7025

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7025
• Author: Hawkins, J. A. and T. P. Nesler.
• Title: Nonnative Fishes in the Upper Colorado River Basin
• USFW Year: 1991.
• USFW - Doc Type: An Issue Paper.
• Copyright Material: YES

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Sport fishery regulation

Opinions were divided on several techniques proposed as means of reducing problems
associated with introduced game fish species. One respondent indicated angling was a
potential way to reduce abundance of targeted gamefish species, while another respondent
stated the reduction of game fish predators through sport harvest was not possible. Six
respondents offered regulation changes as means of reducing problematic introduced
game fish species or minimizing incidental capture of native fish. These changes were:

*

Restrictions on sport harvest of endemics.

*

In the Yampa River, manipulate fishing regulations to encourage fishing for northern
pike during periods when Colorado squawfish are not present; discourage fishing
when Colorado squawfish are vulnerable to capture.

*

In the Colorado River, conduct intensive surveys to determine to what extent
incidental take is a problem (i.e. Grand Valley reach), and (if this take is judged
unacceptable), create a seasonal closure (in the river reach) to channel catfish fishing
and prevent fishing during the time when adult Colorado squawfish are most
vulnerable to angling. This is suspected to be during spring when adults are
concentrated near shore in backwater areas.

*

In New Mexico, allow trot and set lines for catfish (generally not allowed in
southwestern states). Allow spearfishing for sportfish. Allow commercial harvest of
reservoir sport fisheries.

*

In Utah, biologists recommended the use of set or trot lines not be allowed, a gear
restriction they have implemented on the Colorado and Green rivers for several
years.

Five respondents offered techniques related to public information and education.
These included continuing efforts to educate anglers about the need to help protect
endangered fish and encourage anglers to recognize (be able to identify) and release native
fish. Part of the public relations process recommended by one respondent was to publicize
fines and penalties associated with violating the law (protecting endangered wildlife). Utah
considered the signing and pamphlet program targeted at anglers that is currently in place
to be effective. In both the Colorado Fishing Map and the State fishing season information
pamphlet, color pictures and descriptions of endangered Colorado River fishes are
prominently displayed; and in the latter, river reaches in the state where an angler might
encounter one of these fishes is also prominently displayed. A program of signing prominent
public access points on Colorado's river reaches where anglers may encounter endangered
fishes has also been initiated. Enforcement and prosecution under the law with
accompanying media coverage was also recommended as a means of reducing incidental take
of endangered fishes.