3011

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 3011
• Author: Beamesderfer, R. C. and T. C. Bjornn.
• Title: Habitat Selection, Spawning Behavior and Early Life History of Northern Squawfish with Inferences to Colorado Squawfish.
• USFW Year: 1980.
• USFW - Doc Type: Progress Report,
• Copyright Material: NO

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spawning were delineated, however, low water clarity due to frequent spring

rains prevented div~rs from locating actual spawning sites or observing

spawning behavior.
Beginning June 30, emphasis was switched to the St. Joe River. As

in the St. Maries River, extensive netting and snorkeling was conducted to

monitor spawning activity and locate spawning areas. Periods of peak

spawning ,ctivity and the cessation of all spawning activity were noted.

Four spawning sites were located and two fish were observed spawning and

eggs were found. At two other sites large concentrations of fish in spawning

coloration were noted in areas similar to those where eggs were found. One

site where spawning was observed was mapped in detail. Where fish were

observed spawning, behavior was described. In addition, numbers of mature

fish were captured for determination of spawning population characteristics.

Work was concentrated on the Clearwater River between July 14 and 21.

Efforts to locate a spawning population of entirely ri.ver dwelling fish

were unsuccessful and few mature fish were found in middle and upper sections

of the river although juveniles were collected as far upstream as Kooskia.

Large numbers of fish in spawning condition were located in the lower portion

of the river immediately above Lower Granite Reservoir and at one site a

large school of squawfish in spaw~ing coloration were observed and eggs

were found in the substrate. Search for additional spawning areas was

abandoned when a check of the site already located showed fish had ceased

spawning.