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DISCUSSION ~ Stocked fish total length increased 300% during the first growing season (Figures 9 - 12 and 15 - 16). As expected, growth in length slowed during the second growing season. However, weight gains continued at nearly the same rate throughout the study (Figures 14 and 18). Growth data collected during this study was consistent with other studies and supports the premise that floodplain wetland habitats are ~ important for young razorback sucker. Fish grew rapidly in the highly productive floodplain wetlands, and presumably survival was enhanced as a result of the larger young fish becoming less susceptible to predation (Wydoski and Wick 1998, Lentsch ~ 1996, and Osmundson and Kaeding 1989). Population estimates indicate age-1 razorback sucker stocked in 1999 demonstrated good survival in each site during the first year of the study. Estimates were calculated in the fall 1999. First year survival estimates with the narrowest confidence intervals were obtained for Baeser Bend. Razorback sucker survival at ~ Baeser Bend was estimated at 52% ± 7% for fall 1999. Survival estimates at The Stirrup and Above Brennan were similar to estimates at Baeser Bend, however, confidence intervals were much wider. Survival estimates were 37% ± 35% in the fall ~ 1999. At Above Brennan survival estimates were 56% ± 53% in the fall 1999 (Figure 7). Better survival estimates were obtained for Baeser Bend because sampling was t more efficient at Baeser Bend than the other two sites. Large areas of thick dead terrestrial vegetation at The Stirrup and Above Brennan reduced sampling efficiency. In contrast Baeser Bend is more open and had very little dead terrestrial vegetation to hinder sampling. 20