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ANcnORAGE,ALA~~-3 1986
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REGION"
HABITAT DIVISION
ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
SUSITNA HYDRO AQUATIC STUDIES REPORT SERIES
Document No.3062
Susitna File No.4.3.1.6
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ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
SUSITNA RIVER AQUATIC STUDIES PROGRAM
REPORT NO.11
WINTER STUDIES OF RESIDENT AND JUVENILE
ANADROMOUS FISH (OCTOBER 1984 -MAY 1985)
PART 1
Prepared for:Alaska Power Authority
P.O.Box 190869
Anchorage,Alaska 99519-0869
Janua ry 1986
ARLIS
Alaska Resources
Library &Information Servtces
Anchorage.Alaska
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PREFACE
This report is one of a series of reports prepared for the Alaska Power
Authority (APA)by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G)to
provide information to be used in evaluating the feasibility of the
proposed Susitna Hydroelectric Project.The ADF&G Susitna River Aquatic
Studies Program was initiated in November 1980.
This report covers winter studies (RSA Task 34)conducted from October
15~1984 through May 15~1985 on juvenile salmon and resident fish
species of the Susitna River.In addition~some radio telemetry moni-
toring data is also included for resident fish that were radio tagged in
September and early October 1984.This volume is divided into two
parts.
Part 1 presents the results of winter resident fish studies in both the
lower and middle river.Monitoring of selected resident fish movements
through the use of radio tags was continued.Efforts were also made to
describe the overwintering habitat associated with rainbow trout,
burbot,and Arctic grayling~and to identify the timing and locations of
burbot spawning in the lower river.
Part 2 discusses the juvenile chinook and coho salmon studies during the
winter of 1984-85 in the middle river.Findings from this study using
cold branding/mark-recapture techniques further define the distribution
and relative abundance of overwintering juvenile salmon and generate
site specific population estimates and an estimate of the number of
juvenile chinook which overwinter in the middle reach.
Questions concerning this report should be directed to:
Alaska Power Authority
P.O.Box 190869
Anchorage~Alaska 99519-0869
Telephone (907)561-7877
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CONTENTS OF REPORT NO.11
Part 1.Winter Resident Fish Distribution and Habitat Studies
Conducted in the Susitna River Below Devil Canyon,1984-85.
Part 2.Winter Studies of Juvenile Chinook and Coho Salmon in the
Middle Susitna River,1984-85.
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Report
Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
TITLES IN THIS SERIES
Title
Adult Anadromous Fish Investigations:
May -October 1983
Resident and Juvenile Anadromous Fish
Investigations:May -October 1983
Aquatic Habitat and Instream Flow
Investigations:May -October 1983
Access and Transmission Corridor Aquatic
Investigations:May -October 1983
Winter Aquatic Investigations:
September 1983 to May.1984
Adult Anadromous Fish Investigations:
May -October 1984
Resident and Juvenile Anadromous Fish
Investigations:May -October 1984
Availability of Invertebrate Food Sources
for Rearing Juvenile Chinook Salmon
in Turbid Susitna River Habitats
Summary of Salmon Fishery Data for
Selected Middle Susitna River Sites
Prel"iminary Evaluations of Potential
Fish Mitigation Sites in the Middle
Susitna River
Winter Studies of Resident and Juvenile
Anadromous Fish (October 1984 -
May 1985)
Publication
Date
April 1984
July 1984
September 1984
September 1984
March 1985
June 1985
July 1985
July 1985
August 1985
November 1985
January 1986
PART 1
Winter Resident Fish Distribution and Habitat Studies
Conducted in the Susitna River Below
Devil Canyon,1984-85
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WINTER RESIDENT FISH DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT STUDIES
CONDUCTED IN THE SUSITNA RIVER BELOW DEVIL CANYON,1984-85
Report No.11,Part 1
By Richard L.Sundet
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Susitna River Aquatic Studies Program
620 East 10th Avenue,Suite 302
Anchorage,Alaska 99501
ABSTRACT
Studies of selected resident fish species were conducted in both the
lower (below the Chulitna River confluence)and middle (between the
Chulitna River confluence and Devil Canyon)Susitna River during the
winter of 1984-85.These studies present distribution and habitat data
collected from resident fish which were radio tagged in the spring and
fall of 1984.Additional studies were done on the lower Susitna River
to document the timing and locations of spawning burbot.Findings from
radio telemetry studies indicate that middle river rainbow trout over-
wintered in the mainstem Susitna River,whereas lower river rainbow
trout usually overwintered in side channels.Most rainbow trout over-
wintered from 0.0 tQ 4.0 miles below the mouth of the tributary they
were tagged at.Rainbow trout in both reaches of river overwintered in
areas of low to moderate water velocities (0.0-2.5 fps)and in areas
with surface ice.No rainbow trout overwintered in areas that had
anchor ice.Middle river rainbow trout were found in slightly deeper
waters than lower river rainbow trout.Several middle river rainbow
trout overwintered close to each other suggesting that this species
congregate during the winter or that overwintering habitat is limited,
resulting in cohabitation.Two pronounced winter movements were
recorded for rainbow trout in both reaches of river:one between
mi d-September and mi d-October,and one between mi d-December and mi d-
January.Most rainbow trout begin to migrate from the mainstem to
tributaries during breakup in May.Lower river burbot spawned between
late January and early February.Four spawning sites at the Deshka
River were documented.Several radio tagged burbot probably spawned in
the mainstem Susitna River between RM 13.0 and RM 92.0.Burbot showed
both a pre-and post-spawning migration of up to 20 miles.Monitoring
data suggest some middle river Arctic grayling overwinter in the main-
stem at RM 147.0,near Portage Creek (RM 148.8),while other stocks
migrate 40.0 miles downriver to overwinter in the rnainstem Susitna River
near Talkeetna.
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-TABLE OF CONTENTS
AB STRACT .i
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LIST OF FIGURES •.eo ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••ill ••••••'.• ••iv
LIST OF TABLES.....................................................vi
LIST OF APPENDIX TABLES o ..vi;
1.0
2.0
I'NTRODUCTION 'eo ..
METHODS .......•....
1
3
2.1 Study Locations ...•..3
-2.1.1
2.1.2
Radio telemetry.
Burbot spawning.
3
3
2.2 Data Collection .....5
2.2.1
2.2.2
Radio telemetry.
Equipment ...........•.•.•
Transmitter implantation.
Tracking .
Burbot spawning.
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6
6
7
3.0 RE·SUL TS ..8
Lower Susitna River ...........................•.............
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3.1
3.1.1
3.1.2
Rainbow trout •..
Burbot ....
Biological characteristics:sexual
development.age,length.and sex
co·mpos i t ion .
8
8
10
16
3.2 Middle Susitna River.16
3.2.1
3.2.2
Rainbow trout •.
Arctic grayling ..
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16
25
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
4.0 DISCUSSION .27
4~1 Lower Susitna River .29
4.1.1
4.1.2
Rainbow trout ..
Burbot ..
29
33
4.2 Mi ddl e Sus itna River .38
4.2.1
4.2.2
Rainbow trout •••.••.
Arctic grayling .••.
38
40
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6.0
7.0
COI~TRIBUTORS ill '0 ..
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS eo ..
LITERATURE CITED ..
43
44
45
...... .. .................. .. .......... .. ...... ...... .... .. .. .. .. .... ..... .. .... .... .. ...........-8.0 APPENDICES .•
Appendix A Radio tagged fish tagging and habitat data.
49
A-I
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Appendix 6 Burbot biological
fish catch data •.
characteristics and resident
iii
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LIST OF FIGURES
Fi gure Title
1 Map of the Susitna River and its mai n
tributaries between Cook Inlet and Devil
Ca nyo n " " "•".."" " ".."e 4
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2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Movement of four radio tagged rainbow trout in
the Susitna River,September 1984 to March
1985"""..""..".." """"""".."..".."".".." "..".."""
Movement of five radio tagged rainbow trout in
the Susitna River,September 1984 to April
1985 .." " """"..".."..".."""""..""""""" " "
Movement of seven radi 0 tagged burbot in the
Deshka River (RM 40.6),September 1984 to July
1985"".."..".." "".."".."" " "..
Movement of three radio tagged burbot in the
Susitna River,September 1984 to April 1985 .
Movement of fi ve radi 0 tagged burbot in the
Susitna River,September 1984 to June 1985 .
Age-length relationships for burbot captured
in the Susitna River between Cook Inlet and
Devil Canyon,December 1984 through February
1985 ".."".." "..".."..".." """"""""".." " """." "
Movement of four radio tagged rainbow trout in
the Susitna River,September 1984 to May 1985 .
9
9
12
13
13
17
19
9 Winter movement of six radio tagged rainbow
trout which were tagged during the spring of
1984,September 1984 to May 1985........................20
,-10 Winter movement of six radio tagged rainbow
trout whi ch were tagged duri ng the spri ng of
1984 in the Susitna River,September 1984 to
May 1985""..".." " """""" ".."""""..21
11 Movement of four radio tagged rainbow trout in
the Susitna River,September 1984 to May 1985...........22
12 Movement of four radio tagged rainbow trout in
the Susitna River,September 1984 to May 1985...........22
13 Movement of five radio tagged Arctic grayling
in the Susitna River,September 1984 to
February 1985 .."""".."""""""".."..""".."........26
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--LIST OF FIGURES (Continued)
Fi gure Title
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14 Susitna River discharge at Sunshine (RM 84.0)
and at Gold Creek (RM 136.7),August 1984 to
June 1985...............................................32
15 Suspected burbot spawning area at TRM 24.5 of
the Deshka River (RM 40.6)..............................36
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-LIST OF TABLES
Table Title
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1
2
Summary of habitat data collected at radio
tagged rainbow trout relocation sites in the
lower Susitna River,January and February
1985 ........................................•..•........
Summary of habitat data collected at Susitna
River radio tagged burbot relocations,
December 1984 to February 1985 ...................•......
11
15
3 Summary of habitat data collected at Susitna
River radio tagged rainbow trout relocations,
January and February 1985...............................24
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4 Sex composition and sex ratio data for Susitna
River burbot,November 1980 through February
1985.....................................................35
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LIST OF APPENDIX TABLES
Appendix Table Title
A-I Summary of tagging data for radio tagged
rainbow trout captured on the Susitna River
between Cook Inlet and the Chulitna River
confluence,September and October 1984 A-I
A-2
A-3
Radio tagged lower SusitnaRiver rainbow trout
habitat measurements taken at thei r
relocations in January and February 1985 .•.•......•.....A-2
Summary of tagging data for radio tagged
burbot captured on the Susitna River between
Cook Inlet and the Chulitna River confluence,
September and October 1984..............................A-3
A-4 Radi 0 tagged lower Susitna Ri ver burbot
habitat measurements taken at thei r
relocations from December 1984 to February
1985....................................................A-4
;pr:11'IA.
A-5 Summary of tagging data for radio tagged
rainbow trout captured on the Susitna River
between the Chulitna River confluence and
Devil Canyon,September and October 1984 ....•.•.........A-5
B-1.....
A-6 Radio tagged middle Susitna River rainbow
trout habitat measurements taken at their
relocations in January and February 1985................A-6
A-7 Summary'of tagging data for radio tagged
Arctic grayling captured on the Susitna River
between the Chulitna River confluence and
Devil Canyon,September 1984............................A-9
Resident fish catch per unit effort (CPUE)at
selected sites on the Susitna River and its
tributaries between Cook Inlet and Devil
Canyon,November 1984 to February 1985 B-1
B-2 Relative sexual maturity of burbot captured on
the Susitna River between Cook Inlet and Devil
Canyon,December 1984 to February 1985 ...•...•......•...6-4
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B-3 Burbot age-length relationships by sex on the
Susitna River between Cook Inlet and Devil
Canyon,December 1984 to February 1985 ......•...........6-5
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
Resident Fish Studies were initiated in the fall of 1980 to determine
the relative abundance,distribution,seasonal movements,and habitat
characteristics of resident fish in the lower and middle Susitna River.
Between 1980 and 1984,sampling for resident fish was primarily done
with boat electrofishing during the open-water periods,mid-May to
mid-October.Studies have also been conducted during the winters
(November-April)of 1980-81,1982~83,and 1983-84 (ADF&G 1981b,1983c;
Sundet and Pechek 1985).The results of past winter studies,however,
have been generally inconclusive.The difficulty of sampling resident
fish,other than burbot,effectively with standard methods (electro-
fishing,gillnetting,and angling)is due to winter conditions such as
ice cover and frazil ice (slush ice).For this reason,the results of
winter resident fish studies have been limited to describing the distri-
bution,relative abundance,and suspected spawning areas of burbot (Lota
lota Linnaeus).Sampling for burbot in the winter includes the use of
baited hooks on trotlines.
A radio tagging program was initiated in the fall of 1981 to describe
the distribution,movement,and habitat use of selected species of
resident fish.Since that time,the movements of radio tagged rainbow
trout (Sa 1010 ga i rdneri Ri chardson)and burbot have been monitored
throughout the wi nters of 1981-82,1982-83,and 1983-84 (ADF&G 1983b;
1983c;Sundet and Pechek 1985).In addition,Arctic grayling (Thymallus
arcticus Pallus)were monitored over the winter of 1982-83 (ADF&G
1983c).However,·due to the low numbers of fish tagged each fall and
the expiration of radio tag batteries before ground surveys could
commence,only limited winter rearing habitat data have been collected
for rainbow trout~burbot,and Arctic grayling.Therefore,biologists
sought to radio tag a larger number of these resident fish in the fall
of 1984 and conduct tracking surveys more frequently during the winter
of 1984-85 to provi de better documentati on of wi nter di stri buti on and
habitat use •
The initial objectives of the 1984-85 winter studies of resident fish in
the Susitna River were:
1.To describe the distribution and habitat associated with
overwintering rainbow trout in the lower Susitna River (be-
tween Cook Inlet and the Chulitna River confluence).
2.To estimate the response of lower river rainbow trout over-
wintering habitat at selected sites (radio tagged fish relo-
cation sites)to hydraulic changes during the winter period.
Although the primary intent of this study was to monitor the winter
movements of fifty radio tagged rainbow trout in the lower Susitna
River,biologists were only able to capture ten rainbow trout in this
reach that were 1a rge enough to be radi 0 tagged.Therefore,thi rteen
rainbow trout in the middle Susitna River (between the Chulitna River
confluence and Devil Canyon)were also radio tagged during the fall to
increase our knowledge of the distribution,movements,and habitat
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associate,d with overwintering rainbow trout in that reach of river (a
secondary objective).In addition,15 rainbow trout which were radio
tagged in the spring of 1984 were monitored through the winter until the
batteries of their radio tags expired.Five middle river Arctic
grayling and 14 lower river burbot were also radio tagged in the fall of
1984 using radio tags which had not been deployed during previous radio
tagging efforts.These fish were also monitored through the winter of
1984-85.Another secondary objective of the winter studies,was to
identify the locations and timing of burbot spawning in the lower
Susitna River using radio telemetry.
This report primarily addresses winter resident fish studies which were
conducted from November 1,1984 to April 1,1985.However,radio
telemetry monitoring data for fish tagged in September and October 1984
are also presented.These data include movements from the time of
taggi ng through the end of May,because breakup was 1ate and di d not
occur until May 24 in 1985 (R&M 1985).In addition,winter monitoring
data are presented from several middle river rainbow trout radio tagged
during May and June 1984 .
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2.0 METHODS
2.1 Study Locations
2.1.1 Hadi 0 telemetry
Selection of radio tagging sites in the lower Susitna River during the
fall of 1984 were based on resident fish capture data from 1981 and 1982
(ADF&G 1981b,1983b).The pr"imary capture efforts for radio tagging
rainbow trout were focused in the mainstem Susitna at the mouths of the
Deshka River,Willow Creek (RM 49.1),Little Willow Creek (RM 50.5),
Kashwitna.River (RM 61.0),Sheep Creek Slough (RM 66.1),Montana Creek
(RM 77.0),and the Talkeetna River (RI~97.0)(Figure 1).The upper
reaches of Sheep Creek (RM 67.7),Goose Creek (RM 72.0),and Montana
Creek were also sampled for summer rearing rainbow trout.Efforts to
capture burbot for radio tagging were focused at the mouth of the Deshka
River,although backwater areas in the mainstem Susitna River were also
sampled.
