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SUSIT NA HYDRO AQUATIC ST UD IES
PH ASE I I REPORT
Vo lume I : Su mma r i zati on of Vo l umes
2, 3 , 4 ; Pa r ts I and I I , and 5 .
Alaska Department Of Fish and Game
Su Hydro Basic Data Reports, 1982 .
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ARLIS
Alaska Resources
Library & lnformatton SerVices
Anch~.~r ... ~~. AJaska
SUSITNA HYDRO AQUATIC STUDIES
PHASE II REPORT
Volume I: Summarization of Volumes
2, 3, 4; Parts I and II, and 5.
Al aska Department Of Fish and Game
Su Hydro Basic Data Reports, 1982.
by
ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Susitna Hydro Aquatic Studies
2207 Spenard Road
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
1983
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TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
1. 0 INTRODUCTION................................................ 1
1.1 Specif i c Project Objectives ...•.........•..••....• ~.... 1
2.0 VOLUME 2 SUMMARY-ADULT ANADROMOUS STUDIES................. 9
2.1 Eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificicus) ..............••.•.•
2.2 Adult Salmon (Onchorhynchus ..?.£.) ..................... ..
2.2 .1 Chinook Salmon (0. tshaw)tscha) ................ .
2.2.2 Sockeye Salmon (0 . nerka ..•.•....•..•..•......•
2.2 .3 Pink Salmon (0 . -orbuscha) •....•...•.•.....•..•.
2.2.4 Chum Sa l mon (0. eta .......................... .
2.2.5 Coho Salmon (Q . TISUtch) ....................... .
9
10
10
15
17
20
23
2.3 Bering Cisco (Coregonus laurettae)..................... 25
3.0 VOLUME 3 SUMMARY -RESIDENT AND JUVENILE ANADROMOUS
FISH STUDIES................................................ 28
3.1 Distri bu tion and Abundance Studies ..............•..••.. 28
3.1.1 Rainbow Trout (Sa lmo gairdneri)................. 30
3.1.2 Arctic Grayling (Thymallus arcticus)............ 31
3.1.3 Burbot (Lota lota).............................. 32
3.1 .4 Round Whitefi~Prosopium cylindraceum)........ 32
3.1.5 Humpback Whitefis h (Coregonus idschian)........ 33
3.1 .6 Longnose Sucker (Catostomus catostomus ..••..... 34
3.1.7 Dolly Varden (Sa lvelinus malma)................. 35
3.1.8 Threespine Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus). 36
3.1.9 Sl imy Sculp i n (Cottus cognatus)................. 37
3.1.10 Arctic Lamprey (Lampetra japonica).............. 37
3.1 .11 Chinook Sa l mon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
juveniles....................................... 38
3.1.12 Coho Sa l mon (0. kisutch) juveniles.............. 39
3.1.13 Chum Salmon ('IT. keta) juveniles................. 39
3.1 .1 4 Sockeye Salmon (~erka) juveniles............. 40
3.1.15 Pink Salmon (Q. gorbuscha) juveniles............ 40
3.2 Emergence and Outmigration Studies ..................... 40
3.3 Foo d Habits and Distribution of Food Organisms......... 43
4.0 VOLUM E 4 SUMMARY -AQUATIC HABITAT AND INSTREAM
FLOW STUDIES................................................ 46
4.1 Introduction ................ ~.......................... 46
ARLIS
Alaska Resources
Library & lnformaup n SerVices
Ancbvt _.~:,~. Alt;tska
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) PAGE
4. 2 Part 1 -Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
4 .2.1 Stage/Disc harge Studies......................... 46
4.2.1.1 Talkeetna to Devil Canyon.............. 47
4.2 .1 .1.1 Mainstem Habitats........... 47
4.2.1.1.2 Slough Habitats............. 48
4.2.1.1.3 Tributary Habitats.......... 50
4.2.1.2 Ta l keetna to Cook Inlet................ 51
4.2.1.2.1 Mainstem Habitats........... 51
4.2.1.2.2 Slough Habitats............. 52
4.2.1.2.3 Sl ough Habitats............. 53
4.2.2 Tha l weg Profile................................. 54
4.2.3 Backwater Area Studies.......................... 55
4 .2.4 Open Channel Studies............................ 56
4.2 .5 Water Temperature Studies .......•...•..... :..... 57
4.2.5.1 Talkeetna to Dev il Canyon .............. 58
4.2.5 .1.1 Mainstem Habitats........... 58
4.2 .5 .1 .1.1 Instantaneous
Surfac·e Water
Temperature.... 58
4.2 .5 .1.1.2 Continuous
Surface Water
Temperature .... 58
4.2.5 .1.1.3 Intragravel
Water
Temperature .... 59
4.2.5.1.2 Slough Habitats............. 59
4.2.5.1.2.1 Instantaneous
Surface Water
Temperature.... 59
4.2 .5 .1.2 .2 Continuous
Surface Water
Temperature.... 59
4.2.5.1.2.3 I nstantaneous
Intragravel
Water
Temperature. . . . 61
; i
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont inu ed) PAGE
4 .2.5 .1.2.4 Continuous
Intragravel
.Water
Temperature •... 61
-4.2.5.1.3 Tributary Habitats ••.•..•... 63
4.2.5 .1.3.1 Instantaneous
Surface Water .... Temperature ..•. 63
4.2.5 .1.3.2 Continuous
Surface Water
Temperatu re ..•. 63
4.2.5.1.3.3 In tragravel
Water -Temperature ...• 64
4.2.5 .2 Talkeetna to Cook In l et ................ 64
r-4.2 .5.2.1 Mainstem Habit ats ••...•..••. 64
4.2.5.2.1.1 Instantaneous ,... Surface Water
Temperature ..•. 64
4.2 .5.2.1.2 Con tinuou s
Surface Water
Temperature .... 64
4.2.5.2.1.3 Intragravel
Water
Temperature ..•• 65
4.2.5.2.2 Slough Habitats .•...•......• 65
4.2.5.2.2 .1 In sta ntaneou s
Surface Water
Te mperature ..•. 65
4 .2 .5.2.2.2 Continuous
Surface Water
Te mpera ture ..•. 66
4.2.5.2.3 Tributary Habitats ....•..... 66
r 4.2.5.2.3 .1 Instantaneo us
Surface Water
Temperature .... 66
4.2 .5.2.3.2 Continuous
Surface Water
Temperature ..•. 66
iii
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) PAGE
4.2.6 Other Basic Field Parameter Studies............. 67
4.2 .6.1 Ta lkeetna to Devil Canyon.............. 68
4.2.6.1.1 Mainstem Habitats ........... 68
4.2.6.1.2 Slough Habitats............. 68
4.2.6.1.2 .1 Upland Slough
Habitats....... 69
4 .2.6.1.2 .2 Side Slough
Habitats....... 70
4.2.6.1.3 Tributary Habitats.......... 71
4.2.6.2 Ta lkeetna to Cook Inlet................ 71
4.2.6.2.1 Mainstem Hab i tats........... 71
4.2.6.2.2 Sl ough Habitats............. 72
4.2 .6.2 .3 Tributary Habitats.......... 72
4.2.7 Dissolved Gas Studies ..... ~ .......... ·........... 73
4 . 3 Part 2 -S u ITUlla ry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 5
4.3 .1 Mainstem Salmon Spawning Studies ................ 75
4 .3.2 Slough Salmon Spawning Studies.................. 77
4 .3 .2 .1 Specific Slough Studies ................ 78
4.3.2 .2 General Slough Studies ................. 82
4.3.3 Eulachon Stud i es................................ 83
4.3.4 Bering Cisco Studies............................ 84
4.3 .5 Juvenile Anadromous Habitat Studies............. 86
4.3.6 Resident Fish Habitat Studies ................... 89
5.0 VOLUME 5 SUMMARY -UPPER SUSITNA RIVER IMPOUNDMENT
STUDIES..................................................... 91
5.1 Introduction........................................... 91
5.2 Aquatic Habitat Stud i es................................ 92
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
5.3
5. 2.1 Introduction ................................... .
5.2.2 Tributary Habitat Studies •.....•.••••...•.......
5.2.3 Mainstem Habitat Studies ......••.••..•..•.....••
5.2.4 _ Lake Habitat Studies .....•..•...•••..•..•.......
Resident Fisheries Studies ....••••....••••.•...•••••...
5.3.1
5.3.2
5.3.3
5.3 .4
Introduction ................................... .
Tributary Studies .............................. .
Mainstem Studies ............................... .
Lake Studies ..•..................•......•...•...
PAGE
92
93
97
98
99
99
100
101
102
6.0 LITERATURE CITED............................................ 104
7.0 APPENDIX .................................................... 107
7.1 Table of Contents ..•••..••..•.••..•....•.•.•.......•.•. 107
7 .1.1
7 .1.2
7 .1. 3
7 .1.4
Vo 1 ume 2 •••••.•••••••.••••••••••.•••••.•.•••••••
Volume 3 ........•..•....•.......•.•....•.••••...
Vo 1 ume 4 ••..•.••.••••....•.••...•.•.•..•........
Vo 1 ume 5 ••••.••••••••••.•••••••••••••••••.••..••
v
107
114
118
124
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LIST OF FIGURES PAGE
Figure 1.1
Fi gure 1. 2
Figure 1. 3
Figure 1.4
Figure 2 .1
Figure 2.2
Figure 2 .3
Figure 2.4
Figure 2 .5
I ntegration of and re l ationships
among the program elements presented
in Volumes Two through Five ....•..•.•......•.......
Overal l study area of the Susitna Hydro-
electric Feasibility Study Program ••.........•.•...
1982 AFD&G open water season (May through
October ) study area ............................... .
1981-82 ADF&G ice-covered season (October
through May) study area •••....•...•••••.....•.•..••
Susitna River basin map showing field
stations and major galcial streams .
Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su
2
4
6
7
Hydro Stud i es, 1983................................ 11
Migrational timing of chinook salmon
at selected sampling locations in the
Susitna River basin in 1981 and 1982,
Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su
Hydro Studies, 1983 .••..... ;....................... 14
Migrational timing of second run
sockeye salmon at selected sampling
locations in the Susitna River basin
in 1981 and 1982, Adult Anadromous
Investigations, Su Hydro Studies,
1983. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Migrational timing of pink sa l mon at
selected samp l ing locations in the
Susitna River basin in 1981 and 1982,
Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su
Hydro Studies, 1983 ........ ...... ...•. .. .. .... .•... 19
Migrational timing of chum salmon at
selected sampling locations in the
Susitna River bas in in 1981 and 1982,
Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su
Hydro Stud i es, 1983................................ 21
vi
LIST OF TABLES
Table 2.1
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Table 2.2
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Susitna River drainage escapement
estimates by species for 1981 and 1982,
Adult Anadromous Investigations,
Su Hydro Studies, 1983 .•.....•.•••••••.••..•..••
Escapement by species and sampl i ng
location for 1981 and 1982 , Adult
Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro
Studies, 1983 .................................. .
vii
PAGE
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Specific Project Objectives
This report is Volume One of a five volume report of the fisheries,
aquatic habitat, and instream flow data collected by the Alaska Depart-
ment of Fish and Game (AOF&G) Susitna Hydroelectric (Su Hydro) Feasi -
bility Aquatic Studies Program during the 1981-82 (October-May) ice-
covered and 1982 open water (May-October) seasons. These reports were
prepared for the Alaska Power Authority (APA) and its principal con-
tractor, Acres American (Acres), by the ADF&G and other contractors to
assist the APA with evaluation of the feasibility of a Susitna hydro-
electric project. This volume presents a synopsis of the information
contained in the other four volumes. Volume Two also includes a compar-
ison of 1981 and 1982 adult anadromous fisheries data . This report is
intended for data transmittal to other Susitna Hydroelectric Feasibility
Study participants. The topics discussed in Volumes Two through Five
are illustrated in Figure 1.1.
An ADF&G data analysis report in preparation will include an analysis of
the pre-project fishery and habitat re 1 ati onshi ps derived from vo 1 umes
one through five and related reports prepared by other study partici-
pants. A review draft of this report will be circulated to study
participants. The final report will be submitted to the APA for formal
distribution to study participants, state and federal agencies, and the
public. Also scheduled for completion on June 30, 1983 is the first
-1-
Factors Inf luencing Aquatic Habitat Fish Li fe Phases· I n f I u en c e d by H a b i t a t
Rrv e r MorphoiOQY
Vol. 4, Vo l. 5 \
Hydraulic CondIt Ions
Vo l ~.Vol !)
~ --~ \~--------
. ~--
'""''" ~ ('"'·''''
\_, ... ""
Vol , 4, Vol. 5
Tim ln9, Di•trir>v t ion
ond Population >
Vol. 2, Vol. 4
Spown ino
/Vol.2, Voi.4,Vol. :1
Inc u botton
Vol. 3
Rt ortno
Vol. 3
___ Food Hobll• ------
Vo l. 3
~Ou lm lgro tlo n ~
Vol. 3
Spown l no
Vol. 3, Vol. 5
Rtorlno
Vol. 3, Vol. 4, Vol. 5
Ol sltl bu t ion
Vol. 3 , VoJ.4, Vol. 5
Figure 1.1 Integration of and relationships among the program elements presented in Volumes Two through
Five.
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draft of the ADF&G 1982-83 ice-covered season basic data report . This
report will also include a presentation of 1982 -83 incubation and other
fishery and habitat data.
These and other ADF&G reports (1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1981a, b,
c, d, e, f, 1982) and information reported by others will be summarized
and ana l yzed by the Arctic Environmenta l Information and Data Center
(AEIDC) to evaluate post-project conditions within the overall study
area of the proposed project (Figure 1.2). Woodward Clyde Consu l tants
will, in turn, use this information to support the preparation of the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission License Application for Acres.
1.1 Specific Project Objectives
The five year ADF&G Su Hydro Aquatic Studies program was initiated in
November 1980 . It is subdivided into three study sections: Adult
Anadromous Fish Studies (AA), Resident and Juvenile Anadromous Fish
Studies (RJ), and Aquatic habitat and Instream Flow Studies (AH).
Specific objectives of the three sect i ons are:
1. AA -determine the seasonal distribution and relative abun -
dance of adult anadromous fish populations produced within the
study area (Figure 1.2);
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miles
M AP AR EA
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...... ..........................
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ADF 8G FI ELD CAMPS
OV E RA LL STUDY AREA
Figure 1 .2 Overall study area of the Sus i tna Hydroelectric Feasibility Study Program.
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2. RJ -determine the seasona l distribution and relative abun -
dance of selected resident and juvenile anadromous fish
populations within the study area; and
3. AH characterize the seasonal habitat requirements of
selected anadromous and resident fish species within the study
area and the relationship between the availability of these
habitat conditions and the mainstem discharge of the Susitna
River.
The 1981 -82 ice-covered and 1982 open -water ADF&G study areas (Figures
1.3 and 1.4) were limited to the mainstem Susitna River , associated
sloughs and side channe l s, and the mo u ths of major tributari es.
Portions of tributaries which wil l be inundated by the proposed Watana
and Dev il Canyon reservoirs were also evaluated. Descriptions of study
sites are presented i n each of these volumes including the AOF&G reports
(ADF&G 1981a, b, c, d, e , f).
The Susitna River is approx i mately 275 miles long from its sources in
the Alaska Mountain Range to its point of discharge i n to Cook Inlet.
The drainage encompasses an area of 19,400 square miles. The mainstem
and major tributaries of the Susitna River, including the Chulitna ,
Talkeetna and Yentna rivers , originate in glac i ers and carry a heavy
load of glacial flour during the ice-free months (approximately May
through October). There are many smaller tributaries which are peren-
nially clear.
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... , •••• tJt:'
0 25
miles
/-----
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1982 OPEN WATER
SEASON STUDY AREAS
~ LOWER RIVER
~ S T UDY AREA
--DRAINAGE BOUNDARY
Fig ure 1.3. 1982 AOF&G open water season (May t hrough Oc tober) study area .
J
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0
0
-------...----.,..,/
0 25
miles
/
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1981 -82 ICE-COVERED
SEASON STUDY AREAS
LOWER RIVER
STUDY AREA
UPPER RIVER
STUDY AREA
DRAINAGE BOUNDARY
Figure 1.4. 1981-82 AOF&G ice-covered season (October through May) study area .
) 1
Questions concerning these repo rt s should be directed to:
Thomas W. Trent
Aquatic Studies Coordinator
Alaska Departme nt of Fish & Game
Su Hydro Aquatic Studies Program
2207 Spenard Road
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Telephone (907) 274-7583
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2.0 VOLUME 2 SUMMARY -ADULT ANADROMOUS STUDIES
2.1 Eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus)
Two runs of eulachon spawned in the Susitna River in 1982. The first
run entered the estuary during the last two weeks of May and the second
during the first week of June. The first eulachon run extended upstream
to river mile (RM) 40.5 while the second run reached an upper limit of
approximately RM 48.5. Spawning principally occurred in the Susitna
River main channel areas near cut banks and in riffle zones with sand
and gravel substrates. No spawning was documented in clear water
streams, semi-placid main channel reaches of the Susitna River
or slough habitats. The majority of the spawning activity by both runs
took place in the main channel reach between RM 8 .5 and the Yentna River
confluence (RM 28).
In 1982, male eulachon outnumbered females by ratios of 1.6:1 in the
first run and 1.3:1 in the second run. Three year old fish dominated
both runs comprising approximately 80 percent of the catch samples with
the remainder consisting of four year old fish.
length and weight data established that
significantly smaller than second run fish.
An analysis of eulachon
first run fish were
The combined 1982 escapement of first and second run eulachon was
estimated to range in the millions. Sport fishermen harvested
approximately 3,000 to 5,000 fish with the majority of the fishing
effort observed between RM 10 and RM 30.
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2.2 Adult Salmon (Onchorhynchus ~.)
Estimates of the 1981 and 1982 sockeye, pink, chum and coho salmon
escapements into the Susitna River drainage are presented in Table 2-1.
These estimates do not include escapements to systems between RM 6 and
77 but include the Yentna River (RM 28) escapements.
Table 2-1 Susitna River drainage escapement estimates by species for
1981 and 1982, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro
Studies, 1983.
Year
1981
1982
Sockeye '{!
272,500
265,200
Escapement Estimate l/
Pink
85,600
890,500
Chum
282,700
458,200
Coho
36,800
79,800
1J Defined as the summation of the Yentna River escapement recorded at
Yentna Station and the Susitna River escapement recorded at
Sunshine Station . These estimates do not include escapements to
Susitna River tributaries above RM 6 and below RM 77 excluding the
Yentna River (RM 28).
~ Sockeye salmon escapement estimates do not include first run
sockeye salmon escapements.
2.2.1 Chinook Salmon (~ tshawytscha)
Chinook salmon escapement estimates in 1982 were obtained by the
Petersen tag/recapture method at Sunshine (RM 80), Talkeetna (RM 103)
and Curry (RM 120) stations on the main channel Susitna River {Figure 1
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Figure 2-1.
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SUNSHINE STATI ON
STATION
Susitna River basin map showing field stations and major
gl acial strea·ms .. Adult Anadromous I nvestigations) Su
Hydro Studies , 1983.
-11-
and Table 2-2). A comparison of between year fishwheel catches at these
sampling stations indicated that the 1981 chinook salmon escapement was
less than one half the 1982 escapeme nt level .
The chinook salmon migration at Sunshine (RM 80), Talkeetna (RM 103) and
Curry (RM 120) stat i ons occurred earl i er in 198 1 than in 1982 by about
one week (Figure 2-2). The major period of movement past these
locations occurred from the second week of June to the third week of
July.
No chinook salmon spawning occurred in the Susitna River ma i n channel
between RM 7 a nd 150 in 1981 or 1982 based on intensive sampling with
electroshocking and drift net gear.
Radio transmitter imp 1 ants and fi shwhee 1 recaptures in 1981 and 1982
indicated significant milling activity by chinook salmon in the Susitna
River main channe l above Talkeetna (RM 97). The mil li ng behavior noted
can be character i zed by fish ascending in the main channel Susitna River
beyond their respective spawn i ng streams and days or weeks later
descend i ng and spawning in streams downstream of the point of initia l
capture. Radio transmitter implants also established chinook salmon
milling in lower Devil Canyon above RM 150.
In 1981 a nd 1982, chinook salmon spawning above Talkeetna (RM 97}
occurred exc l usively in stream habitats with the majority of the fish
spawning in Indian River (RM 138.6) and Portage Creek (RM 148.9).
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1 1 , I
Table 2-2. Escapement by species and sampling location for 1981 and 1982 . Adult Anadromous
Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1983.
Escapement .!/
Sampling River Chinook Sockeye ~/ Pink Chum Coho
Location Mile 1981 2/ 1982 1981 1982 1981 1982 1981 1982 1981 1982
Yentna 04
Station
]_I 139,400 113,800 36,100 447,300 19,800 27,800 17,000 34 '100
Sunshine 80 52,900 133,500 151 '500 49,500 443,200 262,900 430,400 19,800 45,700
Station
Talkeetna 103 10,900 4,800 3 '100 2,300 73,000 20,800 49 'l 00 3,300 5 ,l 00
Station
Curry 120 11 ,300 2,800 1 ,300 1 ,000 58,800 13,100 29,400 1 '1 00 2,400
Station
ll Escapement estimates are derived from Petersen population estimates with the exception of the
Yentna Station escapements which are represented by sonar counts.
