PERMFILE48881 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Somerset, irrigation diversion for the Fire Mountain Canal dewaters the • river during low flow periods. The water quality and physical habitat conditions of the river from Somerset to Paonia can still support a fishery if a minimum stream flow were ever obtained for this section. Below Paonia, the aquatic habitat is only in fair condition due to the partial dewatering for irrigation dnd the return of poor quality irrigation drainage water to the system. Fish species in the North Fork of the Gunnison River vary with the location and the stream. From Paonia Reservoir downstream five miles to Somerset, the Colorado Division of Wildlife stocks 2,000 catchable size rainbow trout annually. On the downstream side towards Paonia, cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout occur, along with suckers, sculpin, dace, and northern pike. Below Paonia, the fish fauna shifts predominately to suckers and minnows, with dance, sunfish, and northern pike occurring in reduced • numbers. Below the Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery and at the confluence of the main stem of the Gunnsion, there are popular fishing spots. Rainbow and brown trout, along with a variety of other species are taken in these areas. The North Fork supports an estimated 2,000 angler days annually in the Paonia Reservoir to Somerset section, and approximately 500 angler days through the rest of the river. Endangered or Threatened Species The bald eagle is the only rare and endangered animal species that might occur on the permit or adjacent areas. Although not listed as threatened or endangered, the golden eagle has been given the same protection as the bald eagle by virtue of its inclusion in the Bald Eagle Protection Act. Bald eagles and golden eagles may utilize some of the land in the North Fork of the Gunnison River, but it is unlikely that any impact will occur with respect to these species as a result of the surface facilities for the Bear No. 3 Portals. r ~ L J 2.04-50