Selection of radio tagging sites in the middle Susitna River during the
spring and fall of 1984 were based on resident fish distribution data
collected during the 1981,1982,and 1983 open-water field seasons
(ADF&G 1981b,1983b;Sundet and Wenger 1984).Based on these data,
primary efforts to capture and radio tag rainbow trout and Arctic
grayling in the mainstem Susitna were focused at the mouths of Whiskers
Creek (RM 101.4),Lane Creek (RM 113.6),Fourth of July Creek {RM
131.1),Indian River (RM 138.6),and Portage Creek (RM 148.8)
(Figure 1).Some rainbow trout were also caught and radio tagged in the
upper reaches of Fourth of July Creek,Indian River,and Portage Creek
during May and June 1984.
2.1.2 Burbot spawning
Sampling sites were chosen in conjunction with the radio telemetry
study.During the winter of 1984-85,radio tagged burbot were located
in the main~tem Susitna River,between RM 6.6 and RM 93.2,and in the
Deshka River [river mile (RM)40.6,tributary river miles (TRM's)0.0 -
29.5J (Figure 1).
1 This tributary is identified on USGS topographic maps (1958)as
Kroto Creek.However,the more common name for this tributary is
the Deshka River and that is the name which has been used in this
and past reports.
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0 0 "':-
WHISKERS
CREEK--~I
PROPOSED
DEVIL CANYON
DAM SITE
RM 152
o 10 20 30
I I I I
IolIL€S
(Appro •.Seal.)
!""'"
I
Figure 1.Map of the Susitna River and its main tributaries between
Cook Inlet and Devil Canyon.
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2.2 Data Collection
2.2.1 Radio telemetry
Most rainbow trout and all Arctic grayling which were radio tagged in
1984 were captured by boat electrofishing or by hook and line (Appendix
Tables A-I,A-5,and A-7;Sundet and Pechek 1985).Some rainbow trout
were also captured in hoop nets.Burbot which were radio tagged were
captured by boat electrofishing or hoop net (Appendix Table A-3).
Scales were taken from rainbow trout and Arctic grayling for age
ana lys is.
Habitat parameters were measured at radio tagged fish relocation sites
during the winter of 1984-85.During ground surveys in December,
January,and February,radio tagged fish were located to within a
four-foot-radius and habitat measurements were made as close to the
signal as possible.Habitat parameters measured included mean column
water velocity,water depths,ice thickness,the presence or absence of
slush ice,substrate type,and general water quality (surface water
temperature,dissolved oxygen,conductivity,and pH).Specific habitat
data collection methodologies are summarized in ADF&G (l983a).During
the ground surveys,the fate of each located radio tagged fish was also
determined.This was done by pinpointing each radio tagged fish,
creating a disturbance to frighten the fish (i.e.,ice drill over each
fish),and then repinpoint each fish to determine if the fish had moved.
Sampling gear was set near most radio tagged fish when ground surveyed
to document if fish are concentrated in the winter,and to capture
burbot for a spawning study.Baited trotl ines and burb.otsets were set
near radio tagged burbot to capture that species.Trotlines,burbot
sets,angling,and gill nets were set or used near radio tagged rainbow
trout.
Equipment
Radio telemetry receiving equipment used in this study was developed by
Smith-Root Incorporated in Vancouver,Washington.Receiving equipment
consisted of a low frequency (40 MHz)radio tracking receiver (Model
RF-40)and scanner (Model SR-40),and a loop antenna (Model LA-40).
Radi 0 transmitters manufactured by Smi th-Root Incorporated and Advanced
Telemetry Systems (ATS of Bethel,Minnesota)were used in the 1984-85
study.Two types of radio tags were used:internal and external.
Interna 1 radio tags were provi ded by both Smith-Root and ATS whil e
external radio tags were provided solely by ATS.Smith-Root radio tags
with a six or a nine month life expectancy were implanted in burbot.
Advanced Telemetry Systems radio tags with 6-11 month life expectancies
were implanted in rainbow trout and also several burbot when the supply
of Smith-Root tags was exhausted.Since past efforts to internally
radio tag Arctic grayling have failed (ADF&G 1983c),ATS external radio
tags were attached to this species.
Smith-Root transmitters (Model P40-500L 3v)were identical to those used
in previous resident fish telemetry studies (ADF&G 1981a,1983b,1983c).
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Smith-Root transmitters used in the 1984-85 studies had pulse rates of
0.5,1.0,or 3.0 pulses per second (pps).The 0.5 pps radio tags have a
life expectancy of nine months;the others had a life expectancy of six
months.Advanced Telemetry Systems i nterna 1 transmitters (Mode 1 10-35)
were identical to those used in 1983 and 1984 summer telemetry studies
with pulse rates between 1.0 and 2.4 pps (Sundet and Wenger 1984;Sundet
and Pechek 1985).The life expectancy of these tags were eleven months
and six months,respectively.
The Advanced Telemetry Systems external radio tags (Model RM625)that
were used were the same as those used in 1984 summer studies (Sundet and
Pechek 1985).The power source for the transmitters was a 1.4 volt
mercury battery providing a life expectancy of 90 days.Pulse rates for
these tags were 2.4 pps.
Transmitter frequencies used (40.600-40.770 MHz)were the same range as
those used in 1983 and 1984 summer studi es (Sundet and Wenger 1984;
Sundet and Pechek 1985).All radio tags were immersed in cold water
(105°C)for 48 hours to ensure they were transmitting properly before
they were implanted in fish.
Transmitter implantation
Based on personal communications with Carl Burger (USFWS)and experience
gathered from the previous three years of radio telemetry studies,the
minimum fork length of rainbow trout and Arctic grayling radio tagged in
the summer and fall of 1984 was 380 mm (ADF&G 1983b,1983c;Sundet and
Wenger 1984).The minimum total length of burbot to be radio tagged was
525 mm.
Interna 1 radi 0 tags were impl anted using the same procedures descri bed
in Ziebell (1973)and discussed in Sundet and Wenger (1984).External
tags were attached in a manner similar to attaching Peterson discs
(Sundet and Pechek 1985).Before surgery or attaching external tags,
fish were anesthetized with MS-222 (tricaine methane sulfonate).
After radio tagging,the fish were placed into a live box and held
upright until they regained their equilibrium.The fish were then held
overnight whenever possible for observation.The following day the
sutures were checked and the transmitter's signal was tested before
releasing each radio tagged fish near their point of capture.
Tracking
Biologists radio tracked fish over the mainstem Susitna between RM's 0.0
and 154.0 primarily by fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter during the
winter of 1984-85.Aerial radio tracking was done using methods
described in ADF&G (1981c).Between September and freeze-up
(mid-October)1984,radio tracking was conducted by boat or fixed-wing
aircraft approximately every 10-14 days.Between freeze-up and late May
1985,radio tracking was done by fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter every
20 days.Radio tracking was done less often from December through April
than from September through November because past wi nter's work has
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shown that resident fish move less during the winter than during the
fall or other seasons (ADF&G 1983b,1983c;Sundet and Pechek 1985).
Additionally,tracking flights were made regularly over the Deshka River
(TRM's 0.0 to 29.5)to specifically monitor radio tagged burbot.Fixed-
wing radio tracking was also done occasionally over various tributaries
such as Yentna River (RM 28.5),Willow Creek,Little Willow Creek,
Fourth of July Creek,and Portage Creek to monitor if radio tagged fish
not found in the mainstem Susitna River had migrated into tributaries.
When helicopters were used for tracking,fish were pinpointed and
habitat data were collected whenever it was possible to land near their
relocations.Open water and thin surface ice prevented landing or
pinpointing fish at some radio tagged fish relocations.Occasionally,
snowmobiles were used instead of helicopters during the winter to track
and pinpoint radio tagged fish.
2.2.2 Burbot spawning
Burbot were captured during the winter of 1984-85 by baited trotlines
and burbot sets.Catch and biological data on burbot were also taken
from sportfishermen on the Desl1ka River during the winter.
Biologica-l data on captured fish (age,length,sex,and sexual maturity)
were collected as outlined in ADF&G (1983a).Otoliths for age
determination were taken from burbot sampling mortalities.
Habi tat parameters were measured at suspected burbot spawni ng areas.
The same habitat parameters were measured at suspected spawning areas as
those taken during ground surveys at radio tagged fish relocations.
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3.0 RESULTS
3.1 Lower Susitna River
3.1.1 Rainbow trout
Ten rainbow trout were radio tagged in the lower Susitna River between
September 6 and October 12,1984.A surnl1la ry of thei r capture,
biological,and radio tagging data is presented in Appendix Table A-I.
During intensive surveys to radio tag rainbow trout in the upper reaches
of several east side tributaries such as Montana Creek during September
1984,only three rainbow trout large enough to accommodate a radio tag
were captured and subsequently radio tagged.
Seven lower river rainbow trout were captured and radio tagged between
RM 49.5 and RM 96.0;four of these fish were captured in mainstem or
side channel areas of the Susitna River and three fish were captured at
clear-water tributary mouths.
Two of the ten radio tagged rainbow trout yielded little data.Rainbow
trout 609-2.0 was only found once,one week after and within 0.1 mile of
where it was tagged and released.Because this fish was not observed
again,the bat~ry of its radio tag was believed to have expired soon
after release.Rainbow trout 739-2.3 moved consistently downriver
after it was tagged and was found during a ground survey on January 14
at RM 9.6 (Figure 2).Because the fish was located in very shallow
water,only several inches deep,and it did not move after ice drilling,
we believed the fish was dead.
Figures 2 and 3 show movements of eight radio tagged rainbow trout which
were monitored during the winter period.Two of the three rainbow trout
(609-1.3 and 620-1.2)which were tagged in the upper reaches of east
side tributaries remained in the tributaries for at least two weeks
before outmigrating to the mainstem Susitna.The third rainbow trout
that was tagged in a tributary (599-1.2)moved into the mainstem Susitna
soon after being.tagged.By early October,all three of these rainbow
trout were found in the mainstem Susitna.
After moving into the mainstem Susitna,the three rainbow trout which
were radio tagged in tributaries,as well as the other five successfully
radio tagged rainbow trout,showed variable movements.Six of the eight
radio tagged rainbow trout showed a general downstream movement.Three
of these fish (599-1.2,650-1.3,660-1.0)eventually moving back upriver
2 The fi sh was 1ater recaptured by a sportfi sherman on September 1,
1985 at TRM 5.5 of Little Willow Creek.He reported the fish had
healed from its surgery,appeared healthy,and the radio tag was
still in its body cavity.
8
739-2.3
18E~IEVEO OEAO
ON 1.1.1
I •TAG a REl.EASE SITE
••MAIN STEM SUSITNA
RIVER l.OCATION
o •TRIBUTART l.OCATION
f~OCATED AT TRIO 0.1
OF TENTNA RIVER
··••••··••..•..•••·•·6:30 ..1.0
-....~--".....------6.0-1 ••
80
70
60
~.WI~~OW CR.
(1,1'0"mOLl.h)
S
......
i
II:...
>;;;:
30
«z.....
::>20..
10
....
Fi gure 2.Movement of four radio tagged rainbow trout in the
Susitna River,September 1984 to March 1985 .
x •TAG a REl.EASE SITE
••MAINSTEM SUSITNA
RIVER l.OCATION
o •TRIBUTARY l.OCATlON
___------e S99 .1.2
____....._...-...--....~-....-~-...--....11509·1.3
,
\
i
\
\.........._._._._.660·1.0.....
'•••••••••••••••••••••••••••···.620.'.2
"'-...._--------........._-...........~602.Z.0
S><EEP CR.
100
TA~IEtTMA R.
80
...MONTANA CR....
2
II:
'">
II:...
Z.....
:::>..
.....
.....
UP IS
Fi gure 3.Movement of five radio tagged rainbow trout in the
Susitna River,September 1984 to April 1985 .
.....
9
-
.-
during the winter.Two fish (602-2.0 and 630-1.0)moved a short dis-
tance (1.5 miles)downriver for the winter and another (640-1.4)moved
rapidly downriver (28.0 miles)before holding.The remaining two fish
(609-1.3 and 620-1.2)moved upriver a short distance (1.0 miles).The
maximum upriver movement by a radio tagged rainbow trout (650-1.3)was
5.5 miles.This fish also exhibited the maximum downriver movement
(20.0 miles).
During mid-January or February,ground surveys were done in the vicinity
of eight of the ten radio tagged rainbow trout.At this time,rainbow
trout 739-2.3 was found dead and seven fish were believed to be alive.
Four of the fish (602-2.0,609-1.3,630-1.0,and 640-1.4)were found in
side channels approximately 200 feet wide and in water less than four
feet deep (Appendix Table A-5).The remaining three rainbow trout were
found in the mainstem Susitna in waters between 1.5 and 10.0 feet deep.
Rainbow trout (599-1.2)was found in an open-water area and it remained
there for much of the winter.The other six fish remained under ice
cover for much of the winter and little open water was observed near any
of these fish during fixed-wing tracking surveys.A summary of the
habitat data collected at rainbow trout relocation sites are presented
in Table 1.'Specific measurements at each radio tagged fish relocation
are presented in Appendix Table A-2.
Five of seven radio tagged rainbow trout moved between 30 and 200 feet
when the ice was drilled over them.With regard to the two fish that
did not move,rainbow trout 739-2.3 was dead and rainbow trout 660-1.0
was believed to be alive because it had recently moved upriver 3.0
miles.Sampling gear was set overnight near five radio tagged rainbow
trout.None of the radio tagged rainbow trout were caught,but seven
non-spawning burbot were captured in mid-January near rainbow trout
640-1.4 at RM 46.0 (Appendix Table B-1).
3.1.2 Burbot
Fourteen burbot were radio tagged in the lower river between September
14 and October 17,1984.Ei ght of these fi sh were radio tagged at the
Deshka River (RM 40.6).Another three burbot were radio tagged in the
mainstem Susitna close to the Deshka River.The remaining three burbot
were radio tagged elsewhere in the mainstem Susitna.Appendix Table A-3
lists the biological,capture,and radio tagging data for these fish.
Little data were provided by four of the radio tagged burbot.Two fish
(610-3.0 and 629-3.0)apparently died soon after they were tagged and
their movement is not discussed further.The battery of a third radio
tagged burbot (619-2.2)apparently expi red soon after it was deployed
(Figures 4 and 5).The remaining burbot (770-2.4)was recaptured by a
sportfisherman 2.5 months later and 1.5 miles upriver of where it had
originally been radio tagged and released (Figure 4).
The movements of the ten remaining radio tagged burbot were variable.
All ten exhibited an upstream movement between 0.4 miles and 30.2 miles
(Figures 4,5,and 6)and a downstream movement.Burbot 659-1.0 moved
10
1 1 ):)J I 1 }J 1 J J -.1
Table 1.Summary of habitat data collected at radio tagged rainbow trout relocation sites in the lower Susitna River,January and
February 1985.
Water Ice Slush Water a Surface Water
Depth Depth Depth Velocity Substrate Temperature DO Conductivity pH
(ft l (ftl (ftl (fpsl (OCl (mg/ll (umhos/cml
n 7 7 7 7 6 6 2 6 6
X 3.5 1.8 0.0 1.0 sand/grave1 -0.2 10.6 184 7.0
Minimum 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 silt -0.3 10.2 160 6.7
25th Percentile 1.3 1.4 0.0 0.2 ---0.3 10.2 171 6.8
Median 1.5 2.0 0.0 0.4 ---0.2 10.6 189 6.9
75th Percentile 5.0 2.5 0.0 1.4 --0.0 10.9 195 7.2
Maximum 10.0 3.0 0.0 3.5 cobble 0.0 10.9 202 7.3
~
~a Mean column water velocity
.....
30
CONFLUENCE OF
MOOSE CR.81
DESHKA RIVER
29
-aOTH FISH LOCATED AT
..TRM 0.7 OF MOOSE CREEK
28
27
---619 -2.2
_._.-650 -3.0
---659·1.0
·····•·..669-1.8
- ---739 -1.0
---760·1.9
-..-770 -2.4
FrSH DEAD 81 RADIO
TAG RECOVEREDj
x •TAG e.RELEASE SITE
••OESHKA RIVER LOCATION
o'MA1NSTEM SUSITNA
RIVER LOCAT.l0N
O'SIDE TRIBUTARY OF THE
OESHKA RIVER LOCATION
•..........•
~---+--RECAPTURED ON 1·1
LOCATED AT TRM
SEP .,
..-
26
".,..2!i
.-W 24
..J-:2:
23
0::
W
>
0::22
«
~21::I:OUTLET
(/)OF NEIL LAKE
~.W
0
~
Figure 4.Movement of seven radio tagged burbot in the Deshka
River (RM 40.6),September 1984 to July 1985.
-
12
50
~•TAG a RELEASE SITE
.·MAINSTEM SUSITNA
RIVER LOCATJON
o 'OESHKA RIVER LOCATION
.....