~/ Chinook salmon were not monitored for escapement in 1981 .
3i Yentna Station sonar equipment was installed after the onset of chinook migration and tota l
escapement was not estimated.
4/ Second run sockeye salmon escapement.
1 '
Curry
Station
Talkeetna
Station
Sunshine
Station
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-i=nJh=i~=l=i=~=~=l=~=i=~=i=~=i:~=i=~=~=~=~=i=~=~=l=l~=l~=lJ
-
,~ 25 5 15
CHINOOK SALMON
~ 1982
lim 1981
-MED I AN
~-I ~~-JUNE .... I. JULY ----~)lr-ll
Figure 2-2 . Migrational timing of chinook salmon at selected sampling locations in the Susitna River
basin in 1981 and 1982, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1983.
-
Two stream habitats in the Devil Canyon reach supported chinook salmon
spawn ing in 1982. These streams were: Cheechako Creek (RM 152.4) and
Chinook Creek (RM 157 .0). Less than one percent of the total estimated
chinook salmon escapement above RM 98.6 spawned in these streams.
2.2.2 Sockeye Salmon (~ nerka)
Two sockeye sa 1 mon runs with di sti net timing differences spawn in the
Susitna River drainage. In 1982, the first run escapement recorded past
Sunshi ne Station (RM 80) was approximately 5,800 fish as determined by
the Petersen tag/recapture method. The migration occurred between the
first and fourth week of June and was primarily (90%) age s2 fish .
Spawning occurred exc lu sively in a tributary of t he Talkeetna River (RM
97). No comparative information for the 1981 first run escapement is
available.
The second run sockeye salmon escapement into the Susitna River drainage
was approximately 272,500 fish in 1981 and 265,000 fish in 1982. These
est i mates do not reflect escapements to systems between RM 6 and 77 but
includes the Yentna River (RM 28) escapement .
Second run sockeye salmon escapements recorded at individual sampling
l ocat i ons on the Yentna River (RM 28) and ma in channel Susitna River for
1981 and 1982 are reported in Table 2. Corresponding, migrational
timing data are provided in Figure 2-3. The data indicates that the
second run sockeye sa lmon migration in the Susitna River began about one
week earlier in 1981 than in 1982.
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Curry
Station
To I keetna
Station
Sunshine
Stat ion
Yentna
Station
Susitna
Station
-NJ1:l:l=l~l=lf:~:1:):~:fl:l:::l:1t~f:::::::::::::::::::::~:::::::::~:=:~:~:l:1:l:~:l:l:l:l:l:l:l:l:l:l:l:lf
-
-i:~l=l:~l=@~;Nlrt~=~~ii=l=l=ml:l:l=l=l=i=:=:r:t=~=~
-f(@~:=~:1:;:1:l@~~:l:~:l:l:~f[j:i:l:1:l@l:l:l:l:l:j:J:t:l:l:l:l:ltt:l:J:l@
SECOND RUN
SOCK EYE SALMON
~ 1982
[] 1981
·-MEDIAN
15 25 4 14 24 3 13
~~ ·~---------JU LY --------~•~1-~~-----AUGUST--------.. ~~-~.........._ SEPT. ~
Figure 2-3. Migrational timing of second run sockeye salmon at selected sampling l ocations in the
Susitna Riv er basin i n 1981 and 1982 , Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies,
1983.
-
-
-
-
-
-
Ana l ysis of seco"nd run sockeye salmon escapement samples established that
the majority of Susitna River fish in 1981 and 1982 were age 52 fish
followed by age 42 fish. The overall ma l e to female sex ratio in 1981
was 0.9:1 and in 1982 1.0:1 based on escapement sampling at Susitna
Station (RM 26).
Results of gill netting and electroshocking the Susitna River main
channel between RM 7 and RM 150 in 1981 and 1982 indicated that sockeye
salmon do not utilize main channel habitat for spawning. It can also be
concluded sockeye salmon were infrequently present in lower Devil Canyon
(RM 150 -151) between late July and early September in 1981 and 1982.
In 1981 and 1982 above RM 98.6, sockeye salmon of the second run spawned
mainly, if not exclusively, in slough habitats associated with the
Susitna River main channel as no main channel areas or stream habitats
were found to support sockeye salmon spawning. Approximately 72 percent
in 1981 and 75 percent in 1982 of the sockeye sa 1 mon spawning observed
in slough habitats was recorded in Slough 11 (RM 135.3).
2.2.3 Pink Salmon (~ gorbuscha)
The Susitna River drainage escapement of pink salmon was estimated to be
approximately 85,600 fish in 1981 and 890,500 fish in 1982 not including
escapement returns in both years to systems between RM 6 and 77 but
including the Yentna River (RM 28) escapement (Tab l e 2-1). Escapements
recorded at individual locations on the Yentna and Susitna rivers are
provided in Table 2-2. A comparison of pink salmon migrational timing
-17-
recorded at various main channel Susitna River locations, illustrated in
Figure 2-4, indicates pink salmon were present in the river for a longer
period of time in 1981 than in 1982.
Intensive sampling in 1981 and 1982 with drift gill nets and electro-
shocking equipment showed pink sa 1 mon were not spawning in the Sus itna
River main channel between RM 7 and 150.
Sampling efforts · in the general area of RM 150 in lower Devil Canyon
indicated that pink salmon were not present in lower Devil Canyon in
1981 and had only a minor presence in 1 ower Devil Canyon during the
second and third weeks of August in 1982.
Pink salmon spawned in slough and stream habitats in the Susitna River
reach above RM 98.6. Pink salmon were found in 3 of 33 sloughs surveyed
in 1981 and 10 of 34 sloughs surveyed in 1982. Comparatively, 9 of 15
streams surveyed upstream of RM 98.6 in 1981 and 14 of 19 streams in
1982 supported pink salmon. The majority of the pink salmon escapement
above RM 98.6 spawned in stream habitats. The highest pink salmon
counts in index areas were recorded in Chase Creek (RM 106.9) and Lane
Creek (RM 113.6) in 1981, and Fourth of July Creek (RM 131.1) and Indian
River (RM 138.6) in 1982 . The highest counts of pink salmon spawning in
slough habitats were recorded in Slough 8 (RM 113.7) in 1981 and Slough
15 (RM 137.2) in 1982 . Peak spawning in slough habitats occurred in the
third and fourth weeks of August in 1981 and 1982 . In stream habitats,
peak spawning . periods were during the third and fourth weeks of August
in 1981 and the second and third weeks of August in 1982.
-18-
-
1
Curry
S tat1 on
Ta lkeetna
Sta t i on
Smshin e
S tation
Ye ntn a
Stati o n
Su s itna
St a ti on
Fi gure 2-4.
I ]
-
-~1:¥$-tBWM:~i
PINK SALM ON
~ 1982 m 19 81
-MEDIAN
'
5 15 2.5 4 14 24 3 13
)t-...,.,.f----JULY ----------J ..... -+1...;,· :,..,_ ____ A UG UST --------11--..:..,_-S E.PT.~
'
Mig r at i ona l tim i ng of pink salm on at se l ected s am pl in g locat i ons i n th e Susitna Ri ver
bas i n in 1981 and 1982, Adu l t Anad r omous I nvestigat i ons, Su Hydro St udi es , 1983.
2.2.4 Chum Salmon (~ keta )
Chum salmon escapement to the Sus i tna River drainage was approximately
282,700 fish in 1981 and 458,200 fish in 1982, not including escapement
returns in both years to systems between RM 6 and 77 but including the
Yentna River (RM 28) escapement (Table 2-1). Escapement estimates
derived at four sampling stations, one on the Yentna River and three on
the Susitna River main channel , are reported in Tab l e 2-2.
The migration timing of the chum salmon escapement past Susitna Station
(RM 26), Yentna Station on the Yentna River (RM 28), Sunshine Station
(RM 80), Talkeetna Station (RM 103) and Curry Station (RM 120) is
illustrated in Figure 2-5 .
Three age classes of chum salmon, age 3 1 , 41 and 51 , were represented in
the 1981 and 1982 escapement return to the Susitna River. Approximately
85 percent of the escapement return to the Susitna River in 1981 and
1982 were age 41 fish.
Tag recaptures and radio transmitter implants in chum salmon indicated
that approximately 25 percent and 60 percent of the chum salmon that
reached Talkeetna Station (RM 103) in 1981 and 1982 r~spectively, were
not destined to upstream spawning areas but were milling fish. Milling
behavior was also recorded among fish released at Curry Station (RM 120)
in 1981 and 1982 but was not as notable as that recorded among the fish
released at Talkeetna Station.
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1
Cu rry
S tat io n
To I keetno
Stat i on
Su nsh i n e
Station
Yent n a
Station
S u srtna
Station
t
CHUM SALMON
riJ 1982
@»1 1981 ~~
._ MEDIAN
-
-
-
-
J
5 I 5 25 4 14 24
I I
13
~~--JU LY ---------....--11-~+------AUGUST ----~•-+-1.,.._.:--S EPT.~
Figure 2-5. Migrational timing of chum salmon at selected sampling locations in the Susitna River
basin in 1981 and 1982, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Stud i es, 1983.
Based on 1981 and 1982 set net and electroshoc k ing catch results , chum
salmon enter lower Devil Canyon (RM 150-151) and are abundant there
during the last three weeks of Aug ust.
Chum sa l mon spawned in the Susitna River main channe l reach between RM 7
and 150 i n 1981 and 1982. Six spawning sites were found below Talkeetna
(RM 97) in 198 1 . However, no main channel chum salmon spawning was
found in this reach in 1982. Upstream of Talkeetna four main channel
Susitna River spawning locations were identified in 1981 and nine in
1982.
Chum sa l mon spawning surveys conducted upstream of RM 98.6 resulted in
the fi nding of chum salmon in 20 of 33 sloughs in 1981 and 17 of 34
sloughs in 1982 . The highest numbers of chum salmon spawners were
recorded in sloughs SA (RM 125.1) and 11 (RM 135.3) in 1981 and sloughs
21 (RM 141.0) and 11 in 1982. Peak spawning in slough habitats occurred
during the 1 ast week of August and the first week of September both in
1981 and 1982.
Eight of 15 streams above RM 98.6 in 1981 and 8 of 19 streams in 1982
supported chum salmon adults. The highest index counts were recorded in
Fourth of Ju l y Creek (RM 131.1) and Lane Creek (RM 113.6) in 198 1 and
Indian River (RM 138.6) and Fourth of July Creek in 1982. The peak of
chum salmon spawning in the stream habitats occurred from the second
week of August to the second week of September in 1981 and from the
third week of August to the second week of September in 1982.
-22 -
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2.2.5 Coho Salmon {~ kisutch)
Coho salmon escapement to the Susitna River basin was estimated at
36,800 fish in 1981 and 79,800 fish in 1982 not including returns to the
systems between RM 6 and 77 with the exception of the Yentna River ( RM
28) (Table 2-1).
Escapements of coho salmon recorded past Yentna Station (RM 04) on the
Yentna River (RM 28) and Susitna River main channel at Sunshine Station
(RM 80), Talkeetna Station (RM 103) and Curry Station (RM 120) for 1981
and 1982 are provided in Table 2-2. The migrational timing of coho
salmon past these locations and Susitna Station (RM 26) are outlined in
Figure 6. As indicated in Figure 2-6, coho salmon were abundant in the
Susitna River reach between RM 26 and 80 from the third week of July to
the fourth week of August both in 1981 and 1982. In the river reach
between RM 80 and RM 120i coho salmon were abundant in the main channel
through the month of August in both years.
Analysis of age data collected from escapement samples at Susitna
Station ( RM 26) indicate that the majority of the Sus itna River coho
salmon returns in 1981 and 1982 were age 32 and 42 fish with the latter
age class representing approximately 70 percent of the fish in 1981 and
65 percent in 1982 . Overall male to female sex ratio for the 1981
Susitna River coho salmon return was approximately 0.8:1 and in 1982,
0.6:1.
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Curry
Stat 10n
Talkeetna
Station
Sunshine
Stat ion
Yentno
Sta t ion
Susitna
Station
I!S
-r·········································································'····re·····'······················] :;:·::;:;:;:::::;::~::;:;::~::;:;:;:;:;:;:::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;~;:;:;:;:::;:;:; ·:~::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;::
-
Wi=i=l=i=l=l=l:i:i:i:l:~:i:l=i=i=l:!t:~:rrl===/i=J~:i::::::ti:~:~:i:i:i:i:i:i=l:i:i:i:J COHO SALMON
25 4 14
[11 1982
m 1981
-MED I AN
~JULY --..~-jr-.,.----AUGUST ----4)1o~~ ...... .,.~ S E P T .-+1
Figure 2-6. Migrational timing of coho salmon at selected sampling locations in the Susitna River
basin in 1981 and 1982, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1983.
r
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Based upon tag recoveries and radio transmitter implants, over fifty
percent of the coho salmon intercepted in fishwheels at Talkeetna Station
(RM 103) were mil ling fish that later descended to spawning areas below
Talkeetna Station. Nearly all of the radio tagged fish released at Curry
Station (RM 120) in 19Sl spawned below the station while in 19S2 nearly
all spawned in stream habitats above the station.
Test fishing results in lower Devil Canyon (RM 150-151) in 19Sl and 1982
indicated that coho salmon occupy the lower canyon reach in the last
week of August and first week of September.
Coho sa 1 mon surveys of the Sus i tna River rna in channe 1 from RM 7 to 150
in 19Sl and 19S2 found one main channel spawning area located at RM
12 9. 2 ( 19Sl ) . .
In 1981 coho salmon were not observed spawning in slough habitats above
RM 9S.6 and in 1982 spawning was recorded in only one slough, Slough SA
(RM 125 .1). The peak of coho salmon spawning in Slough SA occurred
between the fourth week of September and the first week of October in
1982.
2.3 Bering Cisco (Coregonus laurettae)
The first recorded (documented) presence of Bering cisco in the Susitna
River drainage was made by ADF&G Su Hydro Staff in late August, l9S1.
-25-
An estimate of the Bering cisco escapement into the Susitna River
drainage for either 1981 or 1982 is not available. However, an index
abundance based on fishwheel catches at Sunshine Station (RM 80) indi-
cate that the 1981 escapement was approximately 2.4 times greater than
in 1982 .
The 1982 migration of Bering Cisco arrived at Susitna Station (RM 26) on
August 7 and reached Sunshine Station on September 4 . The arrival of
Bering cisco at Sunshine Station i n 1982, was four days earlier than in
1981. In both 1981 and 1982, the migration extended beyond suspension
of Sunshine Station fishwheel operations on October 1.
Examination of several scales from a Bering cisco tagged on the spawning
grounds in 1981 and recaptured in 1982 indicate that Bering cisco are
capable of successive annual spawning.
Sex composition of the Bering cisco escapement in 1981 and 1982 showed
male to female ratios of 1 .0:1 and 1.4 :1, respectively.
Based on fi shwhee l catches at Sus itna ( RM 26), Yentna ( RM 04), Sunshine
(RM 80), Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations in 1982, the
Bering cisco migration into the Susitna River drainage is limited to the
main channel Susitna River reach below Talkeetna (RM 97). The Yentna
River is utilized for occasional milling.
-26-
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Surveys for Bering cisco spawni ng in t he main channel Sus itna River were
conducted i n 1981 and 1982 from RM 7 to 150. Three spawning locations
were identified in 1981 between RM 75 and 79 and two in 1982 between RM
76 and 81. Peak spawning at these sites i n both years occurred during
the second week of October.
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3.0 VOLUME 3 SUMMARY -RESIDENT AND ANADROMOUS JUVENILE FISH STUDIES
3.1 Distribution and Abundance Studies
In 1982, three approaches were used to determine the distribution and
abundance of resident and juvenile anadromous species in the Susitna
River between Cook Inlet and Devil Canyon . The approaches used were
boat mounted electrofishing surveys, radio telemetry, and detailed
studies on the influence of habitat on the distribution and abundance of
fish at 17 specific sites.
Boat mounted electrofishing surveys were conducted throughout the Cook
Inlet to Devil Canyon (RM 150.2). Some of the sites surveyed were
sampled monthly to document seasonal changes in resident fish
populations. However, most of the sites were sampled only once or
possibly several times at random intervals . Biological data was
collected on all resident fish captured. All adult resident fish were
tagged with Floy anchor tags to monitor their movements. At all sites
where adult resident fish spawning was documented, habitat measurements
of water chemistry, water velocity, and substrate composition were
recorded. Maps of these spawning sites and a listing of the habitat
parameters found at each are presented in Volume 4, Part II.
A radio telemetry study on rainbow trout and burbot was initiated as a
pilot program in the fall of 1981. Radio telemetry techniques were
employed between October, 1981 and April, 1982 to monitor winter
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movements of five rainbow trout and five burbot in the Susitna River
below the Chulitna River confluence.
The study of resident and juvenile anadromous species at specific
habitat sites conducted through 1981 had progressed by 1982 to where it
could be changed from the collection of broad-based distribution and
biological data on resident and juvenile anadromous species to a more
detailed study of the aquatic environmental factors which affect the
distribution and relative abundance of these species. The sampling
design for the study initiated in 1982 was based upon the hypothesis
that the distribution of the resident and juvenile anadromous species is
influenced by the effects of the mainstem stage on habitats associated
with side sloughs and tributary mouths.
To implement the 1982 study program, 17 specific sites were chosen along
the Susitna River between Goose Creek (RM 73.1) and Portage Creek (RM
148.8). The sites were chosen based on 1981 data which indicated that
they could support sufficient numbers of resident and/or juvenile
anadromous fish, or were important spawning areas for adult salmon. To
further evaluate the relative biological importance of the sites during
the open water season, each site was subdivided into zones based on the
hydraulic conditions present and the water source. The zones were then
sampled independently with a variety of gear including minnow traps,
trotlines, beach seines, backpac.k electrofishing units, dip nets, fish
traps, variable mesh gill nets, and hook and line. Comparisons of fish
distribution among zones to determine the relative importance of each
-29-
zone and its various habitat parameters to each species are presented in
Volume 4, Part II .
Ten species of resident fish and five species of juvenile salmon were
captured during the 1982 study and are listed below followed by a brief,
general description of f i ndings relevant to each species.
Resident Fish
Rainbow trout
Arctic grayling
Burbot
Round whitefish
Humpback whitefish
Longnos e sucker
Dolly Varden
Threespine stickleback
Slimy sculpin
Arctic lamprey
Juvenile Salmon
Chinook salmon
Coho salmon
Chum salmon
Sockeye salmon
Pink salmon
3 .1.1 Rainbow Trout (Salm o gairdneri)
Rainbow trout were distributed throughout the Susitna River below Devi l
Canyon but were most commonly associa t ed with tr i butaries above the
Chulitna River confluence. Most adult rainbow trout move into the
mainstem of the Sus i tna River i n September from a clear water tributary
and overw i nte r in the mainstem in close proximity to the mouth of that
t ri buta ry . After the ice goes out , they move back into the tributa-ry
for spawning and summ e r residence . Catch data indicates that rainbows
in the Susitna River drainage probably spawn in the tributaries between
l ate May and Ju ne. After spawning, adult rainbows are thought to remain
in the same genera l l oca li ties throughout the summer months until their
September outmigrat i on to their overwintering areas in the mainstem
-30 -
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Susitna. Some adult rainbow trout also make use of c l ear water sloughs
in the Susitna River upstream from the mouth of Chulitna River during
the suiTITler.
Few juvenile rainbow trout have been captured in the mainstem Susitna
River. The majority of those captured were taken i n clear water sloughs
and at tributary mouths. It is believed that most juvenile rainbow
trout rear in the upper reaches of cl ear water tributaries , but no
sampling was not conducted in these areas to confirm this hypothesis.
Spawning is also thought to be limited to these upper reach areas.
3.1 .2 Arct i c Grayling (Thymallus arcticus)
Arct i c grayling were found throughout the Susitna River below Devil
Canyon, but were most abundant above the Chulitna River confluence.
Immediately after breakup in May, adult Arctic grayling move into
tri butaries to spawn and remain there during the summer months. They
then migrate out of the tributaries in September and overw i nter in the
mainstem Susitna . Analysis of recapture data indicates that between the
spring spawning run and fall outmigration from tributaries, movements of
adult Arctic grayling within the tributari es are minima l.
Many juveni 1 e Arctic grayling ( 1 ess than 200 mm) i nhabitat the con-
fluence areas of tributaries and s l oughs. They were also found through -
out the mainstem Susitna above the Chu li tna River confluence between
June and August . Young-of-the -year grayling remain in the upper reaches
-31-
of tributaries until September when catch data at tributary mouths
indicates that some of them have moved do wn .
