Yellowstone River Basin

Bighorn River

Table of Contents Watershed Description ...... 2 Aquatic Wildlife ...... 3 Identification of Conservation Areas ...... 5 Threats...... 6 Conservation Initiatives ...... 9 Recommended Conservation Actions ...... 12 Monitoring ...... 14 Literature Cited ...... 15

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Aquatic Basins Wyoming Game and Fish Department Yellowstone River Basin

Watershed Description covering 34,167 square miles in northern Wyoming’s Big Horn, Campbell, Fremont, Hot Springs, Johnson, Natrona, Park, Sheridan, and Six major watersheds were identified for Washakie counties. Thirty-five percent of the conservation planning purposes under this State land is privately held. Public land is managed Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) using primarily by the Bureau of Land Management hydrographic boundaries and fisheries (26% of total area), U.S. Forest Service (17%) assemblage and management considerations. and the National Park Service (7%). The Wind The watersheds each include one to four sub- River Indian Reservation occupies 7% of the regions (4-digit hydrologic unit code [HUC] area. watersheds). This approach allows the nesting of multiple spatial and temporal scales for There are approximately 38,600 miles of planning and prioritizing conservation actions. streams on the USGS National Hydrography Dataset in the Yellowstone River basin in The Yellowstone River Basin includes portions Wyoming. Major river drainages in the basin of four 4-digit HUC subregions: the Missouri include the Wind-Bighorn, Shoshone, Upper Headwaters in Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone, Clarks Fork, Tongue and Powder. (YNP; Madison and Gallatin Rivers), the Upper Yellowstone (also partly in YNP), the Bighorn Additional information about the basins River, and the Powder/Tongue River (Figure drainages, geography, geology, land forms, 11). A total of twenty-nine 8-digit HUC climate, dams, reservoirs and diversions, drainages are nested within these. These hydrology, habitat types, land use and watersheds span over one-third of Wyoming, classifications are detailed in the 2010 SWAP.

Figure 11. Yellowstone River Basin.

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Aquatic Wildlife fishes have been introduced to the basin (Table 11). The known fish assemblage of the Fish Yellowstone River basin is shown in Table 11. A detailed history of fish collections and surveys Four game species and six nongame species are in this basin, which began in the mid 19th currently considered SGCN. century is chronicled in the 2010 SWAP. These Most of the fish SGCN in the basin (Brassy surveys and collections are the basis for Minnow, Flathead Chub, Goldeye, Plains describing the native fish community. The 2010 Minnow, Sturgeon Chub, Western Silvery SWAP also includes a summary of fish Minnow, Sauger and Shovelnose Sturgeon) introductions to the basin. Most introductions belong to an assemblage associated with large were conducted by the WGFD but others were turbid free flowing rivers such as the Powder illegal or inadvertent. and Bighorn. The Yellowstone River Basin has seven native game fish and 16 native nongame fish (Table 11). A total of 20 game fishes and 10 nongame

Table 11. Fishes present in the Yellowstone River Basin. Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) are followed by an asterisk (*).

Native game Native nongame Nonnative game Nonnative nongame Burbot* Brassy minnow* Bear River Cutthroat Brook Stickleback Channel Catfish Creek chub Trout Common Carp Mountain Whitefish Fathead Minnow Black Bullhead Emerald Shiner Sauger* Flathead Chub* Black Crappie Golden Shiner Shovelnose Sturgeon* Goldeye* Bluegill Goldfish Stonecat Lake Chub Brook Trout Grass Carp Yellowstone Cutthroat Longnose Dace Brown Trout Johnny Darter Trout* Longnose Sucker Colorado River Mottled Sculpin Mountain Sucker Cutthroat Trout Plains Killifish Plains Minnow* Golden Trout Spottail Shiner River Carpsucker Grayling Sand Shiner Green Sunfish Shorthead Redhorse Lake Trout Sturgeon Chub* Largemouth Bass Western Silvery Pumpkinseed Minnow* Rainbow Trout White Sucker Rock Bass Smallmouth Bass Snake River Cutthroat Trout Walleye White Crappie Yellow Perch

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Aquatic Basins Wyoming Game and Fish Department Yellowstone River Basin

The native large river fish assemblage remains found in all of the major subdrainages in the intact in the Powder River where habitat Yellowstone River basin and is probably most remains largely unaltered by reservoir common in Clear and Crazy Woman Creeks in construction and water diversion. However, in the Powder River drainage. It is the only turtle the Wind-Bighorn where water development species known from the Clarks Fork of the has been substantial, Goldeye and Shovelnose Yellowstone River in Wyoming. The Eastern Sturgeon have been extirpated (Shovelnose Snapping Turtle is found in the Little Powder, Sturgeon have subsequently been reintroduced), Powder, Tongue, Little Bighorn, and Bighorn Plains Minnow were last documented in the River drainages. The species has only been 1990’s (Patton 1997) and Sturgeon Chub were found in the downstream portions of the Little last observed in 2001. Bighorn and Bighorn River drainages, near the Montana state line. Burbot are native to the basin but were historically only abundant in the less turbid and colder reaches of the Wind River and its Freshwater Mollusks and Crayfishes tributaries. Water developments in the basin Wyoming is still in the discovery phase in terms that have increased available cold lentic habitats of its freshwater bivalve mollusks and have allowed Burbot to expand their range. gastropods. Although fingernail and pill clams Threats to Burbot include limited range, angler and aquatic gastropods are often encountered exploitation and loss of population connectivity. during invertebrate sampling, few published Burbot are infrequently observed in the Tongue, accounts of mollusk collections exist (Beetle Powder, and warmer turbid reaches of the Big 1989, Henderson 1924, Hoke 1979, Hovingh Horn. 2004). Many native mussels, clams, and gastropods are considered SGCN due to a lack Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout are native to of information regarding status. colder headwater streams and rivers of the basin. Degradation of habitat due to factors Two bivalve mussel species have been including water diversion and increased documented in the Yellowstone River basin. sedimentation have impacted cutthroat The Fatmucket is the most widespread. distribution and abundance. However the Populations are spread throughout the Powder, primary threat to Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Tongue, and Wind-Bighorn river drainages. persistence is nonnative salmonids. These The Giant Floater exists in the Little Powder nonnatives are well documented competitors drainage near the Montana state line. for resources, predators of cutthroat and hybridizing species that diminish cutthroat Most of what is known about species presence genetic integrity. and distributions of gastropods in the basin are summarized in Beetle (1989) and Narr (2011). Substantial additional information on research With one exception all gastropods in the basin and prior management of SGCN in the are SGCN due to lack of adequate population Yellowstone River Basin are summarized in the and distribution information. Cave Physa are 2010 Wyoming SWAP (WGFD 2010). the only gastropod with enough information to assess status (NSS4).