OESHI<A R.40
30
'fENTNA R.
SEP 15
er:;':<)-::O=::-::~::::-~--<:lt---.p...-o-o-,,,o.,Q __....- - --<l 139 •1.0
\'\,I
\~
\I '-619-Z.Z
--I'.......----,
659-1.0
"'"'
.....
Figure 5.Movement of three radio tagged burbot in the Susitna
River,September 1984 to April 1985.
I
TAUlUTIUo ••
"'"--......................
"'~~.."-.
-~
-
10
TO
...co~
i
'"...SO>
C
<C DCS"IC.&It
Z <0...;;;
:>..'0Tt:NTNA Jr..
'0..-....
'...............-..74,.0..7
:a ..TN a RII:U:.,I SIT[
...MA4HSTlIiI SUSITNA
fUV:[JI LOCATIO'"
.....---_._.._.._../-...,
\
\
"'"'\
\
\'.'....
.........~..u _..u .."""••~'39 J.O ""0 ~.0
•,....-._.stO ..0•.5.....·,·v·'·
Figure 6.Movement of five radio tagged burbot in the Susitna
River,September 1984 to June 1985.
13
-
"...
......
downriver 39.8 miles after ascending the Deshka River (Figures 4 and 5),
which was the longest downstream movement recorded for a burbot in this
study.
Five radio tagged burbot spent much of the winter in the Deshka River.
Three of these fish (659-1.0,669-1.8,760-1.9)migrated to the upper
reaches of the Deshka River and two were found at TRM 0.7 of Moose Creek
on February 5.Moose Creek flows into the Deshka River at TRM 29.5.
Two other radio tagged burbot (650-3.0 and 739-1.0)spent much of the
winter near TRM 2.0 of the Deshka River.Burbot 659-1.0 moved to the
upper reaches of the Deshka River after spending 1.5 months at TRM 2.0.
Movement data were al so collected on five radio tagged burbot which
remained in the mainstem during the winter of 1984-85 (Figure 6).
Generally one fish (649-1.0)moved upriver,another (749-0.7)remained
relatively stationary,and the remaining three burbot (610-0.5,639-3.0,
730-1.0)moved downriver to the lower reaches of the Susitna River (RM's
6.6 to 17.0).The first two fish were tagged in the mainstem near the
Parks Highway (RM 84.0)and the latter three fish were tagged in the
mainstem near the mouth of the Deshka River.
From mid-December through February,movement data collected during
ground surveys indicated that most (9 of 10)of the radio tagged burbot
were alive.Seven of the nine fish moved after ice dril1ing was done
over them.Burbot 629-3.0 was believed to be dead during a ground
survey on January 16.Although no movement was detected after ice
drilling over the remaining two fish (649-1.0 and 650-3.0),those fish
were bel ieved 1::0 be al ive because one had recently moved upstream and
the other moved upstream on a later survey.
Habitat measurements taken at 14 radio tagged burbot relocations showed
they were generally found in low water velocities and water depths less
than 6.0 feet deep in the Deshka River,and in low water velocities and
variable depths in the mainstem (Table 2).However,few areas in the
Deshka River are believed to be over 6.0 feet deep (water depth)during
the winter.By comparison,the lower ma"instem Susitna River has many
areas which have winter water depths greater than 6.0 feet.The radio
tagged burbot were also generally found under solid ice cover.In three
instances,radio tagged burbot were found near open leads but still
under ice.In one instance,a radio tagged burbot was found under two
feet of su rface overflow.Table 2 presents a summa ry of habitat data
collected at the radio tagged burbot relocation sites.Specific habitat
measurements at each relocation site are presented in Appendix Table
A-4.
During ground surveys,burbot sets and trotlines were set overnight near
several radio tagged burbot.Although none of the radio tagged burbot
were recaptured,32 untagged burbot were captured in varying stages of
sexual maturity (Appendix Table B-1).
By May,only one radio tagged burbot (760-1.9)was found in the upper
reaches of the Deshka River.During a ground survey in late June,the
radio tag of this fish was found in shallow water along the bank of the
14
-l J }1 -I J 1 1 )1 l 1 J )J i
Table 2.Summary of habitat data collected at radio tagged burbot relocation sites in the lower Susitna River,December 1984 and
February 1985.
Water Ice Slush Water a Surface Water
Depth Depth Depth Velocity Substrate Temperature DO Conductivity pH
(ft)(ft)(ft)(fps)(OC)(mg/l )(umhos/cm)
Mainstem Sites:
n 4 4 4 4 4 3 2 3 3
X 3.3 2.3 1.9 0.1 gravel/cobble -0.1 12.2 145 7.2
Minimum 0.2 1.5 0.0 0.0 sand -0.2 11.5 74 7.1
25th Percentile 0.8 1.8 0.1 0.0 ---0.1 11.5 123 7.2
Median 2.7 2.3 1.7 0.1 --0.0 12.2 172 7.3
......75th Percentile 5.9 2.8 3.8 0.1 --0.0 12.9 180 7.3
U1
Maximum 7.8 3.0 4.3 0.1 cobble 0.0 12.9 188 7.3
Deshka River Sites:
n 10 10 10 10 10 9 5 9 9
X 1.1 2.3 0.0 0.3 gravel/sand 0.0 9.1 79 6.8
Minimum 0.1 1.5 0.0 0.0 sand -0.2 8.4 58 6.4
25th Pe rcent il e 0.2 2.0 0.0 0.1 ---0.2 8.6 67 6.8
Median 1.1 2.5 0.0 0.4 ---0.1 9.0 74 6.9
75th Percentil e 2.0 2.5 0.0 0.4 --+0.1 9.0 92 7.0
Maximum 3.0 2.9 0.0 0.5 cobble +0.2 10.4 101 7.2
a Mean column water velocity
-
-
-
-
-
....
-
-
Deshka River at TRM 23.5.Tracking data suggests that this fish
may have died after mid-February.
A second burbot which had been radio tagged in 1984 was recaptured
during 1985.A sportfisherman caught burbot 649-1.0 at the mouth of
Sunshine Creek (RM 85.7)on July 30,1985.Prior to its recapture,it
had been located by aerial survey in the mainstem Susitna at RM 88.0 on
April 4,1985.The sportfisherman reported the fish appeared healthy.
Biological characteristics:sexual development,age,length,and sex
composition
Non-,pre-,and post-spawning burbot were captured by biologists in the
Susitna River and the Deshka River between December 17,1984 and Febru-
ary 8,1985.In addition,burbot catch and biological data were
obtained from a sportfisherman at the Deshka River who recorded his
catch data from late November to mid-December 1984.
Lower river pre-spawning burbot were captured from November 25 to
January 16.Post-spawned burbot were first captured on February 5 at
TRM 0.7 of Moose Creek.All burbot captured after February 5 were post-
or non-spawners.Several non-spawners were also captured before Febru-
ary 5.Sampling locations and catch per unit effort (CPUE)of all
burbot captured during the winter of 1984-85 are presented in Appendix
Table B-1.
Between November 25 and February 8,sex was determined for 63 burbot by
necropsy and their sexual maturities were recorded (Appendix Table B-2).
Fifty-three of the 67 burbot were aged.Ages ranged from 5 to 12 with.
ages 7 (20.8%),6 (l5.1%),8 (15.1%)and 9 (l5.1%)comprising the
majority of the sample.Lengths of aged fish ranged from 405 mm to
740 mm in total length (TL)(Appendix Table B-3).Figure 7 illustrates
the average length and range of lengths for e~ch age class of burbot
sampled between December 1984 and February 1985.
Of the 53 burbot aged,35 fish were pre-or post-spawners.Eight of the
pre-or post-spawners were males ranging from 405 mm to 740 mm (TL)and
encompassing age classes 6 to 11.The remaining 27 pre-or post-
spawning aged females ranged from 360 mm to 780 mm (TL)and encompassed
age classes 5 to 12.The remaining 18 burbot aged were non-spawners.
Five non-spawners were males ranging in length from 410 mm to 665 mm and
age from 5 to 8 years.The 13 non-spawni ng females ranged in 1ength
from 400 mm to 705 mm and age from 5 to 12 years.
3.2 Middle Susitna River
3.2.1 Rainbow trout
Thirteen rainbow trout were radio tagged in the middle river during
September and October 1984 and their movements were monitored over the
winter of 1984-85.Another 15 rainbow trout which were radio tagged in
May and June 1984 were al so monitored over the winter until the;r
transmitter batteries expired.Capture,biological,and radio tagging
16
-800
G
750 b
.LU.C\J
~II •o~"cu,i ...qm c:
b.T".tlll op.rc.II'1iI4
•.....-di....
e..2""••re .....,•••
700 ,..Milt....•,~
~
It)
"c:
d
650
E It).-"E c:-•:r:600
I-
C)([l
Z "
I.LI ([l c::•\I
I'--I 550 c:•
-I
«=I-"•~0 c:
I-
500
([l
"c::•
,~450
400
3 50 -J-_-""""---"T"--...,.....--,...---r--..,.--"""';----,-....5 6 7 8 9
AGE (years)
10 I'12
~
I
Figure 7.Age-length relationships for burbot captured in the
Susitna River between Cook Inlet and Devil Canyon,
December 1984 through February 1985.
17
-
,~
-
......
-
data for the rainbow trout radio tagged in the fall of 1984 are provided
in Appendix Table A-5.Capture data for the rainbow trout which were
radio tagged during the spring of 1984 are reported in Sundet and Pechek
(1985)along with monitoring data between May and November 1984.
Little useful data were collected from six of the radio tagged rainbow
trout because they expired during the fall of 1984 or the winter of
1984-85.Two of these fish (598-1.6 and 670-1.2)probably died before
November 1984 and their fates are discussed in Sundet and Pechek (1985).
Two rainbow trout were determined to be dead (740-1.4 and 749-1.1)
during ground surveys in late January or early February.Rainbow trout
618-2.1 was believed dead during a late January ground survey (Figure
8).The remaining rainbow trout (719-1.6)moved upriver during late
September,but then slowly moved back downriver and was believed dead
during an early February ground survey (Figure 9).
The other 22 rainbow trout were determined or believed to have survived
the winter.All of these rainbow trout outmigrated from tributaries to
the l11ainstem by early October and their movements are presented in
Figures 8 through 12.
Overwintering movements of radio tagged rainbow trout can be grouped
into three categori es based on the di stance the fi sh move from where
they were tagged.These categories are:(I)fish movements ~4.0
miles,(2)fish movements ~4.1 miles and 6.15.0 miles,and (3)fish
movements ~15.0 miles.Twenty-two radio tagged rainbow trout
overwintered in the mainstem Susitna,however ov~rwin~ering movements of
only 21 of these rainbow trout are discussed.Fourteen of 21 fish
overwintering within 4.0 miles of their Susitna River tagging sites or
the mouths of the tributaries where they were tagged.Five of the radio
tagged rainbow trout (608-1.9,620-1.2,630-1.0, 709-1.2,770-1.1)
overwintered between 4.1 and 15.0 miles from their Susitna River tagging
location or the mouths of the tributaries where they were tagged
(Figures 9,10,and ll).The remaining two radio tagged rainbow trout
(640-1.0 and 759-1.7)were found 90 and 94 mil es from where they were
tagged in late September (Figure 8).Because these two fish moved
downriver so rapidly and so far,it appears they were injured during
capture or tagging.These two fish then seemed to recover and attempted
to move back upriver.We believe that both fish died in early or late
Februa ry,because thereafter they either moved downri ver or remained
stati onary .
3 Rainbow trout (728-1.0)escaped from a live box that was located 10
miles downriver from its recapture point while it was being held
for observation.Because this fish was accidentally displaced,its
overwintering movements were considered questionable.Therefore,
overwintering movements of this rainbow trout are not included in
this discussion.
18
-
,....
140
INOfAN R.
4TH OF
JULY CR.
130
120
------......---618-2.1
(BELIEV EO O£AO ON ,-211
)(•TAG a RELEASE SITE
••MAINSTEM SUSITNA
RIVER LOCATION
_759-1.7
\
I
I
I
\
\
\
\
.......--------...640-1.0
·'I..·..···•ot
'.··..················.·.·.····.··.··········.648.1.6
\e---4\
\
\
\
\
a.._
\,,
I,
I
I
I
Ix..................
110
<{
Z
l-ao
(/l
~
(/l
'TO
60
50
OESHKA R.
40
SEP 15
l.LJ
.-J
::E WHISKERS CR.
100
Cl:TALKEETNA R.
l.LJ
>
Cl:
-
Figure 8.Movement of four radio tagged rainbow trout in the Susitna
River,September 1984 to May 1985.
-
-
19
1 -~~--1 1 l J 1 l 1 ))~1 ])
150
PORTAGE CR.
iBELIEVED DEAD ON 2-5
:t--.-:::::-+--_...
- • -60a -1.9.TAGGED AT 4 TH
OF JULY CREEK
-630 -1.0.TAGGED AT 4TH
OF JULY CREEK
- - -709 -1.2,TAGGED AT INDIAN
RIVER
--719 -1.6.TAGGED AT INDIAN
RIVER
·······728-1.0.TAGGED AT PORTAGE
CREEK
- -729-1.5.TAGGED AT WHISKERS
CREEK SLOUGH (RM 101.2)
-......•...•....•....•....•..............•....•..•
,.•....,4l
'.
f
..!
••'i+-RECAPTURED 8 ACCIDENTALLY
RELEASED AT RM 138.6 THE
SAME DAY
*•NO LOCATIONS BETWEEN
THESE POINTS
••MAINSTEM SUSITNA
RIVER LOCATION
o·CHULITNA RIVER.-...'\.I LOCATION.. ...----•••
...-.........
./.....
./.......-........-.-.-.................tt".--
145
125
120
140
INDIAN R.
135
SLOUGH 10
4TH OF
JULY CR.
130
W
...J-~
a:::
w
>
N -
0 I 0::
«
z
I--
(/)
::>
(/)
100
0---0--0---<>--<>-- _ - -.._....._---_
95 I Iii iii iii iii iii • I I I i
SEPI5
Figure 9.Winter movement of six radio tagged rainbow trout which were tagged during
the spring of 1984.September 1984 to May 1985.
_.
••MAlNSTEM SUSITNA
RIVER LOCATION
"'"0 •TRIBUTARY LOCATION
"-..-...,_....599 -1.1,
'-630 -1.7
....•.............•...
.•' •........·..····.613-1.0.....~...
'~"./.~.....--._.--.-.....'~.~'".,....."
..............757-1.1,TAGGEO
IN MAIN STEM AT
RM /28.3
......
,"
I 'f '','1\,,,.----......
I Ii ,I ...~
\ I ..........------...749.1.8
I \I
I \I
I \I
I \I
I ~
I
t::-.......''-'_.~
~--.'"
150
149
14"
PORTAGE CR.
.<C
Z
I-JACK
en I.ONG CR.
::len
148
W,-...J
~
a:
w 147>-a:
-,
Figure 10.Winter movement of six radio tagged rainbow trout which
were tagged during the spring of 1984 in the Susitna River,
September 1984 to May 1985.All except one fish was tagged
in Portage Creek.
21
,...
150
PORTAGE CR.
148
146
...
~
:I 144
a::...
>142-a::
4(
Z 140~
'":l IHOIAN R..~."..'en
138 .:"........--.-...-
13.
134
••TAG a REl.EASE SITE
•e MAlNSTEM SUSITNA
RIVER l.OCATIOH
--648.1.1
········659.1.8
----769·1.8
--T70·1.1
,_~'--_".-_........._.....A
-
Fi gure 11.Movement of four radio tagged rainbow trout in the
Susitna River,September 1984 to May 1985.
-
150
\
\
\
\
\
••TAG aREl.EASE SITE
••"U'NSTEM SUSlTNA
RIVER l.OCATlON
.................................e637 ..1.8
-.....,,,,,.-----....-..-----.....---~,,,,
SEP 15
,.6+---,-_,..---.--,r--...,....--._.,..---,_,..--,---._..,.---,-_,..---.-_r--...,.--t.:..T!.!!18""-,,,1,::<..,0
A?R I~MAY I~JUN l~
-149
PORTAGE CR.
....
~
~:I
a::148...
>
a::
4(
Z
~
'":l
'"147
-
......Figure 12.Movement of four radio tagged rainbow trout in the
Susitna River,September 1984 to May 1985 .
..-
22
.....
,-
Only two radio tagged rainbow trout (659-1.8 and 749-1.8)overwintered
upstream of their mid-October locations for more than two months.
