8091

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 8091
• Author: Miller, W. H., et al.
• Title: White River Fishes Study
• USFW Year: 1982.
• USFW - Doc Type: Final Report.
• Copyright Material: NO

Distribution and Relative Abundance of all Fish Species
Fish representing seven families and 15 species were collected from
the White River, 1980-1981. These included seven native (four endemic)
and eight exotic (introduced) species (Table 4).
The red shiner was the most common and widely distributed of the
exotic species. It was present in all strata but decreased in numbers
from strata Z to V. Carp were found in low numbers in all strata but
were most prevalent in strata Z and strata X. The fathead minnow was
found in all strata but only in low numbers. The smal.lmouth bass was
captured in stratum Z during survey operations and is represented by
only a few specimens. Black bullhead (strata V and W) and green sunfish
(strata X and Z) were also represented by few specimens and from restricted
habitats. Other exotic species included the plains killifish and the
mosquito fish, represented by one individual each.
Speckled dace was
strata V, W, X and Y.
species in stratum Z.
to Z. Bluehead sucker
their numbers declined
or gravel substrate an
the most abundant native species collected in
Flannelmouth sucker was the most abundant native
This shift indicates a change in habitats from V
and roundtail chub were common in all strata but
in stratum Z. Bluehead suckers preferred rubble
i were most common where that substrate was available.
Mottled sculpin was only collected in stratum V. This species was
noted during electrofishing operations in stratum W but was not captured
due to the large mesh size of the dip nets used. The mountain whitefish
was collected primarily in strata V and X. Single collections were also
made in strata Y and Z in October.
The Colorado squawfish occurred throughout all strata, but in low
numbers. Adults were captured in all strata and juveniles were captured
in strata W, X, Y and Z during 1980 and 1981. Collections made during
standardized stations in 1981 (Table 4) indicated the catch/effort was
greatest for stratum Z for juveniles and adults.
Trammel nets were no more effective for large fishes than electro-
fishing. This is attributed to a lack of a deep pools.
No gear type was very effective with juveniles of the larger species.
These individuals were generally large enough to avoid capture with
seines but were not large enough to be captured with trammel nets.
These fish were primarily collected by electrofishing.
River stage was an important factor in determining sampling effi-
ciency. Field teams had little success in collecting fish during early
prerunoff with all gear types, especially with passive gear. Because
set nets (passive gear) rely upon fish to be active and moving, it was
reasonable to attribute the low catch rates to cold water temperatures.
Electrofishing and seining (active gear) were most successful during
prerunoff. Effectiveness in catching fish during runoff was complicated
by high, turbulent water conditions. Seining during runoff was difficult
and sometimes impossible.
21.