth bass is essentially a species of non-flowing waters such as ponds and lakes and is rather sensitive to low temperatures which cause it to seek deep water. These factors may account for the absence of bass in the other tributaries. Although restricted in scope, scale readings from bass colledted indicate that the growth of bass in this area is relatively slow as compared with Lake Mead or Hiwasse Reservoir, where bass in their third year have an average total length in excess of 13 inches (Jonez 1954 and Stroud). A 7-inch bass taken from Aztec Creek was found to be in its third year. Stomach samples taken from these bass were found to contain parts of small cyprinids.

Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus). A single specimen was collected during the summer of 1958 at Trachyte Creek in a small pool.

Green Sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus). In contrast with the Bluegill, this form was found to occur in several of the tributaries, primPrily in ponded sections. It was abundant in Warm Spring Creek where it occurred in both the stream and in large ponds. It was not observed in muddy water nor those streams which were very shallow or devoid of pools. Stomach samples indicate that the food of the green sunfish consisted primarily of aquatic insects, bivalves, and small cyprinids. The growth rate of green sunfish in Warm Spring Creek appears to be rather rapid for this species. One 11-inch fish was taken in a deep pool near the mouth of Warm Spring Creek. Although an accurate age estimate was impossible, it was well over five years of age.

Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens). A single individual was collected in a muddy backwater at White Canyon. No other yellow perch were observed in the course of the survey. TABLE 1.

SPECIES COMPOSITION AND AVERAGE TOTAL LENGTH OF FISH IN THE GLEN CANYON AREA OF THE COLORADO RIVER (1958) Size of Length Average Location Coll.No. Date , Species Sample Range (in.) Length in.)

Hite 2 7-1-58 Flannelmouth Sucker 2 11.5-14.5 13.0 Channel Catfish 20 4.0-9.5 6.5

130 miles 7 7-7-58 Flannelmouth Sucker 11.3 above damsite Channel Catfish 6

111 miles above damsite 12 . 7-11-58 Flannelmouth Sucker 3 13 - 15 14.0 Channel Catfish 3 8- 9 8.5 . Lake Canyon 7-14-58 Channel Catfish 30 9 - 12

66 miles above damsite 7-21-58 Channel Catfish 6.5 -10- TABLE 2

SPECIES COMPOSITION AND AVERAGE TOTAL TYINGTH OF FISH IN TRIBUTARY STREAMS IN THE GLEN CANYON AREA OF THE COLORADO RIVER Coll. Sample Length Ave. Name of Tributary No. Date Species Size Range(inl Length (in)

White Canyon 1 7-1-58 Utah Chub 5 3 - 4 3i (backwater) Fathead Minnow 5 2 Carp 20 4 3/4 Channel Catfish 2 2-4 34 Perch 1 5

Trachyte Creek 7-3-58 FlanneImouth Sucker 1 4 (pools in Squaw Fish 1 4 1 stream bed) Speckled Dace 15 1 - 1 14 Fathead Minnow 47 2 - 24 Carp 12 3 - 4 3i Channel Catfish 11 2- 9 41 Bluegill 1 2

Four Mile Canyon 4 7-4-58 Carp 6 1 - 1i 14 (backwater)

UC-E-134* 7-5-58 Flannelmouth Sucker 2 12i-14 134 (backwater) Carp 33 1 - 9 Bullhead 1 4 3 Ticaboo Canyon 7-6-58 Speckled Dace 87 1 - 3i 21 (ponds 1 mi. up) sUC-W-130 (backwater) 8 7-7-58 Flannelmouth Sucker 1 Humpback Sucker 1 1 Fathead Minnow 6 2 - 2i Carp 3 5 - 6 5 Warm Spring Creek 10 7-9-58 Mtn. Sucker 23 1 - 4 24 (ponds and stream Speckled Dace 9 2i- 3i 3 Fathead Minnow 64 l- 3 2i Bullhead 9 2i--7 4 Green Sunfish 6 2-5 33/4

Warm Spring Creek 7-9-58 Mtn. Sucker 5 - 6 1 11 3 53/4 (200 of stream Speckled Dace 1 3i treated with rotenone) Fathead Minnow 30 3/4- 3i 1 Carp 2 4 - 5 4i Green sunfish 14 2i- 5 3/4 33/4 81,111frog Creek 13 7-12-58 5peck1ed Dace (backwater & streams) carp i Unident.Cyprinids 7 1 - 1i 14 Hall Creek 14 7-13-58 Mtn. Sucker 1 21 (backwater & stream) Fathead Minnow 20 1 14 Carp 1 2 Green Sunfish 2 3 - 51 44 TABLE 2 (Conttd) -11- Coll. Sample Length Ave. Name of Tributary No. Date Species Size Lanolin/ Length(in) Lake Canyon 15 7-15-58 Fathead Minnow 1 2 (Ponds & Stream) Carp 1 4 Bullhead 1 51 UC-E-86 16 7-18-58 Speckled Dace 25 3/4- 2 1 (pool) Green Sunfish 8 1 - 5i Hidden Passage 17 7-23-58 Speckled Dace 6 2- 4 3 (pool near mouth) and stream) 18 7-24-58 Flannelmouth Sucker 1 Chub 1 Speckled Dace 1 Fathead Minnow 15 1 - Channel Catfish 1 7 UC-W758i 19 7-24-58 Fathead minnow 90 3/4- 2i 1 (stream & ponds) Carp 2 21.; Aztec Canyon 21 7-26-58 Mtn. Sucker 2 2 (ponds to 3/4 Flannelmouth Sucker 5 6 - 7 6i mi. upstream) Roundtail Chub 1 3 Utah Chub 4 4 Speckled Dace 7 12 -3 2 Fathead Minnow 11 1 - 2 1 3/4 Carp 11 2 - 8 Bullhead 6 3 - 6 43 t Largemouth Bass 3 2 -7 5 Green Sunfish 1 41 Aztec Canyon 22 7-26-58 Mtn. sucker 6 2 - 2i 24 (stream and Chub 1 3 backwater) Speckled Dace 15 1 - 3i 2 Fathead Minnow 5 Channel Catfish 10 8 - 24 12 Rock Creek 23 7-28-58 Humpback Sucker 1 (backwater) Speckled Dace 5 Fathead Minnow 70 Kane Creek 24 7-31-58 Roundtail Chub 1 (Stream) Speckled Dace 5 2 Padre Creek 25 8-2758 Mtn. Sucker 1 2 - (Stream) Speckled Dace 5 Fathead Minnow 3 Carp 1 4 Warm Creek 26 8-3-58 Mtn. Sucker 24 1 - 3 2 4. (Stream) Speckled Dace 67 34 2 Fathead Minnow 1-2 Bullhead Killifish 5 L 3 2 -12- TABLE 3 AGE AND GROWTH INFORMATION ON FISH COLLECTED IN THE GLEN CANYON AREA (1958)

Largemouth Bass (Ph salmoides Total Standard ISSW2D Date Length (in.) Length (in.) Age(Yrs.)

- - Aztec Creek 7 26 58 5 4/ 2+

it ii 7 .64 3 Bluegill Sunfish (L. machrochirus Trachyte Creek 7-8-58 2 3/8 1 15/16 2 Green Sunfish (L. cyanellis)

Warm Spring Creek 7-9-58 11

x n 41 33/4 It It 2i ' 2

It ' 8 It 4 33/

It It 8 45/ 37/8 2 ” n 53/4 4i

Carp . carpio)*

White Canyon (Backwater) 7-1-58 4/ 3i 3

ft It 5 1/8 4 1/8 4

ft It 2 34 3/4 2+

/I ft 4i 3i 3

ft it 4 3/4 3 3/4 2+

- Trachyte Creek 7;-3=56 4 1/8 3 2+

It ft 54 44 3

/I It 3 3/4 3 2+

It ft 1. 4 3 , 2+

. It tt 33/4 31/8 3 TABLE 3 (Cont'd) -13-

Carp (C. carpio) Cont'd

.Location Date Length(in.) Length(in.) Age(Yrs.)

U.C.-E-134(Backwater) 7-5-58 9 7 3/4 4+(not clear)

It tt 8 6i 4+ it It

4 1/8 34 2

t I it 4i 3 3/8 2

Bullfrog Creek 7-12-58 4i 3 3/8 3

Aztec Creek 7-26-58 4i 4 2 :Flannel Mouth Sucker (C. latipinnis)

Colo. R. at Hite 7-1-58 12 10 1/8 3+

It II 144 124 5 Trachyte Creek 7-3-58 4 1/8 34 1+

- U.C.-E-134 7-5-58 12 1/8 10 5/8 4+

11 11 14 124 6

Colo. R. 130 Miles 7-7-58 114 9 3/8 3 Above Damsite Colo. R. 111 Miles 7-11-58 144 12i 6 Above Damsite tt tt 13 3 /4 1 101i3/4 5

it It 13 4

Aztec Can.pool near mouth 7-26-58 5 5/8 4 2

TI II 74 6i 2+

It 11 6 3/4 5i 2

*As these results are based on scale rather than opercule bone studies they are subject to error and should be treated as estimates only. •

DATE 7-21-58 7-15-58 7-26-58 7-1-58 7-26-58 7-9-58 7-1-58 Garbage investigations. into theriver bythecookduring the

Green sunfish Flannelmouth Sucker Carp Largemouth Bass Channel catfish Channel catfish Channel catfish consisted ofmaterial thrown SPECIES

from damsite Lake Canyon Colorado R.at Colorado R. Colorado R.at Warm SpringCreek Colorado R.atHite Aztec CanyonCreek White Canyon Aztec CanyonCreek TABLE AREA 4. STOMACH ANALYSIS Percent occurrence Percent occurrence Percent occurrence Percent occurrence Percent 66 mi. occurrence 4.5 to5.5 LENGTH( 10 3 to9 5 to7 9 9 to25 to 12 to 12 Total 14 in.) CONDUCTED 10 1 1 6 0 0 0 e 0 C+ 4

35 8 2j 4 2 5 P, 0

12 25 50 ONFIVE SPECIES OFFISH 3 7 2 2 5 1 8 Food CompositionBasedonOccurrence 11 20 6 4 2 1 17 7 4 2 2 1 1 5 5 9 3 3 5 5 3 2 1 -e,zaq.doreRaw 33 2 2 4 4 -e.zaq.doqoTatt 1 2 1

1 aEA do- Lie sraÐ 1 1 2 11 5 6 1 100 80 12 3D 17 17 3 2 2 2

-15-

Aquatic Insects

A total of 66 known general of aquatic insects were collected from the river and tributary streams. Identification of the forms collected was made by Guy Musser, G. F. Edmunds and other members of the faculty, Department of Biology, University of Utah.

Generally, there was a similarity in the insect fauna of most of the tributary streams. The differences in species composition in collections from the various tributaries appears to be due largely to sampling procedure. Most of the streams sampled were very productive in both numbers and kinds of insects (Table 5), although flash floods doubtlessly reduce their numbers in certain areas. A reduction in the number of aquatic insects occurred during the fall, which appeared to be due to the emergence of many of the forms observed during the summer. The abundant insect fauna makes up a large proportion of the diet of the dace and bluegill which occur in the tributary streams.

Although mayfly nymphs were abundant in the streams and ponds, no stone flies (Plecoptera) were collected, a few cast skins being the only evidence of this group. The paucity of these forms in the area may be due to the fact that most of the tributaries are relatively small slow streams with high summer water tetperatures. G.F. Edmunds collected a few stonefly nymphs at Aztec Creek in April 1948. It is quite possible that these insects are confined to some of the larger and swifter tributaries.

In contrast to the large numbers of aquatic insects present in the tributaries, the Colorado and San Juan Rivers support sparse, though fairly diverse, populations of aquatic insects. Most of the aquatic insects collected from the rivers were found attached to rocks, especially in the riffle areas, or in small bays. Very few insects were found among the shifting sands of the river bottom. This dearth of aquatic insects is doubtlessly one of the factors responsible for the scarcity of fish, other than the herbivorous flannelmouth sucker and amniverous channel catfish, in these rivers. -16

TABLE 5

SPECIES OF AQUATIC INSECTS COLLECTED IN THE COLORADO RIVER AND TRIBUTARY STREAMS IN THE GLEN CANYON AREA, JULY-AUGUST, 195# NO. collected Location Coll. No. Date Species and stage*

Colo. R. at 2 7-1-58 Brachycentrus sat Trachyte Creek ft ft Argia emma IL It ft ft Corydalus cornutus 2L It It ft Simulium 3L ft If ft Traverella albertana 3N It It it Baetis sal 2N' ft ft 11 Lanchania pomelli 1N

Colo. R. at 10 7-10-58 Aeschna 17N Cedar Canyon ft ft Archilestes grandis 1N ft It 11 graytocorixa abdominalis lA " 11 It Rhantus binotatus 6A ft " ft Deronectes lA ft ft ft Hydrophilus triangularus lA ft It 11 Tendipedidae 5L

- Colo. R. Below 16 7-16 58 Traverella albertana 32N Lake Canyon If It Heptagenia elegantula 2N ft It ft Baetis 6N If It It Tendepedidae 6L ft ft 11 Potamyia sp. 4L

Colo. R. 93 miles 17 7-16-58 Tricoa-ythodes IR. 4N above damsite II ff ft lraverella albertana 1N ft If ft hhptagenia elegantula 1N It ft tt Baetis 1N it ft 11 IPI241121A 124 41L 11 It it IgnitPfliEt 1L ft It ft Neotrichia 2R.t 3L

- Colorado R. 66 Miles 22 7-21 58 Corydalus spz 1L above damsite Callibaetis sm. 1N ft ft ft Potamyia 5L II it 11 EXiC2202-1121 1?