Groups of two or more radio tagged rainbow trout overwintered in several
specific sections of the mainstem Susitna River.Eight rainbow trout
were found between RWs 146.0 and 151.0 (Figures 10 and 12),four
rainbow trout were found between RM's 135.0 and 140.0 (Figure 11),and
two rainbow trout were found between RM's 97.0 and 100.0 (Figures 8
and 9).
Generally,radio tagged rainbow trout monitored over the winter of
1984-1985 moved the greatest di stance between mid-September and 1ate
November 1984.Some radio tagged fish also appeared to move between
late December and mid-January.In addition,the few rainbow trout with
radio tags still functioning in the spring appeared to move again in
early April.
During ground surveys conducted in January and February,habitat data
were collected at 29 fish relocations from 23 different radio tagged
rainbow trout which were determined or believed to be alive.During
these relocation surveys,all of the radio tagged rainbow trout were
found in the mainstem Susitna and generally in waters of low to moderate
velocities and of moderate depths.Most (26 of 29)rainbow trout
relocations were in areas that were covered with ice,however,ten
relocations were within 200 feet of open leads.Table 3 summarizes the
habitat data collected at the 29 fish relocations and specific measure-
ments taken at each fish relocation site are presented in Appendix Table
A-6.
Often two or more radio tagged rainbow trout were found within 100 feet
of each other during ground surveys.Sites where radio tagged fish were
found together were:RWs 135.4,139.5, 146.4,147.0,and 148.3.In
one instance at RM 147.0,a radio tagged rainbow trout (613-1.0)was
found 50 feet from a radio tagged Arctic grayling (740-2.3).
During ice drilling at the radio tagged rainbow trout relocation sites,
movement was detected at 19 of 25 sites.None of the radio tagged
rainbow trout were recaptured when burbot sets and trot1ines were set at
several of the relocation sites,however,several non-tagged fish were
captured.Three burbot were captured near rainbow trout 630-1.0 and one
burbot was captured near a rainbow trout that was bel ieved to be dead
(598-1.6)(Appendix Table B-1).One rainbow trput was captured by hook
and line at RM 146.4,near rainbow trout 667-1.4 and 707-2.3 in early
February.,-
-
Duri ng ground
relocations of
be 1i eved dead.
Table A-6).
surveys,habitat measurements were a1 so taken at the
six radio tagged rainbow trout which were determined or
These fish were found in little or no water (Appendix
23
)1 ]))J J 1 ))J i J ]j
Table 3.Summary of habitat data collected at radio tagged rainbow trout relocation sites in the middle Susitna River.January and
February 1985.
Water Ice Slush Water a Surface Water
Depth Depth Depth Velocity Substrate Temperature DO Conductivity pH
(ft)(ft)(ft)(fps)(OC)(mg/l)(umhos/cm)
n 28 28 28 28 28 27 24 27 25
X 4.4 2.3 0.4 0.9 cobble 0.0 12.9 235 7.2
Minimum 0.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 si 1t -0.2 10.2 140 6.0
25th Percentile 3.5 1.9 0.0 0.3 ---0.2 11.9 227 7.0
Median 4.1 2.5 0.0 0.7 ---0.1 12.8 239 7.2
75th Percentile 5.3 2.9 0.0 1.5 --0.0 14.6 252 7.4
Maximum 10.0 4.3 3.7 2.5 cobble +0.3 15.7 306 7.7
N.p.
a Mean column water velocity
-
-
3.2.2 Arctic Grayling
Five Arctic grayling were radio tagged in the middle river on September
11 or September 26,1984.Appendix Table A-7 presents the capture,
biological,and radio tagging data for these fish.
Winter movements of three of the radio tagged Arctic grayling (610-2.4,
629-2.2,639-2.3)contrasted with the movements of the remaining two
fish (600-2.4 and 740-2.3)(Figure 13).These three fish moved rapidly
downriver (between 36.6 and 63.6 miles)in the mainstem Susitna River
immediately after being tagged and released at the mouth of Indian
River.The other two fish remained relatively stationary in the
mainstem Susitna River,just downriver from their tagging site at
the mouth of Portage Creek.One of the fish which moved rapidly
downriver (610-2.4)also became relatively stationary after moving 36.6
miles in 20 days.
Two of the Arctic grayling which moved rapidly downriver (629-2.2 and
639-2.3)provided little data because the batteries of their radio tags
were presumed to have expired prematurely.Biologists failed to dis-
cover these fish during intensified monitoring flights in the areas
where the two fish were last found.
During winter ground surveys in mid-January,only two of the five Arctic
grayling's radio tags were transmitting signals.Arctic grayling
600-2.4 was found dead under solid ice.Arctic grayling 740-2.3 was
alive at RM 147.0,50 feet from rainbow trout 613-1.0.During ice
drilling,the Arctic grayling moved 35 feet.Habitat data collected
near Arctic grayling 740-2.3 on January 21 included:water depth =2.3
ft,ice depth =3.0 ft,slush ice -absent,water velocity =0.3 fps;
water quality parameters:pH =7.4,00 =14.5 mg/l,conductivity =228
umhos/cm,water temperature =-O.2°C;and the substrate was 60%cobble
and 40%gravel.
Arctic grayl i ng 740-2.3 was al so located duri ng subsequent ground
surveys.On February 5,this Arctic grayling was pinpointed at the same
location where it was in mid-January (along the east shore of an
island).On February 28,it was found 0.4 miles upriver of the earlier
locations in the east channel of the Susitna River in a deep back eddy
near open water.No additional winter habitat data was collected for
this fish.
25
90
x·TAG a RELEASE SITE
••MAINSTEM SUSITNA
RIVER LOCATION
"._.__....140 -2.3"..-.-.•.
"..'-600-2.4
(FOUND DEAD ON 1-21)
..
···.629 -2.2
.\:,
:\
I
I
\
I
\
\,
\,,
\
\
l
\
\
I.--..."'.........--...610-2.4
......
..........
150
PORTAGE CR.
140
INDIAN R.
4th OF
JULY CR.
130
a:
w
>
a:
«100
Z
I-TALKEETNA R.
(I)
:l
,(I)
.-
80
639-2.3
"...
10
Figure 13.Movement of five radio tagged Arctic grayling in the
Susitna River,September 1984 to February 1985.
26
4.0 DISCUSSION
Few practical and efficient methods are available to sample resident
fish populations in the Susitna River during the winter.Baited trot-
lines were found to be effective for capturing burbot,hoop nets were
difficult to set,and electrofishing was impossible.Winter studies in
other areas of Alaska have found gill nets to be effective for sampling
fish populations other than burbot (Bendock 1981, 1982,1983;Hallberg
1984).Attempts to use gill nets in the Susitna River during the winter
of 1980-81 and 1984-85 to help determine the presence and abundance of
resident fish at specific sites (radio tagged fish relocations)have
been largely unsuccessful due to:1)shallow water at sampling sites,
2)water velocities that are too strong to set a net,and/or 3)presence
of slush or frazil ice which fouls the net.
While winter resident fish abundance studies have largely failed,winter
movements of select resident fish in the Susitna River are now better
understood through the use of radio telemetry.Radio telemetry has also
enabled us to locate overwintering areas of resident fish in the Susitna
River so that habitat parameters of these areas could be evaluated.
Although radio telemetry has provided us with the best data on the
overwintering behavior of select fish,some reservations may be
necessary before placing absolute confidence in this data because of
biases.These biases may be due to the size of fish radio tagged
(generally,the largest fish of a species are radio tagged),effects of
capture and radio tagging (refer to Section 4.2.2),and the small sample
sizes of fish radio tagged in comparison to the overall population sizes
of those species.
Examination of data collected during the falls and winters from 1980-85
enable us to make several general conclusions.Between late September
and October in 1982, 1983,and 1984 overall resident fish catches and
catch rates decreased despite the fact that at these times,conductivity
increased thereby increasing the efficiency of boat electrofishing
(ADF&G 1983b;Sundet and Wenger 1984;Sundet and Pechek 1985).Since
more fish move out of tributaries into the mainstem Susitna River in the
fall,initial beliefs were that catches would increase instead of
decrease in October.However,water clarity increases substantially
during this time and fish may move into deeper water for cover.Habitat
suitability studies show that some species of mainstem Susitna River
resident fish are found more often in turbid water,that provides cover,
than clear water areas (Suchanek et al.1984).In 1984,mainstem waters
appeared to be less turbid during October than in other years (1981-83).
In October of 1984,even when boat electrofishing was done in waters up
to six feet deep at normal productive areas such as the mouth of Portage
Creek,few resident fish of any species were captured compared to
September catches.
Other support for the assumption that fish move into deeper mainstem
waters as turbidities decrease are provided by radio tagged fish and
hook and line data (unpublished data).Radio tagged rainbow trout and
Arctic grayling pinpointed in October of 1983 and 1984 were all found in
water greater than six feet deep.Biologists angling in October at the
mouths of productive middle river tributaries such as Portage Creek have
27
found that rainbow trout and Arctic grayling are captured more
frequently in deep water during the day.Biologists have also observed
that their angling catches are higher at dusk than during the day,in-
dicating that fish move from deeper to shallower waters in the evening.
Thi s di urna l-nocturna 1 type of movement has been documented by other
studies with fish using darkness as cover for feeding purposes (Campbell
and Neuner 1985).
Previous ADF&G winter studies have indicated that radio tagged fish may
seek overwintering areas that are at or near a source of groundwater
upwelling (ADF&G 1983b,1983c,1983d;Sundet and Wenger 1984;Sundet and
Pechek 1985).Evidence of possible groundwater upwelling in these
studies were suggested by higher conductivity measurements in several
overwintering areas where radio tagged fish were found.During the
winter of 1984-85,however,high conductivities were recorded at all the
radio tagged fish relocation sites in the mainstem SI~sitna including
those sites where fish were believed to be dead.In addition,all con-
ductivities measured at two control sites in the mainstem Susitna,at
Gold Creek (RM 136.7)and at Rr~133.8,were also high (in excess of 200
umhos/cm).Therefore,we were not able to determine whether radio
tagged fish were overwintering in mainstem areas with or without ground-
water upwelling from conductivity measurements of surface water in this
study.Perhaps groundwater upwell i ng caul d be detected at resi dent fi sh
overwintering sites in future studies by taking conductivity
measurements of the water immediately above or in the substrate,rather
than at mean water column depths where groundwater and surface waters
appear to be mixed and could not be differentiated.
Winter capture data of resident fish in the Susitna River from 1980-85,
coupled with radio tagged fish data suggest that resident fish seek
specific areas to overwinter (ADF&G 1983b,1983c,1983d).For example,
rainbow trout seem to prefer side channel habitats with slow water
velocities for overwintering.In addition,radio tagged fish of one
species were found with fish of the same and other species.Other
winter studies in Alaska,especially on the North Slope,have found
several fish species inhabiting the same wintering areas (Bendock 1981,
1982;Bendock and Burr 1984;Hallberg 1984).Bendock suggested this
"co habitati on ll may occur because few suitable overwi nteri ng areas exi st
and,therefore,fish are concentrated in certain areas.Hallberg (1984)
found several different species of resident fish in the same area during
the winter,however,he did not find fish in large concentrations.
These studies identify water depth,deteriorated water quality (low DO),
and frazil (slush)ice as factors which 1imit areas where resident fish
can overwinter.Anchor ice,cover,and water velocities are also
believed to limit overwinter areas (Maciolek and Needham 1952;Needham
and Jones 1959;Chapman and Bjornn 1969;Campbell and Neuner 1985).
Principal factors which probably affect the overwintering of middle
Susitna River resident fish are the presence of slush and anchor ice,
high water velocities,available cover,and the dewatering of side
channels.Since there is less anchor ice formation and a greater number
of large side channels in the lower Susitna River,available cover and
high water velocities are probably the critical 1 imiting factors for
overwintering in the lower river.Turbidity is believed to be a less
important factor in determining overwintering habitat for resident fish.
28
,~
-
-
Wi nter mai nstem turbi di ties are generally 1ess than 2 nephelometric
units (APA 1983).Resident fish are believed to seek deeper areas or
areas under ice for cover during the winter months.
At times during the winters of 1983-84 and 1984-85,extensive formations
of anchor ice and slush ice were observed in the middle Susitna River,
especially above RM 120.0.Slush ice has been reported to impair the
functioning of fish gills (Tack 1938 in Armstrong 1982).Anchor ice
disrupts and decreases the areas of overwintering,and is suspected to
increase overwintering trout mortality (Cerven 1973;Needham and Jones
1959).Since anchor ice is not found under ice cover,in areas of
groundwater upwelling,or in water depths over 6.0 feet (Karl Schoch,
pers.comm),these are the types of areas where resident fish may prefer
to overwi nter.
Although there is little field data,Susitna River resident fish mortal-
ities are probably higher during the winter than the summer.Maciolek
and Needham (l952)found 50%of marked trout di ed duri ng the 1950-51
winter at Convict Creek,Cal ifornia.They attributed most of these
mortalities to dewatering of side channels where most of the trout
overwintered.Needham and Jones (1959)also believed high winter
mortalities of fish were due to physical catastrophies such as floods,
entrapment under collapsed snow banks,and dewatering.Reimers (1957)
found that physical catastrophies caused more trout mortalities than the
lack of food availability.There appears to be sufficient food avail-
able for adult resident fish in the Susitna during the winter.Although
the Resident Fish Study did not include a food habits study,biologists
necropsied the stomachs of adult resident fish mortalities (mostly
burbot)while conducting winter surveys on the Susitna River between
1980 and 1985.Observed stomach contents of necropsied fish indicated
that most had been actively feeding prior to capture.Juvenile salmon,
resident fish,and invertebrates were found in fish stomachs during the
winter (unpublished data).
4.1 Lower Susitna River
4.1.1 Rainbow trout
Until 1984,the overwintering phase of the life history of lower Susitna
River rainbow trout had been largely interpreted from 1981 and 1982
open-water catch per unit effort (CPUE)data,and monitoring data from
several rainbow trout which were radio tagged in the fall of 1981 and
1982.Although we planned to radio tag 50 rainbow trout in 1984 to
increase our knowledge of rainbow trout populations in the lower river,
we were only able to successfully radio tag and monitor eight fish over
the winter.These data,although limited,added to our knowledge of the
overwinteringlllovements and habitats of rainbow trout in the lower
Susitna River.
We believe that rainbow trout begin moving out of east side tributaries
into the lower Susitna mainstem in late August.The fall outmigration
from tributaries seems to coincide with late August and early September
floods which are followed by rapidly decreasing tributary discharges,
decreases in water temperatures,reduced photoperiod,and declining food
29
--
-
-
-
r
r-
I
.....
sources (Sundet and Pechek 1985).In 1984,a flood occurred in the
lower Susitna drainage between August 20 and 30.Biologists captured
few rainbow rainbow trout when they sampled the upper reaches of several
of the smaller east side tributaries (i .e.,Montana Creek)in early
September.During this sampling trip,we noted that the water levels in
these tributaries were decreasing rapidly and that there were fewer
adult salmon present after September 1.The reduction in the number of
adult salmon is believed to be significant because this signaled a
reduction in food supply (i.e.,salmon eggs)for rainbow trout.
Movement data from three radio tagged rainbow trout indicate that a
number of rainbow trout outmigrated from these tributaries to the
mainstem Susitna between early September and early October (Figure 3).
During September,sport fish catches of rainbow trout increase at the
mouths of east side tributaries.High catches of rainbow trout were
observed or reported at the mouths of Kashwitna Ri ver and Ta 1 keetna
River until mid-October when slush ice began to form in these rivers
(Roy Bloomfield and Earle Foster,pers.comm.).However,fall catches
of rainbow trout at these tributary mouths were reported to be lower in
1984 than in past years (Earle Foster,pers.comm.).These decreased
catches seem to indicate that many fish were flushed out of these east
side tributaries,earlier than usual,by the late August flood.
Tag-and-recapture data also indicate that some rainbow trout outmigrate
from the Talkeetna River (Sundet and Wenger 1984).However,we do not
know why these fish would leave this tributary since there are several
lakes (i .e.,Mama and Papa Bear lakes)in this subdrainage that would
appear to be suitable overwintering areas.
Limited data indicate that some small rainbow trout and few large
rainbow trout outmigrate from the Deshka River in the fall (Sundet and
Pechek 1985).
Data from three winters of monitoring radio tagged rainbow trout indi-
cate that lower river rainbow trout exhibit two general types of
migrational behaviors during the winter.Approximately half of the
radio tagged rainbow trout overwintered in the mainstem near the tribu-
tary where they were tagged (probably their summer rearing and natal
tributary)(ADF&G 1983b,1983c;Figures 2 and 3).The other half of the
radi 0 tagged fi sh generally overwi ntered between 10 and 20 mi 1es down-
river of their tagging sites.