Aquatic Reptiles Little information is available on the distribution Three turtles are found in the Yellowstone River of Wyoming crayfishes. Two species (Orconectes basin, all of which are native. The Western Calico and Virile Crayfish), both of which are Spiny Softshell and Western Painted Turtle are native, have been documented in the SGCN, but the Eastern Snapping Turtle is not. Yellowstone River basin (Hubert 1988, 2010). The Western Spiny Softshell is known from the The Calico Crayfish are considered SGCN while Little Powder, Powder, Tongue, Nowood and the more common Virile Crayfish are not. Bighorn Rivers. The Western Painted Turtle is

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Aquatic Basins Wyoming Game and Fish Department Yellowstone River Basin

warmwater habitats. Coldwater habitats in the basin were prioritized following conservation Table 12. Species of Greatest Conservation populations identified in the Yellowstone Need present in the Yellowstone River Cutthroat Trout Conservation Strategy (Range- Basin. Wide YCT Conservation Team 2009) and the known distribution of Burbot. Fish Brassy minnow The Powder River conservation area includes Burbot the mainstem Powder River downstream of Flathead Chub Kaycee, Wyoming, Clear Creek below Hwy Goldeye 14/16, Crazy Woman Creek below Interstate Plains Minnow Sauger 90, and the Little Powder River below the Shovelnose Sturgeon confluence of Cottonwood Creek. Sturgeon Chub Western Silvery Minnow The lower Nowood River, below Big Trails, Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Wyoming, is an important conservation area for native nongame species in the Bighorn River Aquatic Reptiles drainage. It is home to a diverse assemblage of Western Painted Turtle fishes, including many SGCN (Bear 2009). Western Spiny Softshell Turtle Priority areas for the conservation of native Crustaceans Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout are numerous and Calico Crayfish widespread. On the north and east slopes of the Bighorn Mountains, these include Mollusks Lodgegrass Creek, the West Fork Little Bighorn Giant Floater Mussel River, Elkhorn Creek and Red Gulch creeks, the North and South forks of West Pass Creek in the Little Bighorn drainage, and the South Fork Little Tongue River. Identification of Conservation Areas In the Wind/Bighorn River drainage on the west side of the Bighorn Mountains, priorities To address needs of the diverse aquatic include the North Fork Shoshone River assemblage of the Yellowstone River basin, drainage above Buffalo Bill Reservoir, Upper conservation areas were identified to include South Fork of the Shoshone River, Ishawooa wide-ranging habitats from mountain lakes, Creek, Marquette Creek, Greybull and Wood coldwater streams, warmwater streams, and River drainages, Trout Creek and Deer Creek large rivers (Figure 12). (Porcupine Creek drainage), North and South Conservation areas were identified using a Beaver Creeks (Shell Creek drainage), South number of available tools. Results from Stewart Paintrock Creek, East Tensleep Creek, and the et al. (2015) guided prioritization of cool and East Fork Wind River.

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Aquatic Basins Wyoming Game and Fish Department Yellowstone River Basin

Figure 12. Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Areas in the Yellowstone River Basin.

In the upper Yellowstone River drainage, Dinwoody lakes, Torrey, Ring, and Trail lakes priorities include the Yellowstone River on Torrey Creek, Boysen Reservoir, Bighorn headwaters and tributaries, Crandall Creek and River and Big Horn Lake. tributaries, Muddy Creek (tributary to Clarks Fork River), Littlerock Creek and Deep Lake. Priority drainages and habitats have not yet been defined for the conservation of aquatic To conserve Sauger in the Wind-Bighorn River reptiles, freshwater mollusks, or crayfishes. drainage, the following areas have been identified below Boysen Dam: Big Horn Lake and the Bighorn River below the Lower Hanover Diversion south of Worland. Threats Priorities above Boysen Dam are Boysen Reservoir to the upper extents of Sauger distribution. This includes the Wind River up Water development/altered flow regimes – to Diversion Dam, Popo Agie River up to Moderate confluence with North Fork Popo Agie River, Natural flow regimes in stream segments Little Popo Agie River up to confluence with around the state have been altered by human Willow Creek, and Little Wind River up to Sub- activities, including irrigation diversions Agency Ditch Diversion. municipal water supply, hydropower, fisheries and recreation, and flood control. Altered flow To conserve Burbot in the Wind-Bighorn River regimes below diversions and reservoirs are also drainage, the following areas have been a consequence of broad-scale changes in land identified: Bull Lake, Lower and Upper use and management associated with