Pond on sandbar 2 mi. 5 7-7-58 Heptagenia elegantula 30N below Ticaboo Cr. Gomphus intricatus 1N ff ft it Argia emma 1N

Escalante River 1 mi. 21 7-19-58 liampoplailus decipiens 2L above mouth Hydropsyche 1R2. 3L ft It ft Culex tarsalis 9L 11 ft If Traverella albertana 18N ft 11 11 litP_La_Ma elegantula 1N ft It ft Callibaetis sp. 4N ft It It Baetis hat. 3N ft ft it Homoeoneuria sp. 3N 0 It It •....h2.. . §..at 2N ft If 11 2223/2aMigil 1N —17- , TABLE 5 (Contld)

No. Collected Location Coll. No. Date Species and Stage

San Juan River 1 mi. above mouth 24 7/22/58 Heptagenia elegantula 1N 11 It tt Baetis sp. 2N it 11 ft Brachycentrus? It If if Limnophilidae? ft ft /1 Empty cases of uncertain affinities If If If Tendipedidae Several L

Tributary to San Juan 25 7/22/58 Archilestes grandis 22N R. 1 mi. above mouth ff it Notonecta kirbyi lA ft Ti It Notonecta iobata lA It n IT Graptocorixa abdominalis 7A ft ft if Thermonectus marmoratus 2A If ft 11 Rhantus binotatus 3A It If tt Gyrinus plicifer lA

Trachyte Creek .2 mi. 1 7/3/58 Lanehlania pomelli 1N above mouth Travererella Albertana 1N if ft IT Baetis sp. 1N ff ft /1 Aeschna palmata 21N II ff = if Pantala hymenea 1N it it 11 Notonecta kirbyi lA ft If ft Rhantus binotatus lA It If ft Deronectes sp. 2A It 11 ft Hydrophilus triangularis 2L

Ticaboo Creek 1 mi. above mouth 3 7/6/58 Thermonectug marmoratus 8A 11 11 Rhantus binotatus 8A It it It Hydrophilus triangularis 2A If It it Hydrochara lineata lA ft ft It Gyrinus plicifer 5A I? IT It Aeschna palmata 2N ft it If Pantala hymenea 2N ft ft IT Libellula comanche 1N 11 It IT Archilestes grandis 4N Ti it It Lethocerus americanus 3A, 6N II if Ambrysus mormon 4A, 5g 11 ft it Gelastocoris oculatus 6A, 4N ft ft ff Notonecta kirbyi 2A IT ft ft Limnephilidae 1 Case ft If 11 Berosus punctatissimus 2A

Ticaboo Creek 5 mi. 3 & 4 It Baetis sp. 3N above mouth IT It AmbrySus mo mon 1A, 4N it It It Helicopsyche sp. 1L 11 It IT Hydropsyche sp. 5L it 11 tt Chimarra sp. 4L ft it Euparyphus sp. 5L •11 It Tendipedidae 5L

TABLE 5 (Contld

No. Collected LOCATION Co11. No. Date Species and Stage

Side Canyon 129 6 7/7/58 Aeschna palmata 12N ft mi. above damsite Libellula saturata 2N ft ft Archilestes grandis 12N ft It ft Argia vivida IN ft It ft Argia sedula 1N It ft It Thermonectus marmoratus lA If If Rhantus binotatus 5A ft ft It Berosus punctatissimus 3k Side Canyon 125.5 7 7/8/58 Callibaetis sp. 2N mi. above damsite It ft Graptocorixa abdominalis? 10N-9A It ft ft Thermonectus marmoratus 16A ft It Rhantus binotatus 1S-83A ft ft ft Agabus lugens . 2A ft It ft Gyrinus plicifer 7A It ft It Tabanus sp. It ft ft Berosus maculosis 4A

7 Mile Creek-pools 3/4 8 7/8/58 Crysops sp. 1L It ft ft Callibaetis sp. 17N If It It Tendipedidae 1L It ft It Aeschna palmata 1N H ft ti Libellula saturata 7N ft It It Paltothemis lineotypes 1N II It It Tarnetrum corruptum 1N It ft ft Archilestes grandis 16N It ft ft Cornagrium sp. 3N II It It Argia sedula 3N It It It Notonecta kirbyi 3A It It It Lethocerus americannus lA ft It it Ambrysus mormon 2N It II It Gelastocoris oculatus 2N It If It Graptocorixa abdominalis 9A It ft It Thermonectus marmoratus 41,4k It If It Rhantus binotatus 3A : It It If Deronectes sp. 7A - ft ft It Bidessus sp. 15A ft • It It Hygrotus sp. 5A ft - fl It Berosus punctatissimus 1L, 9A It II It Berosus styliterus lA ft ft It Iaccobius ellipticus 6A It ti ft Tropisternus ellipticus 5A It ft H Reltodytes simplex lA ft ft It Berosus maculosus 3A -19- TABLE 5 (Cont'd

No. Collected Location Coll. No. Date Species and Stage

Warm Spring Creek 9 7/9/58 Paltothemis lineotypes 1N fl It It Microcylloepus sp. 8L n r r Elmidae 15A IT ft It Archilstes grandis 2N ft ft It Thallagma sp. 1N If ft ft Argia vivida 4N It It It Ambrysus mormon 3A-3L 11 ft it Glastorcoris oculatus ' lA It 11 It Notonecta kirbyi lA It ft It Parargyractis kearfottalis 2L it It ft Simulium virgatum Many L ft ft 'II Limnophilidae 3L 11 It 11 Helicopsyche sp. 100 + L If ft If Hydropsyche sp. 26L 11 ft It Chimarra sp. 15L ft 11 It Polycentropis sp. 1L ft II ft Elmidae 2A If 11 ft Thermonectus marmoratus 20L - 3A n n n Rhantus binotatus lA ft ft ft Hydrophilus trangularus lA ft ft tt Tropisternus elliptieus 1L ft It ft Narpus sp. 1L ft ft it Holorusia sp. 2L ft ft If Tabanus sp., 2L ft ft ft Stratiomyidae 1L If ft 11 Tendipedidae 1L Smith's Fork 3/4 mi l above mouth 11 7/10/58 Archilestes grandis 6N ft ft It Argia sp. 1N ft ft If Coenagrion sp. 2N ft ft If Ambrysus mormon lA - 2N 11 /I ft Helicopsyche sp. Many L ft If ft Rhantus binotatus lA It 11 ft Laccophilus decipiens lA ft ft It Berosus punctatissimus 1L It ft It Hydrophilus triangularis lA ft It It Gyrinus plicifer 2A II It ft Peltodytes simplex lA

Bullfrog Creek - 12 7/12/58 Callabaetis sp. 8N ft ft It Libellula comanche lON If ft 71 Notonecta kirbyi 2A 11 ft If Notonecta undulata lA FT . n IT Gerris remigis? 16N ft ft It Thermonectus marmoratus lA n 1? ft Iaccophilus decipiens 4A If ft ft Rhantus binotatus 4A It ft ft Deronectes sp. 3A 11 ft It Eddessus sp. 2A . ft ft ft Tropisternus ellipticus 2A II It It Gyrinus plicifer lA If ft ft Anopheles franciscanus 8L - 4P -20- TABLE 5 (Cont'd)

No. Collected Location Coll. No. Date Species and Stage

Hails Creek 13 7/13/58 Pantala hymenea 4N II ft It Notonecta kirbyi 5A It ft /I Graphtocorixa abdominalis 4A - 2N If if It Thermonectus marmoratus 3A - 7L If• If TT Rhantus binotatus lA if ft 11 Laccophilus decipiens 15A TV It It Tropisternus ellipticus 2A n n n Gyrinus plicifer lA

Lake Canyon, Spring k mi, above mouth 14 7/14/58 Callibaetis s10. 9N , ft It ft Pantala hymenea IN It It IT Archilestes grandis 7N If ft It Argia vivida 19N ff ft . ft Notonecta.kirbyi 8A ft ft ft Notonecta unifasciata lA ft ft It Notonecta undulata IA ft It ft GraPhtocorixa abdominalis 4A fl ft ft Parargyractis kearfottalis 1L ft ft ft Hydropsyche sp. 40 + L n n n Helicopsyche sp. 1L ft• ft It Thermonectus marmoratus lA ft ft ft Rhantus binotatus lA ft ft If Berosus punctatissimus lA It It ft Culiseta incidens 4L - 8P If ft I? Tendipedidae 3L ft if It Culex (new species) 19L

Stream, 973/4 mi. 15 7/15/58 Aeschna palmata 2N above damsite t1 ft Anax walsinghami 2N It It It Libellula saturata 2N If It It Archilestes grandis 4N ft ft It Graptocorixa abdominalis 4A ft It if Limnephilidae 54L IT ft It Thermonectus marmoratus 3A It ft It Rhantus binotatus lA If ft If Gyrinus plicifer 4A

Stream, 88i mi. 18 7/17/58 Callibaetis sp. 3N above damsite ft II Aeschna palmata 8N It . ft /I Pantala hymenea 5N ft it It Argia. vivida 2N ft ft If Gelastocoris oculatus 3N If ft ft Hesperaphylax sp. a 11 It ft Agabus lugens 37A ft ft ft Deronectes sp., 37A ft 11 ft Hygrotus sp. lA ft ft ft Thermonectus marmoratus 2A ft It It Laccophilus decipiens lA n ft ft Tropisternus ellipticus 2A - 2L n IT n Enochrus abtusiusculus 8A ft f1 It Laccobius ellipticus 9A It It ft Gyrinus plicifer • 5A II. if f1 Notonecta kirbyi lA ff - ft II Tabanus sp. 2L ft Tendepidae 2L TABLE 5 (Contld) -21-

No. Collected ion Coil. No. Date Species and Stage

Canyon, 86i mi. 19 7/18/59 Tarnetrum corruptum 1N above damsite, ft it Aeschna palmata 2N Pond i mi. above 11 It Pantala hymenea 11N mouth 11 II Progomphus borealis 6N I? It It Archilestes grandis 2N It It 11 Argia sedula 6N It It 11 Lethocerus americanus 1A, It it It Helicopsyche sp. 5L IT it IT Limnephilidae 1L If If It Thermonectus marmoratus 19A it If IT Rhantus binotatus 6A 11 II It Agabus sp. lA It It It Oreodytes sp. 2A ft IT /1 Agabus lugens 3A It If 11 Laccophilus decipiens 6A it /1 /I Bidessus sp. 12A it it It Berosus punctatissmus 30A H If If Enochrus abtusiusculus 5A It ft If Tropisternus ellipticus 9A ft ft if Gyrinus plicifer 2A ft If It Dictya sp. 1L VI It It Tendipedidae 2L

Navaho Creek 20 7/18/58 Aeschna palmata 2N 11 If It Archelestes grandis 22N It It It Ambrysus mormon 1N If It If Gelastocoris oculatus 3A - 24N It it II Notonecta lobata lA - 1N It IT It Graptocorixa abdominalis 15A - 1N It It It Helicopsyche sp. 25L It It If Hesperophylax sp. 1L it If It Thermonectus marmoratus 4A U 11 11 Rhantus binotatus lA If If It Laccophilus decipiens 2A It It It Berosus punctatissimus 2A IT If It Enochrus abtusiusculus 12A If ft It Tropisternus ellipticus 12A It It It Stratyomys sp. 10L it It IT Tabanus sp. 1L It It 11 Anopheles franciscanus 2L

Hidden Passage 26 7/23/58 Archilestes grandis 3N It It If Ambrysus mormon 2N ft • If It Graptocorixa abdominalis 4A It II IT Similium virgatum Many L IT ” ” Hesperophylax sp. 1L It If It Thermonectus marmoratus lA It 11 It Tabanus sp. 1L -22- TABLE 5 Cont/d)

No. Collected Location Coll. No. Date Species and Stage

Aztec Creek, 3/4 mi. 27 7/26/58 Callibaetis sp./ 12N above mouth It It Aeschna palmata 1N ft ft It Lethocerus americanus lA ft ft It Graptocorixa abdominalis 2A It ft ft Rhantus binotatus 3A - 1L It It IT Gyrinus plicifer 3A It If ft Tendipedidae 1L

Canyon, 36i mi. 28 7/29/58 Callibaetis sp. 3N above damsite It It Ambrysus mormon 2A - 1N It 11 ft Graptocorixa abdominalis 2A - 1N ft ft If Helicopsyche sp. 31P It ft It Hydropsyche sp. 11L ft It I? Laccophilus decipiens lA ft II It Berosus punctatissimus 3A If It ft Anopheles franciscanus 1L It It It Tendipedidae 2L

West Canyon Creek 29 7/29/58 Callibaetis sp. 49N ft ft It Notonecta undulata lA It It It Microvelia americana lA ft It It Rhantus binotatus 3A It II ft Laccophilus decipiens lA ft It It Hygrotus 4A TI ft ft Hydrophilus triangularis 2A It ft Tropisternus ellipticus 24A 11 ft It Peltodytes simplex 2A ft It ft Tabanus sp. 1L It IT IT Culex sp. 1P ft It 11 Berosus maculosus lA

Canyon, 29i mi. 30 7/30/58 Libellula comanche 3N above dams ite ft It Rhantus binotatus 5A It ft It Brachydeuterd sp. 1L It fT IT Tendipedidae 5L

Kane Creek 31 7/31/58 Aeschna palmata lON It ft It Notonecta kirbyi TI ft It Gerris remigis 1N 11 It If Microvelia americana /I ft It Rhantus anisonyehus lA fl fl IT Tropisternus ellipticus lA - 1L ft It It Gyrinus plicifer 2L -23- TABLE 5 (Contld)

No. Collected Location Coll. No. Date Species and State

Padre Creek 32 8/2/58 Aeschna palmata 4N if ft If Libellula comanche 5g ft It it Archilestes grandis 13N IT If ft Argia vivida 2N It If It Ischnura sa 1N if If It Graptocorixa abdominalis lA 11 If 11 Hydropsyche sp. 12L If It ft Helicopsyche sp. 1L If If It Rhantus binotatus 2A It It It Hygrotus sp. lA It It It Laccobius ellipticus lA it 11 If Enochrus abtusiusculus lA ft ft ft Tropisternus ellipticus lA

Warm Creek 33 8/4/58 Argia emma 1N It ft It Hydropsyche sp., 31L r? It tr Hydroptilidae 1P - 7L It ft It Berosus maculosus lA IT If ft Enochirus abtusiusculus 2A It 11 If Hydrophilidae 1L

* L - larvae N - nymph or niad P - pupae A - Adult -24-

PLANT LIFE

DUE TO THE TREMENDOUSLY IRREGULAR DISSECTION OF THE TOPOGRAPHY OF THE GLEN CANYON AREA, THE USUAL ORDERLY ARRANGEMENT OF FLORA IS UPSET AND IS FOUND TO OCCUR INSTEAD IN DISCONTINUOUS ECOLOGICAL AREAS, OFTEN WITH RELATIVELY SHARP BOUNDARIES.

. AS WOULD BE EXPECTED, THE HEAVIEST PLANT COVER IS FOUND TO OCCUR ALONG THE RIVER FLOOD PLAIN AND AT THE MOUTHS OF SOME OF THE TRIBUTARIES WHERE EXTREMELY HEAVY GROWTHS OF WILLOWS AND TAMIRIX PREDOMINATE. IN THOSE SIDE CANYONS WHICH DRAIN LARGE AREAS, THE PLANT COVERING IS USUALLY SPARSE, DUE TO THE SCOURING ACTION OF THE STREAMS DURING FLOODING. SIDE CANYONS WHICH DRAIN SMALL AREAS AND HAVE A PERM- ANENT SPRING OR SEEP-FED STREAM USUALLY SUPPORT A LARGE PLANT POPULATION. THE COUNTRY ABOVE THE RIVER AND SIDE CANYONS IS TYPICALLY ARID WITH LITTLE PLANT COVER.

