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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Fishing - Wade fishing increased during the Test. Some outfitters shifted to wade fishing from dory boat use because they wouid have had to puB their boats over exposeu rocks, gravel, and sand bars at some points because of the low flow levels, Lower water levels kept most dories confined to the Texas Hole about 1.5 miles below Navajo Dam. Fishing was good, as measured by catch rates, although some anglers were concerned about the loss of fish habitat and food, higher water temperatures, and crowding on the river. Some of the outfitters had cancelled or had not booked trips during the week of the Test because they were concerned about the impacts fishing pressure would add to low-flow impacts on the trout fishery. Therefore, business owners reported fewer rooms reserved and less restaurant traffic, Table 2 provides a comparison between the angler hours and catch rates during the Test and at other times when releases were higher than 250 cfs. According to the information gathered, the short-term effects would probably not be as detrimental as anticipated during public meetings, However, long-term projected impacts may include a reduction in licensed outfitters. a shift from dory boat fishing to rubber raft use, and an increase in wade fishing, A decline in current recreation use can be expected with a decline in trout populations. Rafting - Some private rafters canceled trips on the lower San Juan River in anticipation of the Test; however, commercial rafting trips continued because outfitters told their clients that flows would be adequate, Even though Navajo Dam releases were low, flows below the confluence of the Animas River were adequate for rafting, flows during the Test did not drop below approximately 800 cfs Summer Low Flow Test Report - April 2002 -17- r"'" -"! "./ ," ..J