3.1.3 Burbot (Lota lota)
Burbot are widely distributed throughout the mainstem Susitna River
below Devil Canyo n. Ad ul ts were found at tr ibutary and slough mouths,
and at a variety of mainstem sites . Observations of radio -tagged burbot
and analysis of catch data indicate that burbot are relatively seden-
tary; however, some indiv i duals in the Susitna River have moved as much
as 70 miles during spawning migrations which begin in September . The
exact timing and location of burbot spawning on the Susitna River have
not been determined. Local residents on the Deshka River and Alexander
River report that burbot congregate between November and February and
spawn enmasse at the mouths of tributaries and sloughs in these areas .
Data co llected during 1981 and 1982 i ndi cate that both male and female
burbot mature at age III or IV. Juvenile burbot were also captured at
tr i butary mouths, clear water sloughs, and at mainstem sites . The
presence of juvenile burbot i n the Susitna River above the Chulitna
River confluence also suggests that burbot spawning occurs in this reach
of river.
3.1.4 Round Whitefish (Prosopium cylindraceum)
Round whitefish were captured most frequently in the Susitna River above
the Chulitna River confluence. Adult round whitefish move into clear
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water tributaries in June where they reside for the summer. In August
and September, adult round whitefish migrate out of the tributaries and
gather in the mainstem Susitna and at the mouths of tribut aries.
The capture of sexually mature round whitefish in pairs and groups from
mid-September to early October indicate that spawning probably occurs in
October; however, it is not yet certain where this spawning takes place .
Large numbers of juvenile round whitefish (less than 200 mm) were found
rearing during the summer months at clear water tributary and slough
mouths, and in the mainstem Susitna above the Chulitna River confluence.
Young-of-the -year (fork length 23 mm) were first observed in late June
at the Rabideux Creek and Slough site and at Sl ough 9. Downstream
migrant trap catches of young-of-the-year roun~ whitefish in the
mainstem Susitna peaked in early July .
3.1.5 Humpback Whitefish (Coregonus pidschian)
Humpback whitefish were distributed throughout the Susitna River drain -
age below Devil Canyon but were more abundant below the Chulitna River
confluence. Adult humpback whitefish of fork length greater than 200 mm
were often found at tributary or slough mouths and were not commonly
captured in the mainstem Susitna except during their spawning run . The
humpback whitefish -spawning run occurred at the Sunshine fi shwhee 1 s
between August 16th and September 7th . Similar spawning runs of
humpback whitefish occurred at the Yentna River fishwheels between
August 8th and August 31st.
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The catch of humpback whitefish at the Talkeetna and Curry f ishwhee ls
was considerably smaller than the downriver fishwheels, indicating that
the majority of humpback whitefish spawn below the Chu litna River
confluence. No spawning or spent humpback whitefish were captured in
the mainstem Susitna River ; consequently, they probably spawn in tribu-
taries. All adult female humpback whitefish over 300 mm in fork length
that were necropsied contained ripening eggs which ind icates they may be
consecutive year spawners .
Examination of gill raker counts indicates the species of humpback
whitefish found in the Susitna River is Coregonus pidschian. Analysis
of scales from 116 humpback whitefish showed that only one of the fish
had spent part of its life in an estuary or salt water environment.
The downstream migrant trap operated at Talkeetna (RM 103.0) captured 47
young-of-the-year humpback whitefish . Most of these fry were captured
in August . It is not currently known where these fry came from or where
they rear. Limited captures from minnow traps, beach seines, and
electrofishing suggest that juvenile humpbacks rear in t he Susitna River
below the Chulitna River confluence.
3 .1.6 Longnose Suckers (Catostomus catostomus)
Longnose suckers were abundant at mainstem and tributary sites thro ugh-
out the Susitna River below Devil Canyon . Adult longnose suckers spawn
between late May and early June a 1 ong grave 1 bars at the mouths of
tributaries. Sexually mature and spent 1 ongnose suckers were captured
-34-
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by electrofishing crews at the Sunshine Creek and Slough site (RM 85 .7)
and at the mouth of Trapper Creek ( RM 91.5). Captured ma 1 e
and female longnose suckers which were sexually mature were a minimum of
five years of age.
Juvenile 1 ongnose suckers (fork 1 ength 1 ess than 200 mm) were found
rearing at a variety of sloughs and a few tributary mouths. Juvenile
suckers were especially abundant at the Goose Creek 2 and Side Channel
site, Slough 6A, Slough 8, Slough 9, and Slough 22.
3.1.7 Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma)
Dolly Varden, although common in certain tributaries, were one of the
less frequently encountered resident species of the mainstem Susitna
River. Fishwheel catches indicate that Dolly Varden were most abundant
in the mainstem Susitna River in early June and September. Electro-
fishing crews found small numbers of adult Dolly Varden at tributary
mouths during July and August . Most Dolly Varden are thought to reside
in clear water tributaries during the summer months . Limited catch data
indicate that adult Dolly Varden make use of the mainstem Susitna River
from September through June; however, no specific wintering areas have
been documented. Tagged Dolly Varden have exhibited upstream movements
of up to 25 river miles over the summer season.
Adult Dolly Varden necropsied in September and October had enlarged
gonads but were not yet sexually mature. Consequently, Dolly Varden in
-35-
the Susitna River drainage below Devil Canyon probably spawn after
mid-October.
Little is known about the habits of juvenile Dolly Varden in the Susitna
River. Current sampling techniques have failed to catch juvenile Dolly
Varden in significant numbers during summer or winter months. It is
believed that juvenile Dolly Varden rear in tributaries well above the
influence of the mainstem Susitna River .
3 .1.8 Threespine Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)
Threespine stickleback were most abundant in the Susitna River below the
Chulitna River confluence and were captured infrequently above RM 120 .0.
The numbers of threespine stickleback captured in 1982 were considerably
l ess than in 1981. The reason for this decrease is unknown . In 1981,
the catch of threespine stickleback was high at several sites sampled in
June and then gradually decreased over the summer. During the 1982
season , the catch stayed consistently low all through the open water
season .
Breeding male threespine stickleback were observed in spawning colors
from mid-June to early August; however, peak spawning probably occurs in
early July. Young-of -the-year threespine stickleback were found in late
July and early August in the same areas that adults occupied. The catch
of threespine stickleback fry in the downstream migrant trap at
Talkeetna was highest in late August and September, suggesting a down-
stream movement of stickleback fry at this time.
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3.1.9 Slimy Sculpin (Cottus cognatus)
Slimy sculpin were widely distri buted throughout the Sus i tna River below
Devi l Canyon and occurred at almost all study sites. They were present
year round and no specific movements or migrations have been documented
for this species.
The catch of young -of-the-year slimy sculpin in late July suggested that
spawning occurs i n mid -June. Juvenile slimy sculpin were found in the
same general areas occupied by adults.
3.1 .10 Arctic Lamprey (Lampetra japonica)
Arctic lamprey were found in the Susitna River below the Chulitna River
confluence; however, localized concentrations have been encountered
above the Chu l itna River confluence at the Whiskers Creek and Slough
site (RM 101.2) a nd Gash Creek (RM 111.5}. Arctic lamprey were
encountered most frequently at tributary mouths in the mainstem Susitna
River below RM 50.5.
Arctic lamprey spawn i ng was observed at the Birch Creek and Slough site
during late June . Ammoceotes were captured at the Whiskers Creek and
Slough site and Gash Creek, suggesting that spawning also occurred at
these sites.
Movements and migrations of Arctic l amprey in the Susitna River have not
been documented . Length frequency data indicate that there are probably
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freshwater and anadromous populations of Arctic lamprey in the Susitna
River drainage.
3.1.11 Chinook Salmon (Onchorhynchus tshawytscha) Juveniles
Chinook salmon juveniles were observed at all established sampling sites
during the 1982 open water season between Goose Creek (RM 72.0) and
Slough 21 (RM 142.0 ). Numbers of juven ile chinook captured were higher
in t he lower portion of this reach from Vlhiskers Creeks (RM 101.4) to
Goose Cr eek. Juvenile ch i nook were most abundant from late June through
July at sites below the Chulitna River confluence and in late June, late
August and early September at sites above the confluence. The re lative
abundance of j uven il e Chinooks above the Chulitna River confluence was
lowe r i n 1982 than in 1981. The reason is not certain. A possible ex-
planation for the low abundance could be related to high flows recorded
during the summer of 1981, severe overwintering or ice scouring condi-
tions experienced during the 1981-1982 winter, or reduction in habitat
during the low flow period experienced during the summer of 1982.
Winter catc hes of chinook salmon juveniles collected from February to
April, 1982 were quite l ow. Small numbers of chinook juveniles were
captured at main stem, s l ough, and side channel sites in the Susitna
River below Devil Canyon throughout the winter. Whiskers Creek and
Slough , Slough 10, and Slough 20 produced the highest catches of
juvenile chinook during the winter of 198 1-1982. High winter catches at
these sites suggest their importance as winter rearing areas for
juvenile chinook .
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3.1.12 Coho Salmon (Q. kisutch) Juveniles
Coho salmon juveniles were more abundant at sampling sites below the
Chulitna River confluence . Above the Chulitna River confluence,
juvenile coho salmon were more abundant at sites below Lane Creek
( RM 113. 6). Ouri ng 1981 and 1982, coho sa 1 mon juveniles were most
numerous at tributary mouths which are associated with sloughs and side
channels. Although less abundant in 1982 than in 1981, the overall
distribution of juvenile coho was similar.
Winter catches of coho salmon juven i les have been very low. With so few
caught, it is difficult to draw any conclusions about the distribution
and abundance of coho j uveni 1 es in winter . Present 1 y, the on 1 y two
sites where relatively high catches of juvenile coho have been taken in
summer and winter are at the Whiskers Creek and Slough site and at
Slough 6A (RM 112.3).
3.1.13 Chum Salmon (Q . keta) Juveniles
Large numbers of well-deve l oped chum salmon fry were observed in late
winter, 1982, in ice free areas of sloughs where previous fall spawning
was documented . This suggests that the fry of this species will emerge
from the s lo ugh gravel as early as late February. Juvenile chum salmon
were captured at these same s 1 oughs through the month of June after
which they were distributed throughout the sampling area from Slough 21
(RM 142.0) downstream to Birch Creek (RM 89.2). Chum salmon juveniles
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were captured in the Susitna River reach above the Chulitna confluence
as late as mid-August.
3 .1.14 Sockeye Salmon (Q. nerka) Juvenile
Sockeye salmon juveniles were most abundant at slough sites in the
Susitna River above the Chulitna River confluence. Sockeye salmon
juveniles were most numerous between early June and late July, with the
peak catch occurring during mid-July. Although the largest catch of
juvenile sockeye was made at Sl ough 6A, no spawning of adult sockeye has
been documented at this site. Therefore, it is probable that these
juveniles move i nto Slough 6A from other upriver spawning areas and
uti l ize this site for rearing.
3.1.15 Pink Sa l mon (Q. gorbuscha) Juvenile
Only one pink salmon fry was captured during 1982 by distribution and
abundance studies crews. This juvenile pink was captured in a beach
seine on July 7th, at the Mainstem Susitna -Curry (RM 120.7}.
3 .2 Emergence and Outmigration Studies
Surveys of selected spawning areas were conducted monthly during March,
April, and May of 1982 to collect baseline data on the emergence timing
of juvenile salmon . An inclined plane downstream migrant trap was also
operated on the mainstem Susitna River at RM 103.0 from June 18 through
October 12. The trap was operated above the Chulitna River confluence
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to lim it co l lection of fis h to stocks whi ch would most like l y be i mpact -
ed by the proposed hydroelectric development.
Emergence tim i ng for chinook salmon j uveniles was not clearly determined
during the 1981 or 1982 surveys . However, data co llected from Portage
Creek during 1981 showed that emergence of chinooks had occurred prior
to sampling conducted in mi d-April.
Two age classes of juvenile chinook (age 0+ and age 1+) were present in
the Susitna River . Outmigration of chin ook salmon juveniles from the
Susitna River above the Chul itna River conflue nce was observed primarily
during May and June in 1981 and 1982. Outmigrants were comprised
largely of age 1+ chinooks with average tota l l engths of 90 mm . Age 1+
chinook were absent from catches on the Susitna River above the Chulitna
River co nfluence after mid -August but were still present below the
Chu l itna through early September . Age 0+ chinook were collected at
Indian River (RM 138.6) as early as Apr i l in 1981, but this age class
was not observed until early June in 1982. Age 0+ chinook salmon appear
to redistr i bute themselves throughout the ice -free season from high
density emergence areas to more optimum habitat for rearing and
overwinteri ng .
Surveys conducted during 1981 and 1982 did not determine a tifTle of
emergence for coho salmon fry. The lower range of co ho sa l mon age 0+
lengths observed dur ing June and July, 1982 indicates that the emergence
time for this species extends over a wide period . Three age classes of
coho juveniles (age 0+, age 1+, age 2+) from brood years 1979 through
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1981 were observed in the Susitna River during 1982. Comparison of 1981
and 1982 data indicates that Susitna River coho salmon smolt following
one to two years of freshwater rearing. Coho salmon smolts outmigrate
throughout the summer season with the peak outm i gr ation occurring in May
and June.
Data collected dur i ng 1982 indicated that the major emergence of chum
salmon fry occurred during late February and March . By the end of
April, most emergent chums had comp l etely absorbed their yolk sacs and
had attained a length of 35 mm. The peak chum salmon juvenile outmi-
gration was observed in June, although some chum juveni l es remained in
the Chulitna River to Devil Canyon reach through mid August. The
observed increase in the mean lengths for chum salmon fry in the Susitna
River between March and June indicates that chum juveniles are rearing
in freshwater pr i or to their outm i gration. By late July, the largest
chum salmon fry was 62 mm l ong .
Comparisons of 1981 and 1982 data indicate that the major emergence of
sockeye sa 1 mon fry occurs dur i ng March. Most sockeye juveni 1 es had
completely absorbed their yolk sac by l ate April and attained a length
of 33 mm . A downstream redistribution of age 0+ sockeye from their
natal streams and sloughs occurred througho ut the open ·water season with
a major downstream migration observed between early and mid-July. Age
0+ sockeye migrating down the Susitna f rom above the Chulitna River
confluence may continue to the ocean as age 0+ smo lts or they may
migrate to more favorable overwintering habitat associated wit h sloughs,
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tributaries, and lake systems located in the lower Susitna River drain-
age.
Analysis of limited 1982 data indicated a peak outmigration of age 1+
sockeye salmon from the Susitna River above the Chulitna River conflu-
ence prior to late June. However, age 1+ sockeye accounted for a very
small percentage of the juvenile sockeye catch in this reach.
Small numbers of pink salmon juveniles were collected during 1981 and
1982 surveys. Preliminary emergence studies indicate that pink salmon
emerge as sac fry beginning in March and remain in the river system for
only a short period of time after emergence. The downstream migrant
trap caught seve~ juvenile pink salmon during 1982 from early to
mid-July. Juvenile pinks outmigrat i ng in the spring of 1982 were from
the 1981 brood class which was an "odd year" for adult pink salmon
returns. Odd year returns are smaller than even year returns; only an
estimated 2,335 adult pinks passed through the Talkeetna fishwheels in
1981.
3.3 Food Habits and Distribution of Food Organisms
Because changes in the invertebrate fauna may 1 ead to changes in the
production potential for important fishery resources, a study was
designed to provide initial information necessary for a data base
capable of predicting the rearing potential of mainstem, side channel,
and slough habitats under post-project flows. This pilot program was
initiated in early August, 1982.
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Field i nvestigations for the Food Habits Study were conducted at seven
sites in the Chulitna River confl uence to Devil Canyon reach of the
Susitna River that were considered to be representative of the major
habitats preferred by rearing juveni le salmon. Co ll ections of
invertebrates and juvenile salmon stomachs were made every other week in
August and September, 1982 . Aquatic invertebrates were identi f ied to
Order or Family and terrestrial insects were identified only to Order .
Electivity indices suggest a positive selection for the l arvae of
aquatic midge (Family : Chironomidae) by al l three species of juvenile
salmon (ch i nook , coho , sockeye) examined . Ad ult midges, terrestrial
invertebrates, aquatic nymphs and zooplankton also played important
roles in food items.
The range and di versity of invertebrates in the diets of juvenile
chinook and juvenile coho salmon indicate that they have an ability to
adapt to varied diets. The number and kind of invertebrates available
as foo d items may inf l uence the density and perhaps the growth rate of
j uvenile salmon in a particular location but the availability of cover
or water velocity may be more importa nt factors in determining their
overall distribution and abundance.
Juvenile sockeye were found to be feeding on a broad range of inverte -
brates in s l ough habitats. This species is characteristically
associated with lake habitats with dense zooplankton populations .
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Juvenile chum salmon food habits were not examined during the 1982 study
because this species had largely outmigrated from the study area by
August.
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4.0 VOLUME 4 SUMMARY -AQUATIC HABITAT AND INSTREAM FLOW STUDIES
4 .1 Introduction
Volume 4, the Aquatic Habitat and Instream Flow Draft Basic Data Report
of the FY83 Aquatic Studies Basic Data Report, is divided into two
parts. Part I, the Hydrologic and Water Quality Investigations, is a
compilation of all physical data collected by the various sub-program
elements of the Aquatic Studies Program. This data is arranged by
variable for ease of access to user agencies. The combined data set
represents the available physical habitat of the Susitna River . Part
II, the Lower River Fisheries Habitat Investigations, describes the
subset of available habitat that is utilized by the various species and
life stage of fish studied in the lower Susitna River (downstream of
Dev i1 Canyon).
4.2 Part I Summary
4.2.1 Stage/Discharge Studies
Objectives of the stage/ discharge monitoring program conducted during
the 1982 open water field season were to:
1. determine the water surface elevations associated with various
discharges of the mainstem Susitna River at selected mainstem,
slough, and tributary locations from RM 73 .1 (Lower Goose 2)
to RM 148.8 {Portage Creek); and,
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2. obtain baseline discharge data of tributaries in the Talkeetna
to Devil Canyon reach to quantify their contributions to the
flow of the Susitna River.
To meet these objectives, measurements of stage and discharge were
obtained during the 1982 open water field season at representative
mainstem, slough, and tributary sites within the Susitna River basin.
The results of these findings are summarized be 1 ow by river reach by
habitat type.
4.2.1.1 Talkeetna to Devil Canyon
4.2.1.1.1 Mainstem Habitats
Periodic stage readings (which were converted to true water surface
elevations) were obtained at 31 mainstem sites between Talkeetna and
Devil Canyon from June to September 1982. The water surface elevation
of the rna i nstem was observed to rise 1. 5 to 2 . 0 feet as stream flows
increased from 10,000 to 20,000 cfs. These data were plotted against
the mainstem discharge obtained at the USGS Gold Creek gaging station to
determine the relationship between water surface elevations and mainstem
discharge at each site. The plots indicate that the relationship
between water surface elevation and discharge of the mainstem is
relative l y well defined at most of the 31 stations for the range of
mainstem flows from 8 ,000 to 30,000 cfs .
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At the onset of the 1982 field season, it was intended to define the
relationship of stage and discharge for the mainstem upstream of
Talkeetna for the full range of discharges that normally occur during
the open water season. However, abnormally low discharges during the
summer, followed by high fall flows and an early freeze-up, precluded
our ability to obtain the necessary field data to define water surface
profiles for mainstem discharges in the 5,000 to 8,000 cfs or 30,000 to
45,000 cfs ranges.
4.3.1 .2 Slough Habitats
Periodic measurements of stage (which were converted to true water
surface elevations) and discharge were obtained at nine sloughs located
between Talkeetna and Devil Canyon to:
1. determine the relationships between water surface elevations
and flows in the sloughs;
2. determine the discharge of the mainstem required to breach the
head of these sloughs; and,
3. determine the effects that di~charge of the slough and
mainstem have on the formation of backwater zones at the month
of each slough.
Sloughs were characterized as either upland or side sloughs. Upland
sloughs were defined as those having no connection to the mainstem other
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than at their mouth, with their water sources consisting primarily of
ground water and/or surface water runoff. Side sloughs were defined as
those connected to the mainstem at their mouth and, during periods of
high mainstem flow, at their upstream juncture (head) with the mainstem.
Based on these criteria, of the nine sloughs studied between Talkeetna
and Devil Canyon, two (Sloughs 6A and 19) were characterized as upland
sloughs and seven (Whiskers and Lane Creek Sloughs and Sloughs 11, 168,
20, 21 and 22) were characterized as side sloughs.
To determine the relationship between water surface elevation and flow
in the study sloughs, the stage and discharge data were used to
construct preliminary rating curves . A sufficient data base at Whiskers
Creek Slough and Sloughs 168, 20, 21, and 22 permitted the development
of rating curves at these sites. An insufficient data base at the other
sloughs studied did not permit the development of rating curves.
Mainstem discharge levels required to breach the heads of side sloughs
were determined from on site observations, cross section data obtained
at the head of a slough as compared to water surface elevation of the
mainstem, and comparisons of observed water surface elevation changes
within the slough to change in mainstem discharge measured at the USGS
Gold Creek gaging station . Mainstem discharges required to breach the
study sloughs between Talkeetna and Devil Canyon ranged from 20,200 cfs
for Slough 168 to 26,000 cfs for Slough 21.
