DEPART1ENT OF COMERCE BUREAU OF FISHERIES

A BIOLOGICAL SURVEY OF STREADIS AND LAKES OF

TONTO NATIONAL FOREST,

BY

M. I. MADSEN

TEMPORARY ASSISTANT BIOLOGIST

WASHINGTON MAY, 1935 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Introduction ...... 1 Purpose of Survey ...... 1 Personnel and time of survey ...... 1 Acknowledgments ...... 1 Survey Methods ...... 2 Physical measurements ...... 2 Chemical determinations ...... 2 Biological determinations ...... 2 Pool grading ...... 3 Discussion of survey data and recommendations ...... 3 General description of forest and waters covered .... 3 Discussion of data on streams surveyed ...... 4 Physical ...... 4 Chemical ...... 5 Biological ...... 5 Recommendations for improvements ...... 6 Discussion of data on lakes surveyed ...... 7 Physical ...... 7 Camical ...... 7 Biological ...... 8 Recommendations for improvements ...... 8 Stocking ...... 9 Cold ';l ater Fish ...9 Stream stocking ...9 Lake stocking ...9 Tiarm water fish ...... 10 Stream stocking ...... 10 Lake stocking ...... 10

Table 1.- Summary of streams surveyed in Tonto Forest ... 12 2.- Summary of chemical data of streams of ...... 13 3.- Summary of fish present in streams of Tonto ... 14 4.- Summary of lakes of the Tonto Forest ...... 16 5.- Chemical summary of lakes of Tonto Forest .... 17 6.- Stocking recommendations for streams and lakes of Tonto National Forest ...... 18

Appendix.- Blank forms used by survey party. A Biological Survey of Streams and Lakes of Tonto National Forest, Arizona by M. J. Madsen Temporary Assistant Biologist

INTRODUCTION

PURPOSE OF SURVEY

In preparing to stock a stream or lake with fish it is essential that certain data be available to insure the proper selection of species and numbers to plant. The purpose of the survey as conducted by the U. S. Bureau of Fisheries was as follows:

1. To ascertain the biological, chemical, and physical conditions of the streams and lakes.

2. To use these data as a basis for the determination of species, size, and number of fish best adapted to each stream or lake.

3. To demonstrate where and how alterations of the envftonment can be made which will increase fish production.

4. To call attention to special problems which should receive further and more intensive study.

This program provides for a survey of conditions and by n• means a complete study of any lake or stream.

PERSONNEL AND T Æ OF SURVEY

The party operating in the Tonto National Forest was composed of the following: M. I. Madsen, biologist in charge, Paul Klingenberg, Harry G. Moseley, assistant biologists, and Wm. Hudspeth, camp attendant. The party was in the field from June 28 to July 22, 1934.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Acknowledgments are due the Arizona State Fish and Game Commission for contributing the assistance of their deputy game agents and the use of boats. We wish to thank the Forest Service for supplying maps and assisting the party over sections of the forest where roads and trails were difficult to follow. To the sportsmen and citizens of Arizona, appreciation is expressed for their cooperation and assistance in furnish- ing information relating to the fishing and history of the streams and lakes. - 2 -

SURVEY METHODS

The following methods were used in obtaining the required information at each station on the field blanks. On streams two hundred yards were studied and considered as a station. On lakes, a station was that area that could be worked from an anchored boat. Copies of the blank forms used in the survey will be found at the end of this report.

Physical Measurements

Stream widths and depths were measured by rule and steel thread tape. Miles of stream were measured on Forest Service maps. Altitude and gradient were secured from U.S.G.S.'mapa. Temperatures of water and air were taken with standard pocket Fahrenheit thermometers.

The area of lakes were calculated from maps. Depth determinations on lakes and large streams were made with woven cotton lines accurately marked at one yard intervals. Temperatures at various depths on lakes were taken with the Negretti-Zambra reversing thermometer. Turbidity measurements were made with a standard white disc ten centimeters in diameter. The average depth at which this disc disappears and reappears is the turbidity figure.

Chemical Determinations

Determinations were made of the following in the field:

pH or hydrogen ion concentration: By using a standardized set of colorimetric tubes and Bramthymol blue as an indicator.

Carbon dioxide: By using phenolphthalein indicator and titrating against N/44 sodium hydroxide.

Dissolved oxygen: By using the Winkler modification of Standard Methods as outlined in Standard Methods of Water Analysis, 1934, except that procedure for the removal of organic materials was omitted.

Alkalinity: By titrating a weak acid (0.02 N. sulphuric acid) against phenolphthalein and methyl orange indicators.

Biological Determinations.