Lower river rainbow trout may prefer to overwinter in side channels
rather than the mainstem Susitna.During the winter of 1981-82,two
radio tagged rainbow trout were pinpointed in side channels (ADF&G
1983b).In January and February of 1985,four of seven radio tagged
rainbow trout were pinpointed in side channels.These side channels
were 100-300 feet wi de wi th waters probably no greater than four feet
deep.Measurements taken at winter radio tagged fish relocations show
rainbow trout are found mostly in areas with low to moderate water
velocities and depths (ADF&G 1983d;Table 1).In two cases,however,
radio tagged fish were pinpointed in deep water areas (Appendix Table
30
I~
-
A-2).Only one of nine radio tagged rainbow trout pinpointed and
believed alive during the winter ground surveys was in .an open-water
area (ADF&G 1983d;Appendix Table A-2).
Elsewhere,few studies have determined the overwintering requirements of
rainbow trout.Studies by Maciolek and Needham (19S2)and Needham and
Jones (19S9)indicate that rainbow trout prefer to overwinter in areas
wi th ice cover and suggest that rainbow trout use surface ice as a
protective cover.Chapman and Bjornn (l969)found winter cover was
important for overwintering fish,especially areas with large rocks.
Since much of the substrate in the lower Susitna River is composed of
sand and gravel,areas with surface ice and low water velocities are
probab ly very important for the success of overwinteri ng rainbow trout
in this reach.Other salmonid studies have found that mean water
velocity is the most critical parameter in the selection of an over-
wintering site (Wichers 1978).
Lower Susitna River rainbow trout exhibited pronounced mainstem move-
ments in early October and late December (ADF&G 1983b;Figures 2 and 3).
During other times in the fall and winter of 1981-82,1982-83,and
1984-85,rainbow trout in the lower river were relatively sedentary.
The early October movement occurred duri ng freeze-up when fi sh were
apparently seeking overwintering areas.Studies conducted in the middle
Susitna River show a similar movement (ADF&G 1983c;Sundet and Pechek
1985).Chapman and Bjornn (1969)found that a downstream movement also
occurs during the fall for salmonids.Bjornn (l971)indicated that a
downstream movement did not occur during or preceding winter if
sufficient winter cover was available.We do not know the full extent
of effects that freeze-up has on lower Susitna River rainbow trout
populations,however we have observed movements of some radio tagged
rainbow trout during this time.On the lower Susitna River,slush ice
usually begins to flow in early October,an ice bridge usually forms by
late October,and 90%of the lower river is frozen over by late November
(R&M 1981,1982,1983,1984,1985).Also during freeze-up,the mainstem
discharge typically decreases rapidly.In 1984,the Susitna discharge
at Sunshine was 22,300 cfs on September IS,12,000 cfs on October IS,
and 6,200 cfs on November IS (USGS 1985 provisional data;Figure 14).
The second pronounced wi nter movement of lower ri ver ra i nbow trout
occurs in late December when the river is nearly 100%frozen over and
air temperatures usually drop below -2SoC "for the fi rst time in the
winter.Logan (1963)found that trout moved more in December,January,
and February when temperatures were low and surface ice was present.We
do not believe that mainstem discharge is responsible for the late
December movements of rainbow trout because flows are relatively stable
at this time (Figure 14).
Beginning in early May,lower river rainbow trout begin to migrate from
the mainstem Susitna River into tributaries for summer rearing (ADF&G
1981b,1983b;Sundet and Pechek 1985).Unfortunately,the exact timing
of this spring movement has not been documented because all of the radio
tags dispensed in 1981,1982,and 1984 in lower river rainbow trout
31
AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FE B MA R APR MAY JUN
o-l......,.--....--......--,....---r----...--..,.--~--,......-_,_-__,
2
90
\
'I
70 II
.....r
\I
\\I50\ I \
.;\r
\r
\r
30 *'A::
24 \~I
\II ,
\ I \,
~\
22 I r
~SUNSHINE I
I
0 20 \I
0 ,I
0 \I
.\I
X 18 \I\rlit\-I
u \
16 \I
\I
W \I
~14 \,
\r
0:::\I<t I r:I:12 \Iu\
(/)I I
\I
0 \0 \I
IIr\I\
8 \J
\I
\,
6 \J
....I"-...../...-----I...I
4 \/'/.......__./--
-
,....
Figure 14.Susitna River discharge at Sunshine (RM 84.0)and at Gold
Creek (RM 136.7),August 1984 to June 1985.All measurements
are provisional data provided by USGS .
..,,,
-
ceased functi oni ng before April of the fo 11 owi ng yea r.However,tag-
and-recapture data indicate that rainbow trout continue to migrate from
the mainstem to tributaries through late May (ADF&G 1981b,1983b).Some
May and June tag recoveries have been made 30 miles above their tagging
sites suggesting that some lower river rainbow trout make extensive
upriver migrations in the spring.
During the summer,lower Susitna River burbot have been commonly found
in the turbid mainstem and its adjacent turbid sloughs and side channels
(ADF&G 1981b,1983b;Sundet and Pechek 1985).Past summer catch data
show that a definite correlation exists between adult burbot numbers and
turbidity in the Susitna River (Hale 1983;Suchanek and Hale 1983).
4.1.2 Burbot
In the lower Susitna River a pronounced migration of burbot occurs in
the fall from the mainstem Susitna into Alexander Creek and the Deshka
River (ADF&G 1981b,1983b;Sundet and Pechek 1985).Data collected in
1981 shows that this movement begins in Alexander Creek during
mid-August and in the Deshka River during late August.During these
times,adult burbot were found in Alexander Creek as far up as TRM 4.0
and in the Deshka Ri ver up to TRM 4.5.Si nce bu rbot spawn du ri ng the
winter,this movement is probably associated with a pre-spawning
migration.
Limited catch data from the Deshka River in 1984 suggests that burbot
began moving into this river in early September (Sundet and Pechek
1985).However,since no burbot sampling was done at the Deshka River
in July or August of.1984,it is possible that some burbot may have
moved into the Deshka River prior to September.Sorokin (1971)found
burbot moved into Lake Baikal tributaries in the fall as water tempera-
tures approached 10 to 12°C.
In 1984,intensive sampling for burbot was conducted at the Deshka River
(TRM's 0.0-6.0)diJring the spring and fall.Catch data from these
studi es suggest that a number of sub-adults [between 200 and 390 mm
(TL)]move to the spawning areas with adult burbot.The classification
of sub-adults and adults was determi ned by thei r re 1ati ve spawni ng
maturity.Since 1982,approximately 85%of burbot greater than 390 mm
(TL)were spawners (ADF&G 1983b,1983c;Appendix Table B-2).Although
some burbot in the Susitna River are capable of spawning when they reach
a length of 310 mm (TL),a larger percentage of burbot do not spawn
until they are greater than or equal to 390 mm.From early September to
mid-October 1984,57 to 64%of the burbot catches at the Deshka River
were sub-adults.During this time,burbot catches increased (50 in
early September,121 in late September,and 103 in early October)with
approximately the same effort.The catch per unit effort (CPUE),
however,was the highest in early October.A similar seasonal increase
in catch and CPUE occurred in 1981 (ADF&G 1981b).Other studies have
found a similar seasonal increase in burbot catches during the
open-water season.Hal·lberg (l984),sampl ing in the mainstem Tanana
River near the mouth of the Chena River from mid-June to early October,
33
-
-
captured 50%of that his seasonal burbot catch during early October.He
specul ated hi s catches increased because freeze-up forced burbot to
relocate from some Tanana Ri ver sloughs and si de channel s into the
mainstem Tanana making them more concentrated and susceptible to
trapping.
Sex composition data collected between 1981 and 1985 show that female
burbot have been more numerous than males in the Susitna River and that
burbot sex ratios (male to female)have fluctuated from 1:1.1 to 1:3.1
(Table 4).Tested by chi square statistic;(X2 =9.41,df=3,for~=0.05
there is a significant difference in the sex ratio between years).
Since burbot spawn under the ice,no burbot spawning has been observed
in the Susitna River drainage.However,several spawning sites have
been documented in the Deshka River by systematically sampling the same
area over time and observing radio tagged burbot.Burbot spawning is
believed to occur at TRM's 0.0,1.9,2.0,and 24.5 of the Deshka River
(ADF&G 1983c).Until the winter of 1984-1985,burbot were believed to
spawn only in the lower reaches of the Deshka River.During the winter
of 1984-1985,two radi 0 tagged burbot ascended the Deshka Ri ver and
apparently spawned at TRM 24.5.Trotlines set near the radio tagged
burbot at TRM 24.5 in mi d-January captured several non-tagged burbot
which were close to spawning.Figure 15 shows a map of the suspected
burbot spawning area at TRM 24.5 of the Deshka River and Figure 1 shows
a larger view of this area in relation to the Susitna River drainage.
Maps of other Deshka River sites where burbot are believed to have
spawned are provided in ADF&G (1983c).
During the winter of 1982-1983 and 1984-1985,burbot were believed to
have spawned at the four sites in the Deshka River between·mid-January
and early February.These sites are characterized by low to moderate
water velocities (0.0-2.1 fps)and depths (0.2-9.0 ft)over a sand to
cobble substrate.The higher velocities and depths were recorded at the
interface of the Deshka River and the mainstem Susitna.Point specific
data collected at radio tagged burbot relocations in mid-January 1985
suggest that Some burbot may spawn in the upper reaches of the Deshka
River in water depths as low as 0.2 feet.Conductivity data collected
in 1985 at TRM 24.5 of the Deshka River suggest that upwelling may occur
at this location.Elsewhere in the Deshka River,recorded winter
conductivity readings have been lower (between 58-68 umhos/cm compared
to 101 umhos/cm at TRM 24.5)(ADF&G 1983c;Appendix Table A-4).Some
other winter Deshka River conductivities have been higher (83 umhos/cm),
but those were taken (winter of 1982-83)at the interface of the Deshka
River and the mainstem Susitna (ADF&G 1983c).
Burbot are also believed to spawn in the mainstem Susitna River.
Support for this hypothesis is provided by radio tagged burbot.Since
approximately 85%of burbot over 390 mm (TL)are spawners for a given
year (ADF&G 1983c),and burbot radio tagged are allover 525 mm,it is
likely that several of the radio tagged fish monitored over the winters
of 1981-82, 1982-83,and 1984-85 spawned in the mainstem Susitna River
34
-
Table 4.Sex composition and sex ratio data for Susitna River burbot,
November 1980 through February 1985.
Male Female Ratio-
(Nov.1980 -Aug.1981)a 52 56 1:1.1
(Sept.1981 -Mar.1982)b 20 32 1:1.6
(Dec.1982 -Mar.1983)c 23 46 1:2.0-(Dec.1985)d1984-Feb.13 40 1:3.1
-TOTAL 108 174 1:1.6
a ADF&G (l981b)
b ADF&G (l983b)
c ADE&G (l983c)
d Appendix Figure B-2 in this report
-
35
.-
-
-
-
-
-
.....
~STUDY AREA
•CABIH
e TRIBUTARY
RIVER M1L.E
o 1000,,
FEET
IADO'O'~SCllf.J
Figure 15.Suspected burbot spawning area at TRM 24.5 of the Deshka
River (RM 40.6).
36
-
.-
-
-
-
(ADF&G 1983b,1983c).El even burbot radi 0 tagged in 1981 and 1982
remained in the mainstem between RM's 19.0 and 89.6 during January and
February.In 1984,five radio tagged burbot remained in the mainstem
between RM's 13.0 and 92.0 during the spawning period.Several of the
fi sh monitored in the wi nter of 1984-85 mi grated over 20 mil es to the
lower reaches of the Susitna River (RM 13.0)and may have spawned there.
One radi 0 tagged burbot moni tared over the wi nter of 1982-83 may have
moved 113.0 miles to spawn at RM 26.0 (ADF&G 1983c).
Comparisons of several years of radio tagged burbot monitoring data
indicate that mainstem spawning may occur between RMts 74.0 -92.0.
Some radio tagged burbot have remained in this reach of the river every
winter that they have been monitored.This area is characterized by
large bends in the river which provides many back eddies.Water depths
are generally moderate to deep and water velocities range from 0.0 to an
estimated 8.0 fps.In these areas,point specific measurements taken at
radio tagged burbot relocations suggest spawning occurs in moderately
deep waters with little water velocity (ADF&G 1983b,1983c,1983d).A
number of burbot have also been found under slush ice where the water is
less than two feet deep.
Although burbot spawning has been observed el sewhere in areas of open
water (Sorokin 1971),our observations suggest that burbot in the
Susitna River use spawning areas with ice cover.In January and Febru-
ary,the lower Susitna River and its tributaries are over 95%ice
covered (R&M 1981,1982, 1983, 1984,1985).
After early February,radio tagged burbot in the lower Susitna River
dispersed from their suspected spawning areas.Data from the winters of
1981-82 and 1982-83 show a slight downstream movement (0.5-7.0 miles)
(ADF&G 1983b,1983c).Meanwhile,data from the winter of 1984-85
tracked one burbot (659-1.0)which ascended 20 miles and another
(669-1.8)6 miles up the Deshka River after apparently spawning.
Another fish (739-1.0),moved 2.0 miles downriver and into the mainstem.
Other studies have reported variable post-spawning movements.
MacCrimmon (1959)observed an upriver post-spawning movement and Sorokin
(1971)observed a downriver post-spawning movement.
Burbot catches in the Deshka River are generally high from December to
February and then decrease substantially after February (ADF&G 1983b,
1983c).Some burbot still remain "in the Deshka River in May after
breakup,however,burbot CPUE is low during May.Several burbot have
been captured by sportfishermen at the mouth of the Deshka River in late
May,but in most cases,fishing occurred near the interface zone of the
Susitna and Deshka River waters.Since burbot are light and temperature
sensitive (Scott and Grossman 1973),we believe that most burbot move
out of clear-water tributaries into the mainstem Susitna as the ice
cover decreases and water temperatures increase.
37
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4.2 Middle Susitna River
4.2.1 Rainbow trout
During the summer,most middle river rainbow trout rear in clear-water
tri butari es such as Fourth of July Creek (RM 131.1),Indi an Ri ver (RM.
138.6),and Portage Creek (RM 148.8)(Sundet and Wenger 1984;Sundet and
Pechek 1985).In early September,rainbow trout start outmigrating from
tributaries to the mainstem Susitna River for overwintering.By October
6 (1983 and 1984),all of the radio tagged rainbow trout had moved into
the mainstem Susitna.The fall outmigration from the tributaries
appears to correspond with a decrease in tributary water discharge
(Sundet and Pechek 1985).However,other factors such as photo-
periodism,and declining water temperatures and food sources (i.e.,
salmon eggs)may contribute to this outmigration.Studies done in 1984
suggest the fall outmigration from tributaries is complete before
tributary water temperatures decline to 2°C (Sundet and Pechek 1985).
Monitoring data over three years show about half (24 of 46 successfully
radio tagged rainbow trout)of the middle river rainbow trout overwinter
in the mainstem Susitna River between 0.0 and 4.0 miles from their
Susitna River tagging site or the mouth of the tributary where they were
tagged (ADF&G 1983c;Sundet and Pechek 1985;Figures 8 to 12).Only
eight of 46 radio tagged fish monitored over three years migrated over
15.0 miles to an overwintering site.
After rainbow trout outmigrate from tributaries in the fall,they
generally move downriver.A small percentage of radio tagged rainbow
trout from 1982-85 (10.8%),however,have overwintered above or at the
tri buta ry mouth where they were found in mi d-September.Bj ornn (1971)
suggested that a downstream movement precedi ng wi nter di d not occur if
sufficient winter cover was available locally.
I~ost middle river rainbow trout overwinter in the mainstem,however,
several radio tagged fish have overwintered at the mouth of Indian River
or in side channels such as Gash Creek Side Channel (ADF&G 1983c;Sundet
and Pechek 1985).In con,trast,lower river rainbow trout overwinter
more often in side channels than the mainstem Susitna.However,in the
lower river many more side channels are available for overwintering than
in the middle river.
Until the winter of 1984-85,little data was available on the specific
areas and habitat conditions where overwintering middle river rainbow
trout are found.The primary problem experienced during past winter
ground surveys (winters of 1982-83 and 1983-84),conducted to pinpoint
radio tagged fish and collect habitat data at overwintering sites,has
been a lack of ice cover in areas where fish were located.Between
November and mid-January,most areas where radio tagged fish overwinter
in the middle river are open.For example,in mid-January 1984,14 of
17 radio tagged fish were found in open-water areas where biologists
were unable to make preci se habi tat measurements.Based on general
observations,these rainbow trout appeared to be overwintering in pool
38
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.....
