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Despite the presence of adult squawfish in the 15-mile reach during the <br />spawning seasons of 1986 and 1987, successful reproduction may have not <br />occurred there then. No larvae were collected there during either year of <br />our intensive sampling program. However, two larvae were collected there in <br />1982. Successful spawning in the 15-mile reach may only occur during <br />infrequent years. <br />Colorado squawfish larvae and YOY were collected 6-8 miles downstream from <br />the 15-mile reach (in the lower 18-mile reach) in 1986 and 1987, as well as <br />in 1983, 1984 and 1985 (Archer et al. 1985). During each of these years, as <br />many as 23 larvae were collected between RM 162.7 and 164.8 (Walker Wildlife <br />Area), as well as from other downstream sites. The one larva collected in <br />fall 1987 was found 0.5 miles (M 162.7) downstream from the site, a location <br />to which a radio-tagged adult from the 15-mile reach had briefly moved to <br />during the estimated spawning period. Interestingly, the only year when <br />larvae were collected from the 15-mile reach (1982) was also the only year <br />they were not collected from the lower 18-mile reach. It may be that Color- <br />ado squawfish spawn at various sites within the Grand Valley; the site(s) <br />selected might depend on conditions that vary from year to year. Perhaps <br />individuals return to areas where they have spawned before, and, if condi- <br />tions are found to no longer be suitable, the fish select a different site. <br />The collection of a larva from the lower Gunnison River in 1986, the first <br />year that reach was sampled, indicates that spawning may occur there. It is <br />possible, however, that this larva drifted downstream from the reach of the <br />Gunnison above the dam. The movement of a radio-tagged, adult squawfish to <br />the Price Stub Dam during the spawning period in 1986, as well as the <br />similar movement of a fish to the base of Redlands Dam during the spawning <br />19