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Aquatic Basins Wyoming Game and Fish Department Yellowstone River Basin agriculture, grazing, timber harvest, and housing the timing, magnitude, and duration of natural development (see Wyoming Leading Wildlife hydrographs as well as the intra- and inter- Conservation Challenges – Disruption of annual variability in Wyoming’s streams and Historic Disturbance Regimes). Lateral and associated riparian corridors (see Wyoming longitudinal hydrologic connectivity and Leading Wildlife Conservation Challenges – physical access by fish populations to all Climate Change, and the Riparian habitat habitats necessary to complete their life history chapter). In other settings water conservation is limited throughout the drainage. In-channel strategies may enhance stream flow in some obstructions and decreased stream flow segments of some streams. associated with increased diversions have reduced some populations of native stream While water development can threaten native fishes. species in some situations, some introduced species, including popular game fisheries, have The need for additional water for human use thrived as a result of water development in will intensify in the immediate future, and that some situations. The simplification of natural trend will be especially evident in the western systems by human development tends to favor U.S. This trend has multi-faceted consequences species with generalized and broad habitat for fish and wildlife and the habitats upon requirements. For example, the Walleye fishery which they depend. In Wyoming, trans-basin in Boysen Reservoir depends on the consistent water diversions are not uncommon within deep water and forage production inherent in some drainages and are likely to be further this manmade water body. Stable stream flow proposed and pursued. Energy development, releases from dams, with relatively low peak including hydropower development, may flows and relatively high base flows, perpetuate increase as the nation’s electrical energy productive game fisheries like trout fisheries demands rise. below Boysen and the Shoshone River below Buffalo Bill Reservoir. Warmer conditions with more erratic precipitation―which some predict for Drought and climate change – Moderate Wyoming’s future climate―may heighten the Climate change may increase air and surface need for additional water storage for municipal water temperatures, alter the magnitude and and agricultural purposes. The likely trend will seasonality of precipitation and run-off, and be water development projects closer to the shift the reproductive phenology and delivery point and conveyance via pipelines distribution of plants and animals (Seavy et al. instead of stream channels. Additional 2009) (see Wyoming Leading Wildlife emphasis will likely be placed on lining irrigation Conservation Challenges – Climate Change). ditches and other practices to more efficiently use water for consumptive purposes. Changes in precipitation patterns under various Additional scrutiny of existing water uses and climate change scenarios are predicted to water rights is also likely as evidenced by the produce peak flows earlier in the annual cycle Bighorn River general stream adjudication and to lower base flows (Barnett et al. 2004). conducted by the Wyoming district court from Extended low flow periods lowers water tables, 1997 to 2007. This action reviewed water leading to reduced plant growth and claims and rights of over 20,000 users and reproduction. Changes in riparian vegetation resulted in the elimination of many historic lead to lower bank stability, higher siltation and water rights due to non-use. Though this action altered stream habitat quality and quantity. did not significantly change water uses in most Lower water levels associated with reduced streams and reservoirs, it illustrates the potential shading from riparian vegetation typically of future legal efforts to effectively modify increases water temperatures and reduces the water use in certain places. The net effect of all quality of habitat available to cool and cold such water management practices will be to alter water fish species and other aquatic wildlife.

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Aquatic Basins Wyoming Game and Fish Department Yellowstone River Basin

Invasive species – Moderate may be difficult to see and can be moved in Several aquatic invasive species (AIS) are standing water in boats and bait buckets . present in the basin, including the New Zealand Brook Stickleback are commonly found in the mudsnail, curly pondweed, and Brook basin in the Shoshone River, Bighorn River, and Stickleback. Additional descriptions and Badwater drainages. A new population was definitions of AIS can be found in the WGFD found in 2015 in the South Fork Powder River, AIS management plan (WGFD 2010). likely spread from the Badwater Creek drainage through movement of bait and water hauling. New Zealand mudsnails were first discovered in 1996 in the Madison River in Yellowstone In addition to species designated as AIS, National Park. The mudsnail is spread by several introduced game fishes are fish and birds, natural downstream dispersal, problematic in the basin. Nonnative upstream through rheotactic behavior, and rainbow trout present a substantial threat to by humans on fishing gear. The pathway of Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout through introduction into Wyoming is unknown, but hybridization, while other introduced trout spread on recreational angling gear is likely are predators and/or competitors that have given the first location of introduction proven successful at eliminating (WGFD 2010). Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout populations.

Currently, in the Yellowstone River Basin, While nonnative game fish may need to be mudsnail occur in Yellowstone National Park controlled for conservation and restoration (Madison and Gardner rivers drainages), the of natives in some areas, these same fish Bighorn River from Boysen Dam to the town of support popular fisheries that provide Thermopolis, and the Shoshone River through important recreational and economic the town of Cody. In the Bighorn and benefits (WGFD 2010). Shoshone rivers, mudsnail populations have decreased in abundance relative to first Other invasive species, such as zebra and establishment, a trend observed elsewhere quagga mussels and silver carp, are present in (Vinson et al. 2007). In 2014, a new population neighboring states and potentially very harmful of New Zealand mudsnails was found at the to the aquatic wildlife in the basin. Through boat ramp in Lake Cameahwait near Shoshoni. outreach and education, watercraft inspections, This represents this first new population of this and monitoring, the harmful impacts of these invasive snail in the basin in over a decade. and other invasive species may be prevented. Watercraft are inspected at key locations Curly pondweed was introduced into the United entering the basin and at major waters in the States in the mid 1800’s and is now widespread. basin, including Buffalo Bill Reservoir, Boysen Curly pondweed reproduces by seed which can Reservoir, Big Horn Lake, and Lake DeSmet. be easily transferred in mud or water. It is Twenty-three (23) waters in the basin are introduced into new areas through boating, monitored annually to detect the presence of fishing, and water hauling, and as an ornamental invasive species. These efforts to keep existing plant . New populations continue to be species in the basin from spreading to new discovered in Wyoming. In the Yellowstone waters, and other harmful species from entering River Basin, it is found in Boysen Reservoir, the the basin will continue. Shoshone River near Cody, and Lake DeSmet.

