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. 4 . Background Tiger muskie have been evaluated as a candidate for introduction into select western Colorado waters because they have specific attributes which may help address sportfish management interests without compromising the protection of other aquatic wildlife resources. Some of these attributes include sterility, trophy potential, and the ability of tiger muskie to control populations of other introduced species such as common carp and white suckers in closed systems. One of the major attractions of tiger muskie as a management tool, particularly in waters where escapement may occur, is the fishes' inability to reproduce (Hesser 1978). Recently, the assumption of tiger muskie sterility has been questioned, and the CD OW completed an extensive literature review and survey to identify any recent evidence of tiger muskie reproduction (Appendix C). Satterfield (1993) was unable to find any documentation of tiger muskie reproduction in the wild, in the literature, or through correspondence with fisheries professionals in ten states. Satterfield concluded that a preponderance of information in the literature and management experience across the United States suggests tiger muskie are incapable of reproduction under natural conditions. Tiger muskies are attractive to anglers because they reach a relatively large size, thus providing a unique trophy fishery. Tiger muskie were introduced into select eastern Colorado waters in 1984. Since then, 39 waters in Colorado have been stocked with tiger muskie. Presently, the CDOW annually stocks approximately 38,000 fish in 22 waters throughout central ."... and eastern Colorado. A statewide 30 inch minimum size limit has been applied to tiger muskies, and in good waters tiger muskie reach this size in approximately 4-6 years. Several waters including Cherry Creek Reservoir, Barr Lake, and Lon Hagler Reservoir routinely produce legal-size fish. The current state record, a 32 lb. 15 oz. fish was caught in Quincy Reservoir in 1993. Tiger muskie are also a useful sportfish because they can often be used to reduce densities and improve structure and dynamics. of associated populations of prey and panfish. Tiger muskie can also provide population control of species such as common carp and white suckers which often dominate reservoir fisheries to the detriment of sportfish management. Table 1 includes data demonstrating how tiger muskie have reduced abundance of common carp and white sucker populations in several CDOW Central Region waters (Appendix D). . . . . . . . .