7418

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7418
• Author: Tyus, H. M. and C. A. Karp.
• Title: Stream Flow Needs of Rare and Endangered Fishes, Yampa River, Colorado.
• USFW Year: 1988.
• USFW - Doc Type: Vernal, Utah.
• Copyright Material: NO

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of these fishes. Development of alternatives to avoid, minimize, or rectify
the impacts of water resource development will become more difficult as future
water development adds to the loss and alteration of endangered fish habitat
(USFWS 1987a). Solutions to water management conflicts need to be sought in
order to avoid confrontations between industry, government, and environmental
groups. The need for protection of instream flows, and possible acquisition
of water rights is necessary if the endangered fish fauna is to be saved, and
possibly recovered under provisions of the Endangered Species Act.
This report evaluates stream flow needs of four rare and endangered
Colorado River fishes (Colorado squawfish, humpback chub, bonytail chub,
razorback sucker) with respect to the natural flow regimen of the Yampa River.
Habitat requirements for each species in the upper Green River basin are first
reviewed by life history stage. This is followed by a discussion of factors
limiting the distribution and abundance of each species, and lastly, a
discussion of stream flow recommendations.
DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, AND HABITAT USE
General
The distribution and abundance of fishes indigenous to the Yampa River
has been documented by various workers (Haynes et al. 1984, Holden and
Stalnaker 1975, McAda and Wydowski 1980, Miller et al. 1982, Nesler 1986,
1988, Seethaler 1978, Tyus et al. 1982a, 1987, Wick et al. 1982, 1985, and
others).
In 1981, FWS divided the lower 124 miles of the Yampa River (Echo Park to
Round Bottom near Craig, Colorado) into eight relatively homogeneous river
sections (strata) (Figure 3), using topographic and geologic maps, aerial
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