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<br />L <br />not suited for life in western Colorado rivers, which is not surprising since they <br />evolved in lacustrine environments and low eastern gradient rivers (Eddy and Underhill <br />1974). However, black crappie are commonly found in the While River below Kenney <br />~ Reservoir. These fish are believed to be escapees from the Reservoir and not naturally <br />recruited. Walleyes also have not established riverine populations. Their known <br />distribution in northwestern Colorado is limited to Rifle Gap Reservoir. Rifle Creek <br />~ water flows to the Colorado River continuously, yet only one walleye has been <br />reported from the River. This is evidence that walleye do poorly when forced to <br />occupy a river environment in this area. <br />i <br />Potential Impacts to Endangered Fishes from Stocking <br />Largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie and walleye are proposed for <br />~ sportfishery use because these species have failed to establish riverine populations <br />even though they have had ample opportunity to do so. Furthermore, they have also <br />failed to establish naturally recruiting populations capable of adversely impacting <br />~ endangered species in backwater areas (Nester 1991). Potential impacts to <br />"recovery" of endangered Colo~do River fishes are not anticipated because there is <br />no evidence that these species persist in the existing river environments. The <br />• <br />Nonnative Fish Stocking Procedures recognizes this for largemouth bass, bluegill and <br />black crappie as it states: "These species are not well adapted to hostile riverine <br />environment and do not appear to establish self-sustaining populations in rivers upon <br />~ escapement." Walleye are not expected to impact the recovery of endangered fishes <br />• <br />