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2 <br />An important requirement for successful spawning appears to be a <br />current sufficient to keep the semibuoyant eggs from settling to the <br />bottom where they might become silted over and smother (Bigelow and <br />Schroeder, 1953; Bayless, 1967). Incubation period of the drifting eggs <br />is 48-72 hours at 15.6 to 17.8% (Talbot, 1966). <br />Striped bass frequently spawn in turbulent, muddy, silt-laden <br />areas characterized by rapids, boulders, and strong currents (Merriman, <br />1937; Raney, 1952; Mansueti and Hollis, 1963; Talbot, 1966). They have <br />spawned successfully in the headwaters of at least three reservoirs: <br />Santee-Cooper Reservoir, South Carolina; Kerr Reservoir, Virginia/North <br />Carolina; and Millerton Lake, California (Calhoun, 1966). <br />The objective of this study was to determine if striped bass prey <br />upon native fish species in the drainage. Specific objectives were to: <br />1. Sample the Colorado River at the head of Lake Powell and <br />above Cataract Canyon for adult striped bass during their <br />spawning period. <br />2. Determine the food habits of all migratory striped bass <br />captured. <br />3. Determine the degree of success of striped bass reproduction <br />in the Colorado River. <br />Description of Study Sites <br />The Colorado River, the largest tributary of Lake Powell, represents <br />a likely site for reproduction by reservoir striped bass populations. <br />Two sampling sites, Spanish Bottom and Gypsum Canyon, were selected to <br />monitor striped bass at the Colorado River inlet (Figure 1).