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<br /> <br /> <br />RESULTS <br />Overview.-Study results are reported in several closely related sections. First, we <br />describe the major changes in physical habitat imposed by construction and operation of Flaming <br />Gorge Dam. Second, we compaze the composition and reproductive status of the fish community <br />of the regulated reach since before construction of Flaming Gorge Dam in 1962 until 1996. <br />Third, abundance patterns of fishes sampled at two sites in Lodore Canyon are compared <br />between the periods 1978-1980 (Holden and Crist 1981) and 1994-1996 (this study). Fourth, we <br />analyze longitudinal patterns of distribution and abundance both for fish captured with seines and <br />for those captured with electrofishing gear. Fifth, species composition and abundance patterns of <br />drifting larval fish in the Green River are compared to patterns observed in the unregulated <br />Yampa River. Sixth, we detail species distribution and abundance patterns in accounts of rare <br />native species and selected non-native piscivores in the study area. In the seventh and last <br />section of this report, we present empirical regression models to predict water temperatures of the <br />Green River downstream of Flaming Gorge Dam. Conclusions emphasize management actions <br />needed to restore habitat and fish communities in the Green River upstream of the Yampa River. <br />Effects of Flaming Gorge Dam on Green River discharge and temperature <br />patterns.-Prior to construction of Flaming Gorge Dam, discharge patterns of the Green River <br />exhibited high spring peaks followed by lower, more stable base flows in other seasons, <br />particularly winter (Fig. 2). Water temperature ranged from a low of 0°C in winter to over 22°C <br />in summer (Fig. 3) and water was sometimes turbid from fine silt loads. At least three major <br />dam-related events potentially affected physical habitat and the fish community of the upper <br />Green River: dam closure in 1962, penstock modification in 1978, and flow re-regulation in <br />1992. Effects of construction and dam operation on fishes were summarized in two major <br />research efforts, the first from 1963-1966 (Vanicek and Kramer 1969, Vanicek et al. 1970) and <br />the second from 1968 to 1971 (Holden and Stalnaker 1975a and 1975b). Riverine habitat in the <br />reservoir zone was eliminated by inundation; naturally variable and spring discharge maxima <br />12 <br />