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Backwater areas where found at the mouths of a majority of the study
sloughs. In general, these backwater areas were more extensive at
higher mainstem discharges than at lower mainstem discharges.
4 .2.1 .1.3 Tributary Hab i tats
Periodic measurements of stage (which were converted to water surface
elevations) and discharge were obtained at seven tributaries located
between Talkeetna and Devil Canyon during the 1982 open water season to:
1. determine the relationship between water surface elevation and
discharge in the study tributaries; and,
2. quantify the contributions of these tributaries to the flow of
the mainstem Susitna River.
The tributaries studied included Whiskers Creek, Gash Creek, Lane Creek,
Fourth of July Creek, an unnamed tributary at the head of Slough 20,
Indian River, and Portage Creek.
Sufficient stage and discharge data were obtained at al l the study
tributaries except Fourth of July Creek to permit the development of
preliminary rating curves. Insufficient data at Fourth of July Creek
precluded the development of a rating curve. However, due to unseason-
ably low stream flows during the FY83 open water field season, suffi-
cient data was not obtained over the full range of flows that normally
occur during the open water field season in the study tributaries to
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quantify the contributions of these tributaries to the flow
of the mainstem Susitna River.
4.2.1.2 Talkeetna to Cook Inlet
4.2 .1.2 .1 Mainstem Habitats
Periodic measurements of stage were obtained during the 1982 open water
field season at two mainstem Susitna River sites below Talkeetna (at the
Sunshine fishwheel site and adjacent to Lower Goose Creek 2 Slough) and
one mainstem Yentna River site (at the Yentna Ri ver fishwheel site) to
determine the ranges of water surface elevations associated with various
levels of mainstem discharges. Sufficient data was not obtained to
define the relationship of stage and discharge for any of the mainstem
sites below Talkeetna.
Stage readings obtained nearly daily from July 1 to October 10, 1982
from the Susitna River at the Sunshine fishwheel site varied 5.60 ft
over a corresponding range of mainstem Susitna River discharge (obtained
from the USGS mainstem Susitna River gaging station at Sunshine) from
19,900 to 91,300 cfs. Stage readings obtained periodically in the
mainstem Susitna River adjacent to Lower Goose Creek 2 Slough varied
2.35 ft over a corresponding range of mainstem Susitna River discharge
(obtained from the USGS mainstem Susitna River gaging station at Sun-
shine) from 31,500 to 68 ,7 00 cfs.
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Stage readings obtained periodically from June 30 to September 15, 1982
from the Yentna River at the Yentna River fishwheel site varied 3.61 ft
over a corresponding range of discharge (obtained from the USGS Yentna
River gaging station) from 30,000 to 61,00 cfs .
4 .2.1.2.2 Sl ough Habitats
Periodic measurements of stage (which were converted into
water surface elevations) and discharge were obtained at four sloughs
below Talkeetna to:
1 . determine the relationship between water surface elevation and
flow in the sloughs;
2 . determine the discharge of the mainstem Susitna River required
to breach the head of these sloughs; and,
3. determine the effects that discharge of the slough and
mainstem have on the formation of backwater zones at the mouth
of each slough .
Sloughs studied were Lower Goose 2, Whitefish , Sunshine , and Birch Creek
sloughs. Al l sloughs studied below Talkeetna had assoc i ated tributaries
draining into them.
Sufficient stage and discharge data were collected at only one slough
below Talkeetna (Birch Creek Slough) to permit the development of a
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preliminary rating curve. Insufficient data at the other sloughs
precluded the development of rating curves.
Mainstem discharge levels required to breach the head of sloughs were
determined from on-site observations and comparisons of observed water
surface elevation changes within the slough to changes in mainstem
discharge obtained at the USGS Sunshine gaging station. in general,
higher mainstem flows were required to breach the head of sloughs below
Talkeetna than above Talkeetna.Mainstem flows above 36,000 cfs were
required to breach the heads of Birch Creek, Sunshine, and Lower Goose
Creek 2 sloughs during 1982. The head of Whitefish Slough did not join
with the mainstem and therefore breaching never occurred at this slough.
Backwater areas were found at the mouths of all of the study sloughs
below Talkeetna. In general, the backwater areas at the mouths of
sloughs below Talkeetna were more extensive than the backwater areas
observed at mouths of sloughs above Talkeetna. The backwater areas
became more extensive at higher mainstem discharges than at lower
mainstem discharges, often extending into the associated tributary
during high mainstem discharges.
4.2.1.2.3 Tributary Habitats
All tributaries studied downstream of Talkeetna confluenced with
sloughs. Periodic measurements of stage (which were converted to water
surface elevations) and discharge were obtained at four tributaries
downstream of Talkeetna to:
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1. determine the re l ationship between water surface elevation and
discharge in the tributaries; and,
2. determine the effects that tributary flow had on the hydraulic
characteristics of the associated s l oughs .
The tributaries studied were Lower Goose Creek 2, Rabideux, Sunshine,
and Birch creeks.
Sufficient stage and discharge data were collected at each of the four
tributaries to permit the development of preliminary rating curves.
Insufficient data, however, were collected to determine the effects that
tributary flow had on the hydraulic characteristics of the associated
sloughs over the full range of flows in tributaries expected for an open
water seaso n.
4.2 .2 Tha l weg Profile Studies
The thalweg can be defined as "the line following the deepest part or
middle of the bed or channel of a r i ver or stream .. (Annette, 1975).
Thalweg profiles were develope d for sloughs 8A, 9 , 11, and 21 using
basic survey techniques of differential leveling. These profiles,
presented in Volume 4 of this report, delineate discrete reaches defined
by obvious changes in gradient with-in each slough . Inc l uded with each
profile is a schematic drawing showing the gross morphological features
of the slough and corresponding ma i nstem Susitna River. Significant
features of each profile are discussed on a site by site basis.
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4.2.3 Backwater Area Studies
Backwater areas are reaches of low velocity water which result from
hydraulic barriers created by mainstem stage. The location and size of
these areas at 17 slough and tributary habitat locations was mapped
twice monthly between June and September, 1982 to determine their
re 1 ati onshi p to changing mainstem Susitna River discharges. Graphs
plotting the area of backwater mapped at each location as a function of
mainstem discharge were constructed . These data showed that the
relationships are both predictable and unique for the various habitat
locations. In general, the size of the backwater area decrease with
decreasing mainstem discharge. At several habitat locations, the
backwater area decreased to or approached zero at a lower mainstem dis-
charge . At several of these locations, new backwater areas formed down-
stream from their previous location, as mainstem stage continued to
decrease. These new backwater areas typically appeared in side channels
which had depths and substrates which were very different from those
present in the backwater areas mapped at higher mainstem discharges.
The backwater area mapped within the boundaries of upper and l ower river
study locations (below Talkeetna and between Talkeetna and Devil Canyon)
was extracted from the data by summing the areas indicated at 2500 and
5000 cfs discharge intervals on the individual graphs. The upper river
data summary indicated a marked decrease in the total backwater area
present as mainstem discharges (at Gold Creek) decreased below 17,500
cfs. In the lower river data summary, large decre~ses in backwater area
appeared to occur at mainstem discharges (at Sunshine) below 40,000 cfs.
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Direct observations at mainstem discharges above and below those
observed in this study are necessary to extrapolate the data beyond the
limits observed.
The relationship netween backwater areas and total wetted surface areas
within the study boundaries of the habitat locations studied is
presented in the FY83 Fishery Habitat Relationships Report.
4.2.4 Open Channel Studies
Segments of sloughs 8A, 9, and 21, Rabideux Slough and Chum Channel were
selected for computer modeling using hydraulic simulation programs
developed by the Instream Flow Group (Milhous et. al . 1981). Provided
with channel depths, velocities, widths and water surface elevations
from transects at known mainstem discharges, these models extrapolate
and predict hydraulic variables including depth, velocity, width, wetted
perimeter and water surface elevation at unobserved streamfl ows. Data
from actual field observations are used to calibrate the model. The
models are considered calibrated when predicted hydraulic parameters at
known discharges closely approximate observed parameters and when
predicted hydraulic parameters at hypothetical discharges f i t a
realistic pattern based on past hydrological experience. Data collected
during one field season will not necessarily include a sufficient range
of conditions to calibrate the model at all potential discharges. Thus,
the models are being developed from data collected in 1982 and are
reliable only at streamflows within specified limits. The results of
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modeling will be presented in the FY83 Fishery and Habitat Relationships
Report.
4.2.5 Water Temperature Studies
Objectives of the water temperature monitoring program conducted during
the 1982 open water field season were to:
1. monitor the seasonal variations in the surface water tempera-
t ure of the mainstem Susitna River and its associated sloughs
and tributaries downstream of Devil Canyon;
2. monitor the seasonal variations in intragravel water tempera-
tures in selected s l oughs between Talkeetna and Devil Canyon;
and,
3. evaluate the relationship between surface and intragravel
water temperat~re to fish passage and spawning.
Results of the first two objectives are summarized below and in Volume 4
-Part I. Results of the third objective are summarized in Volume 4 -
Part II.
The data base includes surface and intragravel water temperatures
obtained on an instantaneous and continuous basis . The data is
presented by reach of river subdivided into mainstem (including side
channel), slough, and tributary sites.
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4.2.5.1 Talkeetna to Devil Canyon
4.2.5 .1.1 Mainstem Habitats
4.2.5.1.1.1 Instantaneous Surface Water Temperature
Instantaneous measurements of surface water temperatures of the mainstem
Susitna River between Talkeetna and Devil Canyon were collected at
various locations in the Susitna Ri ver from May through October, 1982 .
Instantaneous s urface water tempe r atures ranged from 5.1 oc to 14 . 4°C,
with the lowest temperature occurring at RM 138.9 on September 6 and the
highest temperat ure occurring at RM 120.7 on July 7. In general,
instantaneous surface water temperatures of the mainstem Susitna River
between Talkeetna and Devil Canyon i ncreased from May to July and
decreased from August to October , peaking during July and Aug ust.
4.2.5.1.1.2 Continuous Surface Water Temperature
Surface water temperature of the mainstem Susitna River between
Talkeetna and Devil Canyon was cont i nuously monitored at six locat i ons
from May through Octobe r, 1982. Main stem temperature gaging locations
were l ocat~d at the Ta lkeetna Fishwheel stat i on (R M 103.0), Lower River
Cross Sect i on 18 (RM 113 .0), Curry Fishwheel (RM 120.7), LRX 29 (RM
126.1), LRX 35 (RM 130.8), and LRX 53 (RM 140.1). Surface water
temperature at these s i tes r anged from 0.0°C at LRX 18 in October to
15 .2°C at LRX 29 in Ju l y. Generally , the ma i nstem surface water
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temperature increased during the period from May to July and decreased
during the period from August to October, peaking during July depending
on location.
4.2.5.1.1.3 Intragravel Water Temperature
Intragravel water temperature data in the ma i nstem between Talkeetna and
Devil Canyon was collected on an instantaneous basis only at sites
studied in conjunction with the mainstem Adult Anadromous Fish Habitat
Investigations between Talkeetna and Devil Canyon from May through
October, 1982. These data are summarized in Volume 4 -Part II.
4 .2.5.1.2 Slough Habitats
4.2 .5.1 .2.1 Instantaneous Surface Water Temperature
Instantaneous surface water temperatures of se 1 ected s 1 oughs situated·
between Talkeetna and Devil Canyon were obtained from May through
October, 1982. Due to 1 arge variability in the data base and the
periodic nature of the data, no summary statements concerning the above
data can be made at the present time.
4.2 .5.1.2 .2 Continuous Surface Water Temperature
Surface water temperatures were continuously monitored during FY83 in
selected sloughs between Talkeetna and Devil Canyon . Sloughs 8A, 9, 11,
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16B, 19, and 21 were monitored during the 1982 open water season while
sloughs 9, 98, 11, 19, and 21 were monitored during the 1982 -83
ice-covered season.
The surface water temperatures in the sloughs studied during the open
water season ranged from 0.2°C at mid-slough in Slough 8A during October
to 13.5°C in Slough 9 during August . The greatest variance in maximum
surface water temperatures was noted during the first week in September
when Slough 9 was 11.0°C and the maximum in Slough 11 was 3.5°C. The
greatest variance noted in weekly minimum surface water temperatures
was 4.4°C during the last week of August when the minimum temperatures
in the mouth of Slough BA and in Slough 11 were 7 .7°C and 3.3°C,
respectively. Surface water temperatures in the studied sloughs were
notably warmer than surface water temperatures in the mainstem during
the months of September and October. Comparing surface water
temperatures in mid-Slough BA (RM 126.1) with surface water temp eratures
in the mainstem adjacent to the slough (at LRX 29, RM 126.1) shows, for
any given week, similar weekly maximum temperatures, but minimum weekly
temperatures from 1° to 5.4°C colder in the mainstem than in the slough.
Based on data from the winter season, the overall range of surface water
temperatures in the studied sloughs varied from 0,0°C in Whiskers Creek
Slough in February to 10.3°C in Slough 98 in May. The greatest variance
in maximum surface water temperatures among the studied sloughs occurred
during the first week of May when the surface w~ter temperature reached
10.3 °C. Generally, winter surface temperatures in the studied sloughs
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increased gradually or remained stable through February and March and
increase notably in April and the first week of May.
4.2.5.1.2.3 Instantaneous Intragravel Water Temperature
Instantaneous measurements of intragravel water temperature were
obtained at several s l oughs located between Talkeetna and Devil Canyon
in conjunction with the Fishery Habitat Utilization s l ough study. These
results are summarized in Volume 4 -Part II.
4.2.5.1.2 .4 Continuous Intragravel Water Temperature
During the 1982 open water field season, the intragravel water tempera-
ture of five sloughs situated between Talkeetna and Devil Canyon
(Sloughs 8A, 11, 168, 19, and 21) was continuously monitored from late
August to October, 1982. During the ice-covered, the ihtragravel water
temperature in four sloughs (Sloughs 9, 9B, 19, and 21) was continuously
monitored from February through the first week of May, 1982.
Based on data from the open water season, the intragravel water tempera-
ture of the studied sloughs varied overall from 1.5°C at the mouth of
Slough 21 during October to 7.5°C in Slough 168 during August. The
overall range of intragravel water temperatures in the studied sloughs
(l.5°C to 7.5°C) was considerably less than the range of surface water
temperatures observed in the studied sloughs (0 .2°C to 13 .5°C).
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In each slough studied , the minimum weekly intragravel water temperature
was warmer than the correspond ing surface water temperature from mid-
September through October . Conversely, min i mum intragravel water
temperatures in the mouth of Slough 8A, upper Slough 8A, Sloughs 11 and
19, and upper Slough 21 were coo l er than corresponding minimum surface
water temperatures prior to September. The minimum i ntragravel
temperatures i n upper Slough 8A were consistently warmer than those in
the other sloughs studied for this period. For August and September,
the coolest intragravel temperatures in these sloughs were in Slough 19 .
The difference between minimum intragravel temperatures in the mouth of
Slough 8A and in Slough 19 for September was 3 ,0°C.
Intragravel water temperatures obtained during the winter season
(February to April, 1982) showed considerable variations in intragravel
temperatures existed between the sloughs studied . For example, while
the intragravel water temperature in the mouth of Slough 21 remained a
steady 3.0°C from February through April, it varied from 0.0 °C to 5 .0°C
in Slough 9 over the same time period. In Slough 19, the average
intragravel water temperature was warmer than the corresponding surface
water temperature from February to April . The same was true in the
mouth of Slough 21 for February and March, but by mid-April the average
surface water temperature was warmer than the intragravel water
temperature . In Sloughs 9 and 9B, the surface water temperature was
warmer than the i ntragrave 1 water temperature from February through
Apri 1.
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4.2.5.1.3 Tributary Habitats
4.2.5.1.3.1 Instantaneous Surface Water Temperatures
Instantaneous measurements of surface water temperatures in tributaries
between Talkeetna and Devil Canyon were co 11 ected from June through
October, 1982. In genera 1 , surface water temperature increased from
June to August and decreased from September to October, peaking during
August. Instantaneous measurements of surface water temperature ranged
from 0.9°C in Portage Creek on October 11 to 12 .l°C in Fourth of July
Creek on August 22.
4.2.5.1 .3.2 Continuous Surface Water Temperature
Surface water temperature was continuously monitored from June to
October, 1982, in Indian River and Portage Creek. Based on the above
data, the surface water temperature of Indian River varied from 0 .0°C in
late October to 12.5°C in mid -July. The surface· water temperature of
Portage Creek varied from o.ooc in mid-October to 13.0°C in mid -August.
Temperatures in both Indian River and Portage Creek generally increased
from June to August and decreased in September and October, peaking
during August.
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4.2.5.1.3 .3 Intragravel Water Temperature
Intragrave l water temperature data was not collected in any tributaries
between Talkeetna and Devil Canyon during the 1982 open water field
season.
4.2.5 .2 Talkeetna to Cook Inlet
4 .2.5.2.1 Mainstem Habitats
4.2.5.2.1.1 Instantaneous Surface Water Temperature
Instantaneous measurements of surface water temperature of the mainstem
Sus itna River downstream of Ta 1 keetna were co 11 ected from May through
October, 1981. These measurements showed that the surface water
temperature in the mainstem below Talkeetna ranged from 0.2°C at RM 77.0
on October 14 to 11.rc at RM 18.2 on June 1. Because of the 1 imited
quantity of data, no further summary statements on the above data can be
made at the current time.
4.2.5.2.1 .2 Continuous Surface Water Temperature
Surface water temperature of the mainstem Susitna River downstream of
Talkeetna was monitored on a continuous basis at three sites from May
through October 1982: Susitna Station below the Yentna River confluence
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(RM 25.8), west bank above the Yentna River confl uence (RM 29.5), and
the Parks Highway Bridge (RM 83.4).
The surface water temperature of t he mai nstem Sus itna River downstream
of Talkeetna ranged from 0.0°C in October to 13 .5°C in June and July.
Both temperatures were recorded above the Yentna River confluence at RM
29.3. Generally, t he surf ace water temperature of all mainstem sites
downstream of Ta 1 keetna i ncreased during the period from May through
August and decreased from September to October, ge nerally peaking from
mid -Ju l y to mid-August . The peak water temperature appeared to occur
somewhat l ater in the mainstem downstream of Talkeetna (mid-July to
mid -August) than in the mainstem above Talkeetna (July).
4.2.5.2.1 .3 Intragravel Water Temperature
Intragravel water temperature data was not collected in the mainstem
downstream of Talkeetna du ring 1982.
4.2.5.2.2 Slough Habitats
4.2.5.2.2.1 Instantaneous Surface Water Temperature
Instantaneous measurements of surface water temperature of various
sloughs downstream of Talkeetna were collected from June through
October, 1982 . These temperature measurements ranged from 3. 7°C in
Lower Goose 2 Slough on October 1 to 16 .6°C in Rabideux Creek Slough on
June 26 . Surface wate~ temperature in the sloughs studied generally
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rose from June to July, peaked dur i ng July and August, and then
decreased during September through October.
4.2.5 .2.2 .2 Continuous Surface Water Temperature
Sloughs located below Talkeetna were not continuously monitored for
surface water temperature during 1982.
4.2.5.2 .3 Tributary Habitats
4.2.5.2.3.1 Instantaneous Surface Water Temperature
Instantaneous measurements of surface water temperature in selected
tributaries downstream of Talkeetna were collected from June through
October, 1982. Instantaneous measurements of surface water temperature
in these tribu~aries ranged from 17.4 °C in Birch Creek on August 5 to
3.6°C i n Sunshine Creek on October 4. Because of the limited quantity
of data, no further summary statements on the above data can be made at
this time.
4.2.5.2.3.2 Continuous Surface Water Temperature
Surface water temp erature was continuously monito red in the three major
tributaries downstream of Ta lke etna (the Chulitna, Talkeetna, and Yentna
Rivers) from May through October, 1982.
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The surface water temperature of the Yentna River ranged from 3.5°C in
late September (October temperatures not obtained) to 13.0°C in 'late
June. The surface water temperature in the Chu l itna River ranged from
o.ooc in October to 8 .5°C i n Septembe r (July and August temperatures not
obtained). In the Talkeetna Ri ver, the surface water temperature ranged
from O.l°C i n October to 11.5°C in August. From July to September,
monthly mean ma i nstem Susitna Ri ver surface water temperatures obtained
at t he Talkeetna fishw hee l camp, l ocated approximately five miles
upstream from the confluence with the Chu 1 i tna and Ta 1 keetna Rivers,
were l-2°C warmer than the month l y mean temperatures obtained in the
Chulitna and Talkeetna rivers from July to September . In October, both
the Chul i tna and Talkeetna rivers and the ma i nstem Susitna River
averaged temperatures between 0.5°C and 1.0°C . Monthly mean surface
water temperatures obta i ned in the mainstem Susitna River above the
Yentna River were from 1.0°C to 2.5°C warmer than monthly mean surface
water temperatu r es in the Yentna River.
