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'I Pg. 112, C. 2, P. 1. Enhancing the trout population may not be needed in the interim since problems in fall 1990 indicate there are already too many trout. Also, no mention is made of a USBR funded study of alternative trout strains which may be better adapted to the unique tailwater habitat. What would a different strain do to reduce the listed impacts? Pg. 112, C. 2, P. 4. The issue of naturally-spawned fish is ill- defined. A desire on the part of the angler does not necessarily translate to a requirement. Obviously, natural recruitment is not needed to sustain the Lee's Ferry fishery. Why is natural spawning important? Pg. 113, C. 1, P. 1. We suspect the stranding conditions were less important below Lee's Ferry because anglers could not see stranded fish and thereby become concerned. You have not discussed the importance of stranding about 2,000 fish to a population of 150,000 fish. You should discuss the relative importance of this issue to the trout population and also to the angling public. This may help us to understand why "naturally" spawned fish are important. ~~ t~ ";.; Pg. 113, C. 1, P. 3. This blue ribbon trout fishery was started with hatchery fish and is sustained by hatchery fish. Naturally spawned fish have contributed little to the Lee's Ferry historic reputation as a blue ribbon fishery. Therefore, to dwell on the importance of spawning to the fishery is not warranted unless you give more reasons than public sentiment. Also, you have not cited any of the Phase II stranding study results in lieu of Maddux et al. Did the Phase II study results support the earlier work? If not, why not? " ;,' Pg. 113, C. 2, P. 2. The issue of angler management is not included in this paragraph. If anglers desire it, perhaps a restriction on fishing during spawning season would be supported to help increase natural reproduction. The DEIS should speculate on the possible need to restrict trout impacts on native fish by reducing stocking. Pg. 114, C. 1, P. 1. In the late '70's, late winter stomach contents of trout were filled with shad. These may have helped produce the big trout but no discussion of this possibility is provided. , These shad may have given the needed pisci vorous diet to help boost the trout to the larger sizes. Pg. 114, C. 1, P. 2. Availability of Cladophora described in the last sentence may be due to light and turbidity. Again, with an effort to reduce the amount of Cladophora detached, what will happen to this food source for trout in the areas downstream of the LCR? The Bel-Aire strain is likely to be incapable of achieving trophy status (i.e., >22 inches). This was a finding in the Davis trout strain study and should be discussed here. AlSO, Janisch has speculated that many of the poor fish in the slot are simply old .;; ~I '. .:~ ;.:.. ....f, 25