WSP01905

• File Number: 8240.200.40.J
• Description: Yampa
• State: CO
• Basin: Yampa/White
• Water Division: 6
• Date: 1/6/1993
• Title: City of Craig, Colorado River, Yamoa River Diversion Fish Passage Study
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

~
I
I
]
I
I
J
1

INTRODUCTION

This final report, entitled City of Crail!, Colorado. Yamna River Diversion Fish Passal!e Study.
was submitted to the City of Craig, Colorado in partial fulfillment of BIO/WEST's contract with the
City of Craig, Colorado. The report summarizes results of an investigation which was performed in
calendar year 1992. It integrates findings from five field trips conducted during 1992. Memoranda
detailing all activities were submitted following each field trip. This investigation was initiated on
March 24, 1992 and was completed on December 15, 1992 (due date for final report).

PURPOSE

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if the grade control structure recently constructed
by the City of Craig, Colorado impedes movements of Colorado squawfish (Ptychocheilus lucius) in
the Yampa River.

This investigation was conducted to address conservation measures outlined in the Biological
Opinion issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) as part of special conditions attached
to the Army Corp of Engineers (COE) Section 404 Permit for construction of a grade control
structure on the Yampa River. Specifically this study addresses Conservation Measure No.3 of the
Biological Opinion which directs the City of Craig, Colorado to conduct a post-construction
monitoring study to determine if the Yampa River grade control structure impedes movements of
Colorado squawfish.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study as outlined in the Biological Opinion were as follows:

Objective 1:

To determine if Colorado squawfish can move both upstream and downstream
over the recently constructed grade control structure.

Objective 2:

To determine if Colorado squawfish are concentrated below the control structure
during upstream migration periods.

Field efforts for this investigation relied on the use of two techniques recommended in the
Biological Opinion to accomplish Objective #1. These techniques included radiotelemetry and mark
and recapture. Objective #2 was addressed by electroflShing below the diversion structure during
September. Netting was also used by BIO/WEST to sample possible fISh aggregations at the base of
the diversion structure in September and November.

STUDY AREA

Radiotelemetry studies for this investigation included both aerial and ground surveillance.
. Ground telemetry was concentrated in a 27-mile reach of the Yampa River extending from near the
town of Hayden, Colorado (approximately 20 miles upstream of the diversion structure) downstream
7 miles to the public boat launch just past the Colorado Highway 394 bridge. Aerial telemetry was
conducted in a 160-mile reach of the Yampa River from its confluence with the Green River
upstream to near the town of Hayden, Colorado and a 17-mile reach of the Green River from its

1