4.2.6 Other Basic Field Parameters Stud i es
Object i ves of the water quality monitoring program conducted during the
1982 open water f i eld season were to :
1. obtai n baseline water quality data to ch .aracter i ze the water
chemistry of surface waters at selected mainstem, slough , and
tributary sites with i n the Susitna River ;
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2. to characterize the influence of discharge on changes in water
qua l ity at the above sites; and,
3. to characterize the relationships between water quality and
fish passage, spawning, and rearing.
Results of the first two objectives are summarized below and in Volume
4-Part I. Results of the third objective are summarized in Volume
4-Part I I.
The basic field parameters measured to assess the water quality of a
site were dissolved oxygen, pH, specific conductance, and temperature.
In addition, turbidity was also measured at selected locations. The
results are summarized according to river reach subdivided into mainstem
(including side channel}, slough, and tributary habitats .-
4.2.6.1 Talkeetna to Devil Canyon
4 .2.6 .1.1 Mainstem Habitats
The basic field parameters of dissolved oxygen, pH , specific con-
ductance, and temperature were collected at various mainstem and side
channel sites between Talkeetna and Devil Canyon primarily in con-
junction with the electrofishing program. From RM 114.2 to RM 148.2,
the range of di sso 1 ved oxygen was 7.1 to 14.0 mg/1 over a range of
surface water temperatures from 5.8°C to 10.6°C. Measurements of pH and
specific conductance were observed to range from 6.9 to 8 .7 and
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33 to 132 umh os/cm respectively. Turbidity in the mainstem Susitna
River f r om RM 111.5 to RM 148.2 during the 1982 open water field season
ranged from 2.4 to 154 Nephlometric Trubidity Units (NTU).
4.2.6.1.2 Slough Habitats
The basic field parameters of dissolved oxygen, pH , specific con-
ductance, temperature, and turbidity were measured at se 1 ected upland
and side sloughs situated between Talkeetna and Dev i l Canyon during the
1982 open water field season (refer to the stage/discharge summary
section for a definition of upland and side sloughs).
4.2.6.1.2.1 Upland Slough Habitats
Two upland sloughs (Sloughs 6A and 19) were monitored from June to
October, 1982 for the basic field parameters primarily i n conjunction
with the Fish Distribution Study (FDS). program. Overall, dissolved
oxygen in the upland sloughs was found to vary from 7.3 to 13.9 mg/1
over a range of surface water temperatures from 3.3° to 15.0°C, while
measurements of pH and specific conductance varied from 6.0 to 7.8 and
31 to 147 umhos/cm, respectively. Turbidity in upland sloughs was
observed to vary from less than 1 NTU to 150 NTUs .
Water quality in the upland sloughs was not influenced to any large
extent by changes in mainstem discharge . This is likely the result of
upland sloughs not being connected to the mainstem at their heads.
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4.2.6 .1.2.2 Side Slough Habitats
Twelve side sloughs situated between Talkeetna and Devil Canyon
(Whiskers Creek and Lane Creek Sloughs and Sloughs 8A, 9, 9A, 98, 10,
11, 16, 20, 21 , and 22) were monitored for the basic field parameters
during the 1982 open water field season . Overall, dissolved oxygen
ranged from 5 .9 to 14.5 mg/1 over a range of surface water temperatures
from 2.4° to 16 .3°C , while measurements of pH and specific conductance
varied from 4 .0 to 7.9 and 4 to 238 umhos/cm, respectively. Tu rbidity
was found to vary from less than 1 NTU to 168 NTUs.
Water quality in the side sloughs was found to be influenced by mainstem
discharge depending on whether or not the head of the slough was
breached . During periods of non-breaching mainstem flows, the water
quality of the studied side sloughs had the characteristics of the water
sources of the slough, wh il e during periods of breaching mainstem flows
the water quality of the studied side sloughs took on the
characteristics of the mainstem river. In general, the specific
conductance and surface water temperature were higher during periods of
non-breaching mainstem flows than during breaching mainstem flows.
In addition to mainstem influences on water quality in the side sloughs,
several studied side sloughs exhibited water quality influences due to
tributary influx . These were vJhiskers Creek Slough and sloughs 9, 20 ,
and 22. In these sloughs, the water quality in the slough under non -
breaching mainstem flows was dependent to a large degree on the
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tributary, while during breaching mainstem flows was dependent to a
varying degree on both the mainstem and tributary .
4.2 .6.1.3 Tributary Habitats
The basic field parameters were co ll ected at selected tributaries
situated between Talkeetna and Devil Canyon during the 1982 open water
f i eld season. Overall, dissolved oxygen in the tributaries sampled
ranged from 7.9 to 14.5 mg/1 over a range of surface water temperatures
from 1.7° to 12.2°C. Measurements of pH and specific conductance varied
from 5.8 to 7.8 and 14 to 66 umhos/cm, respectively . Turbidity was
found to vary from less than 1 NTU to 94 NTUs .
4.2.6.2 Talkeetna to Cook Inlet
4 .2 .6.2 .1 Mainstem Habitats
The basic field parameters were collected from RM 5.0 to RM 85.7 pri-
mari l y i n conjunction with the electrofishing program. at selected
mainstem Susitna River and side channel sites below Talkeetna during the
1982 open water field season Overall, the range of dissolved oxygen
varied from 6.4 to 15.6 mg/1 over a range of surface water temperatures
f rom 0 .2° to 13.8°C, Measurements of pH and specific conductance were
observed to vary from 5.2 to 7.6 and 46 to 131 umhos/cm respectively .
Turbidity was sampled only at Sunshine Creek Side Channel and ranged
from 4 to 160 NTUs .
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4.2 .6.2 .2 Slough Habitats
The basic field parameters were collected at selected sloughs below
Talkeetna during the 1982 open water field season. Overall, dissolved
oxygen ranged from 8 .3 to 12.8 mg/1 over a range of surface water
temperatures from 5.3° to 15.4°C. Measurements of pH and specific
conductance were observed to vary from 6.4 to 7.7 and 10 to 204
umhos/cm, respectively. Turbidity ranged from 2 to 120 NTUs.
Water quality in the sloughs stud i ed downstream of Talkeetna was
influenced to varying degrees by mainstem discharge depending on
whether or not the head of the slough was breached. In addition , since
all of the sloughs studied below Talkeetna had tr i butary in fluxes, the
slough water qua lity was also influenced to varying degrees by the
associ a ted tributaries. In genera 1 , during periods non -breaching
mainstem flows, the water qual i ty in the slough was dependent on the
water qua l ity of the associated tributary while during periods of
breaching mainstem flows if was dependent on the water qua l ity of both
the mainstem and the tributary.
4.2 .6.2.3 Tri bu tary Habitats
The basic field parameters were collected at various tributaries below
Talkeetna during the 1982 open water f i eld season . Overa ll, di ssolved
oxygen varied from 8. 9 to 13.4 mg/1 over a range of surface water
temperatures from 3 .6° to 17 .4°C. Measurements of pH and specific
conductance were observed to vary from 5 .5 to 7 .4 and 27 to 204
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umhos/cm, respectively. No measurements of turbidity were taken at any
tributaries below Talkeetna during 1982 .
4.2.7 Disso l ved Gas Studies
The objectives of the dissolved gas monitoring program during 1981 and
1982 were to:
1. establish baseline values of supersaturation of di ssolved gas
in the vicinity of the Devil Canyon rapids of the Susitna
Ri ver; and,
2. determine the influence that changes in flow of the Susitna
River have upon those values.
During the 1981 and 1982 open water seasond, dissolved gas super-
saturation l evels were measured in the vicinity of Devil Canyon both on
a continuous and instantaneous basis . Continuous measurements were
obtained from August to October, 1982 at a gaging station immediately
below the Canyon. Point measurements were obtained at various times
during 1981 and 1982 at several locations in and below the canyon .
Results show that the rapids cause gas entrainment with peak concen -
trations of 116 % saturation measured immediately below the lower Devil
Canyon rapids during high water ( 4.0,000 cfs). Continuous recordings of
disolved gas saturation indicated a direct relationship occurred between
level of supersaturation concentrations and discharge through the canyon
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(i.e., higher discharges increased the levels of dissolved gas). From
Devil Canyon to Gold Creek, the elevated dissolved gas concentrations
decayed with approximately a 50 % decrease in the initial concentrations
occurring 20 miles downstream. The rate of decay of di sso 1 ved gas
appeared to be more rapid below Indian River.
Based on a survey of available literature, concentrations of dissolved
gas that occur naturally below Devil Canyon are not sufficient to create
an appreciable hazard to the fish presently in the system . The rate of
decay of gas in the na.tu ra 1 occurring s upersa t u rated water bel ow the
canyon is sufficiently slow that elevated gas l evels created by a Devil
Canyon Dam would not dissipate below a hazardous level until below the
Go l d Creek area.
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4.3 PART II SUMMARY
4.3.1 Mainstem Sa l mon Spawning Studies
Studies were conducted from August 1 to September 15, 1982 to:
1. determine the extent, timing, and number of chum, pink,
sockeye, and coho salmon spawning in the mainstem Susitna
River;
2. evaluate the physical and chemical characteristics of mainstem
habitats utilized for spawning; a nd,
3. identify the relationships between changes in mainstem dis-
charge and temperature to the extent, timing, and numbers of
salmon present in the mai nstem.
Results of the first objective are summarized in Volume 2 of this
report . Results of the second and third objectives are summarized below
and in Vo l ume 4 -Part II of this report.
Adult anadromous fish distribution data collected during 1981 and 1982
indicate that salmon spawning activity in the mainstem is limited. It
is currently unknown whether the limited use of the mainstem for spawn-
ing is the result of a lack of suitable spawning habitats or the rela -
tively greater availability of _more suitable spawning habitats in other
areas (e.g ., sloughs). Preliminary data, however, indicate that the
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substrate in the majority of the mainstem is cemented, making it unsuit-
able for salmon spawning. Chum salmon appear to be the only salmon
species which utilize the mainstem Susitna River for spawning. Coho,
pink, and sockeye salmon were not found to spawn in the mainstem during
the 1982 open water field season .
Eight chum salmon spawning areas were evaluated for their habitat
characteristics during 1982. Based on an evaluation of this data, the
majority of the mainstem chum salmon spawning sites surveyed were
located in c l ear backwater habitats situated in side channels which were
cut off either entirely or partially from mainstem water influence at
their heads. Only one of the surveyed spawning sites was located in the
main channel .
Mean water depths and water column velocities measured at mainstem chum
salmon spawning sites ranged from 0.1-4.0 feet and 0.0 -1.0 feet/second,
respectively . Subst r ate utilized for spawning ranged from silty sand to
boulders with gravel, rubble, and cobble substrates being preferred.
The substrate was most often loosely embedded with silty sand which was
cleared in areas of redds. Intragravel water temperatures, taken at a
depth of approximately 1 to 2 feet bel ow the surface, ranged from
3.3 -7.0°C.
Each surveyed chum salmon spawning site, except one located at RM 148 .2 ,
had clear water zones indicating the surveyed spawning areas were
isolated either entirely or partially from mainstem surface water
inf lue nce. The clear water suggests that these spawning sites receive a
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significant portion of their surface water flow from subsurface perco-
lation, since very little surface drainage was observed into the study
areas. Intragravel water temperatures ranged from 0.2 to 5.3°C cooler
than surface water temperatures, suggesting that a subsurface water flow
exists in the areas of spawning activity and that it is of a different
source than the surface waterflow .
4.3.2 Slough Salmon Spawning Studies
Studies were conducted during the 1982 open water field season in
selected sloughs to determine the relative importance and relationship
of selected discharge re lated to variables to spawning activities of
salmon. Since chum salmon were the dominant species utilizing the
sloughs for spawning during the study period, the majority of the field
work and subsequent analyses and discussions dealt with this species.
Other salmon species (sockeye, pink, and coho sa l mon) which utilize the
s 1 oughs for spawning in fewer numbers, were dea 1t with to a lesser
degree.
Sloughs were studied at two levels of intensity : specific and general .
Specific slough studies consisted of detailed investigations of channel
morphology, hydraulic modelling, access and timing of salmon into the
sloughs, and availability and utilization of specific habitat conditions
related to spawning site selection. Four side sloughs (Chum Channel and
Sloughs SA, 9, and 21) were selected for specific study based on the
data from previous studies and their relative importance to the salmon
fishery. Nine sloughs (Whiskers and Lane Creek Sloughs and Sloughs 6A,
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9A, 10, 168, 19, 20, and 22) were selected for general slough studies .
These sloughs were selected based on their relative lesser importance to
the salmon for spawning and overall smaller available data base.
Genera l slough studies consisted of a subjective comparison of salmon
spawning activity to substrate· composition and distribution, water
quality, and water sources (i.e., upwelling , springs, tributaries ,
etc.). Slough 11 was stud i ed at an intermediate level in that all
studies perta in ing to the specific s l ough studies were conducted except
that no hydraulic modelling was attempted.
4.3.2.1 Specific Slough Studies
Studies pertaining to slough channel morphology and slough to mainstem
hydraulic relationships were cond ucted to ascertain potential access and
passage related problems to spawning areas in sloughs . Because access
denied into an area eliminates consideration of all other factors, it is
of critical concern.
The stage of the mainstem appears to directly influence salmon access
into and passage within the study sloughs. During high mainstem stage
condit i ons, when the head of a side slough becomes breached, the
·hydraulic characteristics of a slough are very similar to those of a
side channel of the ma i nstem . Once overtopped, flows in the sloughs
often increased rapidly. During these conditions, sufficient depths
were present throughout the sloughs to allow access into and passage
within the sloughs to spawning areas. At intermediate mainstem stages
when the head of the slough was not breached, a backwater was observed
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to form at the mouth of the s l ough . Under these conditions, sufficient
dept hs were maintained in the vicinity of the mouth of the slough (by
the mainstem stage) to allow access into the slough, with passage to
spawning areas in the upper reaches of the s l ough becoming a function of
slough stage and channel morphology (i.e., depth). During periods of
low mainstem discharge, mainstem stage was often not sufficient to allow
significant backwater areas to form at the mouths of the s l oughs. Under
these conditions, access into the sloughs and passage to spawning areas
in the upper reaches of the sloug hs was found to be a function of slough
stage and channel morphology (i.e ., depth). It was under t hese
conditions, that the majority of access and passage re 1 a ted prob 1 ems
occurred during 1982.
Cross -section and thalweg survey data were used to determine critica l
access and passage reaches at various slo ugh flows for each of the study
sloughs. Based on visual assessments, 0 .3 ft. was ass i gned as a crit-
i cal depth for access and passage over a critica l reach. These data are
summarized in Vo l ume 4 -Part I I .
The occurrence and timing of spike discharge events (i.e., i ncreased
flows fo r short duration), was also found to influence access and
passage. Spike discharge events during periods when fish are holding,
allow access into s l oughs and passage to spawning areas which were
otherwise inaccessible. This was observed when spike flows during
September allowed access into the study sloughs and passage to spawning
areas which were previously inaccessible. The presence of spike dis-
charge events however, do not totally alleviate access and passage
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related problems in sloughs. Timing of the spike discharge events is
also found to be important. For example, a spike discharge event on
September 15, 1982 occurred during a period when few salmon were holding
in pools in Sloughs 8A, 9, and 21. It is believed that if this spike
discharge event had occurred earlier in the year, when larger numbers of
salmon were holding in pools, more salmon could have gained access to
spawning areas in the upper reaches of these sloughs.
The timing of peak numbers of fish and their duration of residence
inside sloughs was found to generally follow consistent patterns. In
general. pink salmon numbers peaked earlier than chum salmon in all
sloughs. With the exception of Slough 11, pink salmon entered sloughs
in early to mid-August, peaked in mid-August, and were completely absent
by September 1. Chum salmon typically entered sloughs by August 10,
peaked between August 20 and September 1, declined rapidly in mid-
September, and were completely absent by the end of September. In
contrast to the pattern for pink and chum salmon, numbers of sockeye
salmon generally 1 acked definite peaks, were much less abundant than
chum salmon and persisted in low numbers in late September. The excep-
tion to the above generalizations occurred in Slough 11 where sockeye
salmon numbers exhibited a bimodal peak, with peaks occurring at August
30 and September 13, and persisted in the slough until mid-October. In
general, these data shown that there was a temporal segregation in usage
patterns between species. This was most evident between pink and chum
salmon, with numbers of pink salmon consistently peaking before chum
salmon. The pattern for sockeye salmon was less distinct, but generally
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indicated that sockeye salmon spawned in sloughs during the period of,
or later than, chum salmon spawning.
Utilization data were collected for various habitat conditions related
to spawning site selection at various levels of discharge in Sloughs 8A,
9, 11, and 21 . Since chum salmon were the dominant species present in
the study sloughs , most utilization data pertain to th i s species.
Enough data is not yet available to set ranges of utilized habitat for
the other salmon species present i n the sloughs . In general, chum
salmon were found to utilize areas of gravel -rubble substrate where
depths were ove r 0.2 ft. (averagi ng about 1.1 ft.) and mean water column
velocities ranged from 0.0 to 1.5 ft./sec. (averaging 0.3 ft ./sec.)
Areas where significant amounts of silt overlayed rubb l e and gravel
substrates were also utilized for spawning. However, this is likely the
results of sa l mon be i ng forced to use less tha n optimal areas in 1982
due to low flows ca using access problems to mo r e desirable substrates
upstream. Areas of ground water upwe 11 i ng a 1 so appeared to be pre-
ferably uti l ized. Ranges of intragravel water temperatures measured in
redds showed that the range of utilized temperatures was 3.1 to ll .4°C ,
with most intragravel water temperatures rang i ng from 4.0 to 4.9°C.
Enough data is not yet ava i lable to set the overa ll ranges of utilized
habitat for spawn i ng for al l levels of discharge in the s l oug hs.
Prelim i nary depth and velocity utilization data collected at chum salmon
redds were compared to depth and veloc ity availability data obtained for
f iv e di scharge measurements at cross sections in Sloughs 8A , 9 and 21 .
At low slough flows (3 to 8 cfs), the means of water depths that were
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available for the five discharge measurements (0.8, 0.8, 0.7, 0.9, 0.9
ft) and that were utilized (1.24, 0.67, 1.02, 0.72, 1.27 ft) for chum
salmon redds were approximately the same. However, all chum salmon
redds utilized were located in shallower depths, less than 2.6 ft. The
means of water velocities that were available (0.10, 0 .11, 0 .14, 0.17,
0.24 ft/sec) and that were utilized (0.13, 0.03, 0.22, 0 .36, 0 .16
ft/sec) for chum salmon redds were also approximately the same. These
conclusions are preliminary however, since very little data were col-
lected at higher discharge levels (to determine if chum salmon will
spawn successfully at greater depths and increased flows).
Computer models of Chum Channel and Sloughs 8A, 9, and 21, which are
currently in the process of being calibrated, will be used to predict
available water depths and velocities up to sloughflows of 300 cfs.
These availability data will be used to compare the above preliminary
utilization water depth and velocity data to the computer generated
availability data. These analyses will be presented in the Fisheries -
Habitat Relationship Report.
4.3.2.2 General Slough Studies
Water quality data and maps of substrate composition, upwelling areas,
and ice free areas are presented for each general study slough in Volume
4 -Part II. Subjective comparisons of these data will be discussed in
the Fisheries-Habitat Relationships Report.
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4.3.3 Eulachon Studies
First year studies were conducted from May 16 (ice-out) to June 16, 1982
to:
1. determine the extent, timing, and numbers of the spawning runs
of eulachon in the Susitna River;
2. to evaluate the physical and chemical characteristics of
habitats utilized for spawning; and,
3. to identify the relationship between changes in mainstem
discharge and temperatures to the extent, timing, and numbers
of eulachon present.
Results of the first objective are summarized in Volume 2 of this
report. Results of the second and third objectives are summarized below
and in Volume 4 -Part II of this report.
Based on 1982 catch data, eulachon began their spawning migration into
the Susitna River during early to mid-May. In general, eulachon spawn-
ing runs occurred during periods of general inclines in both mainstem
discharge and surface water temperature. Eulachon appeared to utilize
the majority of the mainstem Susitna River and its associated side
channels below RM 49 for passage and spawning. Eulachon appeared to key
on water velocity for upstream direction during their spawning runs.
Eulachon were never observed to utilize the clear water tributaries
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upstream of the confluence zones or rarely observed in areas of low
water velocity (less than 0.3 ft/sec), backwater, or eddy habitat zones.
The majority of the upstream eulachon migration appeared to occur along
banks with moderate water velocities (0.3 -3.0 ft/sec).
Based on these first year studies, the habitat requirements necessary
for eulachon spawning appear quite broad, making a significant portion
of the lower Susitna River available as spawning habitat. Spawning
occurred throughout the mainstem and its associated side channels, with
bar and riffle zones having moderate water velocities preferred. Mean
water depths and velocities at surveyed spawning sites ranged from 1.1
to 3.1 ft and 0 .6 to 1.9 ft/sec, respect i vely . Substrate used for
spawning varied from 100 percent silt to si l t and sand intermixed with
gravel, rubble, and cobble. The preferred substrate was si l t and sand
intermixed with gravel. Water temperatures at surveyed spawning sites
ranged from 6.2 to 11.2°C.