Studies of fish population were made by using gill nets, seines, dip nets and wire traps, by angling, and by close observation. '

Plants: Location of principal stands of aquatic plants were observed and indicated on sketch maps and their relative abundance recorded as dense if the plants formed a close mat, as thin if the plants were spaced two feet or more apart, and as scarce if only scattered specimens are in evidence. - 3-

Bottom foods: Bottom foods in streams were investigated by using the square foot sampling net; in lakes with the Ekman dredge. Numerous counts of food sample in the Tonto Forest suggest the following rating:

Grade 'I - Richest - over 200 animals per square foot • " II - Average - between 200 and 100 per square foot " III - Poorest - less than 100 per square foot.

Plankton determinations were made by using a standard net having an opening of eleven centimeters anda cone of silk with detach- able bucket. Thu quantity was measured in cubic centimeters per haul. 4

Pool Grading

A pool having an average width of more than double that of the stream is graded as 1 for size; if equal to the width of the stream as 2; if less than the width of the stream as 3. Pools two or more feet in depth and with excellent shelter are graded 1 for type; those less than two feet in depth and with average shelter are graded.2; those shallow and exposed are graded 3. If pools are almost continuouS with only short sections of riffle between they are graded 1 for frequency; if they are fairly close together and occupy approximately half the total area of the stream, they are graded 2; if few and with long.stretches of shallow water between, they are graded 3. The average of these qualities in size, type and frequency is consid- ered and the pool grade of A, B, C, denoting excellent, average or poor, given the section.

Shade was designated as dense, partly shaded, or open.

Riffles were described aCcording to their canposition_as- boulders, gravel, rubble, bedrock or sand. The approximate percentage of a stream made,up.of riffles is also given.

DISCUSSION OF SURVE.Y DATA

AND RE 0.0 M.MEN.D•AT.IONS

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF FOREST. AND. WATERS COVERED

The Tonto National Forest lies directly south of the tn what is called the . The forest derives its name from Tonto Creek, the largest and most important stream in the area. The forest is bordered on the west by the Verdi River; on the north by the gogollon Rim; on the east by a surveyed line running south from Mule Springs on th.MogO1lon Rim to the ; on the south. The southern boundary lies just south of the storagc reservoirs of the Salt River Water Users Association along the ridges of the mountains. The forest covers approximately 2,500 square miles, ranging in elevation from 2,000 feet to 6,500 foot, with the major portion at an average elevation of approximately 3,000 feet. - 4 4

The principal drainages of the forest are: Tonto Creek, Cherry Crock, East , and the Salt River. All streams except join to form Roosevelt Reservoir and the Salt River proper. The exact stream mileage is not known, since portions of the streams go dry during the summer months. Irrigation diversions and high evaporation cause the lower sections of the larger streams to go dry for at least a part of each summer. Smaller streams rise and sink in the desert sand in the same area. The headwater streaMs in the forest are the only permanent streams that offer fishing possibilities.

There are no important natural lakes within the forest boundaries and only four reservoir lakes. The exact area of these reservoir lakes cannot, be stated definitely, since daily and seasonal fluctuations are so great, but in general the area of the group at high water level is approximately 43 square miles. The maximum depths on these lakes when surveyed ranged from 250 feet in Horse Mesa Lake to 40 feet in Roosevelt Lake. The bulk of the bass fishing of the entire state is supplied by these reservoirs.

The road system of Tonto Forest is excellent. Excepting for portions of Marsh Creek, Spring Creek, and Tonto Creek, all important waters within the forest are accessible by car. Good trails lead into these sections where roads have not yet been built.

The important streams in the forest were all surveyed with special attention given the headwaters of East Verde River, Tonto Creek, and the storage reservoirs on the Salt River. The following summarizes the waters covered by the survey.

East Verde River watershed. From source to N. B. Ranch. Total miles of stream 54, of which 35 are permanent.

Tonto Creek Watershed. From Source to Roosevelt Reservoir.

Cherry Creek Watershed. From source to junction with Salt River. Total length 35 miles, none permanent.

Salt River from east boundary of the forest to Roosevelt Reservoir. 8 miles. From Roosevelt Dam to the west border of the forest the Salt River is converted into storage reservoirs.

The lakes surveyed are: Roosevelt Reservoir, Horse Mesa Lake, Canyon Lake, and Stewart Mountain Lake. See tables 1 and 4 for summary.

DISCUSSION OF DATA ON SIRES SURVEYED

Physical

Gradient. In general the streams of this forest are rapid in their upper stretches and slow to sluggish in the lower portions. The gradient in most Streams of the 'forest is never greater than 700 feet per mile. The average gradient is approximately 200 ,feet per mile. - 5 -

Temperature. The streams at the higher elevations generally showed . low temperatures, the maximum being 76 degrees. Streams at the lower0 elevations showed much higher temperatures, the maximum being 96 .