Algae_gglleg.TED IN GLEN Canyon

DR. SEVILLE FLOWERS, PROFESSOR OF BOTANY, UNIVERSITY OF UTAH, IDENTIFIED THE ALGAE WHICH WAS COLLECTED FROM THE GLEN CANYON AREA. CASUAL OBSERVATIONS SUGGESTS THE COMMON SPECIES OF SPIROGYRA, ZYGNEMA AND DA....2:122.1mA AS BEING THE DOMINANT FILA- MENTOUS GREEN ALGAE AND THIS IS BORNE OUT BY THE COLLECTIONS. THE SPECIES OF ALGAE FOUND IN THE GLEN CANYON AREA ARE AS FOLLOWS:

CHLOROPHYTA - GREEN ALGAE

.9..Y.LINFTE29A222 GGMNINELLA NOOLE Zjmnp... INSIGNIA (HASS) KTZ. STI IOCLONIUM ATTENUATUM (HEXEN) COLLINS ZYGNEMALPIP. CHAETO HORA 11_2E1M (ROTH) AG. SpiLogna DEMININA KTZ. .g.lgoutoma FRACTA (DILLW.) KTZ. SPIROGYRA PORTICALIS (MUELI.)CLEVE clakpLorA GLOMERATA (L.) KTZ. §_pirsium SILVICOLA E.M..BRITT glacioph2ra KUETZIN IANA GRUN. §_pirsg a E_SIL____UA -ATA. (HASS.) PETIT 2212KALI3A 511.e._1 WEBERI KTZ. PEDIASTRUM G M NAEGELI SCENEDESMUS121.1RGA. (TURPIN) LAGER. agMa .ESTI.._A CAPUCINA (BORY) AG. SCENEDESMUS dm_skj.cA .:_a_uda (TURPIN) BREB. ktmgeptla gtht_afien (DILLW.)A.C.AG. ANKISTRODESMUS FALCATUS (CORDA) RALFS. ,ITFOUGEOTIAPA._RRULA HASS ANKISTRODESMUS SPIRALIS (TURNER) LEMMER. CLOSTERIUM ACEROSUM (SCHRANK)EHRENB. KIRCHNERIELLA LUNARIS VAR. DIANAE BOHLIN CLOSTERIUMTABINI BREB. ZYGNEMA CRUCIATUM (VAUCHER) A.C. AG. CLOSTERIUMLIM.

CHRTSOPHYTA - YELLOW-GREEN - ALGAE MELOSIRA SPP. FRAGMENTS NAVICULA SPP. TABELLARIA SPP. PINNULARIA VIRIDIS (NITZ.) EHRENB. APEDRA ULNA (NITZ.) EHRENB. Astogl.g_ea SMITH II VAR. GRUN. FRAAILARIA SPP. amp/Loma CONSTRICTUM CHRENB. ASTRONELIA FORMOSA HASS. Gomptionftma ANGUSTATUM VAR.(KTZ.)GRUN. MERIDION CIRCULARE HASS. amatomm2 SPP. IhragtiA SPP. SPP. -25-

.1,-ImWatbalL.APP. Amorpha ovalis Ktz. lanceolata nR22112:111.zilla (Ehrenb.)0.Muell. 14vicula rhynchocephala Ktz. Surinella ovata (Ktz.) nANOPHYTA - Blue-green algae ItAnoalma elachista W. & G.S. West •:scillatoria animalis Ag. orcharacea (Ktz.) Thuret vicrocoleus paludosus (Ktz.) Gom. 12.1agn_. . a sp. fragments frequent

Limnology of the Colorado River

Due, in part, to the fact that much of the area drained by the Colorado River has little plant cover and has suffered from excessive erosion, the average annual fluctuation of the Colorado River is quite extensive. Measure- tents made by the U.S. Geological Survey at gauging stations at Hite and Lees Ferry from October, 1955 to September, 1956, gave the following results:

Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. A Ma June Jul Au. Se t.

Fite-Avg.monthly 3210 4305 4834 5338 4230 7619 13130 31270 37470 8138 5010 2697 flow c.f.s. Lees Ferry-Avg. 3476 4632 5309 6065 4876 8306 15090 35620 43590 9054 5786 2791 monthly flow c.f.s.

At Hite the maximum flow of 61,800 c.f.s. occurred on June 6, while a minimum flow of 2,400 c.f.s. occurred on September 17. The volume of water occasionally maximum flows of over 100,000 c.f.s. occur. As a result of the excessive erosion in much of the Colorado River Basin the river is quite turbid and highly colored. Much of the turbidity appears to be in the form of silt and sand rather than mud and settles out quite rapidly in water samples. Turbidity determinations made in the river ranged from a high of 380 ppm found near Kane Creek on July 31, 1958, following heavy rains to a low of 30 ppm recorded near Hite on January 6, 1959 (Table 6). Both color and turbidity were found to be subject to considerable variation. Heavy rains were always found to be followed by an increase in the amount of organic matter washed into the river as well as Increased turbidity.

In most areas, the river bottom is composed of shifting sand. Riffles and areas with rocky bottoms occasionally occur, usually near the mouths of some of the tributaries: Due to the scouring action and shifting of the sandy bottom rooter aquatic plants were almost completely absent, although idllows and Tamarix were often inundated during high water.

Water temperatures show both a diurnal and seasonal fluctuation. During the summer of 1958 water temperatures in excess of 80° F. were recorded. A water temperature of 33°F was recorded in the river near Kane -26

Creek in January 1959 (Table 6). At this time large masses of ice were floating in the water.

Table 6 presents the results of chemical tests conducted on the Colorado River. No chemical conditions were detected which would be deleterious to fish. The dissolved oxygen (D.0.) concentration was fairly high, ranging from 7.2 ppm to 13.4 ppm. The winter samples showed a higher D.O. concentration, due no doubt, to the greater solubility of oxygen in cold water. Twenty-four hour ',runs" showed only slight fluctuation in the D.O. concentration. This probably indicates a relatively small plankton population and dearth of organic material, but might also be due, at least in part, to the constant circulation of the water which would tend to bring it into equilibrium with the atmosphere. The wide diurna) fluctuation in carbonates (CO3--) is rather puzzling; although an increase in COr concentration due to photosynthesis often occurs during the afternoon, there appeared to be no definite pattern to the CO3= variation in the Colorado River. Doubtlessly diurnal changes and variations in flaw occurring in the waters of the tributary streams exert an influence on the chemistry of the Colorado River, and may account for some of the unusual conditions observed. Generally the total hardness of the river water increased as it approached the damsite. Carbon dioxide (CO2) was either absent or present in only trace amounts, and in none of the samples did it exceed 3 ppm.

Limnology of the Tribuary Streams

As was mentioned previously, most of the streams tributary to the Colorado River in the Glen Canyon area are of intermittent nature and sub- - ject to wide seasonal and yearly fluctuations.

In many of the tributaries a small clear stream originating from springs , or seeps may exist near the mouth of the canyon during all or part of the year. Further up the canyon the stream bed may be dry except durinp rrds of high runoff when the entire stream bed is often filled with a torrent of muddy water. As the river recedes during the summer, muddy backwaters are often left at the mouths of the tributaries.

The chemical and physical conditions in the tributary streams are summarized in Tables 7 and E. with the exception of periods of flood conditions, there appears to be little seasonal difference in the chemical and physical characteristics of the streams. Most of the spring-fed streams are very clear, with a turbidity of from 2 to 5 ppm and a volume of less than 1 c.f.s. Water temperatures were found to be quite variable, ranging from 44° at Trachyte Creek in January. 1959 to a high of 92° F. recorded in Bullfrog Creek during July, 1958 -27- Although most of the tributaries are small, intermittent streams, two large streams, the Escalante and San Juan Rivers, empty into the river in the Glen Canyon area. The Escalante River is a shallow stream with a sand and gravel bottom, fairly clear nearer its headwaters, but becoming extremely turbid near its mouth. The largest tributary stream in the area is the San Juan River, which is sandy bottomed and quite similar in some respects to the Colorado River, but which appears to have a lower productivity.

Chemical analysis of waters of the tributary streams indicated no unusual characteristics or conditions which would be deleterious to fish. Dissolved oxygen (D.0.) concentration was sufficiently high in all areas sampled to support fish In those streans, in which twenty-four hour "runs" were conducted, the diurnal variation was slight. Fall and winter samples show a higher D.O. concentration. Carbon dioxide (CO2) was rarely present and never exceeded 3ppm. The paucity of limestone formations in the area may account for this. Bicarbonate (HCO-) concentrations varied from 80 ppm in the San Juan River up to 260 ppm in Ticaboo Canyon.

A twenty-four hour "run" conducted at Warm Spring Creek on July 9 and 10, 1958, showed a buildup of carbonates (CO3=) during the afternoon, from 0 to 12 ppm. This indicates that sufficient green plants are present to carry on a fairly high rate of photosynthesis. This appears to hold true for most of the tributary streams where higher CO3= concentrations were unusually encountered during the afternoon.

Carbonate concentrations varied from 0 to 28 ppm, while pH readings of from 7.2 to 9.0 were encountered. With the exception of the increased D. O. during the winter, there appears to be little seasonal change in the water chemistry. -28- TABLE 6

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE COLORADO RIVER IN THE GLEN CANYON. AREA Remarks D.O. CO2 Ca z = HC01- Air T. Water T. (Turbidity :ocation Date Time ppm ppm ppd ppd pH °F. °F etc.) Can. 7/1/58 0930 7.6 1 0 126 7.6 88 72 Turb. 110

site 7/1/58 2200 7.5 1 0 130 7.7 83 73 Hite 10/20/58 2330 8.3 0 Trace 165 8.2 52 58 Hite 10/21/58 0900 900 0 10 150 54 58 Hite 1/5/59 2100 12.0 2 0 182 8.1 18 34 Turb. 30 Hite 1/6/59 0900 12.5 3 0 185 7.7 28 34 :icaboo Can. 7/6/58 0900 7.5 0 0 126 7.8 81 76 24 hr. run TI ft 1300 8.0 0 0 125 7.8 91 77 ft ft 1700 7.8 0 0 128 7.9 80 78 ii IT IT 2100 7.6 0 0 126 7.8 62 I? Ii ft 7/7/58 0100 7.2 0 3 125 7.9 64 76 ft ft it IT 0500 7.7 1 0 123 7.7 56 72 II

Cedar Can. 7/10/58 1000 7.3 0 0 145 8.2 84 74 Turb. 400 Sample from bay Lake Can.' 7/14/58 0900 6.6 0 4 139 8.3 93 77 24 hr. run If If 1300 7.6 0 6 139 8.4 101 82 It It It 1700 7.8 0 8 143 8.5 101 82 Ti IT IT 2100 7.3 0 9 135 8.5 88 79 I? 7/15/58 0100 7,6 0 Trace 142 8.4 82 75 It It ft 0500 7.7 0 20 117 8.4 88 76 IT

Hole in the rock 10/20/58 0815 8.8 0 145 7.2 67 60

66 mi, above 7/21/58 0900 7.8 0 10 138 8.4 90 78 Turb. 70 damsite 1300 8.2 0 18 130 8.5 95 79 24 hr. tun 11 It 1700 8.7 0 17 133 8.7 95 80 ft ft " 2100 8.0 0 18 131 8.6 75 78 IT ft 7/22/58 0300 8.0 0 20 120 8.6 76 78 ft ft It 0600 7.4 0 12 114 8.5 76 77 It Aztec Can. 7/26/58 1200 7.5 0 12 142 8.4 87 77 Turb. 225 Heavy rains

Kane Creek 7/31/58 1630 7.4 0 0 159 8.3 93 80 Turb. 380 Kane Creek 10/18/58 1130 8.5 0 15 145 8.0 81 65 Kane Creek 1/7/59 1030 13.4 0 6 174 8.1 34 33 Turb. 50 Lees Ferry 8/8/58 1700 7.7 0 16 110 8.3 87 84 TABLE 7 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF TRIBUTARY STREAMS OF THE COLORADO RIVER IN THE GLEN CANYON AREA -29-

Ave. Ave. Veloc- Volume Turb- Bottom Tocation Date Width Depth ity F/S CFS idity Type* Remarks

White Can.7/1/58 55 S, M Stream dry, near mouth backwater only

trachyte 7/1/58 2' 2" 0.8 0.2 Channel dry, springs near mouth C 1 near mouth / 10/29/58 Springs dry, pools " 1/6/59 3/4' 2" 0.2 0.02 Small stream 2 Mi. Can.7/1/58 Stream bed dry 4 Mi. Can 7/4/58 Backwater only Ticaboo C 7/6/58 Clear S, S1 Intermittent stream mouth-5mi with deep pools

UC-W-127**7/8/58 Muddy S Stream dry, pools near mouth

7 Mi.Can 7/8/58 Fairly S Small ponded stream mouth-2mi Clear 3/4 to 147 mi. up Warm Sp.0 7/9/58 li" 8" 1.0 0.8 3 S, R Spring fed stream mouth-2mi. and ponds

Smith Fk 7/10/58 2' 4" 2 S0RIG Ponded stream near mouth

Bullfrog 7/12/58 4' 9" 0.5 1.5 2 M, S C mouth- 3m!. & 25 8/20/58 12' 4" 1.2 3.8 640 CmR Heavy Rain day before mi. up

Hall Cr. 7/13/58 2' 4" Stream to 1 mi. mouth-2mi. ponds above

Lake Can 7/14/58 3' 2" 0.3 0.1 Fairly S Stream fluctuates mouth-5mi clear throughout day UC-E-88.5 7/17/58 l' 3" Middy R, M Fed by seeps near mouth - along stream

UC-E-86 7/18/58 Sp M Intermittent stream near mouth spring fed pools

Navaho Cr 7/18/58 S, R Steep rocky stream near mouth bed, small ponded stream

Escalante 7/19/58 10' 18" 4.5 61 700 Ektremely muddy at R near mouth only . mouth & " 30 12" 2.3 61 25 1 mi.up TABLE 7_ipontlql -30- Ave. Ave. Veloc- Volume Turb- Bottom Location Date Width Depth ity_ELS CFS idity Type* Remarks Hole-in 7/20/58 1' 3" 4 R, S Spring fed stream the-Rock 1 under 1 mi. long 11 10/20/58 1 3" R,S 1 San Juan 7/22/58 150 18" 6.7 1350 Muddy R. Mouth

NC-E-58i 7/24/58 Ponded Stream 1 mi.up Aztec Can 7/26/58 R, S Stream with many mouth-4mi deep pools Rock Cr. 7/28/58 3+ 2" 1.35 0.5 10 S, G mouth-2mi

West Can 7/29/58 3' 3ft Clear M mouth 1 Kane Cr. 7/31/58 2 8" 1.5 1.8 Clear Go M Dry above spring near mouth near mouth 10/18/58 lit 4" 1.6 0.7 1/7/59 21 2" 1.7 0.5 ft 11 ft Padre Cr 8/2/58 lit 3" 2 0.7 Clear G, S near mouth 1 " 10/18/58 2 6" 2 1.8 It Dry beyond 3i. mi.up " 1/7/59 21 4" 2 1.2 IT Warm Cr 8/4/58 61 4" 2 3.6 Turbid S mouth-2mi Warm Cr 1' 10/18/58 1 3" 1. 0.4 Clear S A G Stream begins 4i mibup " 1/7/59 2 1" 0.6 0.1 Sample 4 mi. up 1 Navaho 8/4/58 20 6" 2 18 340 S Scoured stream bed Cr.