4.3.4 Be r ing Cisco Studies
Second year studies were conducted from September 1 to October 15
(freeze -up), 1982 to;
1. determine the extent, timing, and numbers of the spawning runs
of Bering cisco in the Susitna River;
2. evaluate the physical and chemical characteristics of habitats
uti l ized for spawning ; and,
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3. to identify the relationship between changes in mainstem
discharge and temperature to the extent, timing, and numbers
of Bering cisco present.
Results of the first objective are summarized in Volume 2 of this
report. Results of the second and third objective are summarized below
and in Volume 4 -Part II of this report.
Based on 1981 and 1982 catch data, Bering cisco began their spawning
migration into the Susitna River during early August . Upstream 1 imits
of migration during 1981 and 1982 based on electrofishing catch data
were RM 100.5 and RM 101.9, respectively. In general, spawning runs
occurred during periods of general declines in both mainstem discharge
and surface water temperature, with increases in mainstem discharge
apparently discouraging upstream movement. Bering cisco appeared to
exclusively utilize the mainstem channels for passage, apparently not
utilizing the sloughs or tributaries upstream of the confluence zones.
Interestingly, Bering cisco were never observed in the east channel of
the Susitna River between RM 62 and RM 70 during either 1981 or 1982,
although habitats in this reach of the river are similar to those in
other reaches utilized by Bering cisco. The reasons for this are
currently unclear, however it may possibly be linked to differences in
discharge or water quality.
On l y one spawning site for Bering cisco was evaluated in terms of
spawning habitat found in 1982. This site, which was a documented site
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in 1981, was located along a mainstem gravel bar opposite Montana Creek
(RM 76.8 -77.6). Habitat cha r acteristics present at this s i te at the
time of spawning generally concur with 1981 find i ngs at this site (ADF&G
1981b), except that surface water temperatures at time of spawning
during 1982 ranged from 0 .2 -0 .4°C whi l e during 1981 ranged from 3.0 -
3.8 °C.
Fewer spa wning sites for Bering cisco were located in 1982 than in 1981.
One reason for th i s may be that in 1982, Bering c i sco appeared to have
begu n spawning later. No r ipe fish were found in 1982 until October 13,
while in 1981 r i pe fish were fou nd beginning in early October. Due to
an early freeze up, sam pli ng was prevented after October 14, 1982.
Because of this , spawning sites could not be located and studied after
October 14 . It is l ikely that Bering cisco uti l ized other areas for
spawning after this time.
4.3.5 Juveni l e Anadromo us Habitat Studies
This section provides an introduction to the analysis of juvenile salmon
habitat re l ationships presented in Volume 4 which wi l l be further
developed in the Fisheries and Hab i tat Re l ationships Report . The
ultimate objective is to examine the effect of habitat quality on
juvenile salmo n distr i bution and abundance and to further examine the
changes in hab i tat quality caused by changes in mainstem discharge.
Knowledge of these relationships has a direct application in predicting
the effects of the proposed hydroelectric project and in developing
mitigation procedures.
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Three general topics are addressed for the juveniles of four species of
salmon (pink salmon are not included because very few were captured).
The main emphasis concerns the relative use of the mainstem backwater
areas present at the sampling sites. The mainstem backwater area is
defined as that area of the sampling site which is backed up as a result
of a hydraulic barrier created by mainstem stage at the mouth of the
site . This analysis is an attempt to determine the importance of
changes in mainstem discharge to habitat quality and availability. The
second topic is the distribution of juvenile salmon among the various
habitat zones at · each site (refer to Vo 1 ume 4 for the definition of
habitat zones). Each habitat zone is characterized by a different set
of values for various habitat parameters. The purpose of these studies
is to estimate the relative importance of different kinds of habitat and
the "preference 11 of juvenile salmon for certain levels of various
habitat parameters. General statements are made concerning specific
habitat parameters such as turbidity and water velocity . The third
topic concerns the effect of the head of the slough being breached or
unbreached .
Chum salmon juveniles had basically outmigrated from the Susitna River
above the Chulina River confluence by the ~nd of July so there are less
data for this species than for the other three salmon species which were
present throughout the entire season. Chum salmon were general l y
captured in areas of low water velocity. They also seemed to prefer
areas with cover provided by mainstem turbidity . These two conditions
are characteristic of the habitat present in the mainstem backwater
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areas which may explain why 59 percent of all chum salmon juveniles
captured in early June, 85 percent in late June, and 94 percent in early
July were captured in these areas. The lower pe rcentage in early June
was a result of chums captured in tributaries during outmigration from
tributary spawning grounds. Low mainstem discharges during June and
July which lead to the closure of slough heads may have created undesir-
able habitat conditions for chum salmon juveniles . In some instances
this led to stranding of juveniles in isolated pools.
Sockeye salmon juveniles were generally captured only at slough sites.
The number of sockeye salmon captured i~ the mainstem backwater area as
a percentage of the total caught in all zones was high ( 71 %) at most
sites. Sockeye salmon juveniles captured outside the mainstem backwater
area were usually in slack water areas of slough above the backwater
area.
Coho salmon juveniles were captured in all major habitat types, includ-
ing tributaries, sloughs, side channels, and mainstem . The amount and
quality of cover, especial l y aquatic and emergent vegetation , appeared
to be a major factor influencing coho abundance and distribution. Coho
salmon were genera lly captured in areas of low to moderate water
velocity. Coho salmon were the least likely of the four salmon species
to be captured in the backwater area. The largest percentage of coho
salmon juveniles captured in that habitat type for all sites dur i ng any
one sampling period was 32 percent.
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Chinook salmon juveniles were also found in all major habitat types .
The majority of ch i nook salmon juveniles captured i n June (60-68%) were
from the backwater area . This percentage halved in July and rema i ned
below 50 percent for the rest of the season . Chinook sa l mon juveniles
were often captured in the mixing areas just below tributary mouths .
4.3.6 Resident Fi sh Habitat Studies
A literature review of the habitat requirements for the va r ious life
phases of important resident species present in t he Susitna River is
presented in Volume 4 -Part II. Species rev i ewed include rainbow
trout, Arctic grayling, burbot, round whitefish, humpback whitef i sh,
longnose sucker, Dolly Varden, threespine stickleback, slimy sculpin ,
and Arctic lamprey . Habitat requirements of the fo ll owing life phases
were addressed: adult summer and overw in teri ng rearing life phases,
mi grati ona 1 1 ife phases, spawning 1 ife phases, and juvenile summer and
overwintering 1 i fe phases. Incorporated into these literature reviews
are the known results concerning habitat req u irements for the above
species in the Susitna River basin . Finding from both FY82 and FY 83 are
incorporated into the reviews. The data base is largest for rainbow
trout, Arctic gray li ng, burbot, humpback whitefish, round whi tefish, and
longnose sucker. In genera l , the data base is stronger for the various
adu l t life phases than it is for th e juvenile l ife phases. Th i s most
l ikely resulted from the ineffectiveness of capture techn iqu es employed
in the capture of juvenile species. Data from future studies will be
incorporated into these reviews as it becomes available .
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A section is also inc l uded that describes species associations utilizing
similar habitats in the Susitna River. Similar hab i tat co nditions were
found to attract different species of resident fish with similar habitat
requirements. Species associations are described for the fo l lowing
habitats: tributary -mainstem mixing zo nes hab i tats, tributary habi -
tats, and s l ough hab i tats . Changes in these species associations over
time were de scribed for ha bitat zones were sufficient data was avail -
able .
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5.0 VOLUME 5 SUMMARY -UPPER SUSITNA RIVER IMPOUNDMENT STUDIES
5.1 INTRODUCTION
Impoundment study area (Figure 5-1-1) investigations were initiated in 1981 by
a joint Aquatic Habitat and Instream Flow (AH) and Resident and Juvenile
Anadromous Fish (RJ) study team to provide the basis for attaining the follow-
ing goals :
1. assess the impacts of transforming the existing 1 otic environment
within the boundaries of the proposed Watana and Devil Canyon
reservoirs into one that is lentic, and
2. determine whether alternative fishery habitat is available in the
immediate area surrounding the pr oposed reservoir for replacing
fishery habitat lost within the impoundments to sustain the existing
level of fish populations .
To achieve the first goal , data were collected with the objectives of deter-
mining:
1. which habitats within the impoundment study area were utilized by
various fish species on a seasonal basis;
2. the physical and chemical characteristics of these fishery habitats;
and ,
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3. the seasonal distribution and abundance of fish populations within
the proposed impoundment areas .
The second goa 1 was not pursued during the 1981 studies because of 1 imited
manpower resources.
Investigations were therefore continued in 1982 to:
1. collect additional habitat and fishery data to more accurately
characterize the fish populations and their seasonal utilization of
habitats with i n the boundaries of the proposed reservoirs to further
meet goal one; and,
2. collect habitat and fishery data to determine whether the reach of
tributary immediately upstream of the impoundment boundaries con -
tains similar habitat to that presently found at the mouths of these
tributaries and if these upstream reaches presently support fish
populations.
5.2 Aquatic Hab i tat Studies
5.2.1 Introduction
Aquatic habitat studies during 1982 were conducted from May 1 to October 15
and were designed to evaluate the general physical and chemical characteris-
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tics of aquatic habitats found within the proposed i mpoundment study area.
The study area was divided into tributary , mainstem, and lake habitat evalua -
tion locations. Studies were conducted on 11 major tr i butaries and selected
portions of the mainstem that would be inundated by the proposed impoundments.
Addit i onal surveys were conducted above the proposed impoundment elevation
(PIE) on selected tributaries to obtain baseline information on the existing
habitat ava i lable immediately above the PIE. Additional physica l and chemical
data were collected (discharge, thermograph and instantaneous water quality)
to obtain base line information for reservo i r modeling . Selected morphomet r ic
features of Sally Lake, the largest lake within the proposed impoundment
boundaries, were also evaluated. The complete results of these investigations
are presented in Volume 5 of this report unless otherwise indic ated .
5.2 .2 Tributary Habitat Studies
Major tributaries within the proposed impoundment study area which were
investigated during the 1982 field season included: Cheechako, Chi nook,
Devi l, Fog, Tsusena, Deadman, Watana, Kosina, Jay , and Goose Creeks, and the
Oshetna River. The study area of these tributaries included the entire reach
of each stream below the PIE and a five mile reach immediately upstream of the
PIE . Investigations included collection of water quality and discharge data,
evaluation of topographical features, evaluation of spawning habitat, and a
general description of each stream.
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Instantaneous water quality data collected in tributaries included measure-
ments of dissolved oxygen, ph, specific conductance, water temperature and
turbidity. Dissolved oxygen concentrations ranged from 9.6 mg/1 in Goose and
Watana Creeks, and the Oshetna River to 14.2 mg/1 in Deadman Creek. Values of
ph ranged from 6 .7 in Watana Creek to 8.1 in Jay Creek. Specific conductance
ranged from 22 umhos/cm in Cheechako Creek to 212 umhos/cm in Watana Creek.
Instantaneous water temperatures ranged from 0 .1 °C in the Oshetna River to
14.8°C in Goose Creek. Turbidity values ranged from 1 NTU on all tributaries
at least one time during the season to 42 NTU's in the Oshetna River.
With the exception of turbidity levels, no major differences were apparent in
the ranges of water quality parameters collected during specific sampling
periods among tributary samp l ing sites. Turbidity levels varied frequently in
some tributaries due ma i nly to precipitation and unstable soil conditions.
Th i s was especially true in Watana Creek which exhibited relatively high
turbidities throughout the open water field season . Turbidities in the
tributaries were generally much lower than turbidities in the mainstem Susitna
River.
Preliminary water quality data collected above the PIE of four selected
tributaries indicated that there is no significant difference in water quality
above and below the PIE of these streams.
Continuous surface water temperature data were recorded on five streams:
Tsusena, Watana, Kosi na, and Goose Creeks and the Oshetna River . These data
are being used for reservoir modeling and to further characterize fish habitat
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on these streams. Preliminary analysis of this data indicates that there are
no major differences in overa ll water temperatures amo ng these tributar i es. A
tabular listing of thermograph data for these five sites is presented in
Volume 4.
Limited discharge data were collected on six streams and were compared with
discharge data for the mainstem Susitna River at Vee Canyon and precipitation
data for the impoundment study area. These preliminary data indicate that
Susitna River discharge data, combined with precipitation data, can be used to
determine relative changes in tributary discharge. This type of information
may be . useful for reservoir modeling purposes in estimating the discharge
contribution of individual tributaries to the proposed Devil Canyon and Watana
reservoirs. However, due to the limited data collected during 1982, this
observation would require considerable more data to validate.
Selected topographical features of major tributaries were evaluated to assist
in making general comparisons of these streams and to determine the extent to
which they waul d be affected by the proposed impoundments. Topographi ca 1
features evaluated included stream gradient , water surface area, length of
tributary to be inundated, stream mouth elevation, and drainage basin size.
This information, in conjunction with field surveys, was used to evaluate the
general habitat characteristics of these streams and changes in the avail-
ability of habitat which may occur after inundation of the proposed impound-
ments.
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Two of the more important changes associated with habitat availability are
related to fish passage ba rri ers and the extent of the drawdown zone on
individual tributaries. Several fish passage barriers have been identified on
streams within the proposed impoundment study area. A l arge waterfall on
Deadman Creek is presently the only identified fish passage barrier which
would be inundated by either of the proposed impoundments. The inundation of
this waterfall would allow fish migration between the Susitna River and the
upper Deadman Creek system, including Deadman Lake . This may affect the
presently isolated lake trout and grayling pop ulations of Upper Deadman Creek
system . All other major barriers which have presently been identified are
located above the PIE .
Impoundment pool elevation, stream gradient below the PIE, and tributary mouth
elevation will determine the extent to which an individual stream will be
inundated by the proposed reservoirs. Since pool levels of the proposed De~il
Canyon and Watana impoundments wil l ann ua l ly vary 28 and 105 feet, respective-
ly, a drawdown zone of varying size will occur around the perimeter of each
reservoir. Grayling eggs spawned within this drawdown zone in early spring
when reservoir pool levels are rising , may be adversely affected by the
flooding of this habitat. Conversely, whitefish and burbot eggs spawned
during the autumn and winter months of the year may be dessicated due to
receding reservoir water levels during this period .
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5.2.3 Mainstem Habitat Studies
Aquatic habitat investigations during 1982 on the mainstem Susitna River
within the proposed impou ndment study area (RM 152.0 to 239.0) inc luded the
collection of general water qual i ty data at designated sites, mapping the
general hab i tat characteristics at selected habitat evaluation sites , and the
identification of mainstem slough habitats . Aerial surveys were conducted on
the entire mainstem reach within the study area to generally evaluate the
habitat characteristics of th i s area.
The mainstem was divided i nto two study sections: The Devil Canyon section
extending from RM 152.0 to RM 184.0 and the Watana section extending from RM
184 .0 to RM 239.0 . The Devil Canyon section, is confined to a more narrow
channel, has relatively higher streamflow velocities, and has a steeper
gradient (18 ft/mi compared to 13 ft/mi) than the Watana section .
Water quality data collected in the mainstem included disso l ved oxygen, ph,
water temperature, specific conductance, and turbidity. No major differences
were apparent in the rang e of water quality parameters collected during
specific sampling periods among the samp li ng sites. Turbidity values varied
considerably over the course of the samp 1 i ng season ranging from 14 NTU' s
above Goose Creek on May 14 to 150 NTU' s above Watana Creek on August 16.
Fluctuations in mainstem turbidity levels may partially influence the seasonal
distribution and abundance of fish species in the mainstem . Arctic grayling
were found more often in the clear water tributaries during the summer months
when turbidity levels were hi gh in the mainstem.
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Four major mainstem slough areas have been identified within the proposed
impoundment study area. These four slough areas are referred to as Watana
Creek Slough (RM 193.5), Kosina Creek Slough (RM 205.6), Lower Jay Creek
Slough (RM 208.1), and Upper Jay Creek Slough (RM 208.7}. Water quality data
was collected only at Upper and Lower Jay Creek Sloughs. These slough areas
appear to be one of the more commonly utilized habitats of resident juvenile
fish in the area.
Six additional _areas which may classify as mainstem slough habitats were
identified from aerial color photos of the proposed impoundment areas. These
slough habitats have not been verified by ground surveys at present.
5.2.4 Lake Habitat Studies
Thirty-one lake habitats have been identified within the boundaries of the
proposed Devil Canyon and Watana impoundment (Acres 1982). Twenty-seven of
these habitats are less than five acres in size. Due to the small size and
shallow depths of the majority of these habitats, it is assumed that most are
not capable of supporting fish populations. Aerial surveys of many of these
habitats during 1982 support this assumption. Therefore, these smaller lakes
were not examined more intensively during the 1982 field season.
Lake sampling efforts during 1982 were limited to Sally Lake, the largest lake
within the proposed impoundment boundaries. General water quality data were
collected monthly during the field season. Morphometric data were collected
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and from these data a contour map , and depth area and de pth volume curves were
developed . From these data it was determ i ned that Sally Lake has a surface
area of 63 acres, a maximum depth of 27 feet and a total volume of 736 acre-
feet.
5.3 Resident Fis heri es Studies
5.3.1 Introduction
The following species we re captured by the 1982 Res i dent Fisheries Investiga -
tions in the proposed impoundment area:
Arctic grayling
Bur bot
Lake trout
Longnose sucker
Dolly Varden
Round whitefish
Humpback whitefish
The investigat i ons were divided into three separate studies : tri butary ,
mainstem, and lake studies.
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5.3 .2 Tributary studies
The same eight major tributaries studied during the 1981 Impoundment Investi-
ga ti ons were sampled on a month l y basis in 1982 . Al l sampling was conducted
by hook and line and the target species was Arctic grayling. Arctic grayling
population estimates were generated for the eight major tributary streams, and
in most cases , were higher than the 198 1 estimates . By increasing the amount
of effort , using a Petersen single census estimator, and stratifying the
population by age and ha bitat type (pool vs. riffle) during the 1982 study,
the major biases encountered during the 1981 study were gr eat l y reduced: The
actual population estimates are expressed in numbers per st r eam, numbers per
stream mi le, and numbers per acre (density).
Arctic grayling spawning surveys co nd ucted in May showed that gr ayling did not
enter the spawning streams until after ice-out. Surveys were not comprehen -
s iv e , but spaw nin g Arc tic gr ay li ng were found in four locations; a l l of which
were below the proposed impoundment elevat i on (PI E). No Arctic grayling were
observed spawni ng above the PIE in any of the streams surveyed , although
spawn i ng must occur here as newly hatched grayling were observed above the PIE
in many of the streams.
Arctic ,gray li ng migration studi es, both i ntrastream and i nterstream, were
continued in 1982. Arctic gray l ing entered the tributary streams in late May
and ear l y June to spawn. From July through early August , grayling remained in
the tributaries to rear and showed relative l y little movement . An out -
migration of Arctic gray l ing from the tributaries began in late August and
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September, and the fish overwintered in the mainstem Susitna River. Although
a significant number of grayling exhibited interstream movement, the pattern
of movement appeared to be random.
The proposed impoundment areas are populated by stunted Dolly Varden which
were determined to be more widely distributed than the 1981 study indicated.
The habitat occupied varied considerably from that occupied by Arctic
grayling, with most observations occurring in "plunge pool" type habitats.
The first observation of salmon spawing upstream of the Devil Canyon dam site
was recorded in 1982 when chinnok salmon were observed spawn i ng in the extreme
lower reaches of Cheechoko (RM 152.4) and Chinook (RM 157.0) Creeks. Spawning
also took place in the clear water plume which extended into the Susitna River
below the mouth of Cheechako Creek. Additional information on salmon spawning
activities in these streams is also presented in Volume 2 of this report.
5.3.3 Mainstem Studies
Seven study sites on the ma i nstem Susitna River were selected and sampled on a
monthly basis . Sampling was conducted by trotlines and gillnets and was
targeted towards burbot, 1 ongnose sucker, round whitefish, and the humpback
whitefish species.
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Burbot could be captured at almost any point along the banks of the Susitna
River. The major limiting factor appeared to be water velocity, with lower
velocities being preferred. Recapture information showed little if any
movement occurring during the summer months.
Longnose suckers were captured in the mainstem Susitna River at large pools
a nd the mouths of tributary streams . Adult longnose suckers in spawning
condit i on were observed at the mouths of streams during May and early June .
Only two juvenile longnose suckers were captured at mainstem sites and sloughs
not affected by the tributari es.
Both round and humpback whitefish species were captured during the fall at or
near the mouths of tributary streams. All of the round whitefish captured in
early August were in a pre-spawning condition .
Arctic grayling were also captured in the mainstem Susitna River, but only at,
or very near, the mouths of tributary streams .