",...
-
or riffle areas with no anchor ice.After mid-January in past winter
studies,batteries of radio tags began expiring from rainbow trout radio
tagged during the previ ous open-water peri ode Therefore,fewer fi sh
were available for collection of point specific data during mid-winter
ground surveys when most of the river is frozen.
Between slush ice formation (in early October)and freeze-up (mid-
January),most middle river rainbow trout probably use water depth over
a rock substrate as,their primary cover.Lewis (1967 cited in Chapman
and Bjornn 1969)also found that with the onset of winter adult rainbow
trout moved into deeper water.
During January and February when most of the river is frozen,radio
tracking data suggests that middle river rainbow trout prefer areas
under surface ice with low to moderate water velocities (0.0 to 2.5 fps)
and moderate water depths (3.0 -6.0 ft)(AOF&G 1983c;Sundet and Pechek
1985;Table 3).In areas with higher water velocities (>1.0 fps),
rubble or cobble substrates predominate.Rainbow trout may use the
larger substrate in these higher velocity areas for cover.Chapman and
Bjornn (1969)determined that areas with large rocks substrates provided
important overwintering fish habitat.Lewis (1969)reported that cover
is important to trout in terms of security and photonegative response .
While substrate and water depths can provide mid-winter cover for
rainbow trout,it appears that surface ice is the preferred cover .
During the past three years,most radio tagged rainbow trout in the
middle river have been found under surface ice in mid-winter (ADF&G
1983c;Sundet and Pechek 1985).Radi 0 tagged fi sh mon itored in January
and February of 1985 were located within 100 feet of an open lead,
sl.lggesting rainbow trout prefer to use surface ice as cover.Winter
studies el sewhere report depth and substrate are important in selection
of rainbow trout overwintering habitat,but only as they relate to cover
and velocity (Campbell and Neuner 1985).
Although surface ice does appear to be an important mid-winter cover
type,several radio tagged fish have shown there is suitable over-
wintering habitat in deep (>6.0 ft)open-water areas of the middle
Susitna River as well (ADF&G 1983c;Appendix Table A-6).
Over three winters,radio tagged rainbow trout have generally overwin-
tered in certain sections of the middle river.These sections are:
RM's 95-101,110-115,128-140,and 144-151.In all cases,a major
clear-water tributary is located within these sections.The upper three
sections are characterized by deep pools adjacent to bedrock banks with
some gently sloping shores.The lower section (RI"1 95 to RI'1 101)is
composed of several miles of both the lower (RM 0.0 to RM 98.5)and
middle river (RM 98.5 to RM 152.0).Between RM 98.5 and RM 101.0,there
are several channels between islands.Below RM 98.5 there are more
channels,but the water depth is greater than the area above RM 98.5.
Several Whiskers Creek rainbow trout have overwintered in the area just
below the Chulitna River confluence (RM 98.5).
39
,-
-
-
-
-
During the winter of 1984-85,a number of radio tagged rainbow trout
were found within 100 feet of each other.This suggests that middle
river rainbow trout congregate during the winter or that suitable winter
habitat is extremely limited thereby causing fish to concentrate in
specific areas.
Although slush ice and anchor ice are common in the middle river in the
winter,no radio tagged rainbow trout have been found in areas with
anchor ice and few have been found under slush ice during winter
surveys.
As with lower river rainbow trout,two pronounced winter movements occur
for middle river rainbow trout.In addition,middle river radio tele-
metry data indicates that a spring migration from the mainstem to the
tributaries also occurs.
Most radio tagged rainbow trout in the middle river show some movement
between mid-September and mid-October and again between mid-December and
mid-January.The former movement occurred at the beginning of freeze-up
(usually early October,R&M 1985)when fish were probably moving to
suitable overwintering habitat.Although slush ice begins to form in
the middle river in early October,the majority of the middle river is
not covered with surface ice until late December (R&M 1981,1982, 1983,
1984,1985)..During mid-December,air temperatures usually drop below
-30°C for the first time in the winter.This decrease in temperature
accelerates ice formation and may contribute to increased rainbow trout
activity in December (refer to section 4.1.1 for further details).
Similar to lower river rainbow trout,a correlation appears to exist
between the early October movement of middle river fish and mainstem
Susitna discharge.During freeze-up,mainstem discharges typically
decrease rapidly (USGS 1985 provisional data at Gold Creek;Figure 14).
However,the late December rainbow trout movement does not appear to be
affected by the mainstem discharge because Susitna flows are generally
stable at this time.
Spring movements of radio tagged fish indicate that most rainbow trout
begin an upriver migration from the mainstem Susitna to clear-water
tributaries in early May.This movement occurs during or just prior to
breakup when the mainstem discharge begins to increase.However,some
radio tagged rainbow trout appear to begin migrating as early as March
(ADF&G 1983c;Sundet and Pechek 1985).Several fish monitored in May of
1984 moved 10 miles upriver in a few days (Sundet and Pechek 1985).
This rapid upriver movement in May is probably a spawning run.One of
the fish which moved rapidly upriver in May of 1984 was recaptured and
found to be a pre-spawning female (rainbow trout 670-1.4).
4.2.2 Arctic Grayling
Until the winter of 1984-85,little data was collected on overwintering
mi ddl e Susitna River Arcti c grayl i ng.Insi ghts to the overwi nteri ng
distribution and habitat of Arctic grayl ing were largely interpreted
from catch per unit effort (CPUE)and tag-and-recapture data gathered
40
-
..-.
-
during the 1981-84 open-water periods.These data suggested that most
middle river Arctic grayling overwinter near their summer rearing
tributaries.The two tributaries which support the most Arctic grayling
in the middle reach of the Susitna River are Indian River (RM 138.6)and
Portage Creek (RM 148.8)(ADF&G 1981b,1983b;Sundet and Wenger 1984;
Sundet and Pechek 1985).Population data,as well as data from one
radio tagged Arctic grayling,indicate that Arctic grayling begin
outmigrating from the upper reaches of tributaries to the mainstem
Susitna in late August and most are in the mainstem by mid-October.
Schallock (1966)speculated that the outmigration of Arctic grayling in
the Chatanika River begins slowly in mid-July.Tack (1980)found that
the Arctic grayling outmigration from the upper to the lower reaches of
the Chena River is later,and spread over a longer period of time
(September through December).Tack hypothesized that Arctic grayling
moved out of bog streams because water depths greatly decrease,and out
of spring-fed streams because of the formation of frazil (slush)ice
(Tack pers.comm.in Armstrong 1982).After reaching the mainstem
Susitna,most Portage Creek fish were believed to overwinter between RM
147.0 and RM 151.0,and most Indian River fish were believed to
overwinter near that tributary.However,some 1983-84 tag-and-recapture
data suggested that a long downstream migration to overwintering areas
may occur for some Indian River and Portage Creek fish (Sundet and
Pechek 1985).Several of these fish were recaptured quite a distance
downri ver suggesti ng one overwi nteri ng area in the mi ddl e ri ver may be
near Slough 6A (RM 112.3).
Data from five radio tagged fish monitored "during the winter of 1984-85
support both beliefs;some middle river Arctic grayling overwinter near
their summer rearing tributary and others move farther downstream to
overwinter.Similar overwintering movements for Arctic grayl ing have
been reported by Armstrong (1982),Tack (1972,1980),Rolland Holmes
(pers.comm.).
Two of the 1984 radio tagged Arctic grayling overwintered near their
tagging sites (Portage Creek)and the other three fish (tagged in Indian
River)moved over 30 miles downriver to overwinter near or below
Talkeetna.Both fish from Portage Creek selected overwintering areas in
the mainstem Susitna between RM 147.0 and RM 148.0.This area has a
large island (referred to by locals as Fat Canoe Island)in the center
of the streambed with shallow shorelines,and steep bedrock banks and
deep pools along the east and west banks of the mainstem.Because the
shoals of the island are suspected of having upwelling and because of
the deep pools in the mainstem,this area was previously thought to be
capable of maintaining a sizeable population of overwintering fish
(Sundet and Wenger 1984;Sundet and Pechek 1985).A number of rainbow
trout that were radio tagged in 1984 overwintered in this area.
Although specific habitat data for Arctic grayl ing have not been col-
lected at other middle river areas during the winter,it is probable
that Arctic grayling do overwinter in other sections of the middle river
with habitat similar to that found between RM 147.0 and RM 148.0.
41
.-.
-
-
.-"!.:,
While limited data suggests that most middle river Arctic grayling
overwinter near their summer rearing tributaries,several recaptured.
(Floy anchor tagged fish)and radio tagged Arctic grayling have been
found up to 63.5 miles downstream from their tagging sites.Two
hypotheses for thi s phenomenon are:(l)either the fi sh were i nj ured
during capture or tagging,and then drifted downriver,or (2)some fish
migrate rapidly,considerable distances downstream during September or
October to overwintering areas in the mainstem Susitna.Unfortunately,
data which is currently available do not enable us to determine if
either or both of these explanations are true.During radio tagging
efforts in the spring we have found that fish normally move upriver and
any sudden,long movement downriver indicates these fish were injured.
Injuries are most often detected within 14 days of tagging.It is
unlikely,however,that all three of the fish radio tagged in the fall
of 1984 were injured,so there may be an extensive downstream migration
occurring for middle river Arctic grayling in the fall.Other Alaska
studies have shown that Arctic grayling can rapidly move long distances
to overwintering areas (West and Wiswar 1985;Rolland Holmes,pers.
comm).Studies have shown that these long movements typically occur
from small muskeg streams (e.g.,Whiskers Creek)or small gravel and
mountain streams (e.g.,Indian River)to suitable larger river
overwintering areas (e.g.,the Susitna River).Past studies (1981-84)
may have failed to determine long distance movements of Arctic grayling
because the fall downriver migration appears to occur very quickly,and
the spri ng upri ver mi grati on occurs under the ice or du ri I1g breakup
before open-water sampling occurs.We do not know why middle river
stocks from Indi an Ri ver mi grate so fa r downstream to overwi nter when
Ilapparent"suitable overwintering habitat exist near RM's 147.0, 136.0,
133.6,and 125.0.These areas are characterized by deep waters with
areas of slow to moderate water velocity and they do provide suitable
overwintering habitat for middle river rainbow trout (refer to Section
4.2.1).
42
....
:~
5.0 CONTRIBUTORS
Resident and Juvenile Anadromous Fish
Project Leader
(Acting Project Leader,
Jan.to June 1985)
Task Leader
Data collection
Drafting
Typi ng
Text
Report Coordinators and Editors
43
Dana Schmidt
Stephen Hale
Rich Sundet
Rich Sundet
Stuart Pechek
Dan Sharp
Carol R.Hepler
Roxann Peterson
Skeers Word Processing
Ri ch Su ndet
Drew Crawford
Stephen Hale
Rich Cannon
Paul Suchanek
All enBi ngham
Douglas Vincent-Lang
Michael Stratton
-
6.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Funding for this study was provided by the State of Alaska,Alaska Power
Authori ty.
We would like to express our gratitude to all the people and organiza-
tions that provided information or assistance to the Resident Fish Study
during the past years.We would also like to thank Leon Dick for
describing burbot catch rates on the Deshka River.
We would also like to thank Air Logistics,Inc.for providing helicopter
support.Wi thout thei r transportati on assi stance our sampl ing woul d
have been much more difficult and hazardous.
We thank the various consulting agencies working on the Susitna Hydro-
electric Project for helpful comments on the draft of this report.
44
"""
7.0 LITERATURE CITED
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procedures manual (1980-1981).(1 of 2).Susitna Hydro Aquatic
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·1981c.Adult anadromous fisheries project (June-September----~19·81).Susitna Hydro Aquatic Studies.Phase 1 final draft report.
Subtask 7.10.Alaska Department of Fish and Game,·Anchorage,
Alaska.
1983a.Aquatic studies procedures manual (1982-1983).Susitna
Hydro Aquatic Studies.Phase 2.Subtask 7.10.Alaska Department
of Fish and Game,Anchorage,Alaska.
·1983b.Resident and juvenile anadromous fish studies on the--=Susitna River below Devil Canyon,1982.Susitna Hydro Aquatic
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Department of Fish and Game,Anchorage,Alaska.
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__=.1983d.Aquatic habitat and instream flow studies,1982.
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Anchorage,Alaska.
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project,Susitna Hydroelectric Project,before the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission.Vol.5A.Exhibit E.,Chap.3.Alaska
Power Authority.Susitna Hydroelectric Project.
Armstrong,R.J.1982.A review of Arctic grayl ing studies in Alaska.
Contrib.I~o.6,Alaska Cooperative Fish Research Unit,University
of Alaska,Fairbanks.60 p.
Bendock,LN.1981.Inventory and cataloging of Arctic area waters.
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·1982.Inventory and cataloging of Arctic area waters.Alaska
--=Department of Fish and Game.Federal Aid in Fish Restoration,
Annual Report of Progress,1981-1982,Project F-9-14,
23(G-I-I):43p.
45
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1983.Inventory and cataloging of Arctic area waters.Alaska
Department of Fish and Game.Federal Aid in Fish Restoration,
Annual Report of Progress,1982-1983,Project F-9-15,
24 (G-I-1):27 P.
Bendock,T.N.and J.Burr.1984.Inventory and cataloging of Arctic
area waters.Alaska Department of Fish and Game.Federal Aid in
Fi sh Restorati on,Annual Report of Progress,1983-1984,Project
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Bjornn,T.C.1971.Trout"and sa~mon movements in two Idaho streams as
re 1ated to temperature,food,streamflow,cover,and popul ation
density.Transactions of the American Fisheries Society.
100:423-438.
Campbell,R.F.and J.H.Neuner.1985.Seasonal and diurnal shifts in
habitat utilized by resident rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri)
observed in western Washington Cascade Mountain streams.
Unpub 1i shed paper presented at symposi urn on small hydropower and
fisheries,May 1-3,1985,at Aurora,Colorado.Paper sponsored by
Puget Sound Power and Light Company,Bellevue,Washington.
Cerven,D.R.1973.
Logan River.
Logan.78p.
Overwinter mortal ity of trout in Temple Fork of the
Masters of Science Thesis,Utah State University,
-
Chapman,D.W.,and J.C.Bjornn.1969.Distribution of salmonids in
streams,with special reference to food and feeding.Pages 153-176
in Symposium on salmon and trout in streams.H.R.MacMillan
Lectures in Fisheries,University of British Columbia,Vancouver,
British Columbia.
Hale,S.S.1983.Influence of habitat parameters on distribution and
relative abundance of juvenile salmon and resident species.
Appendix F In:ADF&G.Synops is of the 1982 aquatic studi es and
analysis of fish and habitat relationships (2 of 2:Appendices).
Susitna Hydro Aquatic Studies.Phase 2 report.Alaska Department
of Fish and Game,Anchorage,Alaska.
Hallberg,J.E.1984.Evaluation of Interior Alaska waters and sport
fish with emphasis on managed waters,Fairbanks District.Alaska
Department of Fish and Game.Federal Aid in Fish Restoration,
Annual Report of Progress,1983-1984,Project F-9-16.25(G-(III).
Lewis,S.L.1967.Physical factors influencing fish populations in
pools of a trout stream.Masters of Science Thesis,Montana State
University,Bozeman.34p.
1969.Physical factors influencing fish populations in pools
of a trout stream.Transactions of the American Fisheries Society.
98(1):14-19.
46
Susitna River ice study.Susitna
Prepared for the Al aska Power Authority.
-
Logan,S.L.1963.Winter observations on bottom organisms and trout in
Bridger Creek,Montana.Transactions of the American Fisheries
Society.92:140-145.
Maciolek,J.A.and P.R.Needham.1952.Ecological effects of winter
conditions on trout and trout foods in Convict Creek,California,
1951.Transactions of American Fisheries Society.81:202-217.
MacCrimmon,H.R.1959.Observations on spawning of burbot in Lake
Simcoe,Ontario.Journal of Wildlife Management.23(4):447-449.
Morrow,J.E.1980.The freshwater fishes of Alaska.Alaska Northwest
Publishing Company,Anchorage,Alaska.
Needham,P.R.,and A.C.Jones.1959.Flow,temperature,solar
radiation,and ice in relation to activities of fishes in Sagehen
Creek,California.Ecology 40(3):465-474.
R&M Consultants,Inc.(R&M).1981.Ice observations 1980-81.
