6028

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 6028
• Author: Wick, E. J., D. L. Stoneburner and J. A. Hawkins.
• Title: Observations on the Ecology of Colorado Squawfish ‎(
• USFW Year: 1983.
• Copyright Material: NO

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squawfish might spawn at several sites within the lower 32 km of Yampa
Canyon. In 1981 and 1982, ripe Colorado squawfish were also located in
areas where physical parameters were similar to those at river km 26.4.
These areas at river km 31.4-26.6 (mile 19.5-16.5) and km 18.4-14.0
(mile 11.4-8.7) were also highly diverse and characterized by side
channels and rubble gravel bars amid a unique riffle-pool habitat
sequence.
Endangered Fish Captures
Radiotelemetry and capture-recapture information indicate that
Colorado squawfish exhibit fidelity to the Yampa River. The recapture
of five Carlin-tagged squawfish reinforced telemetry data on migratory
movement between Yampa Canyon and upper reaches of the Yampa River. In
July 1981, USFWS captured two squawfish [#1166(Y) and #1138(Y)) near the
spawning area. These fish were recaptured in March and August of 1982
in the upper reaches above Yampa Canyon. Two other squawfish [#1182(Y)
and #1863(B)] originally captured in the Upper Yampa in 1981 and 1982
were subsequently recaptured near the spawning area in.July and August
1982. The USFWS also reported fish recaptures between the upper and
lower reaches of the Yampa River (Miller et al., 1982b). Two recaptures
on the spawning area in 1981 were originally Carlin-tagged on the Upper
Yampa.
Adult capture information indicates that suitable adult habitat
exists throughout the Yampa River up to Milk Creek at river km 191.9
(mile 119.2) (Holden and Stalnaker, 1975; Seethaler, 1978; Wick et al.,
1981; Miller et al., 1982b). Spawning habitat appears to be restricted
to the lower 32 km (20 miles) of Yampa Canyon. Young-of-the-year (age