5 .3.4 Lake Stud i es
In 1982, an attempt was made to estimate the l ake trout and Arctic grayling
populations of Sally Lake, but was not successful . The hoop nets used proved
to be too small and hook and line techniques too time consuming . Experimental
use of a wide angle vertical sonar proved that fish could be distinguished and
counted, but because of the shallow depth of the majority of the lake and the
presence of large aquatic plants, this was not a viable method.
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Age and length data were recorded for the small number of samples taken. The
best estimate for the populations are under 1 ,000 lake trout and less than
5,000 Arctic gray l ing.
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6.0 LITERATURE CITED
Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G). 1974 . An accessment of the
anadromous fish populations in the Upper Sus itna River ~Ja tershed
between De vi 1 Canyon and the Chu 1 itna River. Anchorage, A 1 as ka.
pp.
1976. Fish and wildlife studies related to the Corps of
Engineers Devil Canyon, Watana Reservoir Hydroelectric Project.
ADF&G. Anchorage, Alaska.
1977 . Preauthorization assessment of the proposed Susitna
Hydroelectric Projects: preliminary investigations of water
qua l ity and aquatic species composition. ADF&G. Anchorage,
Alaska.
1978. Preliminary environmental assessment of hydroelectric
development on the Susitna River . Anchorage, Alaska . 172 pp.
1979 . Preliminary final plan of study fish and studies
proposed by the ADF&G. AOF&G. Anchorage, Alaska .
198la. Aquatic studies procedures manual. Phase I Final
Draft. Sub task 7.10. Prepared for Acres American, Incorporated;
by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game/Su Hydro. Anchorage,
Alaska.
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1981b. Adult anadromous fisheries project . Phase I Final
Draft . Subtask 7 .10 . Prepared for Acres American, Incorporated,
by the A 1 aska Department of Fish and Game/Su Hydro . Anc horage,
Alaska.
198lc. Aquatic habitat and instream flow project . Phase I
Fina l Draft. Subtask 7.10. Prepared for Acres American , Incor-
porated, by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game/Su Hydro.
Anchorage , Alaska.
1981d. Resident fish investigatio n on the lower Sus itna River.
Phase I Final Draft. Subtask 7 .10. Prepared for Acres American,
Incorporated, by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game/Su Hydro.
Anchorage, Alaska .
1981e. Juvenile anadromous f i sh study on the lower Susitna
River. Phase I Final Draft . Subtask 7 .10. Prepared for Acres
American, Inco r porated, by the Alaska Department of Fish and
Game/Su Hydro. Anchorage, Alaska .
1981f. Resident fish inv estigat i on on the Upper Susitna River.
Phase I Final Draft . Subtask 7 .10. Prepared for Acres American,
Incorporated, by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game/Su Hydro.
Anchorage , Alaska.
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1982. Aquatic studies program. Phase II Final Draft. Subtask
7.10 . Prepared for Acres American, Incorporated, by the Alaska
Department of Fish and Game/Su Hydro. Anchorage, Alaska.
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7.0 APPENDIX
7.1 Table of Contents
7.1.1 Volume 2
PREFACE .•..........•...• ·..•..•...•.•...•.......••................. i
TABLE OF CONTENTS •.•.••..•...•.•••.••.•..••...••.••..•••••.•.•.... viii
LIST OF FIGURES •.....•••.........•.••.....•..•.• I................. XV
LIST OF TABLES ..........••..........•......••...........•..•...... xxi i
LIST OF PLATES ..•.•...................•.••...........•.•.......••. xxix
PRINCIPAL CONTRIBUTORS ....•.•.......•...•.......••................ xxxi
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ••.•••••••.•.•••.•••.••••••••• I ••••••••••••••••••• XXX i i
LIST OF APPENDIX FIGURES ........•.........•....•................ ~art B
LI ST OF APPENDIX TABLES ......................................... Part B
IST OF APPENDIX REPORTS ...•........•...••........•..•..•........ Part B
1 .0 OBJECTIVES ................................................... 1
2.0 METHODS .••• I................................................. 2
2.1 Eu1achon ... .. .. .. .. ....... .. . .. .. . .... ..... .. .. .. .... .. .. . . 2
2 .1.1
2 .1. 2
Estuary .......................................... .
Main Channel .................................... .
2
4
2.2 Adult Sa l mon ............................. ·............... 7
2 .2.1 Main Channel..................................... 7
2.2.1.1
2.2.1.2
2.2.1.3
2 .2.1.4
2.2.1.5
2.2.1.6
2 .2.1.7
Sonar .................................. .
Fishwheel .............................. .
Tagging ................................ .
Age, Le ngth and Sex ...................•.
Radio Te 1 erne try .......•...••..........•.
Lower Devil Canyon Gill Netting ......•..
Stock Separation •......•.......•.....••.
9
10
12
14
14
16
16
2.2.2 Spawning ......................................... 17
2.2.2.1 Main Channel •...••..•••.•..............• 17
2.2.2.2 Sloughs and Streams .....•............•.. 18
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2.2.2.2.1 Chinook Salmon Index Surveys .. 20
2 .3 Bering Cisco ............................................. 20
2.3 .1 Main Channel Escapement .......................... 20
2.3.2 Main Channel Spawning ........•....•.........•.... 21
2.4 Data Analys i s and Evaluation ....•........••.......•..... 21
2.4.1
2.4.2
2.4.3
2.4.4
2.4.5
Eulachon Length Data ............•....•....•...•..
Salmon Tag and Recapture Escapement Estimates ....
Presentation of Salmon Escapem ent Estimates ••....
Ca l culation of Main Channel Escapement Timing ..•.
Age Determination •.....•.........•....•.....•....
21
22
24
28
28
3.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION .•........•............................ 29
3.1 Eulachon ................................................ 29
3.1 .1 Estuary.......................................... 29
3.1.2 Main Channel .................••....•............. 34
3.2 Adult Salmon ............................................ 51
3.2.1 Chinook Salmon ................................... 51
3 .2.1.1 Estuary to Talkeetna .........•.........• 51
3.2.1.1 .1 Main Channel Escapement ......• 51
3.2 .1.1.2 Main Channel Spawning ......... 57
3.2.1.2 Talkeetna to Upper Devil Canyon ......... 57
3.2.1 .2.1 Main Channel Escapement ...•... 57
3.2.1.2.2 Radio Telemetry ............... 66
3 .2.1.2.3 Lower Devil Canyon Milling .... 71
3.2.1.2.4 Spawning ...................... 74
3.2 .1.2.4.1 Main Channel. .... 74
3.2.1.2.4 .2 Sloughs and
Stream .......... 74
3.2.1.3 Escapement Index Surveys .......•....•... 79
3 .2 .2 Sockeye Salmon ................................... 84
3.2.2.1 Estuary to Talkeetna .................... 84
3.2 .2.1 .1 Main Channel Escapement ....... 84
3 .2.2.1.1.1 First Run ........ 84
3.2.2.1.1.2 Second Run ....... 86
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3 .2.2.1 .2 Spawn in g .••.•..••...•......... 96
3.2 .2.1.2.1 Main Channel ..... 96
3.2.2.1.2.2 Sloughs and
Streams .. . . . . . . . 96
3 .2.2.1.2 .2 .1
First Run........ 96
3 .2.2.1.2 .2.2
Second Run ....... 98
3.2 .2.2 Ta l keetna to Upper Devil Canyon ......... 100
3.2 .2.2.1 Main Channe l Escapement ....... 100
3 .2.2.2 .1 .1 First Run ••...... 100
3.2.2 .2.1.2 Second Run ....••. 100
3.2.2 .2.2 Lower Devil Canyon Milling ..•• 105
3 .2.2.2.3 Spawning .......•....•......... 106
3 .2 .2.2 .4 .1 Main Channel ..... 106
3 .2.2.2.4 .2 Sloughs and
Streams •••••.••• 106
3.2 .2.2.4 Stock Separation ............•• 108
3 . 2 . 3 Pi n k Sa 1 man. . . . . • . . . . . . . • • . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . • . • 108
3.2.3.1 Estuary to Talkeetna .................... 108
3.2 .3.1.1 Main Channel Escapement ....... 108
3 .2.3 .1 .2 Ma i n Channel Spawning ......... 113
3 .2.3 .2 Talkeetna to Upper Devil Canyon ....•.... 113
3.2 .3.2.1 Main Channel Escapement ....... 113
3 .2.3.2.2 Lower Devil Canyon Milling .... 117
3 .2.3.2 .3 Spawni~g ••..•......•.•.•...•.. 119
3.2.3.2 .4.1 Main Channel ...•. 119
3 .2.3 .2.4.2 Sloughs and
Streams •...•.... 119
3.2.4 Chum Salmon •........•......................••.... 121
3 .2.4.1 Estuary to Talkeetna .•.................• 121
3 .2.4.1.1 Ma i n Channel Escapement ....... 121 r 3.2 .4.1.2 Main Channel Spawning ......... 130
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3.2 .4.2 Talkeetna to Upper Devil Canyon ......... 130
3.2.4.2 .1 Main Channel Escapement ....•.. 130
3.2.4.2.2 Radio Telemetry ............... 135
3.2 .4.2.3 Lower Devil Canyon Milling .... 138
3.2.4.2.4 Spawning •.................•... 140
3.2.4.2.4.1 Main Channel ..... 140
3 .2.4.2.4.2 Sloughs and
Streams ......•.. 141
3 . 2 . 5 Coho Sa 1 mo n . . . . • • . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 4
3 .2 .5.1 Estuary to Talkeetna ..........•......... 144
3.2.5.1.1 Main Channel Escapement •..•... 144
3.2.5.1.2 Main Channel Spawning ......... 152
3.2.5.2 Talkeetna to Upper Devil Canyon ......... 152
3 .2 .5.2.1 Main Channel Escapement ....... 152
3. 2. 5. 2 . 2 Radio T e 1 erne try. . . . • . . . . . . . . . . 15 5
3.2 .5.2.3 Lower Devil Canyon Milling .... 161
3 .2 .5.2 .4 Spawning ...................... 164
3.2.5.2.4.1 Main Channel ...•. 164
3.2.5.2.4.2 Sloughs and
Streams ......... 164
3.3 Bering Cisco ...•..•.•....•..••......•............•...... 166
3.3.1 Estuary to Talkeetna ............................. 166
3.3.1.1 Main Channe l Escapement •....•......•.... 166
3.3 .1.2 Main Channel Spawning ..••..........•.... 169
3 .3.2 Talkeetna to Upper Devil Canyon .................. 171
3.3.2.1 Main Channel Escapement .•............... 171
3.3.2.2 Main Channel Spawning ..•.•.............. 172
4 .0 SUMMARY ••...•.•..•...•..••••...•....•.....•...••...........•• 173
4 .1 Eulachon ................................................ 174
4.2 Adult Salmon ........................................•... 174
4 .2 .1 Chinook Sa l mon ................•....•....•........ 175
4.2 .1.1 Estuary to Talkeetna ....•....•.....•.... 175
4 .2.1.1.1 Main Channel Escapement. ...... 175
4.2.1.1.2 Main Channel Spawning ......... 178
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4.2.1.2 Talkeetna to Upper Devil Canyon ......... 178
4 .2.1.2.1 Main Channe l Escapement ....... 178
4 .2.1.2.2 Radio Telemetry •.•.•...•.•.... 182
4.2.1.2.3 Lower Devil Canyon Milling .... 184
4.2 .1.2.4 Spawning .....•••••.••...•.•... 185
4.2.1.2.4.1 Main Channel ..... 185
4 .2.1 .2.4.2 Sloughs and
Streams . . . . • . . . . 185
4.2.1.3 Escapement Index Surveys •••••••.....•... 186
4.2.2 Sockeye Salmon •..•.••.•••••..•••••••..•.......... 187
4.2.2.1 Estuary to Talkeetna •.........•••••..••• 187
4.2.2.1.1 Main Channel Escapeme nt ..•.... 187
4.2.2.1.1.1 Fi rst Run .•...... 187
4.2 .2.1.1.2 Second Run ...•... 188
4.2.2.1.2 Spawning ......•...•........... 193
4.2.2.1.2 .1 Main Channel ..... 193
4.2 .2.1 .2 .2 Sloughs and
Streams ...•...•. 193
4.2.2.1.2.2.1
First Run ........ 193
4.2.2.1.2.2.2
Second Run ....... 193
4.2.2.2 Ta l keetna to Upper Devil Canyon ......... 193
4.2.2.2.1 Main Channel Escapement ....... 193
4.2.2.2.1.1 First Run .•...... 194
4.2.2.2.1.2 Second Run ....... 194
4.2.2.2.2 Lower Devil Canyon Milling .... 197
4.2.2 .2.3 Spawning ......•........•.....• 197
4.2 .2.2 .4.1 Main Channel ..... 197
4 .2.2.2.4.2 Sl oughs and
Streams ..•.....• · 198
4.2.2.2.4 Stock Separation .............. 200
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4.2.3 Pink Salmon .............•••......•.....•......... 200
4.2 .3 .1 Estuary to Talkeetna .................... 200
4.2.3 .1 .1 Main Channel Escapement •...... 204
4.2.3 .1 .2 Main Channel Spawning .....•... 204
4 .2.3.2 Talkeetna to Upper Devil Canyon ......... 204
4.2.3.2.1 Main Channel Escapement ......• 204
4.2 .3 .2.2 Lower Devil Canyon Milling •... 206
4 .2.3 .2.3 Spawning ........•.......•..... 206
4 .2.3.2.4.1 Main Channel ..... 206
4 .2.3.2.4.2 Sloughs and
Streams ..•.•.... 207
4.2 .4 Chum Salmon .••.............•........•......•..... 209
4.2.4.1 Estuary to Talkeetna .................... 209
4.2.4.1.1 Main Channel Escapement ....... 209
4 .2 .4 .1.2 Main Channel Spawning ......... 212
4.2.4.2 Talkeetna to Upper Devil Canyon ......... 213
4 .2.4.2.1 Main Channel Escapement ....... 213
4. 2. 4. 2 . 2 Radio T e 1 erne try. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
4.2.4.2.3 Lower Devil Canyon Milling .... 217
4 .2.4 .2 .4 Spawning ............•......... 218
4.2.4.2.4.1 Main Channel ..... 218
4.2.4.2.4.2 Sloughs and
Streams ......... 218
4.2.5 Coho Salmon .................•.•..............•... 222
4 .2.5.1 Estuary to Talkeetna •.....•.....•....... 222
4.2.5.1.1 Main Channel Escapement .•..... 222
4 .2.5.1.2 Main Channel Spawning ......... 227
4.2.5.2 Talkeetna to Upper Devil Canyon ......... 227
4.2.5.2.1 Main Channel Escapement ....... 227
4 .2.5.2.2 Radio Telemetry ............... 230
4 .2.5.2 .3 Lower Devil Canyon Milling .... 231
4.2.5.2.4 Spawning .............•........ 231
4.2.5.2.4.1 Main Channel. .... 231
4.2.5.2 .4 .2 Sloughs and
Streams ......... 232
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4·.3 Bering Cisco ............................................. 233
4.3.1 Estuary to Talkeetna ......•.•.•.................• 233
4.3.1.1 Main Channel Escapement .•.........•..... 233
4.3.1.2 Main Channel Spawning ..•....•..••....... 236
4.3.2 Talkeetna to Upper Devil Canyon •.•.•.•........... 237
4.3.2.1 Main Channel Escapement •..••••.•........ 237
4.3.2.2 Main Channel Spawning .....•.........•... 237
REFERENCES ....................................................... 238
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7 .1.2 Volume 3
PREFAC E.......................................................... i
LIST OF FIGURES ................................................... XV
LIST OF TABLES .................................................... XX
LIST OF PLATES ......•........•.........•........................•. xxiv
1. OBJECTIVES ..••....................•........ ·.................. 1
1.1 Distribution and Abundance Studies ...................... 1
1.2 Emergence and Outmigration Studies ...................... 3
1.3 Food Habits of Juvenile Salmon......................... 5
2. METHODS . • . . . . . • . . . . • . • . . • . . • . . . . . . . . . • . • . . . • . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . • . 7
2.1 Distribution and Abundance Studies...................... 7
2.1.1 Boat Electrofishing Studies...................... 7
2.1.2 Radiotelemetry Studies •....•.......•.•........... 11
2.1.3 Designated Fish Habitat Studies .................. 16
2.1.3 .1
2.1.3 .2
2.1.3 .3
2.1.3 .4
Sampling Sites and Reaches.... 17
Hydraulic Zones .....•.••....•. 20
Bio l ogical Samp li ng ........... 23
Winter Season Methods ....•.... 29
2.1.4 Other Methods ...........••.•..•.•.••..........•.. 31
2.2 Emergence and Outmigration Stud i es •..•.•.......•..•...•. 31
2.3 Food Habits of Juvenile Salmon .....••................... 37
2.3 .1 Field Sampling ...•............................... 37
2.3.2 Laboratory Methods •......•....................... 43
2.3.3 Ana l ytical Methods •.....••...•.....•......•...... 46
3. RESULTS •............•.........•......•....................•.. 47
3.1 Distribution and Abundance Studies...................... 47
3 .1.1 Resident Fish Spec i es ........•.....•............. 47
3.1 .1.1 Rainbow Trout .•......................... 48
Distribution and Relat i ve Abundance ..... 48
Movement and Mi gration ........•......... 50
Spawning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
3 .1.1 .2 Arctic Grayling ......•.•..•............. 55
Di stribution and Relative Abundance ..... 55
Movement and Migration .................. 58
Spawning ................................ 59
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3.1.1.3
3.1.1.4
3 .1.1.5
3 .1.1.6
3 .1.1.7
3.1.1.8
3.1.1.9
Bu rbo t ................................. .
Distribution and Relative Abundance .....
Movement and Migration •.•.....•....•.•..
Spawning ............................... .
Round Whitefish .••••••.•••...•....•.•...
Distributi on and Relative Abundance .....
Movement and Migration •.•.•.......•.•...
Spawning ............................... .
Humpback Whitefish •.••...•••......•.....
Distri bution and Re lative Abundance ..•..
Movement an d Migration •.•.•.•.....••....
Spawning ............................... .
Longnose Sucker .....•.....•..•.••..•.•..
Distrib ution and Relative Abundance .....
Movement and Mig rat ion •...•............•
Spawning ............................... .
Threespine Stickleback .•••••....•.••....
Distribution and Relative Abundance .....
Movement and Mig r ation ......•...........
Spawning ............................... .
Sli my Sculpin .......................... .
Distri bution and Relative Abundance .... .
Movement and Migration .......•..••..•...
Spaw ning ........ · ....................... .
3.1.1.10 Arctic Lamprey .••............••••••..•..
Distribution and Relative Abundance .....
Movement and Migration ..............••.•
Spaw ning ............................... .