Pools and Riffles. The streams in the Tonto Forest divide themselves into two groups, one the small rapid headwater type, the other the slow, meandering river type. Each type of stream presents a different relation with respect to pools and riffles.

In the larger, meandering str6anig'Oil the, low lands, the pools are very large and usually not over 4 feet in depth. The riffles are long and wide and composed of fine gravel, shale, and large boulders. Food produc- tion in this type of stream was usually very low.

In the small, headwater streams, the pools and riffles are of a much / better character. Measurements and counts show that in these streama the pool And riffle relations are abeut average (50 per cent pools, 50 per cent riffles). In some streams the Forest Service has greatly increased the pool grade by building artificial dams and deflectors.

Chemical

As streams were surveyed a chemical analysis was made to determine their suitability for fish. In general. all of the streams were chemically suited. Table 2 gives a complete summary of this information.

Biological

Plants. In general the streams of the Tonto Forest do not harbor many aquatic plants nor any great amount of algae. Most of the streams show only a t hin coating of slime algae in the riffles, and a slight accumulation of higher vegetation in the pools.

East Verde River contained considerable slime-algae in the larger, still pools that had not received the usual spring runoff or a summer flood. , a tributary of Tonto Creek, contained considerable watercress in the upper section near the springs.

Fish Foods. The fish food organisms as found in the streams are, in order of their abundance: mayfly nymphs, caddisfly larvae, dipterous larvae, beetles, mollusca, dobson flies, mites, stoneflies, dragonflies, round worms and flat worms. Mayflies were taken at all stations. Caddis- flies at all but one station. The dipterous larvae were found at all but two stations. The dobson fly or hellgrammite, was at least scantily represented in all the important streams of the forest.

The numbers of organisms taken show a wide variation from station to station on the various streams surveyed. The largest number of animals per square foot, taken at any one station was 460 on both Haigler - and Horton (tributaries to Tonto Creek), The smallest number taken was 85 at station #2 on Verde River. The average number taken at each station on all streams surveyed was 256 organisms. Mayflies and caddisflies averaged 93 individuals at each station. The other listed organisms were only scantily represented in the various streams studied.

Comparative counts show that Horton and Haigler Creeks contain the most abundant food supply, while lower Tonto and lower East Verde Creeks showed a marked deficiency.

Minnows and other mall fish were present in moderate numbers in most streams in the forest and gave evidence of being used as food by the larger fish. Minnow and sucker fry make good food for the small game fish fingerlings.

In addition to the aquatic forms, a great deal of fish food is made up of terrestrial forms that have accidentally fallen into the water. Insects such as bees, grasshoppers, flies, ants, bugs, etc., furnish a good portion of the summer food of game fish. No measurements or counts were made on this type of food and, therefore, only rough estimates of its value can be made.

Fish. The game fish of the streams listed in order of their abundance are: rainbow, european brown, and eastern brook trouts, catfish and cutthroat trout. None of the Centrarchid fishes were taken from the streams in the Tonto. However, it is very possible that they are present. Suckers and bonytails were found in all streams, being most abundant in the lower, warmer portions of each watershed.

A few natural enemies such as the great blue heron, the green heron and the kingfisher were found in the forest but did not appear to be doing any great damage to the game fish.

Parasites and disease among the stream fish. of this area are very uncommon. None of the game fish taken showed evidence of disease or parasitism.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS

Since the streams in the Tonto Forest divide themselves into two types, it is not wise to develop wholesale improvement plans. The large meandering .river type of stream is by nature unsuited for improvement by methods now employed and should not be considered. under the plan. The smaller, headwater type of stream is well adapted. to artificial improve- ment and should be developed to the highest degree possible. The Forest Service, realizing the fishing possibilities of thesestreams and their need for improvement, has already begun work along these lines.

The only suggestions this survey can offer in the way of improving the streams and the work that has already been done is that more care be displayed toward the biological side of stream improvement. By this we mean that too much attention was directed toward making numerous dams, while the problem of adequate cover and maintaining sufficient food was neglected. It should be borne in mind that the stream properly improved is onu that has a correct balance between pools, cover, and riffles. -7 -

Pool after pool without riffles intervening presents a condition far from ideal. Likewise, pools without cover are not ideal. Cover is very important since it provides places in which fish can rest when not in pursuit of food, and also hide from.their,natural enemies. Cover not only serves as protection for fish but also aids in the production of food.

