7331

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7331
• Author: Kinnear, B. S. and R. E. Vincent.
• Title: Fishes and Fish Habitats in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument.
• USFW Year: 1967.
• USFW - Doc Type: Fort Collins, Colorado.
• Copyright Material: NO

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reproducing. The bottom fauna changed from large warmwater species to
small coldwater species and algae dominated the plant community.
Some changes in the Gunnison River have been recorded as a result
of earlier impoundment. Williams (1951) indicated that Taylor Reservoir,
approximately 60 miles upstream from the Curecanti Project, decreased
silt loads and lowered summer water temperatures. Wiltzius (1966),
after analyzing willow fly (Pteronarcys californica) emergence dates,
suggested that Taylor Reservoir has a warming effect on the Gunnison
River during early spring.
In anticipation of changes in aquatic fauna within the Monument,
determination of water temperature regimen, flow characteristics, river
habitats, fish species present, condition factor, and fish distribution
before, and during upstream impoundment was sought.
The objective of this study is to provide a base for detection of
subsequent changes in the fish fauna within the Monument. This study
is qualitative due to the severe physical nature of the study area that
limited access and types of gear used.
LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NATIONAL MONU-
MENT - -
Black Canyon of the Gunnison River is in southwestern Colorado be-
tween Sapinero and Montrose, Colorado. Most of the Canyon is in Gunni-
O
son and Montrose counties. The region, topographically, is a transition
zone between the Southern Rocky Mountains to the east and Colorado Pla-
teau to the west.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument (Figure 1) comprises
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approximately 10 miles of the narrowest, deepest, and most spectacular
portion of the 50 mile canyon. Canyon walls range in height from 1,700
to 2,400 feet. Width at the rim is as narrow as 1,300 feet while the