3.1.2 Juvenile Anadromous Fish Species •.......•...•.... 89
3.1.2.1
3.1.2.2
3.1.2.3
3 .1.2.4
3 .1.2.5
Chinook Salmon .....•.......... 89
Coho Salmon .....•............. 100
Chum Sa 1 man. . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Sockeye Sa 1 man . . . . . • . • • . . . . • . . 118
Pink Salmon •...••.....••...... 125
3.2 Emergence and Outmigration Studies ..••..•••••••.•....... 126
3 .2.1 Chinook Salmon ......•.•••••.•.•.........•........ 127
3 .2 .2 Coho Salmon ...................................... 137
3.2.3 Ch um Sa l mon .....•.•................•............. 147
3.2.4 Sockeye Salmon ................................... 153
3.2 .5 Pink Salmon ..................•.............••.... 159
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3.3 Food Habits of Juvenile Salmon .....•.................... 161
3.3.1
3.3 .2
3.3 .3
3.3.4
3.3.5
3.3.6
Salmonid Co l lections ..•...•••.............•...... 161
Important Food Types ..•....•..•••................ 161
Comparisons Between Species •...........•....•.... 164
Electivity Indices ............................... 177
Drift Samples Compared to Kick Screen Samples .... 177
Comparison of Invertebrate Populations
at Different Sites .............................. 178
4 . DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS .•.••...•.............•............ 192
4.1 Distribution and Abundance ................•............. 192
4.1.1 Resident Fish Species ............................ 192
4.1.1.1 Rainbow Trout ........................... 192
Distribution and Relative Abundance ..... 192
Adult Movement and Migration Patterns ... 193
Spawning ............................... . 196
Juvenile Rearing Areas .•................ 196
4 .1.1.2 Arctic Grayling ........••.•..•.••....... 196
Distribution and Relative Abundance ..... 197
Adult Movement and Migration Patterns ... 200
Spawning ................................ 203
Juvenile Rearing Areas ...•.............. 203
4.1 .1.3 Burbot .................................. 204
Distribution and Relative Abundance ..... 205
Adult Movement and Migration Patterns ... 205
Spawning ................................ 207
Juvenile Rearing Areas ....•........••... 208
4.1 .1.4 Round Whitefish .••.•..............•..... 209
Distribution and Relative Abundance ...•. 209
Adult Movement and Migration Patterns ... 213
Spawning ................................ 214
Juvenile Rearing Areas .....•............ 215
4.1.1.5 Humpback Whitefish ...•.................. 216
Distribution and Relative Abundance ..... 216
Adult Movement and Migration Patterns ... 219
Spawning ................................. 220
Juvenile Rearing Areas •........•........ 221
4 .1 .1.6 Longnose Sucker ..••...••................ 222
Distribution and Relative Abunda nce •..•. 222
Adult Movement and Migration Patterns ... 225
Spawning ..............•............••... 225
Juvenile Rearing Areas ...•......•....... 226
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4 .1.1.8
Dolly Varden •...•...•.....•••......•.•.. 227
Distribution and Relative Abundance ..... 228
Adu l t Movement and Migration Patterns ..• 230
Spawning ................................ 231
Juvenile Rearing Areas ...•..••.•.•...... 232
Threespine Stickleback •......•.....•.... 232
Distribut i on and Relative Abundance ..... 232
Adult Movement and Migration Patterns ••. 234
Spawning ................................ 234
Juveni 1 e Rearing Areas .................. 235
4 .1.1.9 Sl imy Sculpin ........................... 235
Distribution and Relative Abundance ..... 236
Adult Movement and Migration Patterns •.. 236
Spawning ..............•................. 236
Juvenile Rearing Areas .................. 237
4.1 .1.10 Arctic 'Lamprey ..•...•........•......•... 237
4.1.2 Juvenile Anadromous Fish Species ....•....•....... 238
4.1.2.1 Chinook Salmon •....•...•.••..........••• 238
4 .1 . 2. 2 Coho Sa 1 man . . • . . . . • . • • • • . . . . • . . . . . . . • • • • 241
4.1 .2.3 Chum Salmon .....•..•............•••..... 246
4.1.2.4 Sockeye Salmon .•.•...••••............... 248
4 .2 Emergence and Outmigration .....•.•....••.••••.....•.•... 253
4.2 .1 Chinook Salmon ...•.••..•...•••.•.....•••••••..... 253
4. 2. 2 Coho Sa 1 mon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
4.2.3 Chum Salmon .•..•..•...•....•..•.••....•..•••..... 259
4 . 2. 4 Sockeye Salmon ••....•.•.••...•••.....•...•....... 260
4.2 .5 Pink Salmon ...................................... 262
4.3 Food Habits and Distribution of Food Organisms .......•.. 263
5. CON.rR I BUTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 2
6. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS •............•...••.•......•.......••........ 274
7. LITERATURE CITED .••..••....•......•......•..••.......•....... 275
8. APPENDICES ...•••••.•........••••••........•.................• E._/
~/Appendices are included under separate binder.
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7.1.3 Volume 4
PREFACE ........................................................ ,.... I
FOREWORD. • . . • . • • • • • • • . . . • • • • . • • • . • • • . . . • • • . . . • • • . . . . . . . • • • . • • • • . . . X
LIST OF FIGURES •••••.•••....••••.••..•••.•••......••.•.•..•••.••. '!.VIII
LIST OF TABLES ...•.•.•••••.•.•••.•.••..••.••••..•.•.••.•...•.....• XXV
LIST OF PLATES ••....••..•....•.•....•...................••...•.. ~~VIII
LIST OF APPENDIX FIGURES, TABLES , AND PLATES ...................... XXX
CONTRIBUTORS •...................................................... LXX I
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ••...••••.........•.................•............ LXX IV
MAP LEGEND •••..••••••••••••••..•••••.•••••••...••••.•.•..•...•••.• LXXV
PART 1
1. OBJECTIVES................................................... 1
2 . METHODS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . • . . . . • . . . . . . . . • . . . • . . . . • . . . . . 5
2.1 Hydrological Investigations............................. 5
2.1 .1 Stage and Discharge.............................. 5
2.1 .1.1 Stage ................................... 5
2.1 .1.1.1 Mainstem Staff Gage Locations 6
2.1.1 .1.2 Non -mainstem Staff Gage
Locations .........•....... 10
2.1.1.2 Discharge .....•.....•...•........•...... 12
2 .1. 2 Tha 1 weg Profiles......................... .. .. • .. . 15
2.1.3 Other Hydrological Components . . ..... .. .. . • ... ... 16
2 .1.3.1 Backwater Areas ..........•.........•.... 16
2.1.3 .2 Open .Channel ........••.......•.......... 19
2.2 Water Quality Investigations ..............•............. 20
2.2.1 Temperatures ...•.......•.•.......•............•.. 20
2.2.1.1 Surface Water Temperature ............... 20
2.2 .1.1.1 Instantaneous Surface Water
Temperature ............... 20
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2 .2.1.1.2 Continuous Surface Water
Temperature ...•........... 21
2.2.1 .2 Intragravel Water Temperature .....•..... 24
2.2 .1.2.1 Instantaneous Intragravel
Water Temperature .•.•....• 25
2.2.1.2 .2 Continuous Intragravel
Water Temperature ...•..... 26
2.2.2 Other Basic Field Parameters ..................... 28
2.2.3 Total Dissolved Gases ...•.•...•••.....•••...•.... 30
3. RESULTS •..•..••••...••....•..••...••..•••..•.•....•.......... 34
3.1 Hydrological Investigat i ons ..•.••....•...•.............. 34
3.1.1 Stage and Discharge ..•...•••••.••................ 34
3 .1.1.1 Mainstem Sites Between Talkeetna and
De vi 1 Canyon. • . . • . . • . . . . . . . • • . . . . . . . . 34
3.1.1.2 Sloughs in the Talkeetna to Devil
Canyon of the Susitna River .......... 36
3.1 .1.2.1 Up l and Sloughs ..••..•....•... 37
3 .1.1.2 .2 Side Sloughs .•...••.......••. 43
3.1.1.3 Tributaries Between Talkeetna
and Devil Canyon .••.•........••...... 66
3.1 .1.4 Ma i nstem, Sloughs and Tributaries
Downstream of Talkeetna ..........•... 79
3.1.1 .4.1 Mainstem Sites •.•.•.......... 85
3.1.1.4 .2 Tributaries •....•..•...•..... 89
3.1.1.4 .3 Sloughs ..••..•........•.....• 100
3.1.1.5 Upstream of Devil Canyon ................ 106
3 .1.2 Thalweg Profiles •...•....•..•..••...••......••••. 106
3.1.3 Other Hydrological Components .•.................. 113
3 .1.3.1 Backwater Areas •......•..•.......•...•.. 113
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3. 1 • 3. 2 . Open Chan ne 1 s . . . . . . . • • . • . . . • • • • . • • . . . . . . 141 ~
3.2 Water Quality Investigations ••.•.........•........••.... 141
3 .2.1 Temperature ........•....•.•...... ~····~·········· 141
3.2 .1.1 Mainstem Between Ta l keetna
and Devil Canyon .••.....••........•.• 143
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3 .2.1 .1.1 Surface Water Temperature .... 143
3.2 .1.1 .2 I ntragrav el Wate r Temperature 144
3 .2.1 .2 Sl oughs Between Ta l keetna and
Devil Canyo n ..........•.............. 144
3 .2.1 .2 .1 Surface Water Temper ature ••.. 144
3 .2 .1.2.2 Intragravel Water Temperature 146
3.2 .1 .3 Trib utaries Between Ta l keetna
an d Devil Canyon •.................•.. 148
3 .2.1.3.1 Surfa ce Water Temperat ure .... 148
3 .2.1.3.2 Intragravel Water Temperature 149
3 .2.1 .4 Ma i nstem, Sl oughs and Tr i butaries
Dow nstream of Talkeetna .•...••......• 150
3 .2.1.4 .1 Surface Water Temperature .... 150
3 .2.1.4.2 I nt r agrave l Water Temperature 153
3.2.1.5 Locations Upstream of Devi l Canyon .....• 153
3 .2.1.5 .1 Surface Water Temperat ure .... 153
3 .2.1.5.2 Intragrave l Water Temperature 154
3.2.2 Ot her Basic Field Parameters ..•...•........•..... 154
3 .2.2.1 Ma i nstem a nd Side Channels Between
Talkeetna and Devil Ca nyon .........•. 155
3 .2.2 .2 Slo ughs Be tween Tal keetna and
Devil Canyo n ......................... 155
3 .2.2 .2.1 Up l and Sloughs ......•........ 156
3 .2 .2.2 .2 Side Sloughs ...........•....• 157
3 .2.2.3 Tributaries Betwee n Ta l keet na
and Devi l Canyon ••......•.•.........• 16 1
3.2 .2.4 Mainstem and Si de Channels
Do wnstream of Ta l keetna •............. 164
3 .2.2.5 Slo ughs Downstream of Tal keetna ......... 165
3 .2.2 .6 Trib utari es Dow nstream of Ta l keetna ..... 167
3 .2 .2.7 Locations Upstream of Devil Canyon ...... 169
3.2 .3 To t al Di sso l ve d Gases .............•.•............ 170
4. DISCUSSION ......•............•........•.......•.............. 175
4 .1 Hydrological Investigations .....•.••...•................ 175
4.1 .1 Stage and Discharge ........•.....•.•..•..•....... 175
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4.1.2 Thalweg Prof ile s .•..••••••.•...•••..•...•...•.... 180
4.1.3 Other Hydrological Components ...•......•.•......• 180
4.1.3.1 Backwater Areas •...•..••••.•.••......•.• 180
4.1.3.2 Open Channels •••.•••••.•••...•...•.•.... 186
4.2 Water Quality Investigations .••.•......•.•.....•.....•.. 186
4.2 .1 Temperature ..••••...•.••••......••••........••••. 186
4.2 .2 Other Basic Fi e ld Parameters •..........•.•....... 189
4.2.3 Tota l Dissolved Gases •..•.........•.............. 197
PART I I
1.. OBJECTIVES ••...................••...••....•....•..••.....•..• 203
1.1 Adult Anadromous Fish Habitat Investigations ......•..•.. 203
1.1.1 Sa l mon Habitat •.••...•.....•...•........••..••... 204
1.1 .1.1 Mainstem .•••••......•.....•••........... 204
1.1.1.2 Slough ....•.....•......•..•...•......... 204
1.1 .2 Eulachon Habitat .•...•......•...••.•..•.......•.• 205
1.1.3 Bering Cisco Habitat ••.••...•••.••••.••••..•.•••. 206
1.2 Juvenile Anadromous Fish Habitat Investigations ...•..... 207
1.3 Resident Fish Habitat Investigation ••••...•..•.........• 208
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2. METHODS ..•.•..•....•...•..•..••......••...••.....•.•....•.... 210 ~
2.1 Adult Anadromous Fish Habitat Investigations .......••... 210
2.1.1 General Mainstem and Lower River Studies •••...... 210
2.1.1.1 Mainstem Salmon .•..•...••..•••......•... 210
..,
2.1.1.2 Eulachon ................................ 213 1
2.1.1.3 Bering Cisco .......•.•..•...•..••..•.... 216
2.1 .2 General Slough and Tributary Studies ...•..•..•... 218
2.1.3 Specific Slough Studies •..••..•.....•....•....... 219
2 .1.3.1 Modeling ................................ 220
2.1 .3.2 Habitat Availability and Utilization .... 221
2.1.3.2.1 Availability .................. 221
2.1.3 .2.2 Utilization ••.........•....... 222
2.1.3 .2.3 Water Quality ....•............ 222
2.2 Juveni l e Anadromous Fish Hab i tat Investigations ......... 223
2.3 Resident Fish Habitat Investigations •.••.........••..... 232
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2.3.1 Ma i nstem ......................................... 232
2.3.1.1 Radio Telemetry Studies ............•.... 232
2 .3.3 .2 Miscellaneous Spawning Fish ............• 233
2.3.2 Slough and Tributary .•............•.........•.... 233
3. RESULTS ........................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
3.1 Adu l t Anadromous Fish Habitat Investigations •....•...•.. 234
3.1 .1 Chum Salmon ....................................... 234
3 .1 .1.1 Mainstem ................................ 234
3 .1.1.2 Sl ough •.......•....•.......•.....•...... 236
3. 1. 1. 2. 1 Mode 1 i ng. . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . • • . . . 236.
3 .1.1.2.2 Habitat Summaries ............ 242
3.1.1.2.3 Water Quality ................ 248
3.1 .1 .2 .4 Available and
Utilized Habitats ......... 259
3.1.1.2 .5 General Slough ............... 267
3.1.2 Sockeye Salmon ....•....•...•..•.•.•.•.........•.. 267
3.1 .3 Pink Salmon ..•.............••....•............... 268
3.1 .4 Coho Salmon ...................................... 268
3.1.5 Chinook Salmon .......•...•...•..........•.......• 268
3.1.6 Eulachon .......................................... 269
3 .1 .7 Bering Cisco .•...•....•...•..............•....... 277
3.2 Juvenile Anadromous Fish Habitat Investigations ...•..... 285
3.3 Resident Fish Habitat Investigations ......•...•......... 285
3.3.1 Rainbow Trout •..•....•....•....•.•............... 285
3.3 .2 Burbot ........................................... 288
3.3.3 Other ............................................ 288
4. DISCUSSION .......•..............................•............ 292
4.1 Adult Anadromous Fish Habitat Investigations .•........•. 292
4 . 1 . 1 Sa 1 mo n Spec i e s . . • • . . • . . . • • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 9 2
4.1 .1.1 Main'stem ...•......•..................... 292
4.1.1 .2 Slough ....................•.....•.•..... 294
4.1.1.2.1 Spawning Site Selection ...... 294
4.1.1.2.2 Timing of Spawning ........... 295
4 .1.1.2 .3 Access ..•..•................. 301
4 .1.1.2.4 Modeling ..................... 313
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4.1.2 Eu l achon ......................................... 315
4 .1 .3 Ber in g Cisco ..................................... 323
4.2 J uve ni le Anadromous Fish Habitat Investigations .. ~······ 326
4.2.1 Chum Sa l mon ...................................... 329
4.2.2 Sockeye Sa l mon .•.••••...•...••.•......•...•••.... 333
4.2.3 Coho Salmon ...................................... 334
4.2.4 Chinook Salmo n .•••...••.••.....•.••..•...••..•... 337
4.3 Resident Fish Habitat Investigations .•••••.•...•.•.•.•.. 339
4 .3.1 Rainbow Trout .................................... 341
4.3.2 Arctic Grayling .................................. 345
4.3.3 Bu rbot ........................................... 348
4 .3.4 Round Wh i tefish •••......................•.......• 351
4.3.5 Humpback Whitefish •...•........••••.•••••...••... 354
4.3.6 Longnose Sucker ........•..•.......•.••..•.•..... ~ 356
4.3.7 Other Species •......•..•••...•...••.....•.....•.• 358
4.3.7.1 Dolly Varden .....••..••.••......•..•.... 358
4.3 .7.2 Threespine Stickleback •......•••........ 359
4. 3. 7. 3 Slimy Scu 1 pin . .. .. . .. . . . .. .. .. . . . .. .. . • . 360
4.3 .7.4 Arctic Lamprey .......................... 361
5. LITERATURE CI"TEO •..•.•.•..•.••....•..••.•..•.••.•.•..•.•..... 362
6. APPENDICES
Appendix A Stage/Discharge Data ........................... 4 -A-1
Appendix B Slough Availability and Utilizat i on Data ....... 4-B-1
Appendix C Temperature Data .•••..........•.•.....•.••..... 4-C -1
Appendix D Water Quality Data •••...••••.••...•••.•........ 4-D -1
Appendix E Survey Data ••....•..•..•...•••..•......•.••.... 4-E-1
Append i x F Habitat Location Description and Photos ..•••..• 4-F-1
Appendix G Catch Data .....•...••...••••.•..•.•.•.....•..•. 4-G-1
Append i x H CPUE Data ..•.•..•.•.•.•......••.....•.•........ 4-H-1
Appendix I Habitat Data .••.•....••.•.....••.••.......••... 4-I -1
Appendix J Ice -Covered Season (1981 -82) Habitat Data •..... 4-J -1
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7.1.4 Volume 5
PREFACE
Page
I
LI ST OF FIGURES ..•..•••..•...•.....••...•.•................•..... XI I I
LIS T OF TABLES ...•••.•.....•..••.•......•...•...•...••...•.••.... XVII
LIST OF PLATES XIX
LIST OF APPENDIX S FIGURES ...•.•.............•••...............•. XX
LIST OF APPEND IX C TABLES .........•.....•..•...........•....•.... XXI
LIST OF APPEND IX 0 FIGURES ..•........•••..•..••..•............... XXIV
CONTRIBUTORS •••.•••....•••••.••..•••.•••.••••.•••..•...•.••••.••. XXV
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS •..•.•.....••.•.....•..••..••...•...•............ XXVI
1. INTRODUCTION • . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . • • . . . . • . . . • . . . • . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . 1
1.1 Genera 1 Objectives . • • . • • . . . . . . . . . . . . • • . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 Aquatic Habitat Investigations ...••....•............•.. 4
1.3 Resident Fisheries Investigations ..•.•................. 5
1. 4 Backgro und . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2 . METHODS • . • . . . • • . . • • . . . • • . • • . • • • . . . . . . • • . . • . . . • • • • . . • . . . . • . . . 8
2.1 General Study Design ................................... 8
2.2 Aquatic Habitat Investigations ..•..•..............•.... 11
2.2.1 Topographical and General Physica l
Characterist i cs of Aquatic Habitats ........• 11
2.2 .2 Water Quality . . . . ... .. . .. .. .. . .. .• . .. . . . . . . . .. . . 12
2.2.3 Discharge •.•.....•........•........•............. 14
2.2 .4 Lake Mapping and Morphometr i c Data .............. 14
2.3 Reside nt Fi sheries Investigations o ••••••• ••o•· ••••• 0 ••• 16
3 . RESULTS ...................••.••.........................•... 20
3.1 Tributary Habitat and Fisheries Investigations ......... 20
3.1.1 Aquatic Habitat Investigations .................. 20
3.1.1.1 General Stream Descriptions .. 0 ••••••••• 20
3 .1. 1. 2 Water Qua 1 i ty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . 44
3.1.1.2.1 Instantaneous Water Quality ... 44
3 .1.1.2 .2 Continuous Surface
Water Temperature ....... ; ... 51
3 .1.1.3 Discharge .............................. 52
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3.1.2 Resident Fisheries Investigations
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3.1.2 .1 Arctic Grayling .•.......•••....•...•••. 59
3.1 .2.2 Dolly Varden ••••......•..•......•••.... 89
3 .2 Ma in stem Habitat and Fisheries Investigations •.....••.. 90
3.2 .1 Aquatic Habitat Investigations ....•.••.•..•.•••• 90
3 .2.1.1 General Characteristics of Mainstem
Study Area •..•••..••••.•....•........
3.2 .1.2 Water Quality •••..........•.••.•...•...
3.2.1.3 Discharge ............................. . r 3 .2.1.4 Mainstem Slough Habitats ............•..
90
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3 .2.2 Res i dent Fisheries Investigations ...•.•.......•• 96
3 .2 .2 .1 Bu rb ot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
3.2.2 .2 Longnose Sucker •..•.....•.....•........ 100
3 .2.2.3 Other Species ...•.••••......••...•...•. 106
3.3 Lake Habitat and Fisheries Investigations ..••..•....... 108
3.3 .1 Aquatic Habitat Invest igations •........•.•.•.... 108
3 .3.1.1 General Characteristics of Sally Lake •. 108
3.3.1.2 Water Quality .......................... 114
3.3 .2 Res i dent Fisheries Investigations ...•.••.....•.• 115
3 .3 .2.1 Lake Trout .•••...•••..••.•.•..••.•..•.. 115 ·
3.3 .2.2 Arctic Grayling .....•••••.••...•....... 115
DISCUSSION 116
4 .1 Tributary Habitat and Fisheries Investigations •........ 116
4 .1.1 Water Quality ........................ · ........... 116
4.1.1.1 Instantaneous Water Quality ..••..•..... 116
4 .1 .1.2 Continuous Surface Water
Temperature .•....•................... 117
4.1.2 Discharge .....•....•.•....•..............•.....• 118
4.1.3 Stream Gradient ••.•.......•.••...............•.. 120
4.1.4 Fish Passage Barriers .....•..................... 122
4 .1.5 Salmon Spawning Habitat ....•.......••.•......... 126
4.1 .6 Arctic Grayling Population Estimates ......•..•.. 127
4.1.7 Arctic Grayling Spawning and Juveniles ......•... 141
4.1 .8 Arctic Grayling Migrat i on ........•......•....... 142
4.2 Mainstem Habitat and Fisheries Investigations ....••.... 143
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4.2 .1
4.2 .2
4 .2.3
Water Quality ....•.....•..•..•.................. 143
Mainstem Slough Habitats .•.•..•..•....•......•.. 144
Resident Fish Species ........•..........•....... 145
4.3 lake Habitat and Fisheries Investigations ..•..•...•.... 146
4 .3.1 Resident Fish Species .......••.•...•............ 147
5. LITERATURE CITED .....•..•..........••............•.......... 149
6. APPENDICES ................•..•.•....•....•.........•...... 5-A -1
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix 0
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5-A-1
5-B-1
5-C-1
5-D-1