The Brook Stickleback has been introduced to many states outside of its native range. Brook Stickleback are spread as a result of bait introductions or accidental introductions with aquaculture species. Juvenile fish and fish eggs

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Aquatic Basins Wyoming Game and Fish Department Yellowstone River Basin

Conservation Initiatives Service and Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, signed a Memorandum of Department plans and policies Agreement to jointly conserve, protect, and The WGFD’s Fish Division has developed restore Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout basin management plans to guide management populations within their historic range (Endicott across the state. These plans provide et al. 2016). As part of the agreement the background and history of aquatic wildlife interstate working group under the auspices of management as well as management direction. the 2000 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), These plans reference the SWAP and the completes range-wide status assessments (May Strategic Habitat Plan (SHP), attempting to et al. 2003, 2007). incorporate management direction relevant to each basin. The National Fish Habitat Action Plan (NFHAP) was developed by a coalition of Habitat management efforts are guided by the fisheries professionals, state and federal SHP that is regularly revised and approved by agencies, tribes, foundations, conservation and the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission. angling groups, businesses and industries, all The SHP includes five goals: 1) Conserve and determined to reverse the declines of America’s manage wildlife habitats that are crucial for fish habitats. The WGFD is involved with three maintaining terrestrial and aquatic wildlife NFHAP partnerships, Great Plains Fish Habitat populations for the present and future, 2) Partnership, the Western Native Trout Enhance, improve, and manage priority wildlife Initiative, and the Desert Fishes Habitat habitats that have been degraded, 3) Increase Partnership. The first two cover the wildlife-based recreation through habitat Yellowstone River Basin. Additional enhancements that maintain or increase information on Fish Habitat Partnerships can productivity of wildlife, 4) Increase public be found in the 2010 SWAP. awareness of wildlife habitat issues and the critical connection between healthy habitat and Ongoing and completed conservation abundant wildlife populations, and 5) Promote actions collaborative habitat management efforts with Numerous projects have been completed to the general public, conservation partners, benefit SGCN in the Yellowstone River basin private landowners, and land management since the implementation of the 2010 SWAP agencies. Efforts are focused in priority areas in (previous accomplishments are documented in each of the management regions and include the 2010 SWAP). Multiple sources of funding crucial areas essential for conservation of have been used to implement projects. Projects important species and communities and have been completed by department personnel enhancement areas, which represent places and through contracting and granting with where work should be conducted to manage or research partners. Accomplishments are listed improve wildlife habitat. under headings taken from the Recommended Conservation Actions in the 2010 SWAP. In addition to these guiding documents, the While accomplishments are not duplicated WGFD has a number of tools, policies and under more than one action they commonly protocols to protect and enhance native aquatic address multiple actions. Although this list is wildlife. Additional details on these tools, not comprehensive of all actions, most of the policies and protocols including environmental significant initiatives are summarized below. commenting, aquatic wildlife stocking and transplant, and disease prevention can be found Secure and enhance populations and in the 2010 SWAP. habitats in SGCN priority areas WGFD biologists studied the fish community Interagency plans and agreements composition and habitat conditions of Crazy The states of Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Woman Creek from 2004 to 2006 (Edwards and Wyoming, along with the U.S. Forest

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Aquatic Basins Wyoming Game and Fish Department Yellowstone River Basin

