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. 7 . Figure 2 illustrates the specific location of each of these waters within the State of Colorado. All candidate waters are artificial impoundments; no natural lakes have been considered. The waters range in surface area from 60 to 2,125 acres, and maximum depth ranges from 28 to 170 feet (Table 3). Primary use for most of the reservoirs is water supply for either agricultural, hydroelectric, or domestic use. Six of the nine waters presently contain some type of cool- or warm water fish species (Le. bluegill, largemouth bass, walleye, etc.). Threatened or endangered fish species are nQt present in any of the candidate waters. Furthermore, no riverine habitats have been considered for stocking. To assess the suitability of stocking tiger muskie, the following criteria have been evaluated for each water; (1) escapement potential to connecting waterways; (2) potential impact on threatened and endangered fish species if escapement occurs; (3) potential impact on other native fish species if escapement occurs; (4) on-site impact on existing sportfish populations; (5) off-site impact on existing sportfish populations; and (6) potential of tiger muskie to enhance sportfishing value. . . . . Reservoir Description and Evaluation Continental Reservoir Continental Reservoir is located on North Clear Creek in the Rio Grande drainage (Figure 3). The reservoir is shallow and nutrient rich which makes it very productive. It is managed for irrigation water by Santa Maria Reservoir Company. In 1986, a 2,000 acre-foot conservation pool agreement for protection of the fishery was dissolved. Since then the lake has undergone severe water level fluctuations and is nearly drained each year via the bottom outlet works. In the early 1980s, Continental Reservoir showed potential as a cold water fishery for Snake River cutthroat trout. The fishery management program was based on periodic derris treatments followed by annual stocking of about 80,000 3-inch Snake River cutthroat trout. Brook trout and rainbow trout were also present but less abundant (Table 4). The CD OW stopped trout stocking when the conservation pool was lost. Recent gill net records from the CDOW standard lake survey files indicate white sucker dominate the fish community and trout are rare. Prior to loss of the conservation pool, Continental Reservoir was a popular fishery with Lake City and Creede residents, and nonresident summer anglers. An angler survey conducted . . . .