* Bottom Types: S. = Sand _ Si. = Silt R. = Rock M. = Mud CmR. * Cemented Rock TABLE 8 -31-

CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF TRIBUTARY STREAM OF THE COLORADO RIVER IN THE GLEN CANYON AREA

CO = HCO - Air T. H O T. D.O. 2 2 Date Time P_M ME_3 211 °F 0F 9 Remarks Can. 7/1/58 1030 5.3 0 0 178 7.7 88 80 Backwater Cr 7/1/58 1300 5.7 3 0 230 7.4 92 64 Spring near mouth 1/6/59 0845 10.5 0 Trace 230 8.2 30 44 Stream near mouth 7/4/58 1330 7.3 0 2 130 7.7 82 79 Backwater

:t t4t.00 Cr. 7/6/58 1200 6.1 0 14 196 8.3 Pond 5 mi.up 7/6/58 0930 8.0 Trace 0 260 7.8 90 71 Pond 1 mi.up .:.w-127* 7/8/58 1030 4.8 0 0 144 7.6 94 79 Pool mi.up

p. Cr. 7/9/58 0900 8.2 0 0 185 803 94 72 24 hr. run in rit 96 82 3/4m1.up 1300 8.2 0 4 180 8.4 stream” ft 1700 7.0 0 12 186 8.6 89 83 ft 2100 6.4 0 Trace 185 8.3 89 76 et 7/10/58 0100 6.4 0 176 8.3 70 72 ft 11 0500 7.2 0 0 172 8.7 62 68 ft - Fk. 7/10/58 1600 7.2 0 20 160 8,6 90 82 Ponded stream 3/4 mi. up 7/12/58 1430 4.9 0 18 109 8.6 104 92 Stream 2imi.up Cr. 8/20/58 1600 6.0 0 Trace 175 8.2 100 76 Stream 25m1.up . Y.4:1's Cr. 7/13/58 1100 6.0 0 10 125 8.4 98 72 Pond 2 mi. up ,an. 7/14/580930 8.0 0 0 88 7.7 95 63 Spring ilmi.up 7/17/58 1400 6.1 0 8. 108 805 94 71 Stream at mouth r 7/18/58 1030 8.4 0 28 172 9.0 88 68 Pond i mi.up 7/18/58 1030 7.8 0 16 126 8.8 88 63 Spring imi.up Cr. 7/18/58 1330 7.6 0 14 182 8.4 100 84 Backwater 4 Yot 4nteF..7/19/58 1100 5.7 0 Trace 188 8.3 91 77 At mouth -1 nRock7/20/58 1600 7.1 0 Trace 139 8.0 99 69 Stream at mouth " 10/20/58 0815 8.8 3 0 145 7.2 67 60 ft 7/21/58 0900 9.4 0 11 117 804 90 83 24 hr run on ft 1300 9.9 0 13 106 8.4 95 80 pond on river ft 1700 9.4 0 14 96 8.7 95 82 bank 45/x15/ ft 2100 76 It tt 9.9 0 14 113 8.8 75 7/22/58 0100 ft fT 8.2 0 14 107 8.4 76 74 0600 7.3 0 14 92 8.4 76 73 ft TABLE 8 (C ntld) n -32-

D.C. CO__ 2 CO3= HCO3- Air. T. H20 T. ° :ccation Date Time ppm MS, 20._ PPm ai oF F Remarks an Juan R. 7/22/58 1500 8.8 0 18 80 8.8 101 82 at mouth 7/24/58 1130 7.3 0 8 207 8.4 85 70 Pond near mouth

Aztec Cr. 7/26/58 1500 8.1 0 16 110 8.4 84 78 Pond in stream 3/4 mi. up sock Cr. 7/28/58 1430 6.8 11 111 7.7 101 84 Stream near mouth

Kane Cr. 7/31/58 1600 6.1 1 0 144 7.7 82 74 Near mouth 11 10/18/58 1315 8.1 0 16 142 8.1 76 70 U. It 1/7/58 1100 9.4 0 10 160 8.0 34 53 If padre Cr. 10/18/58 1545 7.6 0 11 123 8.1 82 67 Stream i mi. 1/7/59 1230 8.8 0 12 144 8.2 39 53 It

Warm Cr. 8/2/58 0845 7.8 3 0 274 8.2 90 74 Hear mouth 10/18/58 0845 9.3 0 24 206 73 57 Stream 4 mi.up

* See explanation at end of Table 7. -33- Present Utilization of the Glen Canyon Area

As was previously stated, Glen Canyon is located in one of the roughest and ::ast inaccessible regions of the United States which is subject to little use by rAn, Prior to the initiation of the construction of the Glen Canyon dam, the riaing of uranium ore and oil explorations were the principal industrial uses of the area. Farming is almost nil in the area, consisting of a few small plots sear Hite and Red Canyon. The area is also utilized as winter range for livestock to a limited extent, At the present time, recreational use of the area consists prigarily of'scenic boat trips down.the Colorado and San Juan Rivers. Glen :anyon is probably the most scenic section of the Colorado River, which is easily navigable with rubber rafts or other small boats, and float trips through the area have become increasingly popular in recent years. Very little fishing Is done in the Glen Canyon area. The slight amount which does occur takes place primarily in the Hite-White Canyon area and at Kane Creek. Persons taking boat trips down the river are generally more interested in scenery than in fishing, :Lie to the nature and small size of the tributary streams, most of the fishing occurs on the Colorado River proper, Channel Catfish being the principal fish harvested,

There is little hunting or trapping in the area. Deer occur only in limited numbers in the area and a little waterfowl hunting takes place. Beaver are abundant in the area but are not widely trapped. Sumx_i_aia

The Glen Canyon area comprises a segment of the Colorado River some 170 miles in length, located in an extremely rugged inaccessible area. The deep, narrow canyon is joined by numerous tributary streaMs, most of which are inter- mittant in nature and often subject to flash flooding.

The Colorado River supports relatively few forms of fish, of which the Channel Catfish is most abundant, The fish fauna of the tributaries is more diverse, consisting primarily of forms which are adapted to the small streams and relatively high summer water temperatures. With the exception of the green sunfish, the growth rates of the game fish in the area appear to be low.

Aquatic insects are abundant in the trit;utaries but are restricted in numbers in the river due, apparentlysto the scouring action of the river and the shifting sand bottom.

Due to the irregular topography of the area, the flora occurs in discontinuous ecological areas. The heaviest plant cover is present along the river flood plain where Tamarix and willow predominate.

The Colorado River in the Glen Canyon area is a turbid stream subject to vide seasonal and yearly fluctuation. The chemical condition of the water appears to be adequate for fish, but the high turbidity, shifting sand bottom and lack of organic material result in relatively low productivity. Most of the tributary streams are relatively clear, except during periods of high runoff, and have sufficient dissolved oxygen and other chemical characteristics suitable for fish Production, However, their small size and intermittent nature greatly reduces their value as a game fish habitat. -34- FINDINGS: GREEN RIVER INVESTIGATIONS

FISHERY STUDIES •

A total of 16 species of fish were collected from the Green River drainage within the impoundment area of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, and in 29 miles of river below the dam site. All of the river and its tributary streams in the study area above gorge were thoroughly sampled. Al- though some samples were obtained in a few deep bays, intensive collecting, in the Flaming Gorge area was nearly impossible because of the deep, swift waters. The fish collections were made throughout July and most of August, 1959. There are a wide variety of ecological niches in the river (Tables 9, 10 and 11) and tributaries (Table 12), and a diversity of species. The humpback sucker, Colorado River squawfish, channel catfish and black bullhead were found only in the Flaming Gorge section of the river. While no trout were obtained from the Green River proper, several were observed in it at the confluence of Carter Creek. Brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout were coileated from several tributary streams in Utah. The flannel- .mouth sucker and bonytail chub seemed to be evenly distributed throughout the river. The largest population of minnows, redside shiner and speckled dace, were encountered from 10 to 15 miles below the town of Green River, Wyoming. Carp are common in the gorge area, but are sparsely found in the impoundment area north of the Utah-Wyoming state line.

Fish Species:

FlanneImouth Sucker Catostomus latipinnis Baird and Girard

This species was readily collected from most sections of the Green River and larger tributary streams. To give and indication of its abundance, 40 feet of primacord was exploded in a deep pool 4 miles above the confluence of Blacks Fork in the river, and 31 flannelmouths, ranging in total length 4.3 to 18.1 inches, floated to the surface. This sucker constituted 14.7 percent of all fish collected in the river. A total length range for this,species was 1.5 to 21.9 inches. The largest speciman weighed 3.5 pounds and was 21.9 inches in total length.

In Wyoming the flannelmouth sucker spawns at approximately the same time as trout in the tributary streams, and causes interference by its presence. It is primarily a herbivorous feeder, but has been accused of eating trout spawn (Simon, 1946).

Bluehead mountain sucker Pantosteus delphinus (Cope)

The bluehead mountain sucker was collected throughout the impound- zent area from a variety of habitats, but the larger specimens were taken from the river in the Flaming Gorge. This species constituted 4.1 percent -35-

of total fish collected in the river. The total length range for all mountain suckers collected was 2.1 to 16.2 inches. Fingerling bluehead mountain suckers were often found with young flannelmouth suckers. Most of the tributary streams that support trout contained the mountain sucker.

The bluehead mountain sucker is one of the most important source of food for lake trout occurring in the lakes of the upper Green River drainage (Simon, 1946). Koster states that this sucker is a good bait and forage fish. An interesting fact is that it feeds as readily upside down as when upright on algae attached to the underside of large boulders.

Humpback sucker Xyrauchen texanus (Abbott)

The humpback sucker is a species indigenous to the Colorado River drainage. It is reported to be abundant in the lower Colorado River, namely in Lakes Mead and Mohave, but only a few adults have been taken from the Green River in Wyoming (Simon, 1946).

One humpback sucker, collected during the summer of 1959 from the Green River in Utah near Hideout Forest Camp, was 19.2 inches in length and weighed 2.2 pounds. The grotesque hump on its back, formed by the interneural bones, readily separates this species from other suckers. All indications are that the humpback sucker is becoming rare in the Green River.

The period of spawning activity for humpback suckers in Lake Mead was between the 1st of March and the 15th of April. The water temperatures at this time of year were 54* F. to 65° F.The areas of spawning activity seemed widespread about gravel shores in water depths 2 to 15 feet. Females were escorted by 2 to 15 males. Following the spawning act carp were seen to converge over the location and feed voraciously. (Jonez and Summer, 1954).

Bonytail chub Gila robusta Baird and Girard

During the investigations, all variations of bonytail chubs were treated as one species. Several morphological variations occur within this species and available literature indicates that fishery taxonomists are uncertain as to classification of these variations.

Extensive collecting wasconducted on the river from 7 miles below the town of Green River, Wyoming to the Utah-Colorado state line, a distance of approximately 120 miles. The bonytail chub constituted 7.3 percent of all fish taken from this segment of the Green River. It was primarily collected from the main channel, while a few samples of small bonytails were taken along the shoreline. The largest bonytail collected had a total length of 16.6 inches and weighed 1.2 pounds. Not one bonytail was taken from streams containing trout which may be due to water temperature and the rapidly moving small streams. -36—

In Lake Mohave, large populations of bonytails were observed spawning on a gravelly shelf during May. It appeared that each female had 3 to 5 male escorts. The eggs were broadcasted over gravel. A volumetric count of the eggs taken from a 12 inch female revealed about 10,000 ripe eggs. The bonytails found in the spawning area had bright reddish sides and bellies. This color is not seen on the bonytails at other times of the year. Bonytails in Lake Mohave are found widely scattered throughout the lake, but are less abundant than the humpback sucker (Jonez and LAURIER, 1954).

Carp Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus

The carp constituted 1.1 percent of all fish collected from the impoundment area. Numerous carp were observed in the Flaming Gorge feeding close to shore, but few were collected because of the difficulty in sampling the deep, rapidly moving waters. Thirty-one fingerlings were collected from the Wyoming segment of the impoundment area, but it is assured by finding these fingerlings that adults are present. Carp are reported on headwaters of the Green River near Boulder, Wyoming by personnel of the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission. The largest carp was collected in the Red Canyon area. 'It had a total length of 20.7 inches and weighed 4.4 pounds.

Carp are found to be the most abundant species of fish in Lake Mead. Although, fluctuating waters aids in controlling their population.

Fathead minnow Pimephales promelas Rafinesque

The fathead minnow is undoubtedly a new species for the Green River, as records do not list it in this particular drainage. It was found while investigating the Green River and tributary streams during the summer of 1959. Twenty-one fatheads were collected at the mouth of Currant Creek in a partially isolated pond, while a single speciman was taken in the shallow waters of the Green River. These 22 fish had a length range of 1.5 to 2.4 inches with a mean of 1.8 inches.

• The fathead thrives well in murky waters and can easily be propagated in culture ponds. It is used almost exclusively in several of the mid- western state fish hatcheries as a forage fish for game fish culture. This minnow does not ordinarily live longer than 2 years. Spawning occurs throughout a major part of the summer season (Ward, 1959). The eggs are laid in shallow water on the underside of rocks and large roots. However, the fathead will spawn in deeper water if preferred locations are not present. After spawning activity, the males begin to die and will continue to die throughout the summer (Prather, 1954). Colorado River Squawfish Ptychocheilus lucius Girard

The Colorado River Squawfish is confined to the Colorado River drainage and is the largest member of the Cyprinidae family found in North America. In the lower Colorado River it may attain a length of 5 feet and a weight of 80 pounds. Older residents of Green River, Wyoming report that specimens weighing up to 30 pounds have been taken in that vicinity, and 'similar reports have been received from residents of Browns Park, Utah. Locally, the squawfish has acquired common names such as, "whitefish and white salmon." This species spawns during the spring, according to Beckman, 1953. Only two squawfish were collected in the Green River during 1959. These were taken from a deep pool in the Utah segment of the impoundment area near Hideout Forest Camp. The largest speciman weighed 2.7 pounds and had a total length of 21.4 inches.

The squawfish was common in the Colorado. River prior to construction . of Lakes Mead and Mohave, but has not been observed in either of these lakes since. (Jonez and Sumner, 1954)

Redside shiner Richardsonius balteatus (Richardson)

This minnow is native to the Columbia River Basin and the Bonneville Basin of Utah and Idaho. Three specimens were collected from the Green River during 1938 and many in 1942. This indicates that it has been trans- ferred accidentally from the Bear and Snake Rivers by live bait fishermen and has increased rapidly. (Simon, 1946).