2013). Patterns of species abundance shifted to determine to what degree if any, stocking was but wasn’t readily explainable with a decreasing playing in maintaining populations. Results for abundance of sand shiner through the study sturgeon were inconclusive but found cutthroat period. stocking was no longer necessary to sustain a viable population (Carleton 2013). WGFD biologists in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Montana Fish Wildlife WGFD biologists studied the movement and and Parks and Shoshone and Arapaho tribes life history strategies of Burbot in the Torrey undertook attempts in the Wind-Bighorn Creek drainage. Glaid et al. (2016) determined drainage to bolster populations of Sauger by that Torrey Creek upstream from Trail Lake is conducting stream-side spawning operations an important spawning and nursery area for the above and below Boysen reservoir between Torrey drainage Burbot population. 2011 and 2016 (Hochhalter 2015). Additionally, multiple life history strategies are likely utilized in the drainage. WGFD biologists examined age and growth of Sauger in the Wind-Bighorn drainage in relation The WGFD funded a research project at to environmental factors (Gerrity and Smith Colorado State University to investigate the 2013). No consistent relationships were found impact of an illegal introduction of Walleye on between year-class strength and environmental Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow factors. trout in Buffalo Bill Reservoir. Results suggest the combination of Lake Trout and Walleye WGFD biologists examined juvenile Sauger predation may depress the wild Cutthroat and habitat use in the Wind River above Boysen Rainbow Trout populations (Johnson and Dam from 2014 – 2016. It was found that the Johnson 2015). upstream end of Boysen Reservoir (primarily Poison Creek Bay) and the Wind River The WGFD has been actively working to upstream from Boysen Reservoir are nursery restore Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout in priority areas for juvenile Saugers (WGFD 2016). sub-drainages within the Yellowstone basin. Genetic purity of native cutthroat populations WGFD biologists examined methods to capture was assessed by Pisces Molecular, LLC larval Sauger from the Bighorn River. Sampling (Boulder, CO), using the amplified fragment- conducted in 2013 yielded 57 larval fish, none length polymorphism (AFLP) technique. Since of which were Sauger (WGFD 2014). Sampling the previous SWAP (2010), genetically pure conducted in 2014 yielded 100 larval fish, of Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout populations were which four were Sauger (WGFD 2015). confirmed in the North Fork Shoshone The WGFD funded a research project at the drainage (Hunter Lake), and North Fork Popo University of Wyoming that determined Agie drainage (High Meadow Creek). endocrine disrupting compounds were not the Hybridization with other cutthroat trout sub- cause of low Sauger recruitment in the Wind species were detected in North Fork Pop Agie River (Johnson 2014). and Lonesome Lake (Popo Agie drainage), Cedar Creek (Bighorn drainage) and Lodgegrass WGFD biologists continued to monitor sites on Creek (Little Bighorn drainage). the Powder River to assess changes in the fish community since a major WGFD study was Since the previous SWAP (2010), chemical conducted in 2004-2006 (WGFD 2010-2015). rehabilitation projects to remove nonnative salmonids and secure native cutthroat The WGFD funded a research project at the populations were completed on Soda Butte University of Wyoming to investigate the natal Creek in cooperation with Montana Fish origins of Shovelnose Sturgeon in the Bighorn Wildlife and Parks and Yellowstone National River and Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout in Dead Park. Two projects proposed to chemically Indian Creek. The objectives of the study were remove nonnatives and establish Yellowstone

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Cutthroat Trout (Porcupine Creek in the The WGFD completed studies on 12 instream Bighorn drainage and Eagle Creek in the flow segments covering over 42 miles. Instream Shoshone drainage) were postponed due to flow water rights have been filed on nine of lagging public support. these including North and South Fork of Beaver Creeks (Robertson 2013a, Robertson WGFD biologists investigated Western Spiny 2013b), Dry Medicine Lodge Creek (Robertson Softshell abundance and population structure 2013c), Buckskin Ed Creek (Robertson 2014a), along the Bighorn River in 2010. Abundance of Cedar Creek (Robertson 2014b), Lodge Grass Spiny Softshell turtles was low (6 turtles in 76 Creek (Robertson 2014c), West Fork Little trap nights) and all captured individuals were Bighorn River (Robertson 2014d), Soldier Creek males. No other turtle species were captured. (Robertson 2014e), and Trout Creek (Robertson Habitat alteration could be impacting turtle 2014f). The other three completed studies have assemblages in the Bighorn River drainage not yet resulted in filings for water rights; these (WGFD 2011). include Crandall Creek (Robertson 2015a),

Dead Indian Creek (Robertson 2015b), and Complete status assessments of native Muddy Creek (Robertson 2015c). species in the basin

WGFD biologists conducted a statewide survey Increase educational efforts about the of Mountain Whitefish (SGCN in 2010 SWAP) ecological, economic, and social values of from 2009 to 2013. A primary achievement of aquatic SGCN the study was the development of a sampling The WGFD created, produced and approach for assessing populations (Edwards disseminated a poster detailing the states native 2014). The study demonstrated most fishes. populations are robust leading to the determination that a non SGCN status rank Continue building voucher collections for (NSS5) is appropriate. all aquatic wildlife WGFD biologists collected numerous The WGFD funded a research project at additional fish voucher specimens since the last Montana State University to investigate the SWAP (2010). All vouchers specimens are influence of angler exploitation on Burbot submitted to the Museum of Southwestern populations in lakes in the Wind River drainage. Biology, Albuquerque NM. While variable, exploitation was low for all but one lake during one year (Lewandoski 2015). Complete the comprehensive survey for Results suggest variability in Burbot abundance freshwater mussels is likely better explained by factors other than The WGFD conducted two SWG-funded angler exploitation. projects in 2012 and 2014-2015 to assess the distribution and abundance of native mussels. Continue aquatic habitat work in the basin Inventory surveys were conducted in the Wind- WGFD biologists completed several efforts to Bighorn (Mathias 2015), and Powder and improve the structure and function of stream Tongue, (Mathias 2016). Live Fatmucket were segments and watershed features that benefit documented in the Bighorn drainage (Mathias aquatic SGCN. River restoration improvements 2015). No evidence of mussels (live or dead) were completed on the WGFD’s Spence were found in the Powder River drainage Moriarty property including Bear Creek, (Mathias 2016). Live Fatmucket were Wiggins Fork and East Fork Wind River. These documented in the Tongue River drainage improvements to stream banks and channel (Mathias 2016). bedform diversity reduce sediment and improve trout cover (e.g. WGFD 2013). Follow up on recommendations from the graduate research project on gastropods Explore water management approaches that No actions reported. enhance fish habitat

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Increase connectivity where appropriate Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout entrainment WGFD biologists worked with partners and studies were conducted by WGFD on diversion contributed funding to many projects to ditches from the Greybull River and tributary enhance fish passage and connectivity. These Francs Fork River (WGFD 2011), and on efforts are detailed in annual Strategic Habitat tributaries to the East Fork Wind River. These Plan Accomplishments reports (e.g., WGFD diversions were found to entrain sufficient 2011). numbers to warrant screening. WGFD biologists assessed a newly constructed The WGFD used SWG funds to conduct a fish passage channel around Kendrick Dam on research project at the University of Wyoming Clear Creek (Powder River tributary). Many to study the influence of outmigration and canal SGCN including Flathead Chub, Sauger, entrainment on Burbot populations in the upper Goldeye, Plains Minnow and Western Silvery Wind River. Researchers found water Minnow were documented passing the structure development is having variable but minimal that had impeded upstream movement since effects on Burbot populations in the drainage 1911 (Bradshaw 2015). (Underwood 2015).

