Lower Snake River, Fish and Wildlife Compensation. Status of the Warmwater Fishery and the Potential of Improving Warmwater Fish Habitat in the Lower Snake Reservoirs.

Abstract : A comprehensive survey of fish and anglers was conducted on the lower Snake River reservoirs, Washington during 1979 and 1980. Intensive sampling was conducted on Little Goose Reservoir with less effort on the remaining three reservoirs. Angler use was estimated to be about 46,000 hours in 1979 and 80,000 hours in 1980 in Little Goose Reservoir. Angler use was similar for Lower Granite, Little Goose, and Ice Harbor while Lower Monumental received lower use. Yield to the angler in Little Goose Reservoir was estimated to range from 1.5 to 2.7 kg/ha. Thirty-one species representing nine families and consisting of over 52,000 age I and older fish were collected. Information on mortality, movements, spawning, and food habits was generated on selected game and forage fishes. Larval and young-of-year fishes were sampled and habitat use and relative abundance approximated that of the adult fish. Limnological characteristics of the reservoirs were evaluated. The occurrence of water temperatures that exceeded 22 C and dissolved oxygen levels below 4 mg/1 suggested that these reservoirs should be managed for warm and cool water resident fishes and not resident salmonid fishes. (Author)