The redside shiner constituted the largest number of fish in the collections of 1959. This species constituted 49.2 percent of all fish collected excluding fish taken from the tributary streams. All of the shiners collected in the river were taken near the shoreline while none were captured from the main channel. One seine haul below the town of Green River, Wyoming produced 971 shiners with range in lengths varying from 1.8 to 2.3 inches. The largest speciman collected had a length of 4.1 inches. This fish is know to attain a length of 5.25 inches.

Simpson has observed the shiner preying upon newly released grayling • fry. Most of its food, howerver, consists of small aquatic insect larvae, crustaceans and small amounts of plant debris. (Simon 1946).

Speckled dace Rhinichthys osculus (Girard)

The speckled dace was commonly collected from the river, and most of its tributary streams. Several dace were observed spawning in gravel at the end of a riffle area on Blacks Fork during July 11, 1959 and a few -38- gravid females were collected from the mouth' of Carter Creek on July 27 of the same year. This minnow was found in abundance along the shallow shorelines of river, and to a lesser extent in the deep channels. The speckled dace unlike the redside shiner was occupying trout habitat in some of the tributary streams. The length range for all dace collected was 1.6 to 4.1 inches. . This dace may be a forage species for the bonytail chub as stomach analysis of 17 bonytails revealed one speckled dace and one unidentified minnow. The speckled dace was collected from a variety of habitats.

Koster states that this somewhat omnivorous fish feeds upon algae and small animals. In New Mexico, it is utilized as a bait and forage fish.

Black bullhead Ictalurus melas (Rafinesque)

The black bullhead is native to the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. Records indicate that it was widely introduced throughout Utah from Utah Lake in 1914.

Thirty specinens, ranging in total length 3.0 to 8.8 inches, were taken as a sample from an isolated, stagnant pond near the river in Browns Park which was formed during the spring run-off. These 30 bullheads along with many others were coming to the surface and gasping for air. The bullhead is rare in the Green River system within the impoundment area. No bullheads were collected from the river proper.

In some Colorado reservoirs, the black bullhead is very abundant and enters into competition with game species. (Beckman, 1953). It propa- gates rapidly and will do well in some waters unsuited to other species. Although its spawn-eating habits may make it a menace where more desirable fish are present (Simon, 1946).

Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque)

The channel catfish has been introduced to the river by Wyoming and Utah Fish and Game Departments. In the Flaming Gorge area, thirteen channel catfish were collected in the river from a deep pool. These fish had a total length range of 9.3 to 17.5 inches. The hook and line techni- que proved successful in capturing this species. Channel catfish and Rocky Mountain whitefish were the only game fish collected while investigating the Green River, although trout are know to occur in it at the confluence of Carter Creek. This species is abundant on the lower Colorado River in Lakes Mead and Mohave.

Mottled sculpin Cottus bairdi Girard

This species of sculpin penetrates to high altitudes and often appears above seemingly impassable waterfall barriers. Several specimens were -39-

collected from shallow waters of the river during the investigations. One huge speciman, measuring 5.6 inches, was collected from a deep pool in the gorge near Hideout Forest Camp. The water depth at point of capture was near 18 feet. In sampling the tributary streams, Cart Creek contained the largest population of sculpins per unit area.

This fish is of little value except as a forage and occasionally as -bait. Koster reports that it competes with trout for bottom foods.

Cutthroat trout Salmo clarki Richardson

The cutthroat trout is the only trout native to the Colorado River drainage. It was collected in several cold, tributary streams in the gorge area of Utah. Several hybrids (cutthroat X rainbow trout) were collected in Carter, Sheep, Skull and Eagle Creeks. Cutthroat trout revealing true cutthroat characteristics were also taken from the same tributaries. These trout had a total length range of 2.6 to 16.0 inches with a mean of 6 inches. In 1955 over 50,000 cutthroat fry were stocked in Carter Creek.

Colorado River cutthroat trout, Salmo clarki pleuriticus Cope, is a pure variety, but it is now extremely rare and can be taken only in some of the headwater streams of the Colorado River drainage. In Wyoming it was present in very small numbers in the upper Green River and tributary streams in 1934, Simon, 1946. It is doubtful if a pure strain of cutthroat trout exist in these waters with introduction of the rainbow trout.

Rainbow trout Salmo gairdneri Richardson

This species is originally from the Pacific Coast, but has been introduced to tributary streams of the Green River. During the investigations it was, collected from the following streams in Utah: Sheep, Carter, Eagle and Cart Creeks. Of these streams, Carter Creek, bý far, contains the largest population of rainbow trout. In sampling this stream over 50% of the fish collected were of this species. Some natural reproduction occurs in Carter Creek, as a few rainbow fingerlings were taken while investigating the impoundment area, but the extent of reproduction is now known. Records reveal that no rainbow fingerlings have been stocked in Carter Creek during the last 7 years, though rainbows 6 inches or over have been stocked annually. The rainbows collected had a total length range of 2.6 to 13.8 inches with a mean of 7.1 inches.

Rainbows are know to migrate more extensively than any other species of trout and this habit should be taken into consideration when stocking them in new waters because they are more likely to suffer through diver- sion into irrigation and power canals. They seem to find both warm and cold waters congenial, the upper limit of temperature in well aereated waters is about 80° F. (Simon, 1946). -40- Brown trout Salmi trutta Linnaeus

Brown trout have been successfully introduced to the upper tributaries of the Green River in Wyoming. Large specimens are annually taken by angling from New Fork and East Fork Rivers near Pinedale, Wyoming. Not one brown trout, or any other species of trout, were taken from the Green River during the investigations, but personnel of this Department report that browns have been taken from the river in Utah. Browns were collected during the summer of 1959 from the following tributaries in Utah: Sheep, Carter, Eagle, Skull, Trail and Cart Creeks. These fish had a length range of 1.2 to 9.$ inches with a mean of 5.5 inches.

Brown trout are probably the most tolerant of high temperatures and muddy streams conditions, thus it is of value in streams unfavorable to other trout species. It is relatively non-migratory except for minor movements upstream during spawning, (Simon, 1946).

Brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill)

• No brook trout were collected while investigating the river and tributary streams. Through conservation officers of this department report catches of brook trout taken from Carter and Willow Creeks in the past years. They are reportedly found in the remote areas and beaver dams on the upper section of these streams. Finftrlings were stocked in Willow Creek during 1954 and 3 to 6 inch brooks were planted in Carter Creek in 1948. All indications are that this species has been unsuccessful in becoming established on the lower section of the tributaries.

Rocky Mountain whitefish Prosopium williamsoni (Girard)

The whitefish is the most abundant fish in the Green River Lakes and other lakes on the headwaters of the Green River. Although not so numerous in the river, it is common in the headwaters to just below the town of Green River, Wyoming, (Simon, 1946). During the investigations, 16 immature specimens were collected from the river in the impoundment area. These were captured 7 to 15 miles below the town of Green River, Wyoming. No adults were taken from this section, but the young are evidence of their presence. The length range for these immature fish was 1.6 to 2.7 inches. Five specimens taken in Carter Creek had a length range of 7.3 to 9.0 inches and 1 specimen taken from Skull Creek had a length of 3.1 inches. All whitefish taken in the river were collected in shallow water near the shoreline. Stomach analysis revealed that the 5 whitefish collected in Carter Creek were feeding exclusively on small caddisflies. -41-

Condition Factor

Condition ("K") factors were calculated (Table 15) for 9 species of fish collected from the Green River and Carter Creek. It should be point- ed out in the beginning that these fish samples are too small as to draw any definite conclusions, but a trend in the "K" factors involving the bonytail chubs, flannelmouth suckers and rainbow trout can be determined.

It appears from the mean "K" factors calculated for 44 bonytails taken from the riverr that as this species increases in size, the "K" factor becomes smaller. Likely, this could be the result of 2 things: First, as the bonytail matures the caudal peduncle becomes more slender and lengthens, thus causing the length-weight ratio to decrease. Secondly, as these fish get larger there is more competition and demand for available food. They undoubtedly change feeding habits upon maturing as two small minnows were removed from the stomachs of 2 large bony-tails.

The mean "K" factors calculated from 45 flannelmouth suckers taken in the Green River reveal little change in length-weight ratio with increased size. This may indicate that little intraLspecific competition exists between age groups for food because of their herbivorus feeding habits.

The mean "K" factors, involving ten rainbow trout collected in Carter Creek, have a tendency to decrease as the trout get larger. Again this could indicate that as the trout reaches maturity there is a greater demand and competition for available food as the trout are gradually changing feeding habits.

The remaining "K" factors involving the following fish species: 10 cutthroat trout, 2 brown trout, 5 whitefish, 2 squawfish, 2 carp and 1 humpback sucker are too small of a sample to draw any conclusions other than these "K" factors indicate that these individuals are growing at a normal rate for these species. 8-26-59 8-24-59 8-26,59 7-30-59 29-299 7-29-59 7-27-59 7-26-59 7-25-59 7-22-59 7-25-59 7-21-59 22-324B 7-20-59 22-324A 7-20-59 21-326 7-20-59 20-327 7-17-59 18-339A 7-10-59 11-356B - -.3-59 7-9..59 7-7-59 :ATE -8-59 Percent Total 214-306C 24-306D 24-306B' 24-306Av 26-306ABv 22-324c 11-356A 10-358 2-27 3-267 1-287 5-376B 9-365 COLL. Table

v Y

9. •

92 31.7 4.8 .352.1 10 31 COMPOSITION OFFISHSPECIESCOLLECTEDFROMTHEMAIN 2 1 3 7 3 3 1 5 8 7 4 1 5

Flannelmouth'sucker 14 2 2 2 2 5 1

1151

1 CHANNEL OFGREENRIVER

Humpback sucker 12 18 35 11 14 15 2 8 2 8 7 3 3 5 6

Bonytailchub

Reds ide Shiner 13 11 14 2 2 Speckled dace 5 • .7 Colo. squawfish

Fathead minnow 2 .7 1 2

.7 1 1 Mottled sculpin

whitefish 13 4.5 1 Channel catfish TOTAL 290 24 17 25 23 24 16 10 41 47 13 5 3 3 2 8 8 7 5 5

' niese sampl ..../4-59 . M - - 1-26-59 - - - *-4-59 6-372B53 - PE/CENT -21-59 -rF.59 -6-59 -6 -5-59 -I.-59 6-372A13 4-59 5-37659 e TOTAL , lastthreenumbersofthecollectionnumber indicatestherivermilewhere -59 59 4-37724 30 e 18-339B 35-261 7-36736 COLL. 23-32318 8-3666 4-27256 8-366A was carp werefingerlings obtained.TheFlamingGorge

Table 10. 332 12.7 60 13 Flannelmouthsucker 15 25 61 106 1 2 2 4.1 Mountain sucker

Humpback sucker OF COMPOSITION OFFISH SHORELINES, 2.3 18 15 60 3 3 1 THE 9 9 Bonytailchub

101 195 971 1424 54.7 47 18 72 GREEN RIVER. 2 9 9 Redsideshiner

192 169 36 29 64 518 17 19.9 6 4 1 dace Speckled SMALL CHANNELSANDISOLATED

Coloradosquamfish dam 21 .G +3 RX. V 8 CD CD E 0 1 .81.2 22

COLLECTED

. islocated

*30 U • ;., di 31

4-I R9 +, V X Z 0 0 M 3 .5 10 13 .

0 •0H 0 G FROM SHALLOWBAYS, = 11 +I H A-I +3 X M A) 2 1 2 .6 16

H at .0 • .C1) ,. = 0 f-1 0 river mile290.

H 3.2 4 V XI CD 0 A) 80 80

FOOLS + + A 0 0 &I 3 3

Brook trout + + 4 + C) o O K 0 3 3 3 3

74 0 -43- + + .SA E: 3

1212 2602 185 516 204 177 TOTAL 40 30 22 77 58 81

Table 11. COMPOSITION OF FISH COUECTED FROM THE GREEN RIVER

SPECIES 4 4 M U) ...-1 4.1 4-1 4-1 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 .0 .0 ..--1 cd -01 0 4 'V M •F-1 M E ui H 13 0 .4.; ..-1 0 0 9..1 •0 X 0 cd 1:1 H cd AI +3 ..-1. P-t 0 --3*A U) 0 0 4 04 , 0 9 z 0 8., R--1 +3 ;4 o RI 0 O o cd o o Cutthroat trout Rainbow trout Channel catfish Black bullhead C=4 X Humpback sucker FR R4 CR) C.) IX4 C.) F: TOTAL

Shallow area 332 106 60 1424 518 22 31 13 16 80 2602 Main channel

92 14 1 151 13 2 2 2 13 290

TOTALS

424 120 1 211 1424 531 - 2 22 33 15 16 13 80 2892

PERCENT

14.74.1 7.3 49.2 18.4 .07 .8 1.1 .5 .6 .4 2.8

This table gives the total number of fish collected from the Green River. ..SC .,.. C.) .,. 0 "8 $-. • u) -P a) ... O a -,-1 . 0 cc) .. a) F.4a) 0 , la• 9-1 .0 46 0 0 H cd 4-) .r., R 0 -P 0 co g N .CL H ..(4' cd ..-1 a) •-o rot a) a) .c) '0. , cd a) O • .O 9-1 a) 0 a) co .0 04 f-il cd 0 0 '0 .4-) H H 0 a) P.. W M 0 o DATE STREAM 114 M M f= 44 U 1: TOTAL 77§759 Blacks Fork 122 63 193 152 74 1 605

7/13/59 Currant Creek 106 19 2 258 32 21 1 4 443

8/11/59 Henrys Fork 34 1 31 11 9 86

7/27/59 Sheep Creek 15 1 230 203 67 15- 60 591 7/18/59 Carter Creek 6 45 7 5 7 56 135 261 7/28/59 Eagle Creek 19 7 17. 22 65 7/30/59 • Skull Creek 17 1 7 19 51

7/31/59 Trail Creek 7 1 8 8/25/59 Gorge Creek 9 146 24 • 4 183 8/25/59 Little Davenport 36 6 .2 44 8/12/59 Dutch John Draw 12 12 8/10/59 Cart Creek • • 9 10 98 46 2 1 10 176

Total . 334 109 226 651 620 21 1 194 6 37 97 227 2525 Percent 13 4 9 26 25 48 .03 8 .2 1 - 3.8 9

TABLE 12. SPECIES OF FISH COLLECTED FROM TRIBUTARY STREAMS -46— Table 13. THE TOTAL LENGTH RANGE FOR FISH SPECIES COLLECTED FROM TRIBUTARIES

Blacks Fork Currant Creek Henrys Fork

Species Total Length Range Total Length Range Total Length Range

Flannelmouth sucker 83-456 mm 40-59 mm 53-362 mm Mountain sucker 61-89 mm 39-58 mm 68 nun Redside shiner 39-$1 mm 31-105 mm 60-100 mm Speckled dace 51-93 mm 42-100 mm 54-111 mm Bonytail chub 59-189 mm 47-49 mm 58-232 mm Mottled Sculpin 51 mm 23-27 mm Fathead minnow 43-70 mm Carp 88 mm