DISCUSSION OF DATA ON LAKES SURVEYED

Except for a few small, shallow, isolated ponda'found in the northern part of the forest, there are no natural lakeS. The only lakes of impor- tance within the forest are those artificial reservoir lakes made by the damming of the Salt River. These lakes are four in number and cOver . approximately 43 square miles. They range in depth from Shallow mud flats of Roosevelt Lake to 275 feet in Horse Mesa Lake. They are primarily irrigation lakes and not fish lakes.

Roosevelt Lake, the largest of the'group, occupies the upper position in the series and receives direct drainage from both the Salt River and Tonto Creek. The remaining three lakes occupy consecutive positions along the Salt Rkyer below Roosevelt dam.

Physical Conditions

The physical features of these lakes are very similar. They are all subject to extreme daily fluctuation due to irrigation needs. They have the same general type of shores: big boulders, gravel, shale, mud, and bedrock. The bottom in deeper water is usually fine clay with no detritus. They do not have an abundance of shelter. The turbidity is usually low, ranging from 12 to 25 feet. Spawning areas are average in abundance and character but not especially productive since the fluctuating water either leaves them stranded on dry banks or smothered in deep water.

Temperature. The surface temperature6 are 'rather uniform, ranging from 78°F. on Roosevelt Lake to 84°F. on Stewart Mountain Lake. From surface to bottom on the deeper lakes the temperature range is approximately 15°. Roosevelt Lake, whose greatest depth at the time of the survey was 40 feet, showed an almost uniform temperature from top to bottom. See Table 5. From a temperature standpoint these lakes are only suited to the warm water varieties,of fish.

Chemical

Chemical relations in these lakes were unusual. They all showed a deficiency in oxygen in the deep water areas, high methyl orange alkalinity and high carbon dioxide content. A strong hydrogen sulphide odor is present near the outlet of each lake. Table 5 gives a graphic picture of chemical relations in these lakes. - 8 f

Biological

Plants. No trace of rooted vegetation was found in any lake. Like- wise, the shores were without vegetation. Extreme fluctuation of water level is no doubt the cause of this plant scarcity.

Algae are found living free in the water in moderate abundance.

Food organisms. The food in these lakes is very scant. Ekman dredge I samples taken at various stations over the lakes did not produce a single bottom organism. The shores likewise, were studied very carefully and they too proved non-productive. The only food found was small quantities of plankton developing in the upper layers of the warmer waters, a few terrestrial insects that had accidentally fallen into the water, and a few young of the several varieties of fish.

Fish population. The fish observed in order of their abundance were: bonytails, carp, suckers, buffalo, largemouth black bass, sunfish, rock bass, crappie, and several varieties of small unidentified minnows. All fish appeared to be in good condition.

In the main, the fish of these lakes are free from diseases and parasites. No evidence of either was noticed on any of the fish taken by the party.

Natural enemies in and around the lakes are very feu. The more common enemies such as birds and turtles are encountered occasionally but not in numbers sufficient to be detrimental to fish.

RECATILENDATIONS FOR ILTROVEIENTS

Recommendations for improving these. lakes with respect to fish will necessarily be very few. The lakes are the property of an irrigation company and not of the public, thus making management and regulation regarding fisheries practically impossible. The only recommendation we offer that is still within the powers of the State Fish and Game Commission is the declaration of a closed season on largemouth black bass during their spawning activities on all the lakes along the Salt River. Since this survey was not in progress early enough to gather definite information on the spawning of bass in these waters, it is suggested that the Arizona Game Commission establish the dates of the closed season.

Stock systematically with as near the recommended number of legal size fish of the recommended species as possible. - 9 -

STOCKING

COLD WATER FISHES

The stocking plan represents tha interpretation of all of the data collected during the course of the survey. The information gathered must be properly analyzed and weighed before final and definite conclusions can'be.drawn:

. .Stream

When stocking a stream such fundamental factors as water temperature, type of bottom; type and abundance of food organisms, width and depth of stream chemical relations, degrec.fished, previous stocking, the success of natural spawaing, accessibility, and the species of fish already present must be carefully considered before it is possible to determine the species and approximate number of fish to be planted in a given stream. If accurate information relating to the number of fish removed annually, the pounds of fish a stream would produce, and the rate at which these fish grew could be obtained, it would then be possible to say exactly the quan- tity of fish required to produce the maximum yield.

Even though truly scientific stocking plans cannot be outlined at this time, recommendations as to thecorrect-species and approximate numbers to be planted will be of great value if followed consistently. These recommendations are based on the planting table developed by Dr. G. C. Embody.

Lake Stocking

Lake stocking is determined in much the same manner except that slightly different factors are used. Area and richness in food are the main points on which this is based. The following table was used to determine the number of fish to plant in a given lake.

