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braided channels are common. Above Marble Creek the valley narrows, <br />gradient increases further, braids and meanders cease, pools become <br />infrequent, and riffles predominate. Temperature varies little between <br />the fastwater and slackwater (Davis 1961). <br />Fish abundant in the St. Joe River fastwater include largescale <br />suckers (Catostomus macrocheilus), bridgelip suckers (Catostomus colum- <br />bianus), mountain whitefish (Prosopium williamsoni)', cutthroat trout <br />(Salmo clarki), redside shiners (Richardsonius balteatus), dace <br />(Rhinichthys sp.), and sculpin (Cottus sp. Northern squawfish range <br />as far upriver as Bluff Creek at river mile 87, but are most abundant <br />below Marble Creek (Reid 1971). <br />SPAWNING BIOLOGY <br />Methods <br />Fieldwork was conducted between June 10, 1980, and August 10, 1981, <br />but was concentrated during June and July of both years. Trammel, trap, <br />and experimental gill nets were set nightly in different areas of the <br />St. Joe, St. Maries, and Clearwater Rivers in the late spring and early <br />summer of 1980, during the period that literature information indicated <br />spawning should be in progress. Capture success and general condition of <br />fish taken in each areas were compared to determine which areas were used <br />by spawming squawfish. Swimmers equipped with faceplates and snorkels <br />then examined these areas to locate spawning sites. Spawning behavior <br />was observed and described qualitatively by the snorkelers. <br />In 1981, fieldwork on spawning biology began on June 2 and was <br />restricted to the St. Joe River. Transects were established at 4 sites <br />where fish had been observed spawning in 1980. Counts of fish made by <br />two snorkelers independently swimming standardized routes were averaged <br />to give an index of fish abundance of each site. Counts were made only <br />during days and hours when lighting and turbidity resulted in Secchi <br />depth measurements of at least 5 meters. Counts were repeated at two-day <br />intervals if conditions allowed. Fish behavior and appearence were also <br />noted at the time of each count. Throughout the spawning period, river <br />temperature (midmorning) and level were determined at one- or two-day <br />intervals with a hand-held thermometer and a fixed, calibrated staff. <br />During the period of peak spawning activity, areas where spawning <br />had been observed the previous year were checked by snorkelers. Each <br />spawning site located was outlined with painted rocks placed on the <br />stream bottom and then mapped from a baseline established with a cali- <br />brated line along one bank. Calibrated transect lines (at least four per <br />site) were extended across the river perpendicular to the baseline at <br />measured intervals. Baseline length and transect number and spacing were <br />chosen to give accurate and complete coverage of each site and its <br />immediate surroundings. Velocity profiles, depths, and substrate com- <br />positions were determined at stations along each transect line, and the <br />presence or absence of spawning or holding fish was noted. The number <br />49