8220

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 8220
• Author: Miller, W. J. and D. E. Rees.
• Title: Colorado Squawfish Habitat Use and Movement During Summer Low Flow in the Yampa River Upstream of Cross Mountain Canyon.
• USFW Year: 1996.
• USFW - Doc Type: Fort Collins, Colorado.
• Copyright Material: NO

1

INTRODUCTION
An essential part of determining of limiting factors for Colorado squawfish
(Ptychocheilus lucius) in the Yampa River is the characterization of habitat requirements
of that species. There is limited existing information on squawfish habitat use or
movement in the Yampa River during the low flows which occur during late summer.
This study relates to the Green River Action Plan, Yampa River Elements 1.A.2.,
1.AA.a.(3)(a)., and 1.B.2. of identifying base flow discharge needs of endangered fishes
in the Yampa River. The goal of this study is to determine habitat use patterns of
endangered fishes in the Yampa River during the lowest flow period of the year (i.e.,
August through October). The specific objectives of this study include:
• monitor movements of Colorado squawfish, northern pike and channel catfish in the
Yampa River during the low flow periods (August through October)
• to determine the range of movement habitats occupied during the base flow periods.
The specific objectives of this study were to monitor movements of Colorado squawfish
using radio telemetry to determine: 1) the range of movement during the low flow
period; 2) summer low flow habitat use; and 3) the distance Colorado squawfish moved
from later summer into winter. In addition, northern pike and channel catfish also will be
radio implanted in the same locations and monitored during the monitoring of the
Colorado squawfish movement.
In addition to the determination of movement patterns, telemetry data will be used to
compare sites occupied by Colorado squawfish during summer flow conditions to the
availability of habitat during summer low flow habitat months. The availability of
distinct habitat types will be determined in another portion of the study which measured
Draft Yampa River Radio Telemetry Report Page 1
' Miller Ecological Consultants, Inc. December 13, 1996