Number of three-inch trout to stock per acre

Average weight of Class I Class II Class III fish in,pounds Excellent Production Average Below Average 1/2 600 374 150 3/ 4 400 249 100 1 300 187 75 -10-0

WARM WATE'R FISHM

The number of warm water fishes to stock in a given stretch of water is determined in much the same manner as is the stocking of trout waters. That is to say, first observations must be made regarding the quantity and type of available fish food and the success of present natural spawning before any reasonable estimate can be made as to the proper species and number of fish to stock. In stocking with warm water species, it is assumed that the fish are able to maintain themselves for a period of at least five years through natural reproduction without seasonal planting from hatcheries. It is further assumed that sportsmen are willing to allow them complete protection during their spawning activities.

Mr. Fred Y. Foster, Regional Director of the Division of Fish Culture of the Bureau of Fisheries, suggests the figures on the following page which have been used in developing a stocking program.

Rainbow were recommended for the cooler headwater streams. These fish seem best adapted to the conditions found there. Natural reproduc- tion is not expected as the fishing is so heavy that an entire planting is practically removed in two weeks.

Brown trout were recommended for streams that contained adequate food, reasonably good spawning grounds, but had an average temperature too high for the production of fish requiring cooler water.

Natural conditions in the lakes warranted the planting of only warm water varieties of fish.

See Table 6 for recommended numbers and species to plant in the waters of Tonto Forest.

STREAM STOCKING TABLE

NUMBER OF FISH TO STOCK PER MILE OF STREAM

. .AV.WIDTH ,... OF - STTEAMF. -FOCIDTEXCELLENT- - ... FOOD_ALRERAGE FOOD POOR ___ I:, Y - IN FT. BASS 0 BREAM 5 2 CRAPPIES J:2 BASS ,-3 BREAM 2 CRAPPIES -;=2 BASS 3 BREAM ;'. L2AI)IES. I', 2 , .,...... I 2..,C. ... - . - - 200 400 300 lop 200— 150 60 120 90 16. 400 800 600 - 200 400- 300 120 240 180 24 600 1200 900 - - 300 600-- 450 180 360 270 32 - 800 - 1600 1200 400 800.- 600 240 480 360

AND 0-REFER TO:TWO. AND THREE INCH FISH. STREAMS LESS THAN EIGHT FEET IN WIDTH SHOULD NOT BE STOCKED WITH YAM water FISH. CRAPPIESHOULD BE STOCKED ONLY IN DEEP- SLUBGISHSTREAMSAT LEAST 25 FEET-WIDE. BREAM. SHDULD NOT BE STOCKED IN STREAMS* THAT DO GOT approximate GENERAL LAKE CONDITIONS. SMALLMOUTH BASS MAY LIE STOCKED IN RAPID STREAMS. AT LEAST 24 FEET WIDE AND. HAVING AN AVERAGE POOL GRADE. 'Rock Bass MAY BE STOCKED IN STREAMS 'DOWN TO 16 FEET IN WIDTH IF AMPLE SHELTER SUCH as UNDERCUT BANKS, STUMPD, ETC., ARE AVAILABLE. GREEN SUNFISH may BE STOCKED IN SMALL, SLUGGISH STREAMS 'DOWN TO 8 FEET IN WIDTH. WARMOUTHBASS may BE .STOCKED- IN SMALII SLUGGISH-, STREARIS DOWN TO 10 FEET IN WIDTH.