Sheep Creek Carter Creek Eagle. Creek

Flannelmouth sucker 52-86 mm Mountain sucker 67 mm 174-300 mm Redside Shiner 38-71 mm Speckled dace 41-63 mm 69-121 mm Mottled sculpin 56-134 mm 36-136 mm 41-130 mm Brown trout 78-251 mm 196-202 mm 40-151 mm Rainbow trout 66-260 mm 102-351 mm 107-295 mm Rocky Mt. whitefish 186-229 mm Cutthroat trout 96-407 mm 140-294 mm

Skull Creek Trail Creek Dutch John Draw

Speckled dace 68-114 mm Rocky Mt. whitefish 78 mm Mottled sculpin 30-142 Mm 40-43 nun Cutthroat trout 67-205 mm Brown trout 31-63 mm 64 mm (R X C) hybrids 134-280 mm Flannelmouth sucker 37-52 mm

Cart Creek Gorge Creek Little Davenport Creek

Flannelmouth sucker 95-111 mm 22-94 MM Mountain sucker 75-105 mm 38-83 mm Speckled dace 52-113 mm 19-96 mm 23-32 mm Mottled sculpin 31-118 mm 36-51 mm 40-51 mm Rainbow trout 118-200 mm Cutthroat trout 176 mm 62-148 mm Brown trout 180-201 mm TrOt fry (Species Unident.) 27-49 mm Flannel mouthsucker Mountain sucker Bonytail Channel catfish Carp Colorado Mottled 8/24/59 8/26/59 7/26/59 7/10/59 7/27/59 7/25/59 7/22/59 7/21/59 7/9/59 7/3/59 Date .Sampling Species Green River Gill net(meshesrange from sculpin squawfish chub Coll. No. 1 3/4" 11-356A 1 22-324B 24-306C 24-306B 24-306A 22-324C i-356B 1-287 5-376B 2-276 Total Percent ofTotal Table with to

Experimental Hrs. Fished 14. 3 3/4") 142.5 12.0 10.0 22.0 12.5 16.0 12.0 14.5 22.0 21.0 COMPOSITION OFCATCH BY COLLECTION 0.5 in

18.7 28 10 3 7 1 1 2 4

9.3 Flannelmouthsucker 14 METHODS 1 2 2 2 2 5 Mountain sucker 68.0 102 18 11 12 35 6 3 2 8 5 2

Bonytailchub SPECIBB 1.3 199-411 mm 400-544 mm 320-350 mm Size Range 82-492 mm 2 78-422 mm 2 Coloradosquawfisb 399 mm 143 mm .7 C.) 1 P4 P4 CL 1

.7 9-1 R-1 1 IN 0 04 1

(TotalLength) 1.3 2 . .1-1 R-1 4-1 1 1 - 0 (1) P 0 0 0

-47- 150 Total 41 13 16 17 25 23 3 2 5 5 -48- Table 14. Conttd)

SPECIES Sampling with a 20 foot minnow seine channels sucker Small Shallow bays Shorelines

Date Coll. No. Total Reds ide shiner Flannelmouth Mountain sucker Mountain whitefish Speckled dace Mottled sculpin

7/1/59 4-377 24 25 1 101 29 2 3 185 7/4/59 6-372B 53 61 3 191 192 1 11 512 7/5/59 7-367 36 .15 971 169 21 1212 7/6/59 8-366B 60 9 72 36 177 7/21/59 23-323 18 2 2 9 17 10 -58 8/26/59 4-272 56 2 9 9 1 77

Total 247 90 39 1353 444 22 13 13 2221 Percent of Total 11.1 4.1 1.7 60.9 20.0 1.0 .6 .6

Species Size Range (Total Length

Flannelmouth sucker 48-254 mm Mountain sucker 49-287 mm Redside shiner 21-103 mm Speckled dace 41-103 mm

Fathead minnow 37-60 mm

Rocky Mountain whitefish 41-68 mm

Mottled sculpin 26-86 mm 8/26/59 7/30/59 7/29/59 7/20/59 Speckled dace FlanneImouth 7/20/59 Channel catfish Carp 7/20/59 7/17/59 Mottled Humpback sucker Rocky Mountainsucker 7/8/59 Mountain sucker Redside Bonytail 7/7/59 7/6/59 7/4/59 (Primacord) 7/2/59 Sampling explosives Table Date Species 14. sculpin shiner Percent ofTotal with Coll.

chub 29-299 24-306D 22-324A 21-326 18-339A 20-327 10-358

3-266 .(Contld) 9-365 6-372A 8-366A 5-376

sucker

No.

Total 0.4 o A C.) CD I

• R C X CA 4 C.) i

H X E C' M ai 37.5 4.0.317.616.821.8.7 -

149 161706787 31 13 13 59 15 3 3 7 8 rx, 5 5 cd

lmouth suckelf 1

Mountain sucker

237-275 mm Humpback sucker 15 14 18 4764 45-61 mm 35-90 mm 40-95 mm 47-403 mm 60.424 mm Size Range 71-556 mm 2 8 3 7 3 24

11 Bonytailchub 18 6 488 mm 527 mm SPECIES 56 mm Reds ide shiner 2 Speckled dace (TotalLength)

1 3 1 2 Mountain whitefish H -P cH 1 M ct 1 1 M • O

H Z - 0 H C.) U) Ca. 1 •

1 398 -49-

47 Total 204 10 24 40 24 22 4 3 8 7 5

-50- Table 15. CONDITION FACTOR

Gila robusta collected from Green River during July and August 1959 Average

Fish SLmm (25 mm length intervals) Wt. gms.

145.5 47.4 1.55 • 167.0 67.2 1.43 186.2 77.5 1.20 2 206.5 120.0 1.37 2 250.5 222.5 1.41 269.5 253.7 1.30 •290.2 350.0 1.44 1 308.0 350.0 1.20 3 342.6 488.3 1.21 1 360.0 555.0 1.19

Catostomus latininnis collected from Green River during July & August 1959 Average

No. Fish SLmm (25 mm length intervals) Wt. gms. "K"

1 86.0 16.0 2.51 3 182.3 81.3 1.34 3 220.6 155.6 1.45 7 249.5 225.0 1.44 4 272.0 291.2 1.43 6 300.6 404.2 1.48 4 321.7 474.5 1.46 1 354.0 620.0 1.40 10 374.1 693.5 1.32 5 395.8 878.2 1.41 1 481.0 1610.0 1.45

Salmo gairdneri collected from Carter Creek during August 1959 Average

O. Fish SLmm (25 mm length intervals) Wt. gms. 11KfT

3 135.3 41.6 1.67 2 168.0 80.0 1.68 2 191.0 95.0 1.34 1 253.0 215.0 1.33 1 280.0 275.0 1.25 1 309.0 350.0 1.19 -51- Salmo clarki collected from Carter Creek during August 1959

Average

. Fish SLmm (25 mm length intervals) gins. ItKu

8 157.5 52.5 1.29 169.0 100.0 2.07 1 0 1 205.0 80.0 .93 Salmo trutta collected from Carter Creek during August 1959

Average

No. Fish SLmm (25 mm length intervals) Wt. gins. "Kit

2 175.5 75. 1.38

Prosopium milliamsoni collected from Carter Creek during August .1959 Average

No. Fish SLmm (25 mm length intervals Wt. gins. "IT

4 176.7 87.5 1.52 1 200.0 120.0 1.50

Ptchocheilus lucius collected from Green River during July 1959

No. Fish SLmm Wt. gins.

1 340.0 535.0 1.36 1 465.0 1250.0 1.24

Aylluthen texanus collected from Green River during July 1959

no, Fish SLmm Wt. gins. UK??

419. 1000.0 1.36

Cyprinus carpio collected from Green River during July 1959

O. Fish SLnun Wt. gins.

334. 1025.0 2.75 1443. 2000.0 2.30 -52- .-71VBES Fish diseases and parasites are a natural phenomenon occurring in nature. ”.ey are not readily detected due to the fact that many of the parasites are remely small and difficult to see without the aid of a microscope. The .,seased fish, as they weaken, become easy prey to piscivorous fish and other i als Other diseased fish slowly settle to the stream bottom where they ;undetected and decompose.

The Green River is no exception to this general rule. The flannelmouth 4.cker, Catostomus latipinnis, and bluehead mountain sucker, Pantosteus hinus, seemed to be more susceptible to diseases and parasites than species collected from the river in midsummer, 1959. This could easily a density dependent factor or could be caused by domestic and industrial 7:11ution which enters the river at the city of Green River, Wyoming. The fish collections began approximately seven miles below the town, and in this vIcinity, the diseased fish were more prevalent than farther downstream. 7ne external parasites were extensively scattered throughout the river and t.ributaries.

These two species of suckers exhibited symptoms of a bacterial ulcer disease. Several specimens bore red bleeding lesions on their head and body. .7^..hers had what appeared to be dark spots located in the same areas and on the fins which upon close examination proved to be areas of decomposed tissue. Yany had both spots and lesions in various stages. The lesions appeared VAtish with intermingled bleeding. At the base of the epithelial tissue there was a red discoloration. The fins, especial:y the caudal, were also infected with some of the membraneous tissue destroyed. This disease was not detected on any other species of fish collected from the Green River.

PARASITES

Leeches (Hirudinea) were commonly seen attached to the caudal and dorsal fins of suckers, chubs, trout and whitefish. An internal parasite, a post- plerocercoid larva, Ligula intestinalis (Linnaeus), was found protruding from the anal cavity of a bluehead mountain sucker after it had been placed In a preservative formaldehyde solution. This parasite was fantastically large in comparison to its host. Meyer (195)4) states that infected fish are often distinguishable because of their greatly distended bellies, which, in some cases, are so crowded with worms that the body wall bursts with handling. Plehn (192)+) reports that the weight of plerocereoids may equal that of the host fish.

FOOD OF BONYTAIL CHUB

The analysis of food found in stomachs taken from Gila robusta (Table 16), reveals that this species is omnivorous in its feeding habits. It appears to feed on almost any type of food or parts available. Three of the 17 stomachs examined were entirely empty. Two of the larger stomachs contained 1 small zinnow each. One of these minnows was identified as speckled dace, _lLi.chlRhi . hus osoulus. However, the presence of these minnows does not necessarily indicate -53-

that this species is carnivorous, but it is highly probable that it includes fish in its diet upon reaching maturity. The animal material in the stomachs consisted primarily of terrestrial insects. The insects included ants, mayflies, beetles and true flies. Ants were the most numerous of the terrestrial insects, constituting 58.7 percent of the items. The study also showed that this fish consumes a large quantity of plant matter mcstly in the form of woody fragments, but the nutritional value of these fragments is highly questionable. In the Flaming Gorge vicinity, following a heavy rain which washed debris into the river, several bonytail chubs were observed feeding at the surface in a bay area which contained a floating mass of woody fragments.

Table 16. Shaffing analysis of food taken from the stomachs of 17 bonytail chubs from Green River during August 1959. Fish total lengths in inches; maximum, 16.1; minimum 6.8; average. 9.0. Volume of of food, 16.6 cubic centimeters; number of animals, 225. This study is based on percentages of concurrence, number and volume.

Percent Occurrence Items Vol. cc. Animal 54.2 87.9 44-3 Undetermined 4.2 .4 2.2 Determined 0.0 8 2.1 Fish 8.3 .7 7.5 Undetermined 4.1 .3 3.1 Determined .2 Rhinichythys osculus 4.2 .4 4.4 Insects 1. 86.8 .6 Undetermined 20.9 21.1 16.8 Determined 20.8 65.7 17.8 Hymenoptera 9.6 58.7 14.2 Diptera 6.4 5.8 2.7 Ephemeroptera 1.6 .4 .4 Coleoptera 3.2 .8 .5 Plant 16. 12.1 2 . Undetermined 12.5 21.5 Determined .2 12.1 2.2 Seeds 4.2 12.1 2.2 Undetermined Organic Material 29.1 32.0

Potential Trout saming_Amm The evaluation of trout spawning areas imposed a problem because of sub- normal stream flows during this past summer. There will undoubtedly be a scarcity of spawning sites in the Flaming Gorge Reservoir. However, if trout -54 - and kokanee salmon ascend the Green River and spawn, this will somewhat alleviate the problem. Trout are reported on the headwaters of Henrys Fork by personnel of the U.S. Forest Service. This stream may prove to be a spawning stream after the reservoir becomes established. Streams in Utah that have known trout reproduction are: Sheep, Carter, Eagle and Cart Creeks, (Table 20).

The mean flows computed from U.S. Geological Survey records, covering a period of 6 years, for Sheep Creek are as follows: April, 24 cfs.; May, 63 cfs.; and June 1 72 cfs., (Flow records are available up to 1958). The records for Carter Creek are also sketchy, but available flaw data is slightly higher than Sheep Creek.

The tributary streams below the damsite, within the anticipated cold water, fishery zone, are intermittent and shallow streams. Only 3 streams out of 9 surveyed have a possibility of being potential trout spawning streams.

It is anticipated, as did the Colorado River below Lakes Mead and Mohave, that the Green River below the damsite will change from a silt-laden, turbu- lent river to a clear, swiftly moving stream once the reservoir becomes established. The swift flow of clear water is likely to carry away the silt leaving a gravelly bottom suitable for trout spawning.

Investigations Below Dam Site

A study was conducted on the Green River and tributaries from the Flaming Gorge dam site to the Utah-Colorado state line. It appears in traveling and observing this 29 mile stretch of river that a good trout fishery will extend most of this distance or at least to Swallow Canyon. The large riffle areas extend to Swallow Canyon and diminish. This is due to a reduction in the velocity of the river and a scarcity of boulders. The boulders in the riffle areas were free from silt, but had an abundance of green algae and aquatic insects attached to them. The river bottom, beginning near the mouth of Swallow Canyon, is composed of sand-silt which is continuously shifting.

Several attemps were made to collect fish in Swallow Canyon. First, 3 charges of primacord, each 50 feet in length, were exploded, but failed to reveal any fish. Than an experimental gill net was suspended between two rubber rafts and as the rafts slowly moved downstream the net was towed for a distance of one quarter mile. This method likewise proved unsuccessful in capturing fish.

