8082

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 8082
• Author: Hubert, W. A. and T. M. Patton
• Title: Fish Catches with Hoop Nets of Two Designs in the Laramie River, Wyoming
• USFW Year: 1994
• USFW - Doc Type: Prairie Naturalist
• Copyright Material: YES

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Fish Catches with Hoop Nets of
Two Designs in the Laramie
River, Wyoming

WAYNE A. HUBERT and TIMOTHY M. PATTON

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National Biological Survey
Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unitl
University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY 82071-3166

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ABSTRACf - Two types of hoop nets were evaluated by examining differences in composition of the
catch and catch rates of fishes in the Laramie River, Wyoming. One type having the first hoop with a
.. D" shape was expected to be more efficient in small streams than conventional hoop nets with all round
hoops. Our findings did not support this expectation. Round nets yielded higher catch rates when
significant, differences in catch per unit effort were observed for individual species and all species
combined. Variability in catch rates was extensive with both types of nets. but both nets yielded similar
between-year trends for individual species.

Key words: Fish. fish nets. catch rates. Laramie River. Wyoming

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Hoop nets are commonly used by commercial fishers and biologists to collect
fishes in lotic systems (Hubert 1983). This passive gear can be used to evaluate the
relative abundance of fishes and to assess fish assemblages. Variation in catch rates
of individual species and their sizes can be substantial because of different net
designs (Hubert and Schmitt 1982), mesh sizes (Holland and Peters 1992), and baits
(Mayhew 1973, Pierce et al. 1981, Gerhardt and Hubert 1989), as well as sampling
locations and environmental variables (Miller 1945, Starrett and Bamickol1955,
Mayhew 1973, Hubert and Schmitt 1982, Holland and Peters 1992).
Traditionally, hoop nets are constructed with round hoops that enable them
to roll on the streambed or become suspended by the current. Sedimentation in and
around nets and accumulation of allochthonous material on the nets is thus reduced
and the efficiency of the nets is enhanced. In small streams where strong currents
with substantial movement of sediment and allochthonous material are not a
problem, a different design has been used (Smith and Hubert 1988, 1989; Hubert
and O'Shea 1991; Gerhardt and Hubert 1991; Annear 1992). The design is similar
to others, except the first hoop has a "D" shape. It is set with the flat edge on the
streambed with the intent of sampling a wider area for bottom-dwelling fishes.
Despite the use of these nets with a D-shaped hoop (D nets), the greater efficiency
of these nets has not been confirmed.

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IThe Unit is jointly supported by the University of Wyoming, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department,
and the National Biological Survey.

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