LAKE STOCKING TABLE

NUMBER OF FISH TO STOCK PER ACRE OF WATER

FOOD FOOD - FOOD - EXCELLENT AVERAGE - POOR

BASS FINGERLINGS 0 200 100 60 BREAM FINGERLING'S J/I2 400 200 -120 CRAPPIE FINGERLINGS 300 150 90 Table 1.- Summary of streams surveyed in Tonto National Forest ---- Length Total average . of flow length Vol. in Name of Stream Drainage in miles in mi. c.f.s. Flow* - Tributaries Accessibility East Verde Cr. Verde 11 34 4.0 P Roads and trails Dude Creek East Verde 5 3 1.5 P Dry Trails Bonita Creek East Verde 2.5 4 1.0 P Dry Trails Pearly Creek East Verde 1.5 2.5 0.5 P Dry Trails Moore Creek East Verde 5 D Dry Trails Lewis Creek East Verde 3.5 5 D Dry Trails and road Broady Creek East Verde -- - D Dry Trails and road Ellison Creek East Verde 2.5 9 1.0 P Dry Trails and road Tonto Creek Salt River 18.0 54 14.0 P Roads and trails Christopher Cr. Tonto Cr. 4.0 6 1.5 P One Trails Sharp Cr. Tonto Cr. 1.0 2 40 gal. P Dry Trails Eubank Cr. Tonto D Dry Trails Haigler Cr. Tonto 5.0 10 8.0 P Dry Trails and road Horton Cr. Tonto 3.5 3,5 1.0 P Dry Road Spring Cr. Tonto 6.0 15 1.0 P Dry Trails and road Marsh Cr. Tonto 8.0 6 1.5 P Dry Trails Gordon Canyon Tonto 0.0 11 I Dry Trails Salt River Salt River 7.0 7 40.0 P Roads Lewis Pranty Cr. Salt River -- 2 I Dry Trail Fish Cr. Salt River -- 8 I Dry Trail Coon Cr. Salt River 3.0 10 1.0 P Dry Trail Fossil Cr. Verde River 1.0 12 10.0 P Dry Private road Cherry Cr. Salt River 2.0 35 --- I Dry Roads and trails *P - Permanent, I - Impermanent, D - Dry Table 2.- Summarylof chemical data of on Tonto National Forest Temperature -- Date Air Water- CO2 alk. ppm bid- Place of o o Tur- Name of Stream 1934 Time F. F. J51011_ ppm _21i___ ity Analysis Tonto Creek 6/30 3:30 P 85 59 0.0 90 5.0 7.2 8.5 Clear Bush cabin 6/30 3:30P 79 65 0.0 96 4.0 8.2 7.5 Clear Horton Cr. 7/12 2:00 P 92 77: 0.0 125 3.0 8.2 7.0 Muddy Hells Gate

Christopher Cr. 7/5 5:00 P 86 82 6.5 130 0.0 7.8 6.7 Muddy Martin Ranch

Haigler Cr. 7/9 11:00 A 90 76 0.0 195 10.0 8.2 6.2 Clear Tillette Ranch

Horton Cr. 6/28 10:00 A 76 50 8.5 85 0.0 7.0 8.0 Clear At spring 6/28 1:00 P 79 65 0.0 96 6.0 8.2 7.6 Clear Tonto Cr. T.

Spring Cr. 7/11 10:00 A 92 61 0.0 193 14.0 8.2 7.3 Clear Haught Ranch

Marsh Cr. 7/12 1:00 P 91 80 10.2 148 15.0 8.2 7.7 Muddy Hells Gate

Salt River 7/15 3:00 P 86 78 0.0 218 12.0 8.2 6.9 Muddy Bridge Esibove lake

Fossil Cr. 7/2 1:30 P 88 71 35.0 371 0.0 7.2 7.2 Clear At spring

East Verde Cr. 6/29 10:30 A 78 52 12.0 156 0.0 7.2 7.3 Clear At spring 6/29 1:00 P 81 62 0.0 151 9.0 8.2 8.2 Clear Rim Rock Ranch 6/29 3:30 P 77 70 0.0 156 11.0 8.2 8.0 Clear Siddle Cross

Bonita Cr. 6/29 2:30 P 85 60 0.0 119 4.0 8.2 8.1 Clear Center

Note: As will be seen, some of the streams given in the preceding table are omitted in the chemical summary. These streams were usually tributaries to the streams analyzed or uere inaccessible. Table 3.- Summary of the fish present in the streams of the Tonto National Forest

Name of Stream Fish Present Abundance Condition* Section Found Miles Occupied Tonto Creek Rainbow Trout Common Source to Hells Upper 11 Brown Trout Common " Gate " 11 E. Brook Trout Very few Top section 5 Suckers Abundant Throughout 49 miles Bonytails Abundant Throughout 49 miles Carp Common Lower end Lauer 10

Cristopher Cr. Rainbow trout Common Upper section Upper Bonytails Abundant Throughout 7 miles

Sharp Creek Bonytails Very few Throughout 2 miles

Haig ler Creek Rainbow trout Camon Upper section 6 miles Cutthroat trout Rare - Upper section 4 miles Suckers Abundant Throughout 9 miles . Bonytails Abundant -m Throughout 9 miles

Horton Creel: Rainbow trout Caamon Throughout 3 miles E. Brook trout Rare Throughout 3 miles Brown trout Common Throughout 3 miles Sucker Common Throughout 3 miles Bonytails Common 'Throughout 3 miles

Spring Creek Suckers Abundant 'Throughout 8 miles Bonytails Abundant Throughout 8 miles Rainbow trout Very few Up-oer end 3 miles marsh Creek Suckers Abundant Throughout 4 miles Bonytails Abundant Throughout 4 miles Rainbow trout Very few Upper end 1 mile

Table 3.- Continued

Name of Stream Fish Present Abundance Condition* Section Found hales Occupied

Salt River Suckers Common Throughout 5 miles Bonytails Abundant Throughout 5 miles Catfish Common Throughout 5 miles Carp Common Throughout 5 miles

