ISFAPPC00156

• Case Number: 03CW0038
• Stream Name: Fourmile Creek
• Watershed: Saguache Creek
• Water Division: 3
• Water District: 26
• County: Saguache
• Instream Flow App - Doc Type: Supplemental Data

FOURMILE CREEK

1999

Fourmile Creek is a third order stream, tributary to Saguache Creek.#2. It is
located approximately 20 miles west of the town of Saguache. Little information is known
about the habitat arid fish populations ofthis stream. At the request ofthe'BLM, a stream
inventory was conducted to determine the status of the fish population.

The survey site was located about 1.5 miles upstream ofthe confluence with
Saguache Creek #2 on BLM property. The inventory revealed a high densiJy brook trout
population, Density was estimated at 1904 fishlmile with a biomass of 217 IDtacre. This is a
significant wild trout population. Several age classes of brook trout were sampled
including yearling fish, The relatively small size orthe brook trout (x = 4.6':i'bches) is
normal for this size of stream. It appears that this' stream receives little angling pressure.
Although this remote stream is within the range for Rio Grande cutthroat tmut, none were
observed or collected in the survey. There are no stocking records for this stream from
1952 to 1999. It is probable that the brook trout migrated to this stream from Saguache
Creek. A few juvenile white sucker were reported in the sample. Fourmile Creek
represents spawning and nursery habitat for a white sucker population in Saguache Creek.
The presence of white sucker diminishes the potential for a Rio Grande sucker restoration
project.

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Mana!!ement Recommendation Summary:

1) Stocking: None needed,

2) Regulations: Maintain standard methods, bag and possession limits,

3) Habitat Improvement: Implement measures to protect riparian habitat from
impacts of excessive livestock grazing.

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4) Access/Facilities: None needed,

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5) InformationlEducation: None needed.

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