Anchorage,Alaska.Alaska Power Authority.Susitna Hydroelectric
Project.Report for Acres American,Inc.1 Vol.
__-;::-'1982.Ice observations 1981-82.Anchorage,Alaska.Alaska
Power Authority.Susitna Hydroelectric Project.Report for Acres
American,Inc.8 Vol.
1983.Susitna River ice study 1982-1983.Anchorage,Alaska.
Alaska Power Authority.Susitna Hydroelectric Project.Report for
Harza-Ebasco Susitna Joint Venture.1 Vol...
•1984.Susitna River ice study 1983-1984.Anchorage,Alaska.--.....Alaska Power Authority.Susitna Hydroelectric Project.Report for
Harza-Ebasco Susitna Joint Venture.1 Vol.
.1985.1984-1985
---;;-Hyd roe 1ect ri c Proj ect.
Anchorage,Alaska.
Reimers,N.1957.Some aspects of the relation between stream foods
and trout survival.California Fish &Game,43(1):5-42.
Schallock,LW.1966.Grayling life history related to a hydroelectric
development of the Chatanika River in Interior Alaska.Masters of
Science Thesis,University of Alaska.113 p.
Scott,W.B.,and LJ.Crossman.1973.Freshwater fishes of Canada.
Bulletin of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada 184.Ottawa,
Canada.
So ro kin,V.N.
Lota lota.
1971.The spawning and spawning grounds of the burbot
Journal of Ichthyology 11(6):907-915.
47
I"'"'
i
-
.....
Suchanek,P.M.,and S.S.Hale.1983.Use of major habitat types by
juvenile salmon and resident species.Appendix GIn:ADF&G.
Synopsis of the 1982 aquatic studies and analysis of fish and
habitat relationships (2 of 2:Appendices).Susitna Hydro Aquatic
Studies.Phase 2 report.Alaska Department of Fish and Game,
Anchorage,Alaska.
Suchanek,P.M.,R.L.Sundet and M.N.Wenger.1984.Resident fish
habitat studies.Part 6 In:D.C.Schmidt,S.S.Hale,D.L.
Crawford,and P.M.Suchanek,editors.Resident and juvenile
anadromous fish investigations (May -October 1983).Susitna Hydro
Aquatic Studies.Report No.2.Alaska Department of Fish and
Game,Anchorage,Alaska.
Sundet,R.L.,and M.N.Wenger.1984.Resident fish distribution and
population dynamics in the Susitna River below Devil Canyon.Part
5 In:D.C.Schmidt,S.S.Hale,D.L.Crawford,and P.M.Suchanek,
editors.Resident and juvenile anadromous fish investigations (May
-October 1983).Susitna Hydro Aquatic Studies.Report No.2.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game,Anchorage,Alaska.
Sundet,R.L.and S.D.Pechek.1985.Resident fish distribution and
life history in the Susitna River below Devil Canyon.Part 3 In:
D.C.Schmidt,S.S.Hale,and D.L.Crawford,editors.Resident and
juvenile anadromous fish investigations (May -October 1984).
Susitna Aquatic Studies Program.Report No.7.Alaska Department
of Fish and Game,Anchorage,Alaska.
Tack,E.1938.Trout mortality from the formation of suspended ice
crystal s.Fisherei-Zeitung 941(4):42p.,Reviewed in The
Progressive Fish Culturist.1938(37):26p.
Tack,S.L 1972.Distribution,abundance,and natural history of the
Arctic grayling in the Tanana River drainage.Alaska Departn~nt of
Fish and Game.Federal Aid in Fish Restoration,Annual Report of
Frcsress,1971-1972,Project F-9-4,13(k-I):36p.
.1980.~lisraticLS c:r:C:cistricL;Ticr;uf hell(..sr(yl';r'~,H'
-,----;-interior and Arctic Alaska.Alaska Department of Fish and Game,
Federal Aid in Fish Restoration,Annual Report of Progress,
1979-1980,Project F-9-12,21(R-I):32p.
West,R.L.and D.W.Wiswar.1984.Fisheries investigations on the
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge,Alaska,1984.Fairbanks Fishery
Resources Progress Report No.FY85-1.Prepared by the Fai rbanks
Fishery Resources Station for U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service.
Fairbanks,Alaska.
Wichers,D.L.1978.Telemetric determination of salmonid winter
microhabitat occupation and movement in ice-covered streams.
Masters of Science Thesis,University of Wyoming,Laramie.
Ziebell,C.O.1973.Ultrasonic transmitters for tracking channel
catfish.The Progressive Fish Culturist.35(1):28-31.
48
APPENDICES
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.....
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I
,....,
I
8.0 APPENDICES
Appendix A.Radio tagged fish tagging and habitat data ....••......A-I
Appendix B.Burbot biologi:al chanlctE'Y'istics and resident
fish catch data......................................B-1
49
.....
-
.....
-
APPENDIX A
RADIO TAGGED FISH TAGGING AND HABITAT DATA
)J J ~l 1 -J 1 1 j
Appendix Table A-1.Summary of tagging data for radio tagged rainbow trout captured on the Susitna River between Cook Inlet and the
Chulitna River confluence,September and October 1984.
Floy Fork Location
Radio Tag Lengths Method Captured Date Date
Frequency Number (mm)Age Captured and Released RM/TRM Captured Released
599-1.2 5483 398 6 H.t.Montana Creek 77.0/5.0 9/6 9/6
602 p 2.0 18929 385 6 LF.Little Willow Creek (lower mouth)49.5/0.0 9/30 9/30
609-1.3 5488 392 6 H.L.Sheep Creek 67.7/5.0 9/7 9/7
609-2.0 18953 458 6 E.F.Mainstem p East Channel 53.0 9/30 9/30
620-1.2 5485 436 7 H.L.Montana Creek 77.0/5.0 9/6 9/6
630-1.0 18952 525 9 E.F.Mainstem -East Channel 53.0 9/30 9/30
640-1.4 18715 395 6 E.F.Montana Creek 77.0/0.0 9/15 9/15
650-1.3 18954 425 7 E.F.Mainstem -East Channel 53.0 9/30 9/30
660-1.0 19116 423 --E.F.Mainstem -East Channel 96.0 10/12 10/12
739-2.3 18969 457 7 E.F.Little Willow Creek (upper mouth)50.1/0.0 9/30 9/30
)::0
I TOTAL =10.....
RM =River mile
TRM =Tributary river mile
=Not aged
EF =Electrofishing
HL =Hook and line
)1 --1 1 ]-l -1 --1 1
Appendix Table A-2.Radio tagged lower Susitna River rainbow trout habitat measurements taken at their relocations in January and February 1985.Fish were tagged in 1984.All
but rainbow trout 739-2.3 were believed alive at the time habitat measurements were taken.
Ice Open
(01
Radio Site Covered Movement Depths (ftl Velocity Water Quality
Frequency Date Descd pt i on RM (cl (in ttl Water Ice slush {fps'Substrate fempoC DO mgl!umhoslcm pH General COfI1llents
599-1.2 1/15 Mainstem 56.5 0 -10.0*0.0 0.0 3.5*- ---.in open water so no specific
measurements could be taken;
fish's fate was unknown
602-2.0 '1/15 Side Channel 46.8 c ±30.0 1.5 1.5 0.0 0.8*sand -0.3 -160 6.8
approximately
200'wide
609-1.3 2/5 Side Channel 66.9 c -50.0 0.4 2.0 0.0 0.0 sUt/gravel 0.0 10.9 188 6.9
approximately
200'wide
630-1.0 1/16 Side Channel 49.0 c +200.0 1.2 2.8 0.0 0.1*silt 0.2 -202 7.2
approxfmately
200'wide
640-1.4 1/15 Side Channel 46.0 c -150.0 1.4 1.3 0.0 0.3*sand/gravel -0.3 -171 6.8
approximately
200'wide
650-1.3 1/14 Mainstem 14.3 c ~loo.0 8.5 '2.1 0.0 I.g sand -0.2 -195 6.7 200.0 ft from en open lead
660-1.0 2/21 Halnstem 71.4 c 0.0 1.5 3.0 0.0 0.4 gravel/cobble -0.2 10.2 190 7.3
):»
I 739-2.3 a 1/14 Hainstem 9.6 c 0.0 1.0 2.5 0.0 0.0 sand 0.0 -278 7.2 be Iieved deadN
*~Estimated measurements because meter did not work or open water.
No movement or no measurements taken.
s ~Fi sh believed dead.
}J -1 1 -,1 1 }l 1 ------.--1
Appendix Table A-3.Summary of tagging data for radio tagged burbot captured on the Susitna River between Cook Inlet and the
Chulitna River confluence,September and October 1984.
Brand Floy Total Location
Radio of Tag Lengths Method Captured Date Date
Frequency Tag Number (mm)Captured and Released RM/TRM Captured Released
610-0.5 Smith-Root 14740 685 H.N.Deshka River 40.6/0.0 10/14 10/17
610-3.0 Smith-Root 18346 753 E.F.Mainstem 93.2 9/15 9/15
619-2.2 Smith-Root 18991 570 H.N.Deshka River 40.6/1.0 10/1 10/1
629-3.0 Smith-Root 14995 575 H.N.Deshka River 40.6/1.0 9/14 9/17
639-3.0 Smith-Root 18833 567 Eo F.Mainstem 40.0 9/17 9/17
649-1.0 Smith-Root 19158 795 LF.Mainstem 83.9 10/15 10/15
650-3.0 Smith-Root 13934 535 H.N.Deshka River 40.6/0.5 9/16 9/17
659-1.0 Smith-Root 18911 637 E.F.Mainstem 40.8 9/29 9/29
669-1.8 ATS 14739 635 H.N.Deshka River 40.6/0.0 10/14 10/17
730-1.0 Smith-Root 18401 578 H.N.Mainstem 40.4 9/18 9/18
739-1.0 Smith-Root 13994 679 H.N.Deshka River 40.6/1.0 9/28 9/29
C»749-0.7 Smith-Root 19152 568 E.F.Mainstem 78.0 10/15 10/15
I 760-1.9 ATS 14992 635 H.N.Deshka River 40.6/0.0 10/15 10/17.AJ
770-2.4 ATS 14749 709 H.N.Deshka River 40.6/0.0 10/15 10/17
Total =14
RM =River mile
TRM =Tributary river mile
EF =Electrofishing
HN =Hoop net
ATS =Advanced Telemetry System
--,-1 "1 OJ -)1 1 )J 1 ]
Append"Table A-4.Radio tagged lower Susitna River burbot habitat measurements taken at their relocations from December 1~84 to February 1985.fish were tagged in 1984 and
all fish were believed alive at the time habitat measurements were taken.
Ice Open
(0)
Radio Site Covered Movement Depths (ftl Velocity Water Quality
Frequency Date Descri pt i on RMITRM (cl Ii n ft)Water Ice Slush (fpsl Substrate Temp·C 00 mgll umhosfcm pH Genera 1 Comments
610-0.5 1/16 Mainstem 42.1 c -150.0 7.8 3.0 3.3 0.1 gravel/cobble 0.0 -172.0 7.1
64~-1 .0 1/24 Mainstem 68.0 c 0.0 0.2 1.5 4.3 0.0 cobble ----100.0'from an open lead
650-3.0 1/12 Deshka River 40.6/1.9 c 0.0 1.0 2.5 0.0 0.4 gravel/sand
650-3.0 2/7 Deshka River 40.6/1.9 c 0.0 1.1 2.9 0.0 0.2 sand/gravel 0.0 10.4 74.0 6.9
659-1.0 12/16 Oeshka River 40.6/2.0 c 0.0 2.0 2.0 0.0 0.5 gravel/cobble -0.2 8.4 73.0 6.4
659-1.0 1/12 Deshka River 40.6/2.0 c 0.0 2.0 2.0 0.0 0.1 sand/grave1 -0.1 -87.0 7.0 located on the opposite side
of the river from 12/16
659-1.0 2/4 Hoose Creek.40.6/0.7 c -10.0 0.2 2.5 0.0 0.4 gravel/sand 0.1 9.0 58.0 6.9 75.0'from an open lead
a tributary
of the Oeshka
River at TRM 29.5
669-1.8 1/15 Deshka River 40.6/24.5 c +20.0 0.1 2.2 0.0 0.0
gravel -0.2 .97.0 6.8 on 1/16 found at TRM 25.5
669-1.8 2/4 Hoose Creek.40.6/0.7 c -10.0 0.2 2.5 0.0 0.4 gravel/sand 0.1 9.0 58.0 6.9 located 100.0'from burbot
a tributary of 659-1.0 and 75.0'from an
Deshka River at open lead
):»TRf!29.5
I 739-1.0 1/12 Deshka River 40.6/2.0 -300.0 1.6 2.7 0.0 0.3 sand/gravel -0.1 92.0 7.0 located 100.0'below burbot..t::>c -
659-1.0
739-1.0 2/7 Mainstem 40.1 c 0.0 1.3 2.5 0.0 0.0 gravel/cobble -0.2 11.5 74.0 7.3
750-0.7 1/24 Hainstem 75.4 c -200.0 4.0 2.0 0.1 0.1 gr ave 1Is find 0.0 12.9 188.0 7.3
760-1.9 1/15 Deshka River 40.6/24.5 c +20.0 0.2 2.5 0.0 0.0 gravel +0.2 -101.0 7.2
760-1.9 2/4 Deshka River 40.6/24.5 2.0'- --..-- ----located 200.0'below the 1/15
of location
overflow
770-3.0 12/16 Deshka River 40.6/1.4 c -600.0 3.0 1.5 0.0 0.6 sand/gravel -0.2 8.6 67.0 6.4 captured on 1/1 at TRM 0.3
.1
RM =River mi Ie ' ITRM=Tributary river mile I=No movement or measurements taken because meter did not work or overflow.
I
I
--1 -1 I 1 1 --)1 1 1 J -1
Appendix Table A-5.Summary of tagging data for radio tagged rainbow trout captured on the Susitna River between the Chulitna River
confluence and Devil Canyon,September and October 1984.
Floy Fork Location
Radio Tag Lengths Agel Method Captured River Date Date
Frequency Number (mm)Sex Captured and Released Mile Captured Released
618-2.1 18321 468 71-E.F.Indian River 138.6 9/12 9/13
640-1.0 18479 420 6/-H.L.Indian River 138.6 9/27 9/28
637-1.8 18146 471 8/-E.F.Portage Creek 148.8 9/13 9/13
648-1.1 17676 400 6/-E.F.Indian River 138.6 9/11 9/12
648-1.6 18346 400 -I-E.F.Whiskers Creek Slough 101.2 9/14 9/14
(recap)
659-1.8 17675 411 71-E.F.Indian River 138.6 9/11 9/12
667-1.4 17608 455 -1-H.L.Portage Creek 148.8 9/26 9/26
>707-2.3 19208 410 6/-LF.Mainstem 149.2 10/9 10/9I
U1
718-1.0 18445 410 6/-E.F.Mainstem 150.0 9/26 9/26
749-1 .1 2823 475 8/-E.F.Slough 20 140,1 9/27 9/27
759-1.7 18480 412 5/-H.L.Indian River 138.6 9/27 9/28
770-1.1 19207 436 6/-E.F.Mainstem 149.2 10/9 10/9
769-1.8 18481 457 7/M H.L.Indian River 138.6 9/27 9/28
TOTAL =13
Not sexed or not aged
EF '"Electrofishing
HL '"Hook and line
1 1 ')1 '1 1 1 1 J j 1
Appendix Table A-6.Radio tagged middle Susltna River rainbow trout h~bitat measurements taken at their relocations in January and February 1985.Fish were tagged in 1984.All
fish were believed alive at the time habitat measurements were taken except where noted.
Radio
Frequency Date
Site
Description RH
Ice Open
(0)
Covered Hovement
(c)(In ft)
Oepths (ft),Velocity
Water (ce,Slush (fps)Substrate
Water Quality
Temp·C DO mg/l umhoSlCm---'PR Ceneral Comments a
599-1.1
599-1.1
613-1.0
613-1.0
1/22
2/20
1/21
2/21
Halnstem
Hainstem
Hainstem
Hainstem
148.3
148.3
147.0
147.2
c
c
C
c
-100.0
-100.0
+25.0
-25.0
4.4
4.7
1.5
5.3
2.9
3.0
3.1
2.2
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
1.5 cobble/gravel
1.4 rubble/cobble
0.3 cobble/gravel
0.5 rubble/cobble
-0.2
-0.2
-0.2
-0.1
15.5
11.4
14.6
12.7
250
231
254
306
7.6 100 ft.from RT rainbow
630-1.7 and 718-1.0
100 ft from RT rainbow
718-1.0
6.0 50 ft from RT grayling
740-2.3
7.7 50 ft from RT rainbow
667-1.4 and was 75 ft from
an open lead
0.3 sand/cobble
0.1 rubble/cobble
608-1.9
620-1.2
629-1.0
1/21
1/23
1/21
Halnstem
Mainstem
Hainstem
132.0
142.l'
121.2
c
c
c
+50.0
+200.0
±25.0
0.9
4.6
3.5
2.7
2.6
1.5
2.3
0.0
0.0
0.0 cobble -0.1
0.0
+0.3
12.4
12.6
12.0
230
232
187
7.1
7.0 50 ft from an open lead
7.0 50 ft from an open lead,
100 ft away on 1/22 from 1/21
location.