Fossil Creek Bonytails Common Spring to flume 3/4 mile

East Verde Rainbow trout Common 0 Upper end 5 miles

E. Brook trout Few 0 Upper end 5 miles Brown trout Few Upper end 5 miles 0

Bonytails Abundant L..1 Throughout 25 miles

Suckers Abundant TI Throughout 25 miles

Dry Dude Creek Rainbow trout Few Throughout 3 miles E. Brook Very few Throughout 3 miles Brown trout Few Throughout 3 miles

Bonita Creek Rainbow trout FEW Throughout 3.5 miles Brown trout Few Throughout 3.5 miles

Pearly Creel; Rainbow trout Very few Throughout 2 miles

Ellison Creel; Rainbow trout Very few Throughout 3 miles

* P - condition Door G - good E excellent Table 4.- Summary of lakes in the Tonto National Forest Average Approximate Greatest Depth Boats Aceessi- Name of lake Drainage Area ih_satpi. Depth in ft. in ft. Available bili

Roosevelt Lake Salt River 10 40 30 100 Good roads

Apache or Horse Mesa Lake ?I f? 7 3/4 250 100 75 Fair ir

Canyon or Mormon Flats It IT 5 130 CO 100 i?

Stewart Mountain Lake 11 ff 3 98 50 75 ff tl

The table states only conditions as the survey party found them.

CR) - 17 -

Table 5.- Chemical chart of lakes in the Tonto Forest

Depth of Temperature 1.0. Phth. Date Sta. Sample Air Water CO2 all:. alk. 02 Name of Lake 1934 No. in ft. °F. OF pm .121:1 _11.1 211.. Roosevelt 7/17 1 40 (bottom) 99 78 12.5 147 0.0 0.8 7.3 2 36 tt 96 77 14.5 137 0.0 4.3 7.6 3. 38 99 78 14.5 126 0.0 0.0 7.8

Apache 7/16 1 Bottom of dam 92 67 10.0 138 0.0 ? 7.3 7/21 2 160 86 69 13.0 140 0.0 0.0 7.2 100 86 72 13.0 128 0.0 0.0 7.2 50 86 78 10.0 125 0.0 0.4 7.2 20 86 81 0.0 116 3.0 5.2 8.2 7 Surface 86 81 0.0 116 7.0 6.4 8.2 0 6gbottom 94 75 10.0 125 0.0 0.2 7.2 20 94 82 0.0 115 11.0 6.6 8.2

Canyon 7/19 1 129 88 60 19.0 132 0.0 0.0 7.6 100 88 60 14.0 132 0.0 0.5 7.2 50 88 63 11.0 128 0.0 0.6 7.2 25 88 68 10.0 118 0.0 0.7 7.4 13 88 70 9.0 118 0.0 0.8 7.4 6 88 81 0.0112 9.0 7.5 8.2 Surface 88 82 0.0 112 9.0 7.5 8.2 2 108 bottom 84 65 20.0 126 0.0 0.0 7.8 50 84 68 16.0 121 0.0 0.6 7.2 25 84 69 12.0 120 0.0 0.6 7.2 15 84 70 8.0 115 0.0 1.2 7.2 10 84 76 7.0 115 0.0 4.2 8.0 Surface 84 81 0.0 116 8.0 7.2 8.2 3 39 bottom 85 68 12.5 107 0.0 0.4 7.4 10 85 75 8.0 114 0.0 5.3 7.8 Surface 85 81 0.0 117 10.9 7.3 8.2

Stewart Nt. 7/21 1 98 bottom 96 66 11.0 128 0.0 0.8 7.2 50 96 68 8.0 120 0.0 5.5 7i2 25 96 70 8.0 112 0.0 6.8 7.6 Surface 96 84 0.0 87 19.0 11.9 8.2 Table 6.- Stocking recommendations for streams and lakes Tonto National Forest

Food' and • Number to Width Pool Size Stock in Name Section to Stock or area Grade Recommended Species Section FreAllenai East Verde River Washington Park down 1 4;2- miles, to junction with Dude Creek. 9' A2 #3 Rainbow 4,750 Annually. Dude Creek junction down 5-i- miles.' - - 10' C2 Brown 3,450 TT

Dude Creek Total length (3 mi.) 8' C2 23 Rainbow 1,500 TT Bonita Creek (2?- mi.) 6' C2 Rainbow 950

Pearly Creek mi.) 4' C2 Rainbow 630 .1?

Ellison Creek RAI 6' 02 Rainbow 950 I?