Present Fisher Utilization of Green River and Its Tributaries

• It is concluded after observing the Green River for a period of 2 months, during the summer of 1959 and talking to residents nearby that very little fishing pressure is exerted onthis river within the proposed impoundment area. Other than limited numbers of channel catfish, the fish population is comprised of undesirable non-game species. As a result creel returns are low "NONWESE,

-55-

Ed very little effort is directed toward fishing this river. It was noted that some large Colorado River squawfish, exceeding 26 pounds, have been caught in 7rowns Park. Since construction began on Flaming Gorge Dam, an influx of workers have -oved to the nearby town of Dutch John, Utah. During non-working hours and with a scarcity of other recreational facilities, much energy is expended fishing the lakes and streams in the Uinta Mountain region. Carter, Cart, and Sheep Creeks, which are fair trout streams flowing in the impoundment area, have received heavy fishing pressure. -56-

AQUATIC INSECTS

• High turbidity and scouring action of sand in the Green River, undoubtedly, have a detrimental effect on the aquatic fauna and flora present. The high turbidity likely directly affects the food chain while the scouring action of sand would probably have an indirect and direct effect. Tributaries, with the exception of Blacks Fork, Henrys Fork and Red'Creek, are not seriously affected by these two factors.

In analyzing 17 stomachs taken from bonytail chubs, only a few aquatic insects were observed. This is probably due to the scarcity of insects in the river.

The following aquatic insects were collected: Mayflies,(Ephemeroptera); dragonflies and damselflies, (Odonata); stoneflies, (Plecoptera); true aquatic bugs, (Hemiptera); caddisflies, (Trichoptera); aquatic beetles, (Coleop- tera); and flies, gnats, midges and mosquitoes, (Diptera). The aquatic insect fauna is extremely diverse due to the numerous ecological niches. The predominant aquatic insects present in the Green River are of the orders Ephemer- optera and Odonata. Predominant families of these orders are Tricorythidael Oligoneuriidae, Leptaphlebiidae and Gomphidae. The bulk of true aquatic bugs with the exception of Gerridae were collected from marshy areas adjacent to the Green River. Caddisflies were fairly common in the tributaries and to a lesser extent in the river. Two families of aquatic beetles, Dytiscidae and Elmidae, were commonly collected from the river near the shoreline. Although many families of the order Diptera were collected, the only abundant families were: Tendipedidae, Rhagionidae and Tipulidae. Stoneflies were abundant in the tributaries, but sparse in the river. Stomachs of rainbow and cutthroat trout collected from Carter Creek were examined and found to contain mostly stonefly and mayfly nymphs.

Impounding the Green River will change it from a lotic to a lentic environment and create ecological changes. It is probably that the dragonflies, damselflies, true aquatic bugs, beetles, flies, gnats, midges and mosquito populations will erupt, while the mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies will probably decrease. Regardless of which groups increase or decrease, the insect productivity of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir seems to be assured.

-57- ADDAJEIAND TERRESTRIAL PLANTS

Aquatic plants were observed and examined much more intensively than the terrestrial plants during the investigations to determine the species present and their abundance.

The land adjacent to the Green River in Wyoming in the vicinity of the impoundment is extremely arid. Predominant plants in this environment are: sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata); greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus); rabbitbrush, (glimothaninua salicifolius); and shadscale (Atriplex conferti- folia); The terrestrial plants within the Flaming Gorge area are much more diversified. Here the predominant plants are: sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata); . Utah juniper (1.1min:tills. osteospermal; Mountain red cedar (Juniperus scopulorum); yellow pine (ELEa_plaitE2A2„); pinyon pine, (Pinus edulic \; blue spruce, (Picea mnsen2); and mountain maple,(Acer glabrum).

Green succulent vegetation is restricted to the immediate vicinity of the river banks. The predominant riparian species are as follows: narrowleaf cottonwood(paulu2 sandbar willow (Salix exigua); and salt cedar, (Tamarix ). The sandbar willow and salt cedar are, most generally, found in moist areas near the water's edge. The yellow willow and narrowleaf cottonwood are usually found some distance behind. Sandbar willow is the dominant plant along the river on the upper portion of the reservoir site. Dense masses of this plant were observed below the town of Green River, Wyoming as far downstream as the confluence of Blacks Fork. The salt cedar on the lower end becomes the dominant hydrophyte. Dense clumps of this species were observed north of Linwood bridge and in the gorge.

There is a scarcity of algae, as would be anticipated, within the turbid waters of the Green River though some of the cold mountain streams in Utah• have an abundance of algae.

The rooted aquatic plants found in the pre-impoundment vicinity are as follows:

SPOLGES • Common Name Abundance

J TUM arvense L ...... Horsetail common Lulu:turn huna2+.2 L ...... Western horsetail sparse Equisetum kansa,num Schaff ...... Horsetail common R sturt n-aquaticum L ...... Watercress rare _,,Kpag,Sc5 acutus Muhl ...... Bulrush sparse J S AMERISLANUS PERS Bulrush sparse SEIRPUS RALUDPSUS NELS Bulrush sparse ELEOCHARIS LUSTRIS (L) Spikerush abundant .CATE). ,C_SP S Sedge abundant - BE:ACMANNIA SY_GIGA2HAEL ..(STEUD Slough Grass sparse COMMUNIS TRIN Common reed grass sparse -58- Species Common Name Abundance

Spartina gracilis Trin ...... Cordgrass sparse Triglochin maritima L ...... Arrowgrass sparse Juncus balticus Willd ...... Baltic rush abundant Juncus saximontanus Nels ...... Rush sparse Potamogeton natans L ...... Pondweed rare Potamogeton pectinatus L ...... Pondweed rare Rannunculus sceleratus L ...... Water crowfood rare Tvpha latifolia L ...... Wide-leafed cattail rare -59- LIMNOLOGY OF THE GREEN RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES

The chemical analysis methods applies to dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbonates, bicarbonates and hydrogen-ion concentrations were taken from Welch's "Limnological Methods."

Dissolved Oxygen

The main sources of dissolved oxygen (D.0.) in the Green River and its tributaries are directly from the atmosphere through the exposed surface and . from photosynthesis of chlorophyll-bearing aquatic plants. During three utventy-four hour runs" of analyzing water from the Green River, the dissolved oxygen increased and leveled off during the daylight hours and decreased during the night. Dissolved oxygen in the Green River varied from 4.7 to 7.5 ppm. with the mean being slightly less than 7 ppm. Maximum and minimum D.O. concentrations for the tributaries were 13.4 and 3.1 ppm respectively for Sage Creek and Dutch John Draw (Tables 17, 18 and 19).

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide was not detected during any of the sampling in the Green River. However, three of the tributaries: Carter, Cart, and Skull Creeks had concentrations of carbon dioxide neither of which exceeded 2 ppm (Table 18).

Carbonates

Carbonates in the Green River varies from 4 to 38 ppm. During three "twenty-four hour runs" of analyzing water in the Green River, carbonate concentrations fluctuated only slightly (Tables 17, 18 and 19).

Bicarbonates

The bicarbonates varied from 10 to 125 ppm in the Green River. Tributaries draining the arid regions of Wyoming and Utah have high concentrations of bicarbonates. The maximum and minimum bicarbonate concentrations for the tributaries were 381 and 16 ppm respectively for Dutch John and Cart Creek (Tables 17, 18 and 19).

ydrogen- Ion ent ration

The Green River is alkaline in nature, pH varying from 8.2 to 8.4. Cart Creek alone of the tributaries has slightly acitic water (Table 18).

Water Temperatures The water temperatures, recorded from the Green River during midsummer, ranged from 60 to 74° F. Most of the temperature recordings were in the high sixties. In streams containing trout, water temperatures did not exceed 65°F. (Table 17 and 18).

-60-

Table 17. SOME CHEMICAL VALUES OF GREEN RIVER WATERS, JULY AND AUGUST, 1959.

Weather Air Water P.P.M. *R.M. Conditions Temp. Temp. D.O. CO2 CO3 HCO3 pH 842 12/59 .378 Partly cloudy 58°F. 60°F. 7.0 0 4 109 8.2 14/59 373 Clear 60°F. 62°F. 7.0 0 12 '114 366 Partly cloudy 82°F. 66°F. 6.3 0 12 125 8.3 16/59 0 38 100 8.4 7/8/59 356 Clear 80°F. 66°F. 7.2 Pa 350 rtly cloudy 76°F. 74°F. 7.5 0 24 116 8.4 339 Cloudy 67°F. 69°F. 7.0 02' 20 120 8.4 .{7.711/1 306 Cloudy 80°F. 71°F. 7.0 0 18 111 8.4 21///1 999 . 7110 8.3 8AI/59 286 Cloudy 82°F. 67°F. 4.7 0 8

*River Mile estimated to nearest mile.

Table 18. SOME CHEMICAL VALUES OF WATERS TRIBUTARY TO THE GREEN RIVER, JULY AND AUGUST, 1959

ar Water P.P.M. Date R.M. Stream Tern.. Tern.. D.O. CO CO HCO 7/8/59 360 Sage Creek 74°F. 74°F. 13.4 0 56 326 8.4 7/9/59 356 Blacks Fork 86°F. 74°F. 7.0 0 42 237 8.4 7/12/59 356 Blacks Fork 77°F. 63°F. 7.1 0 42 216 8.4 7/13/59 356 Blacks Fork 51°F. 64°F. 5.9 0 48 212 8.4 7/13/59 353 Currant Creek 88°F. 70°F. 13.1 0 36 351 8.4 7/26/59 309 Sheep Creek 82°F. 63°F. 8.2 0 28 146 8.2 7/30/59 299 Skull Creek 80°F. 58°F. 8.4 1 0 90 8.2 7/30/59 303 -, e Creek 82°F. 58°F. 7.2 0 8 74 8.2 7/30/59 304 Carter Creek 82°F. 60°F. 8.9 1 0 29 8.0 8/11/59 319 Henrys Fork 82°F. 64°F. 4.4 0 40 320 8.4 8/12/59 291 Duts.h John Draw 76°F. 63°F. 3.1 0 28 381 8.2 8/25/59 282 Gorge Creek 72°F. 60°F. 5.1 0 4 16 8.2 8/25/59 282 Little Davenport79°F. 59°F. 6.4 0 16 21 8.0 8/27/59 290 Cart Creek 75°F. 65°F. 7.5 2 0 16 6.9 -61-

Table 19. SOME DIURNAL VALUES OF GREEN RIVER WATER, JULY, 1959.

Date - 7/2-3/59 R.M. 378 Air Water P.P.M. Time Temp. Temp. D.O. HCO3 7:00 A.M. 56°F. 60°F. 7.0 0 4 109 8.2 10:00 A.M. 75°F. 64°F. 7.2 0 6 112 8.2 1:00 P.M. 80°F. 64°F. 7.3 0 10 104 8.2 4:00 P.M. 80°F. 66°F. 7.2 0 10 107 8.2 7:00 P.M. 68°F. 64°F. 7.0 0 10 105 8.2 10:00 P.M. 60°F. 62°F. 6.4 0 12 100 8.0 1:00 A.M. 59°F. 62°F. 6.8 0 6 109 8.0 4:00 A.M. 50°F. 61°F. 6.7 0 8 107 8.0

Date - 7/12-13/59 R.M. 356 8:00 A.M. 80°F. 66°F. 7.5 0 24 125 8.4 12:00 Noon 88°F. 72°F. 7.7 0 22 138 8.5 4:00 P.M. 87°F. 73°F. 7.6 0 24 123 8.5 8:00 P.M. 65°F. 72°F. 7.1 0 28 116 8.4 12:00 Midnight 58°F. 68°F. 6.2 0 30 119 8.0 4:00 A.M. 48°F. 66°F. 6.5 0 44 109 8.4

Date - 7/21-22/59 R.M. 323 12:00 Noon 90°F. 73°F. 6.7 0 14 123 8.4 4:00 P.M. 80rF. 73°F. 6.9 0 22 110 8.4 8:00 P.M. 68°F. 72°F. 6.6 0 30 120 8.4 12:00 Midnight 55°F. 69°F. 6.8 0 28 113 8.5 4:00 A.M. 48°F. 65°F. 6.9 0 24 111 8.4 8:00 A.M. 68°F. 69°F. 6.9 0 20 113 8.3 -62- Turbidity

The highest turbidity recorded during the months of July and August 1959 was 2500 ppm with a low of 6 ppm. Turbidity appears to be in the form of silt and sand particles. The turbidity settles out quite rapidly in all of the water samples collected.

Water Color

The Green River is heavily stained a yellowish-brown during periods of increased flows, but at minimum flows and with a reduction in turbidity, the water turns greenish.

De th Width and Flows of the Green River

The Green River is shallow throughout most of the project area in Wyoming. The mean depth in this area is approximately 3.5 feet with a maximum of about 8 feet, but as the river enters the Flaming Gorge, it becomes constricted and much deeper. Here the mean depth approaches 5 feet with a maximum of 18 feet. Increased velocity inthe gorge, as a result of the constriction of the river, .results in a scouring action which has deepened the pools and channels.

As the river meanders through Wyoming, the average width is about 250 feet. Although in some locations the river exceeds 325 feet in width. The mean width in the gorge area is between 150 and 175 feet.

The flow of the• Green River fluctuates markedly. Peak flows occur during the Spring run-off generally in May and/or June (Fig. 2).

_LTYPESOFBO T T ON THE Green River

•The Green River, for most part, has silt-sand bottom which is continuously shifting. Rubble constitutes a major bottom type below the town of Green River, Wyoming and extends to the confluence of Blacks Fork. Below Blacks Fork, the silt-sand is continuously building up and shifting. This sequence is being repeated again and again until it reaches the gorge. Here the river's gradiant and velocity are such to keep the sediments in suspension. The sediments are then carried through the gorge and deposited in Swallow Canyon where the sequence begins all over. The predominant bottom types in the gorge through to Swallow Canyon are rubble and large boulders. -63-

Date Location 8/26/59 R. M. 276

8/14/59 Browns Park

8/13/59 Hideout Cyn.

8/29/59 Linwood Br.

8/28/59 Linwood Br.

8/24/59 Linwood Br.

8/22/59 Linwood Br.

8/15/59 Linwood Br.

7/22/59 R. M. 323

7/19/59 R. M. 339

7/19/59 R. M. 350

7/6/59 R. M. 366

7/2/59 R. M. 378 • Flow Date Name *R.M. State c.f.s. Bottom Tyre 8-8-59 Sage Creek 360 Wyo. Less .1 Silt-clay 8-9-59 Black's Fork 365 Wyo. 20 Silt sand 8-13-59 Currant Creek 353 Wyo. 2 Silt-sand-rubble 8-19-59 Upper Marsh 337 Wyo. 1 Silt-clay 8-19-59 Lower Marsh 333 Wyo. None Clay 8-23-59 Spring Creek 321 Wyo. None Clay-sand 9-11-59 Henry's Fork 318 Utah 6 Sand-rubble-boulder 8-26-59 Sheep Creek 310 Utah 4 Silt-sand-rubble 8-25-59 Carter Creek 303 Utah 15 Sand-rubble-boulder 8-28-59 Eagle Creek 302 Utah 3 Sand-rubble-boulder 8-30-59 Skull Creek 299 Utah 2 Sand-rubble-boulder 8-30-59 Skull Canyon Cr. 299 Utah None Rubble 8-31-59 Trail Creek 295 Utah 1 Silt-sand-rubble 8-31-59 Allen Creek 295 Utah' None Rubble 9-10-59 Cart Creek 291 Utah 3 Sand-rubble 9-12-59 Dutch John Draw 291 Utah .5 Sand-rubble 9724-59 Fife Creek , 289 Utah .2 Sand-rubble 9-25-59 Gorge Creek 283 Utah .4 Sand-rubble 9-25-59 Goslin Creek 283 Utah .2 Sand-rubble 9-25-59 Little Davenport 282 Utah .3 Mostly silt 9-25-59 Jackson :Creek 280 Utah None Sand-rubble-boulder 9-26-59 Tolivers Creek 270 Utah None Sand-rubble . 9-26-59 Sears Creek 268 Utah None Sand-rubble 9-27-59 Willow Creek 263 Utah .5 Silt-sand-rubble 9-14-59 Grouse Creek 262 Utah .5 Sand-rubble

*River Mile is estimated to the nearest mile with Green River, Utah being base point

Flaming Gorge Dam Site located at R.M. 290.