630-1.7 1/22 Hainstern 148.3 c -50.0 3.9 2.8 0.0 1.8 rubble/cobble -0.2 15.7 246 7.2 100 ft from RT rainbow
599-1.1 and 718-1.0
):0-
I
0'1
640-1.0
637-1.8
1/16
1/22
West Hainstem
Channel
Hainstem
53.3
147.6
c
c
-150.0
0.0
4.5
5.3
3.3
2.2
0.2
0.0
0.1*
1.6
sand
gravel
0.0
+0.1 13.1
183
244
7.0
7.4 probably alive,moved upriver
20 ft next day
637-1.8
648-1.1
,648-1.1
648-1.6
659-1.8
2/5
2/5
2/20
1/23
1/25
Hainstem
Halnstem
Halnstem
Hainstem
Hainstern
147.5
135.4
135.4
96.3
139.5
c
c
c
c
c
-50.0
-100.0
0.0
-400.0
+200.0
3.5
2.2
3.0
7.0
2.5
2.3
3.4
1.6
0.0
2.0
0.0
0.0
1.0 rubble/cobble
1.0 cobble/gravel
0.5 cobble
0.1 rubble/cobble
-0.1
0.0
+0.2
0.0
11.9
11.4
11.9
13.6
239
280
225
258
7.0 100 ft from RT rainbow
769-1.8
7.2 100 ft from RT rainbow
769-1.8 and 200 ft .from an
Open lead
7.0 40 ft from an open lead
7.2 100 ft from an open lead and
50 ft from RT rai nbow 770-1.1
1 --1 1 )-))1 ]
Appendix Table A-6 (Continued).
Ice Open
(0)
Radio Si te Covered Movement Depths (ft)Velocity Water Quality
Ceneral Comments aFrequencyDateDescriptionRM(c)(In ftl Water Ice Slush (fps)Substrate lemp·C DO mgll umhoslcm pH
667-1.4 1/21 Mainstem 146.4 a -10.0*0.0 0.0 2.S*cobble 0.1 -19S 7.4 In an open lead and SO ft
from RT rainbow 707-2.3.
probably alive
667-1.4 2/21 Hainstem 147.2 c -2S.0 3.S 2.0 0.0 0.2 rubble/cobble -0.1 12.8 293 7.7 SO ft from RT rainbow 613-1.0
and 125 ft from an open lead
709-1.2 1/21 Mainstem 133.6 a -6.0*0.0 0.0 1.5*gravel/cobble ---"-below Slough 10 in open lead,
probab1y a 11 ve
707-2.3 1/21 Malnstem 146.4 a -10.0*0.0 0.0 2.5*cobble -0.1 .-195 7.4 in an open lead and 50 ft from
RT rainbow 667-1.4,probably
alive
718-1.0 1/22 Mainstem 148.3 c -100.0 3.9 2.8 0.0 1.6 rubble/cobble -0.2 15.7 246 7.2 100 ft from RT rainbow 599-1.1
and 630-1.7
716-1.0 2/20 Halnstem 146.3 c -100.0 1.5 3.0 3.5 0.5 rubble/cobble -0.2 11.4 231 -100 ft from RT rainbow 599-1.1
726-1.0 2/5 Hainstem 137.6 c 0.0 4.0 2.5 0.0 0.4 rubble/cobble -0.1 14.8 270 7.0 fate was undetermined
729-1.5 1/23 Malnstem 98.6 c +100.0 4.2 2.6 0.0 0.2 si It +0.2 13.5 226 7.4 75 ft from an open lead
~749-1.S b 1/22 Mai ns.tem 149.8 c -6.7 4.3 0.0 1.8 rubble/cobble -0.1 13.5 245 7.3 strange signal
I........757-1.1 1/22 Mainstem 144.2 +20.0 4.0 1.8 0.0 0.3 cobble/rubble -0.2 10.2 170.0 7.2c
759-1.7 1/24 Mainstem 79.7 c 0.0 1.0 2.6 3.7 0.2 rubble 0.0 13.4 140.0 6.6 believed dead On 1/24 but later
proved alive because it moved
upriver
770-1.1 1/25 Mainstem 139.5 c -800.0 5.2 1.8 0.0 0.9 rubble/cobble 0.0 14.6 249 7.4 100 ft from an open lead and
50 ft from RT rainbow 659-1.8
769-1.8 2/5 Mainstem 135.4 c 0.0 3.5 2.5 0.0 1.0 rubble/cobble -0.1 11.9 239 7.0 100 ft from RT rainbow 648-1.1
769-1.8 2/20 Mainstem 135.4 c 0.0 4.3 2.2 0.0 1.3 cobble/gravel +0.3 10.6 266 7.3 100 ft from RT rainbow 646-1.1
and 200 ft from an open lead
]
Appendix Table A-6 (Continued).
1 1 1 1 -1 -1 --J 1 1
31.8 c 0.0 1,0 1.6 0.0 0.4 sand -0.2 -183 6.8
123.8 c 0.0 1.9 3.4 0.0 0.4 cobble 0.0 14.1 236 6.6 on east bank pps.3.0
134.1 c 0.0 0.0 2.0 0.0 0.0 cobble
136.5 c 0.0 1.0
138.3 0 0.2 0.0
139.9 c 0.0 3.0
Radio Site
Frequency Date Descript;on
Radio tagged rainbow trout beHeved dead
598-1.6 1/14 Side Channel
618-2.1 1/21 Mainstem
719-1.6 2/5 Side Channel
below Slough 11
Radio tagged rainbow trout determined dead
670-1.2 1/25 Mainstem
740-1,4 2/5 Plume of
Indhn R;ver
749-1.1 1/23 Malnstem
a =RT =radio tagged
RM
Ice Open
(0)
Covered Movement
(c)(in ft)
Depths (ftl Velocity
Water Ice Slush (fps)Substrate
Water OualJt}'
Temp·C OO-mgl,-urii!1os7cm----pH Ceneral Comments a
)::-
I
(Xl
b =Strange signal that was difficult to pinpoint.Measurements however were probably taken within 20 ft of the f;sh.
*~Estimated measurements because meter did not work or open water.
No movement or measurements taken because of open water or meters were not working.
I 1 ]1 )J J J ---]--J 1 j
Appendix Table A-7.Summary of tagging data for radio tagged Arctic grayling captured on the Susitna River between the Chulitna River
confluence and Devil Canyon J September 1984.
Floy Fork Location
Radio Tag Lengths Method Captured River Date Date
Frequency Number (mm)Age Captured and Released Mile Captured Released
600-2.4 14455 390 9 H.L.Portage Creek 148.8 9/26 9/26
(recap)
610-2.4 --390 8 E.F.Indian River 138.6 9/11 9/12
629-2.2 17914 390 --LF.Mainstem 137.7 9/11 9/12
639-2.3 17915 408 --LF.Indian River 138.6 9/11 9/12
740-2.3 18448 409 9 E.F.Mainstem 150.0 9/26 9/26
TOTAL =5
>-
I
1..0 EF
HL
Not aged or not Floy tagged
Electrofishing
Hook and line
-
.-
APPENDIX B
BURBOT BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND RESIDENT FISH
CATCH DATA
]1 J »J I ]1 I J 1
Appendix Table B-1.Resident fish catch per unit effort (CPUE)at selected sites on the Susitna River and its tributaries between Cook Inlet and Devil Canyon,November 1984 to
February 1985.
BURBOT CATCH b
Numbers of Numbers of Numbers of Total CPUE c CPUE c
Pre-Post-Non-Number For For
Method Spawners Spawners Spawners Other Number of All Other
Date(s)cap~~rea Ca~tur;d Captured Captured Sped es of Hours 6urbot Species
COlllllents dLocationRHITRHSampledH F H F Catch Gear Fi shed Captured Captured
Samp1 ing gear set to primarily capture lower river burbot
Hainstem 35.6 1/16-17 TL 1 3 72.0 0.3 0.0 near RT burbot 629-3.0
"
Hainstem 40.5 12/16-17 TL 1 1 20.0 1.0 0.0
Deshka River 40.6/0.0 11/24-25 BS 4 4 10 160.0 0.8 0.0 sportfi sherman's G,atch
/0.0 12/1-6 BS 3 5 80.0 0.6 0.0 sportfisherman's catch
/0.0 12/15-17 6S 5 5 3 18 420.0 0.7 0.0
/1.9 1/12-13 TL 1 1 2 48.0 1.0 0.0 near RT burbot 650-3.0
/1.9 2/1-8 65 1 1 24.0 1.0 0.0 near RT burbot 650-3.0
/1.9 2/1-8 TL 3 1 3 72.0 1.3 0.0
/2.0 1/12-13 6S 1 1 21.0 1.0 0.0 near RT burbot 659-1.0
/2.0 1/12-13 TL 5 3 1 2 42.0 3.0 0.0 and 739-1.0
/2.0 2/1-8 TL 1 1 4 96.0 0.5 0.0 RT burbot 660-1.0 and
739-1.0 were located
near here on 1/12
/24.5 1/15-16 TL 4 4 3 72.0 2.7 0.0 near RT burbot 669-1.8
and 760-1.9
OJ
I Hoose Creek-a trib.of Deshka Ri ver
at TRH 29.5 40.6/0.7 2/4-5 65 2 48.0 0.0 0.0 near RT burbot 659"1.0
2/4-5 TL 1 3 3 72.0 1.3 0.0 and 669-1.6
Hainstem 40.7 2/1-8 BS 1 3 63.0 0.3 0.0 near RT bur bot 739-1.0
2/1-6 TL 2 42.0 0.0 0.0
Hainstem 42.1 1/16-17 TL 3 72.0 0.0 0.0 near RT burbot 610-0.5
Hainstern 75.4 1/23-24 TL 1 1 3 72.0 0.7 0.0'near RT burbot 750-0.7
Halnstem 88.0 1/23-24 as 6 144.0 0.0 0.0 near RT burbot 649-1.0
Hainstem 92.0 2/21-22 65 1 24.0 0.0 0.0 nearRT burbot 649-1.0
92.0 2/21-22 Tl 1 24.0 0.0 0.0
TOTAL CATCH :16 21 1 9 4 6 0
)
Appendix Table B-1 (Continued).
-J j I J ]J --J --1 1 ]
BURBOT CATCH b
Numbers of Numbers of Numbers of Total CPUE c CPUEc
Pre-Po,t-Non-Number For For
Hethod Spawners Spawners Spawners Other Number of All Other
Oate(s)of a Captured Captured Captured Specie,of Hours Burbot Specie'
Conments dLocationRM/TRM Sampled Capture M F M F M F Catch Gear Fi shed Captured Captured
Sampling gear set to primarily capture lower river rainbow trout
Mainstem 9.6 1/14-15 BS 2 48.0 0.0 0.0 near RT rainbow trout 739-2.3
whi ch was believed dead
Mainstem 14.3 1/14-15 GN 2 44.0 0.0 0.0
near RT rainbow trout 650-1.3
Side Channel 46.0 1/15-16 TL 2 5 2 4B.0 3.5 0.0 near RT rainbow trout 640-1.4
Side Channel 46.B 1/15-16 TL 2 4B.0 0.0 0.0 near RT rainbow trout 602-2.0
Malnstem 71.4 2/21-22 TL 2 48.0 0.0 0.0 near RT rainbow trout 660-1.0
TOTAL CATCH;2 5
Sampling gear ,et to primarilY capture middle river rainbow trout
Side Channel 31.8 1/14-15 TL 1 1 24.0 1.0 0.0 near RT rainbow trout 598-1.6
CO which was believed dead
I
N
Mainstem 86.8 2/21-22 GN 1 24.0 0.0 0.0
86.8 2/21-22 BS 1 24.0 0.0 0.0 near RT rainbow trout 640-1.0
86.8 2/21-22 TL 1 24.0 0.0 0.0
Mainstem 121.2 1/21-22 BS 1 1 24.0 1.0 0.0 near RT rainbow trout 630-1.0
121.2 1/21-22 TL 2 1 24.0 2.0 0.0
Mainstem 132.0 1/21-22 BS 1 24.0 0.0 0.0
near RT rainbow trout 608-1.9
132.0 1/21-22 TL 1 24.0 0.0 0.0
Main.tem 133.5 2/6 HL 2 0.5 0.0 '0.0
Hai n.tem 133.6 1/21-22 GN 1 24.0 0.0 0.0
near RT rainbow trout 709-1.2
1/21-22 TL 1 24.0 0.0 0.0
2/6 HL 2 1.2 0.0 0.0
1
Appendix Table B-1 (Continued).
1 J 1 1 1 J
BURBOT CATCH b
Numbers of Numbers of Numbers of Total CPUE c CPUE c
Pre-Post-.Non-Number For For
Method Spawners Spawners Spawners Other Number (If All Other
Date(sl of a Captured Captured Captured Species of Hours Burbot Species
Location RM/TRM Sampled Capture H F M F M F Catch Gear Fi shed Captured Captured
Mainstem 135.4 2120-21 BS 1 24.0 0.0 0.0
135.4 2/20-21 TL 2 46.0 0.0 0.0
Ma Instem 146.4 1121-22 GN 1 24.0 0.0 0.0
1/21-22 TL 1 24.0 0."0.0
2/6 HL 1 2 0.6 0.0 1.2
Rainbow
2/20-21 BS 1 24.0 0.0 0.0
2120-21 TL 1 24.0 0.0 0.0
Mai ostem 147.2 2/21-22 GN 1 24.0 0.0 0.0
2/21-22 BS 1 24.0 0.0 0.0
2/21-22 TL 1 24.0 0.0 0.0
Hainstem 147.6 1122-23 TL 2 46.0 0.0 0.0
Mainstem 146.3 2/20-21 BS 1 24.0 0.0 0.0
148.3 2/20-21 TL 2 48.0 0.0 0.0
OJ TOTAL CATCH "2 2 1
I Rainbow
tv
GN "Gi 11 net
BS "Burbot set
TL "TrotH ne
HL "Hook and line
b M "Hale
F "Female
c CPUE for trotlines are catch per trot!ine day.There are six hooks on one trotllne.
CPUE for a burbot set is calculated the same way,however,there is only one hook
per burbot set.
d RT "Radio tagged fish
Comments d
near RT rainbow trout 646-1.1
and 769-1.8
near RT rainbow trout 667-1.4
and 707-2.3
near RT rainbow trout 613-1.0
and 667-1.4
near RT rainbow trout 637-1.8
near RT rainbow trout 599-1.1
and 718-1.0
B-4
--------
--J 1 1 J --1 -)-J ]J 1 J ).---I j
Appendix Table B-3.Burbot age-length1 relationships by sex on the Susitna River between Cook Inlet and Devil Canyon,December 1984 to february 1985.
Cook Inlet to Chulitna Confluence Chulitna Confluence to Devil Canyon Both Sexes,Cook Inlet to Devil Canyon
Total No.Mean Range of Total No.Mean Range of Total No.Mean Range of
Age of fish length length of fi sh length length of fish Percent length length
(Vears)Sex Sampled (mm)(mm)Sampled (mm)(mm)Sampled frequency (1Ml)(mm)
5 M 1 41D ----6 11.3 4D3 360-460
f 4 403 360-460 1 400
6 M 2 418 405-430 ---6 15.1 467 405-530
f 6 463 445-530
7 M 5 529 410-625 ---11 20.6 522 410-625
f 6 516 490-540
8 M 3 576 533-665 ---8 15.1 559 465-665
f 5 547 465-645
9 f 8 580 500-695 ---8 15.1 560 500-695
10 M 1 590 ----5 9.4 616 530-700
f 4 625 530-700
11 M 1 740 -- -
-5 9.4 6H 530-760
f 3 617 530-705 1 760
12 M 1 690 -1 780 -2 3.6 735 690-780
;-:0 TOTAL 50 539 360-705 3 653 400-780 53 100.0 546 360-780
I
U1
Total length,nose-tall