Tonto Creek Zane Grey Lodge down 3- miles to Horton Cr. junction. 17' 131 Rainbow 5,975 T ^ junction down 4- miles to Bear Flats 20' 02 Browns 5,050

Horton Creek Total length (3): mi.) 8' Bl Rainbows 3,275 IT

Alternate Plant for Horton Creek Each week for Rainbows 125 16 weeks

- Total length (4 mi.) 8' 02 13 Rainbows 2,016 Annually ShaD Creek Unsuited

Table 6.- Continued

Food and Number to -ffidth Pool Size Stock in Name Section to Stock or area Grade Recommended anecies Section Freauen2i

Haigler Creek 7*.71 1.-, Z.6th (3 Eis) L.:1)i i T E Telletts : roc CR■.37'71 to Mark Cr. 15' Bl Rainbows 14,000 Annually

Spring Creek Haught Ranch down 8 mi. 6' B3 Rainbows 3,000 Annually

Marsh Creek Unsuited

Salt River Sufficient stock from Roosevelt Lake

Fossil Creek Unsuited

Roosevelt Lake 6400 acres Poor 0 L.11. Bass 384,000 Every 5th year

C0 Apache Lake 5000 acres Poor 0 L.1. Bass 300,000 E? 5th "

Canyon Take 3200 acres Poor 0 7- Bass 192,000 5th " Steuart Mt. Lake 1800 acres Poor ,3 L.1'. Bass 108,000 5th " =ARTMENT OF °MERGE BUREAU OF FISIEWS STREAM SURVEY •

State River System Name Of Stream

Foresi-or Park Map, Number

County Tributary to

Stream Semiti'in: Length of Sention: Notes—Sketches

Name of Stream ...... * ...... Date Region IIIINIIM11111 Middle , Lower

Station ...... a Altitude ...... * Average width and, depth .... Volume ...... , Velocity ...... Color sane turOidity ...... pH ...... Air temperature ...... Water temperature ...... Hour and sky ...... Pools and shelter: Size, type, frequenly .. ,

Riffles: Character and extent ...

L. Shade ...... Bottom: Mud, silt, sand, clay, detritus*, kardpan, gravql, rulble, ledroak .. *. Aquatio Vegetation: t

, r Fish food: . Oaddisflies ...... Mayflies ...... Diptera ...... , Stoneflies ...... CruStacea ...... Mislellaneous ...... * ......

Cilaracter of watershed: Canyens, miun'6iious, hilly, rolling, flat, swampy, wooded, open, nultivatet, uncultivated. Fluctuation in volume:

4 , Gradient: Surce: Barriers (location and height):

Diversions (location, screened):

Springs (location, size, temperature):

Tributaries:

Fish (kinds, abuntance):

Enemies: - Degrevfizhed (heavy, metium, light): Spawning areas:-

Fry, fingerlings seen:

Accessiiility' if stream:

Previous stocking:

(sourde, type): .Rearing pool sites: ' Fish recommended:

• .1 • • .. . . . , —Improvements: ......

'Investigator. --Average-width: ' —P4411'grade: Pood grade:

. • STOPKING'PROGRAM Sention to be stocked: —

S'enies:

N Size:

. Number:

Frequency:

Authority. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE BUREAU OF FISHERIES

Lake and Pond survey

State River System Name of Lake

Forest or Park Map Number

County Tributary to

Notes—Sketches

Name of lake: Date: Altitude: Area: Natural or artificial: Height of dam: Fishway: Character of shore line

Character of watershed: Mountainous, hilly, rolling, flat, swampy, wooded, open, cultivated, uncultivated.

Principal tributary streams (names and size):

Fluctuations in water level (causes and feet variation):

Approximate depth 100' from shore , 200' from shore Maximum Shoal areas (extent, type of bottom);

Deep areas: Bottom—Mud, silt, sand, clay, peat, marl, detritus, hardpan, gravel, bedrock. Temperatures: Inlet ,Outlet ,Surface ,Hour Weath,r ,At various depths

Color rim'

Highe2

SU:Lierged:

Algae (kinds and abundance):

(Over) Vertebrates: Kinds of fish and abundance

Others

Invertebrates (indicate abundance by count or estimate): Caddisflies Hemiptera Mayflies Stoneflies Midges Decnpods Other Diptera Amphipods Dragonflies Entomostraca Damselflies Mollusks Neuroptera Worms

Plankton (length of haul): Quantity in ccs: Dominant organisms:

Spawning areas:

Young fish seen:

Accessibility: , Boats available: Pollution: Source: Type:

Degree fished (heavy, medium, light):

Rearing pool sites:

Fish recommended:

Remarkb:

Improve .

Investigator

STOCKING PROGRAM

Species.

Size:

Numbers:

Frequency:

Authority