TABLE 20 TRIBUTARIES OF THE GREEN RIVER AND THEIR PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS Average Depth Width of Potential Trout Date Name Max. Avg. Stream Turbidity Stream Spawning Areas

Sage Creek 1.5" 18" Clear Intermittent None 8-8-59 • 4"1 8-9-59 Blacks Fork 3.5 18" 757100' High Permanent None Slight Permanent Highly possible 8-13-59 Currant Creek 18" 8" 5'1 8-19-59 Upper Marsh 4" 6 Slight Permanent None 8-19-59 Lower Marsh Intermittent None Spring Creek Intermittent NOne 8-23-59 1 9-11-59 Henry's Fork 4' 2' 25 High Permanent Possibly at Head Waters 1 8-26-59 Sheep Creek 4' 15" 12 Slight Permanent Good spawning area 8-25-59 Carter Creek 5' 10! 15' Clear Permanent Good spawning area 8-28-59 Eagle Creek 3' 10" 3' Clear Permanent Fair, but small 8-30-59 Skull Creek 24" 5" 5' Clear Permanent Questionable 8-30-59 Skull Canyon Cr. Intermittent None 1 8-31-59 Trail Creek 18' 3" 3' Clear Permanent Questionable Allen Creek Ihtermittent None 8-31-59 1, 9-10-59 Cart Creek 3' 8 7' Clear Permanent Fair, but small 2' Clear Permanent None 9-12-59 Dutch John Draw 4'1 9-24-59 Pipe Creek 2" 1 Clear Permanent? None 9-25-59 Gorge Creek 18" .8" 3' Clear Permanent. Highly possible' 9-25-59 Goslin Creek 51! 2" 15" Clear Permanent Questionable 9-25-59 Little Davenport 3! 10" 4' Slight Permanent None 9-25-59 Jackson Creek Intermittent None 9-26-59 Tolivers Creek Intermittent None 9-26-59 Sears Creek Intermittent None 9-27-59 Willow Creek 4' 10" Clear Permanent Small area suitable 9-14-59 Crouse Creek 2' 51..t Slight Permanent Questionable

TABLE 20. TRIBUTARIES OF THE GREEN RIVER AND THEIR PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS (Conttd) 0 w IS MOMENTARY PEAK MOMENTARY PEAK MOMENTARY PEAK MOOSE ...... PEAK 15,400 C.F.S. 11,700 C.F.S 1 3,400 C.F.S. 17,000 II 14 16 C P.A. TOTAL RUNOFF TOTAL RUNOFF TOTAL RUNOFF PARTIAL RUNOFF 1,4 71,000 A.F . 1,343,000 At 1,919,000 A.F. 1,752,000 AC. 10 M. 12 14 0 1 1$ tol I 00 j • 0 •M % 12 • % II 0, ■ 0 VA' 0 i r I q ear ' ,02 • • r

i # rig■ .P.1 • A 6

e PAtoe, 2 • 0, ...... AIJOG .40, APAPAA'AMA:ZA.rap. - 262,2.2.....26,Ar 622.2.-...... 62.6...... JAN 7E• MAR Jam MAY JANE JOLT AUG SEPT OCT Nov OEC JAN. PER TOR. APR. MAY JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT OCT NOV. DEC. 944 1 1 948 a JAN. FED. MAR. APR. MAY JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT OCT. NOV. DEC.

1 952 ...... , ..m.,', /;,, , 4.0.. JAN. MOMENTARY PEAK PEEL MAR APR. MAY JUNE JULY AUG YEPT. OCT. Nev. DEC. r 10,200 C.F.S. 1 * MOMENTARY PEAK 0 956 9,740 C.F.S. TOTAL RUNOFF 0 1,422,000 A.F TOTAL RUNOFF • MOMENTARY PEAK

1 1,356,000 A.F. FEE 13,400 CPA • I ,r, m 12 4 TOTAL RUNOFF 1,199,000 A.F. a 0 IT ; ; i a • . . O. 0 74„ I 20 In • W ,A.A AMU a r 81/4 41e... i AM 0 " 0 2 ' er ...... ArdAt .0 ,0Ad Arifinnir dree ...., / r ° ° JAR EEO MAR. APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC. 7.0:WA027•002, .4 n ...... ,E.0. e 6 - JAN PEG MAR APR MAY JUNE JOLT AUG SEPT. OCT NOT DEC. 1 949 fot 1 945 !:1L. 4 • 2"• MOMENTARY PEAK , 14,400 C P5. 2

TOTAL RUNOFF THOUSANDS OF SECOND k.' so206059605KII, •00. Arre.mon601.01••■• MOMENTARY PEAK 2 I, F 0 0 502.C:3 JAR PER m•R APR MAT JUNE !ALT AUG SEPT 0CT ev0v 0EC- 9,360 C.F.S. ' i AP 1 953 TOTAL RUNOFF ri 1,445,000 A.F r I hi 0 0 4

,z2 14 MOMENTARY PEAK En A 10,900 CFS 12 /. ' 0 TOTAL RUNOFF NOTES • I 111 41 4 _ 1,227,000 A.F Till gaging $tatioa Green Sheer neor Litmeed,1110 Is located >. 10 0 twirler of 0 sm111 ...... m from ...... tuo mdeS 6 ' .6. south of Wyoming- Utoh State line.S miles southtost of aoratmer ' ' ' ' ' • /• JefrA K0 16.0' .A1 .• • / 01 ----• -- -. ._ _ _ Linwood and oppresmately 29 miles upstream from JAN PEG MAR APR MAT JANE JULY 026 SEPT oCT NOV DEC 20 , 2.4 , flaming Gorge Dam site 1 946 J•N. no. MAR APR. MAY JANE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOT pEC Z ihe drainage ores; obove the gaging stot.on 1014.500 fq 4 4 IA 1 950 P li maef,the dramoqt onto otiose Flaming Gorge 0010 $40 2 1 A a IS iS,in $O *des S G S Advance record% 111 IS • MOMENTARY PEAK MOMENTARY PEAK 1 7,100 LCD , 16,700 C FS • IN TOTAL RUNOFF TOTAL RUNOFF 0 A/ -• ...... _-- JAR FEB MAR API MAY JANE 2,259,000 A F 2,259,000 A.F. JOLT AUG SEPT OCT, ay DEC 1 I. 1 954* -I.- .—•-••---..- IT I tl '; 1 I 1 i 1 • ' d i I 1 • IT ______. MOM ...... PEAK CPS - 6,620 Fig. 2. HYDROGRAPHS OF GREEN 1 TO •L RUNOFF F RIVER NEAR LINWOOD, UTAH • 111 .2- , 937,400 • - . • —r— • . -4--- ' th (Reproduced from U.S.B.R. hydrographs) i ._.....„." / ,•• ... , IP41 . 1 1 ' • ,• , ., •Nr 1 ' ,,,0 // - '.. JAN 1E5 lo•R ”R MAT •ANE JUL, ,•LIG SE•T OCTNOv DEC JAN tile MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY , AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN- ;Ell MAR APR MAT AUNt JAIT , AOA MSEPT OCT NOv OEC 1 947 1 951 1 955- -67- SUMMARY

1. A total of 16 fish species were collected from the impoundment study area. Of these, the redside shiner was the most abundant species collected from the Green River. It accounted for 49.2 percent of all fish obtained from the river.

2. Condition factors, calculated for bonytail chubs, flanneImouth suckers and rainbow trout, appear to follow a definite trend.

3. Seventeen bonytail chub stomachs were analyzed to determine feeding habits. The principal animal material consisted of black ants. The analysis also re- ' vealed that the bonytail chub consumes large quantities of plant matter in the form of woody fragments.

4. There is definitely a scarcity of trout spawning areas in the impoundment area. Streams that have known trout reproduction are: Sheep, Carter, Eagle and Cart Creeks, but the degree of their productivity is questionable. The Green River itself for some distance upstream from the point where it enters the Flaming Gorge Reservoir may provide spawning areas for trout and kokanee salmon.

5. Several flannelmouth and bluehead mountain suckers had symptoms of a bacterial disease. Many of the fish species found in the Green River had leeches attached to their caudal and doraal fins, but produced no visible deleterious effects. One small bluehead mountain sucker contained a post-plerocercoid larvae of a tapeworm in its intestinal tract.

6. Investigations were conducted on the Green River and tributary streams below the dam site and extended to the Utah-Colorado state line. It appears that in traveling and observing this 29 mile stretch of river that possibly a trout fishery will extend most of this distance after the reservoir becomes established.

7. The Green River within the impoundment area receives very little fishing pressure. Since construction began on the Flaming Gorge Dam, Sheep, Carter, and Cart Creeks have received heavy fishing pressure.

8. While a wide variety of aquatic insects were collected from the Green River, the predominant insects were mayflies and dragonflies. Most of the cold water tributaries contained an abundance of aquatic insects.

9. The predominant riparian plants along the Green River are sandbar willow and tamarix. There is a scarcity of submerged aquatic plants in the river as would be expected with the high turbidity concentration and scouring action of sand. An abundane of algae is found in most of the cold tributary streams.

10. Dissolved oxygen concentrations in the Green River ranged from 4.7 to 7.5 ppm: with the mean being slightly less than 7 ppm. Maximum and minimum D.O. concentrations for the tributary streams were 13.4 and 3.1 ppm respectively for Sage Creek and Dutch John Draw. Carbon dioxide was not detected during any of the sampling in the river. However, three of the tributaries in Utah -,"WirAiriNiN ts.TATAN 4,-44

-68- had concentrations of carbon dioxide neither of which exceeded two ppm. The carbonates in the river varied from 4 to 38 ppm with a high of 48 in the tributary streams. Bicarbonates ranged from 10 to 125 ppm in the river. The tributaries had a High of 381 ppm. The Green River has an alkaline pH.

11. The water temperature taken during the midsummer ranged from 60 to 74°F. in the Green River. A turbidity reading of 2500 ppm was recorded from the Green River following a flash flood in August 1959. The river is heavily stained a yellowish-brown during periods of flash flooding, but upon clearing taken on a greenish cast. The river is shallow throughout the impoundment area in Wyoming, though becomes much deeper as it reaches the Gorge area. For most part, the river has a silt-sand bottom which is continuously shifting.

-70-

Sigler, William- F. 1953 The Collection and Interpretation of Fish Life History Data. Utah State Agricultural College, Wildlife Department. Logan, Utah. 46 p.

Simon, James R. 1946 Wyoming Fishes. Wyo. Game and Fish Dept. Cheyenne, Wyo. Bul. No. 4. 129 P. Stroud, Richard H. 1949 Rate of Growth and Condition of Game and Pan Fish in Cherokee . and Douglas Reservoirs, Tennesse and Hiwassee Reservoirs, North Carolina Jour. Tenn. Acdm. Sci. Vol. 24 No. 1

Troutman, Milton B. 1957 The Fishes of Ohio. Ohio State University Press. Utah State Department of Fish and Game 1959 The Impact of Flaming Gorge Unit Upon Wildlife Resources in Northeastern Utah. Salt LakeCity, Utah. 20 p.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1958 A Report of Fish and Wildlife Resources in Relation to the Glen Canyon Unit.

U.S. Geological Survey 1956 Surface Water Supply of the United States 1956 - Part 9 Colorado River Basin. Geological Survey Water Supply Paper 1/143.

U.S. National Park Service 1946 A Survey of the Recreational Resources of the Colorado River Basin U.S. Govtt Printing Office, Washington, D.C.

U.S. National Park Service 1956 Preliminary Planning Report, Recreation Use and Development of Glen Canyon Reservoir, Arizona - Utah. Ward, H.C. 1957 Know Your Oklahoma Fishes. Dept. of Wildlife Cons. Okla. City, Okla. 40 p. Welch, Paul S. 1952 Limnology. McGraw - Hill Book Co. Inc. N.Y. 538 p.

Welch, Paul S. 1956 Limnological Methods. McGraw - Hill Book Co.,Inc.,N.Y., 381 p. Woodbury, A.M. 1959 Ecological Studies of the Flora and Fauna in Glen Canyon. Univ. of Utah Press. Salt Lake City, Utah. -69-

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Beckman, William C. 1953 Guide to the Fishes of Colorado. Colo. Game and Fish Dept. Denver, Colo. 110 p.

Carlander, Kenneth D. 1950 Handbook of Freshwater Fishery Biology. WM. C. Brown Co. Dubuque, Iowa. 281 p.

Davis, H.S. 1956 Culture and Diseases of Game Fishes. Univ. Of Calif. Press. Berkeley, Calif. 331 p.

Eddy, Samuel 1957 How to Know the Freshwater Fishes. WM. C. Brown Co. Dubuque Iowa, 253 p.

Fassett, Norman C. 1957 A Manualp. of Aquatic Plants. Univ. of Wis. Press. Madison, Wis. 405

Hutchinson, G. Evelyn 1957 A Treatise on Limnology Vol. 1. John Wiley and Sons Inc., New York, N.Y. •

Jonez, Al and Robert G. Sumner 1954 Lakes Mead and Mohave Investigations. Nev. Fish and Game Comm. Carson City, Nev. 186 p.

Koster, William 1957 Guide to the Fishes of New Mexico. Univ. of New Mexico Press. Albuquerque, N.M.

Meyer, Marvin C. 1954 The Larger Animal Parasites of the Freshwater Fishes of lalne. Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Game. Augusta, Maine 92. p.

Popov, Boris and Jessop B. Low 1950 Game, Fur Animal and Fish Introduction into Utah. Pub. no. Utah Fish and Game Dept. Salt Lake City, Utah

Prather, E.E., J.R.- Fielding, M.C. Johnson and H.S. Swingle 1954 Production of Bait Minnows in the Southeast. Ala. Polytechnic Inst. 71 p.

Purkett, Charles A. 1958 Growth Rares of Missouri Stream Fish. Mo. Cons. Conlin., Columbia,Mo.