The WGFD completed a fishway and diversion screen on Piney Creek at the PF1 Diversion in 2016, a tributary to Clear Creek (WGFD 2016). Earlier work in 2013-2014 improved passage Recommended Conservation upstream at the Dunlap Diversion on Piney Actions Creek. Improved connectivity benefits about 10 fish species including possibly Brassy Minnow. Secure, enhance, or establish SGCN populations A diversion screen and passage project on the Evaluate the feasibility of reducing populations Nowood River has been under development or removing problematic nonnative fishes from and phased construction for several years (e.g. the basin to enhance or expand SGCN. WGFD 2011). Dual cone screens have been installed in a diversion to limit entrainment of Complete chemical rehabilitation projects to potentially 16 fish species. Improved passage at restore Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout within the the diversion is being developed to potentially species’ native range. Complete scheduled benefit Sauger and Shovelnose Sturgeon. projects in Soda Butte Creek, Eagle Creek (North Fork Shoshone) and other streams Passage projects led or partially funded by identified as priorities. WGFD to benefit Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout include a fish ladder on the Greybull River, fish Complete analysis of alternatives for securing screens on diversions off Trout Creek in the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout in West Pass North Fork Shoshone drainage, a fish screen on Creek by removing and constructing barriers the Valley Ditch off the North Fork Shoshone and restoration stocking. Pursue River, screens and diversion reduction on implementation if feasible. Greybull River drainage tributaries, fish screen Survey streams above existing or potentially and diversion passage improvements on Bear constructed barriers in the basin to determine Creek (East Fork Wind River tributary) at the potential for establishing Yellowstone Cutthroat Bear Creek and Thunderhead Diversions, Trout refugia. diversion passage improvement at the East Fork Wind River diversion, and water use and Identify candidate streams for genetic refugia diversion improvements on East Fork Wind for Elkhorn Creek Yellowstone Cutthroat River tributaries. Trout.

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Inventory, assess, or examine life history Provide passage and reduce entrainment at requirements of SGCN barriers impacting SGCN Further determine the status, distribution, and Continue collecting physical measurements and habitat associations of turtles, mollusks, and logging locations of natural and manmade crayfishes in the Yellowstone River basin. barriers.

Determine if Plains Minnow, Western Silvery Continue populating the WGFD database to Minnow, and Sturgeon Chub persist in the store physical measurements at barriers and Bighorn River and document associated barrier locations. habitats. Measure the degree of successful recruitment Implement a passage solution at the Tongue for Sauger stocked in the Wind River drainage River Interstate Diversion and evaluate via genetic parentage assignments and/or stable entrainment. isotope analysis. Assess passage solutions and entrainment at the Conduct studies to better understand how Lower Sunshine Diversion on the Wood River migratory SGCN fishes use the Powder River for potential modifications. Basin, particularly Sturgeon Chub, Western Silvery Minnow, Plains Minnow, Goldeye, Improve road crossings and fish passage in Sauger, Shovelnose Sturgeon and Flathead Alkali, Meadow, Pine and Castle Creeks, Chub. Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout spawning tributaries to the East Fork Wind River. Complete assessment of natural recruitment potential of Shovelnose Sturgeon in the Bighorn Complete screening improvements and passage River. enhancements on Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout waters on the Departments Spence Moriarty Examine the spatiotemporal pattern of Burbot unit (Bear Creek, Wiggins Fork, and East Fork occupancy in Big Horn Lake and the Bighorn Wind River) and manage diversions to minimize River. entrainment and maximize passage.

Examine spatial occurrence of Yellowstone Maintain and operate the Kendrick fishway on Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow trout lower Clear Creek and pursue passage solutions hybridization in the North Fork Shoshone upstream in the basin to completely re-connect drainage. waters throughout this basin.

Evaluate the magnitude of Walleye and Sauger Improve aquatic habitat for SGCN hybridization in the Bighorn River. Continue discussions with irrigators to obtain fish passage past the next barrier upstream from Investigate the distribution of Western Spiny Kendrick Dam in Clear Creek. Softshell, Western Painted and Eastern Snapping turtle in the Bighorn River drainage Monitor instream flow segments for compliance and possible reasons for anecdotal declines with approved instream flow levels. Pursue (WGFD 2011). compliance as needed when water is available and in priority. Conduct baseline gastropods surveys in the basin and identify needed actions to maintain or Complete aquatic habitat assessments within restore populations. basins containing SGCN to identify areas aquatic habitat degradation and restoration Survey to fill gaps in knowledge about native projects to benefit SGCN. mussel distribution.

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Complete assessment and stream restoration projects within Upper and Middle Sunlight Continue building voucher collections for Creek subwatershed to improve habitat aquatic wildlife functions. Restoration will benefit Yellowstone Continue to fill voids in voucher inventory for Cutthroat Trout if coupled with chemical fish per WGFD protocol (Zafft and Bear 2009). rehabilitation and reintroduction efforts. Build gastropod voucher collection and find Identify and complete habitat protection and permanent repository. improvement projects on private land along Marquette Creek to benefit Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. Complete assessment, stream restoration, and diversion structure improvement projects on Monitoring Medicine Lodge and Paint Rock Creeks.

