9432

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9432
• Author: Modde, T. and M. Fuller.
• Title: Feasibility of Channel Catfish Reduction in the Lower Yampa River.
• USFW Year: 2002.
• USFW - Doc Type: Vernal.
• Copyright Material: NO

reported as catch per hour per angler. All catfish captured were removed from the river and

disposed in remote upland areas in compliance with National Park Service permit regulations. In

each reach a sample of 25 catfish lengths and weights were recorded to estimate the size structure

of fish captured. Catch rates for each reach were computed as an aggregate of total fishing time

and total catch. Anglers were provided with bait (worms). The same angling methods were used

in both 1998 and 1999.

Baited hoop nets and trot lines

On the second trip in 1998 (August 10-15, 1998), hoop nets (2.7 m long, 13 mm. mesh, 6

hoops), and trot lines were used to capture channel catfish. Fourteen hoop nets baited with blood

and cheese were set in each treatment reach and retrieved the next morning during each day of trip

2. Hoop nets were set in shallow pools and slow runs in all treatment reaches. Trot lines (nylon

single hooked, 0.3 m leads) baited with blood paste stink bait and worms were set in areas thought

to be optimal habitat for catfish. They were set and checked hourly and then left over night and

retrieved the next morning. The use of trot lines was discontinued after causing extensive stress to

Colorado pikeminnow and native chubs.

Fyke nets

Fyke nets (0.6 m 1.8 m frame, 6 nun mesh, 0.9 m dia. hoops) were set in stationary sites

over a five week period between September 1 and 19, 1998. Nets were baited with cow liver and

heart, set, retrieved and left in treatment reaches. One crew launched three days after nets were set

by the previous crew. The second crew retrieved the nets, removed catfish, processed fish and

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