Projects will reduce channel instability, sediment Establish standardized monitoring loads, and benefit downstream habitats for protocols and locations for SGCN SGCN such as Sauger and Shovelnose Monitor natural recruitment, density, and size Sturgeon. structure of newly established and/or expanded Identify and complete watershed improvement Yellowstone cutthroat trout populations. projects in Shoshone watershed to reduce the Use eDNA to determine if nonnative trout sediment inputs into the Lower Shoshone River. remain in Little Tongue River and Elkhorn Participate in working groups and conduct Creek. habitat assessments to identify ways to reduce Monitor Sauger abundance, annual recruitment, non-point sediment sources and identify future and angler exploitation in the Bighorn/ Wind restoration projects within the Big Horn River River drainage, including Boysen Reservoir, watershed. Bighorn River and Big Horn Lake. Complete habitat assessment, stream restoration Monitor Burbot populations in the Bighorn/ and diversion structure improvement projects Wind River drainage, including Boysen on Canyon Creek and South Paintrock Creek Reservoir, Big Horn, Trail, Ring, and Torrey drainage to benefit Yellowstone Cutthroat lakes. Trout. Develop and implement a standardized Continue in channel habitat enhancement monitoring protocol for Shovelnose Sturgeon in efforts in the East Fork Wind River watershed the Bighorn River. to improve functions and benefit Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. Re-survey a sub-sample of selected sites from the Bighorn warm-water stream project (Bear Employ water management strategies that 2009). improve habitat for SGCN Identify stream segments where habitat and Monitor water quantity and temperature in areas available flow regimes indicate a need to file containing important native SGCN populations. instream flow water rights for SGCN. As opportunities are identified, conduct studies and Monitor the establishment and spread of file for state-held instream flow water rights. invasive species.

Increase educational efforts about the Develop and implement a long-term monitoring ecological, economic, and social values of plan for high priority sites in the Powder River aquatic SGCN drainage. No actions identified.

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Monitor fish movements and entrainment and Fish Department Administrative Report, where passage projects have been implemented Cheyenne. or being planned in the South Fork Shoshone, Glaid, J.R., P.C. Gerrity, and C.S. Guy. 2016. Burbot Greybull River, Clear Creek, and East Fork life history strategies in the Torrey Creek drainage. Wind River drainages. Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Fish Division, Administrative Report, Cheyenne. HOCHHALTER, S. J. 2015. Summary of stream-side spawning of Sauger in the Bighorn River, Literature Cited Wyoming: 2011-2014. Wyoming Game and Fish Department Administrative Report, Cheyenne.

BARNETT, T., R. MALONE, W. PENNELL, D. STAMMER, HOKE, E. 1979. Wyoming mussel distributions as B. SEMTNER AND W. WASHINGTON. 2004. The revealed by survey activities conducted during the effects of climate change on water resources in the summer of 1978. Wyoming Game and Fish West: introduction and Overview. Climatic Change Department, Cheyenne, WY. 62: 1–11. HOVINGH, P. 2004. Intermountain freshwater BEAR, B. 2009. Warmwater fish and habitat surveys in mollusks, USA (Margaritifera, Anodonta, Gonidea, the Bighorn River drainage, Wyoming. Wyoming Valvata, Ferrissia): geography, conservation, and Game and Fish Department Administrative fish management implications. Monographs of the Report, Cheyenne. Western North American Naturalist 2:109-135.

BEETLE, D. E. 1989. Checklist of recent Mollusca of HUBERT, W. A. 1988. Survey of Wyoming crayfishes. Wyoming. Great Basin Naturalist 49(4):637–645. Great Basin Naturalist 48:370-372.

BRADSHAW, W. H. 2015. Fish use of a bypass channel HUBERT, W. A. 2010. Survey of Wyoming crayfishes: at Kendrick Dam on lower Clear Creek, Wyoming 2007–2009. US Geological Survey Report to the from 2010-2013. Wyoming Game and Fish Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Cheyenne, Department Administrative Report, Cheyenne, WY. WY. JOHNSON, E. 2014. Assessment of endocrine CARLETON, S. A. 2013. Applying stable isotope disrupting compounds in Wyoming surface waters: analysis to fisheries ecology and management in Little evidence of presence or effects on Wyoming Wyoming. Final Report to Wyoming Game and fishes. Master’s Thesis. University of Wyoming, Fish Department, Cheyenne. Laramie.

EDWARDS, G. E. 2013. Crazy Woman Creek fish JOHNSON, C. F. and B. M. JOHNSON 2015. community and habitat assessment. Wyoming Quantifying piscivory in Buffalo Bill Reservoir: Game and Fish Department Administrative Are the wild Oncorhynchus fisheries sustainable? Report, Cheyenne. Final Report to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Cheyenne. EDWARDS, G. E. 2014. Mountain Whitefish sampling techniques and population assessment in LEWANDOSKI, S. A. 2015. Exploitation of Burbot Lota Wyoming’s major rivers. Wyoming Game and lota in the Wind River drainage, Wyoming. Fish Department Administrative Report, Master’s Thesis. Montana State University, Cheyenne. Bozeman.

ENDICOTT, C. L., L. NELSON, S. OPITZ, A. PETERSEN, MATHIAS, P.T. 2015. Native freshwater mussel surveys J. BURCKHARDT, AND S. YEKEL. 2015. Range- of the Wind-Bighorn drainage of Wyoming. wide status assessment for Yellowstone cutthroat Wyoming Game and Fish Department trout (Onchorychus clarkii bouveri): 2012. Administrative Report, Cheyenne. Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Conservation Team MATHIAS, P.T. 2016. Native freshwater mussel surveys Report. Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, of the Powder-Tongue. Belle Fourche, and Helena, MT, 49pp. Cheyenne river drainages, Wyoming. Wyoming GERRITY, P. C. AND M. A. SMITH. 2013. Age, growth, Game and Fish Department Administrative mortality and the influence of environmental Report, Cheyenne. factors on Sauger year class strength in the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding). 2000. Wind/Bighorn River drainage. Wyoming Game Memorandum of agreement for conservation and management of Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout

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(Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri) among Montana, change makes riparian restoration more important Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, U.S. Forest than ever: recommendations for practice and Service, Yellowstone National Park, and Grand research. Ecological Restoration 27:330-338. Teton National Park. Wyoming Game and Fish STEWART, D. R., UNDERWOOD, Z. E., WALTERS, A. W. Department, Cheyenne. AND RAHEL, F. J. 2015. Identification of priority NARR, C. F. 2011. Habitat of Snails and Snails as management areas for native fish species. Final Habitats, M.S., Department of Zoology and Report to the Wyoming Game and Fish Physiology. University of Wyoming. Department, Cheyenne, WY.

PATTON, T. M. 1997. Distribution and status of fishes STONE, M. D. 1995. Fish stocking programs in in the Missouri River drainage in Wyoming: Wyoming: a balanced perspective. American implications for identifying conservation areas. Fisheries Society Symposium 15:47–51. Doctoral dissertation. University of Wyoming, SWAP (State Wildlife Action Plan). 2010. Wyoming Laramie. Game and Fish Department, State Wildlife Action ROBERTSON, M. 2013a. Instream flow studies on Plan. Cheyenne, WY. North Fork Beaver Creek. Wyoming Game and UNDERWOOD, Z. E. 2015. The movements and Fish Department Administrative Report, population structure of Burbot (Lota lota) in the Cheyenne, WY. Wind River, Wyoming. M.S. Thesis. University of ROBERTSON, M. 2013b. Instream flow studies on South Wyoming, Laramie. Beaver Creek. Wyoming Game and Fish Department Administrative Report, Cheyenne, VINSON, M., T. HARJU, AND E. DINGER. 2007. Status WY. of New Zealand Mud Snails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) in the Green River downstream from ROBERTSON, M. 2013c. Instream flow studies on Dry Flaming Gorge Dam: Current Distribution; Medicine Lodge Creek. Wyoming Game and Fish Habitat Preference and Invertebrate Changes; Department Administrative Report, Cheyenne, Food Web and Fish Effects; and Predicted WY. Distributions. Final Report for Project ROBERTSON, M. 2014a. Instream flow studies on Agreements. Available at: www.usu.edu/buglab Buckskin Ed Creek. Wyoming Game and Fish Department Administrative Report, Cheyenne, WGFD. 2010. Wyoming aquatic invasive species WY. management plan. Wyoming Game and Fish Department Report. Cheyenne, Wyoming. ROBERTSON, M. 2014b. Instream flow studies on Cedar Creek. Wyoming Game and Fish WGFD. 2011. Annual fisheries progress report on the Department Administrative Report, Cheyenne, 2010 work schedule. Wyoming Game and Fish WY. Department, Cheyenne. ROBERTSON, M. 2014c. Instream flow studies on WGFD. 2014. Annual fisheries progress report on the Lodge Grass Creek. Wyoming Game and Fish 2013 work schedule. Wyoming Game and Fish Department Administrative Report, Cheyenne, Department, Cheyenne. WY. WGFD. 2015. Annual fisheries progress report on the ROBERTSON, M. 2014d. Instream flow studies on West 2014 work schedule. Wyoming Game and Fish Fork Little Bighorn. Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Cheyenne. Department Administrative Report, Cheyenne, WY. WGFD. 2016. Annual fisheries progress report on the 2015 work schedule. Wyoming Game and Fish ROBERTSON, M. 2014e. Instream flow studies on Soldier Creek. Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Cheyenne. Department Administrative Report, Cheyenne, WGFD. April 2011. 2010 Annual report strategic WY. habitat plan accomplishments. Wyoming Game ROBERTSON, M. 2014f. Instream flow studies on and Fish Department, Cheyenne, WY. Trout Creek. Wyoming Game and Fish WGFD. April 2012. 2011 Annual report strategic Department Administrative Report, Cheyenne, habitat plan accomplishments. Wyoming Game WY. and Fish Department, Cheyenne, WY. SEAVY, N. E. T. GARDALI, G. H. GOLET, F. T. GRIGGS, C. A. HOWELL, R. KELSEY, S. L. SMALL, J. H. VIERS, AND J. F. WEIGAND. 2009. Why climate

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WGFD. April 2013. 2012 Annual report strategic habitat plan accomplishments. Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Cheyenne, WY. WGFD. April 2014. 2013 Annual report strategic habitat plan accomplishments. Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Cheyenne, WY. WGFD. April 2015. 2014 Annual report strategic habitat plan accomplishments. Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Cheyenne, WY. WGFD. April 2016. 2015 Annual report strategic habitat plan accomplishments. Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Cheyenne, WY.

WYOMING GAME AND FISH COMMISSION. 1998. Fish stocking policy. Cheyenne, WY.

ZAFFT, D. J. AND E. A. BEAR. 2009. Guidelines for the collection of fish voucher specimens. Wyoming Game and Fish Department Administrative Rep Report, Cheyenne, WY.

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