s

MONTANA STATE LIBRARY

S 333-952 F2an 1 98 1 c. 1 Oswald
Aquatic resources inventory ol Itie Mt. H

3 0864 00050599 3

AQUATIC RESOURCES INVENTORY
OF THE MT. HAGGIN AREA

Richard A. Oswald

D!

c

EASE \\Li URN

STATE DOCUMENTS COLLECTfON

''EB -41985

'WONTANA STATE V.ZRA^y

'5)5E. 6th AV,-:
HELENA, MONrA.'.M 59620

V4

i>

Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks
Project Number 3323

Region Three
Bozeman, Montana
1981

^JUN 7 1995

"1

H.

*■'

M

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Able assistance in the collection of field data was provided by
Tom Greason, George Liknes, Fran Fitzgerald and Mike Vaughn. Fred
Nelson and Bob McFarland provided the computer analyses of the wetted
perimeter data. The wetted perimeter-discharge figures were prepared
by Wayne Black. The manuscript was typed by Jan Hughes.

- 1 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

List of Tables v

List of Figures viii

Abstract ix

Introduction 1

Water Quality Inventory 2

Introduction 2

Methods 2

Results 2

Discussion 10

Stream Typology 10

Patterns of Concentration 11

Metals 12

Sediments 13

Fisheries Inventory 15

Methods 15

Results 16

Species Composition 16

Fish Populations 16

Condition 20

Age Structure 21

Discussion 22

Populations 24

Fish Size 24

Condition and Weight 25

Age Structure 26

Recreational Fishing 26

Instream Flow Recommendations 28

Introduction 28

Recreational Use 28

Past Commercial Use 29

m -

Table of Contents Cont.

Present Commercial Use 29

Methods 30

American Creek 32

California Creek 36

Oregon Creek 40

Sevenmile Creek 43

Seymour Creek 47

Sixmile Creek 51

Slaughterhouse Creek 55

Sullivan Creek 58

Tenmile Creek 61

Twelvemile Creek 65

Willow Creek 69

Environmental Concerns 73

Management Suggestions 74

Appendix 77

IV

LIST OF TABLES

Table Page

1 Average concentrations of selected chemical and physical
parameters measured in Mt. Haggin streams at high, intermediate

and low flows 4

2 Arsenic concentrations (ug/1) measured at high and low flows

in Mount Haggin streams 8

3 Concentrations of selected heavy metals measured at low flow

in Mount Haggin streams with past mining histories 10

4 Distribution of fish species among streams on the Mount

Haggin area in 1980 17

5 Estimated standing crops of trout in 1 ,000 ft study sections
of Mount Haggin streams (P denotes presence in numbers too low

to make a reliable estimate) 18

6 Estimated numbers and percentages of catchable fish (6 inches
and larger) within the brook trout populations of Mount

Haggin stream study sections 19

7 Mean condition factors for estimated populations of trout
five inches long and larger collected in the Mount Haggin

stream study sections 20

8 Estimated numbers and percentages (in parentheses) of brook
trout within different age groups of populations surveyed in

1,000 ft study sections on Mount Haggin streams 21

9 Mean brook trout length (inches) at different age groups from

1,000 ft study sections on Mount Haggin streams 22

10 Summary of electrofishing survey data for a 1,000 ft section
of American Creek (T3N, RllW, Sec 30C) on August 7 and

August 19, 1980 33

11 Estimated standing crops of brook and rainbow trout in a
1,000 ft section of American Creek (T3N, RllW, Sec 30C) on
August 7, 1980. Eighty percent confidence intervals are in
parentheses 33

12 Summary of electrofishing survey data for a 1,000 ft section
of California Creek (T2N, R12W, Sec. IB) on August 4 and

August 18, 1980 37

List of Tables Continued.

13 Estimated standing crops of brook and rainbow trout in a
1,000 ft section of California Creek (T2N, R12W, Sec IB)

on August 4, 1980. Eighty percent confidence intervals are

in parentheses 37

14 Summary of electrof ishing survey data for a 1,000 ft section
of Oregon Creek (T3N, RllW, Sec 20C) on August 5 and

August 14, 1980 40

15 Estimated standing crop of brook trout in a 1,000 ft section
of Oregon Creek (T3N, RllW, Sec 20C) on August 5, 1980.

Eighty percent confidence intervals are in parentheses 41

16 Summary of electrof ishing survey data for a 1,000 ft section
of Sevenmile Creek (T3N, R12W, Sec 34 A) on August 12 and

August 21, 1980 44

17 Estimated standing crop of brook trout in a 1,000 ft section
of Sevenmile Creek (T3N, R12W, Sec 34 A) on August 12, 1980.
Eighty percent confidence intervals are in parentheses 44

18 Summary of electrofishing survey data for a 1,000 ft section
of Seymour Creek (T2N, R13W, Sec 13D) on August 11 and

August 25, 1980 48

19 Estimated standing crop of brook trout in a 1,000 ft section
of Seymour Creek (T2N, R13W, Sec 13D) on August 11, 1980.

Eighty percent confidence intervals are in parentheses 48

20 Summary of electrofishing survey data for a 1,000 ft section
of Sixmile Creek (T3N, R12W, Sec 25A) on August 7 and

August 26, 1980 52

21 Estimated standing crops of brook and rainbow trout in a
1,000 ft section of Sixmile Creek (T3N, R12W, Sec 25A) on
August 7, 1980. Eighty percent confidence intervals are in
parentheses 52

22 Summary of electrofishing survey data for a 1,000 ft section
of Slaughterhouse Creek (T3N, R12W, Sec 34C) on August 13 and
August 21, 1980 56

23 Estimated standing crop of brook trout in a 1,000 ft section
of Slaughterhouse Creek (T3N, R12W, Sec 34C) on August 13,

1980. Eighty percent confidence intervals are in parentheses. . 56

24 Summary of electrofishing survey data for a 1,000 ft section
of Sullivan Creek (T2N, R12W, Sec 32A) on August 6 and

August 20, 1980 58

- vi -

List of Tables Continued.

25 Estimated standing crop of brook trout in a 1,000 ft section
of Sullivan Creek (T2N, R12W, Sec 32A) on August 6, 1980.

Eighty percent confidence intervals are in parentheses 59

26 Summary of electrofishing survey data for a 1,000 ft section
of Tenmile Creek (T3N, R12W, Sec 34B) on August 12 and

August 21, 1980 62

27 Estimated standing crop of brook trout in a 1,000 ft section
of Tenmile Creek (T3N, R12W, Sec 34B) on August 12, 1980.

Eighty percent confidence intervals are in parentheses 62

28 Summary of electrofishing survey data for a 1,000 ft section
of Twelvemile Creek (T2N, R12W, Sec 4A) on August 6 and

August 20, 1980 66

29 Estimated standing crop of brook trout in a 1,000 ft section
of Twelvemile Creek (T2N, R12W, Sec 4A) on August 6, 1980.

Eighty percent confidence intervals are in parentheses 66

30 Summary of electrofishing survey data for a 1,000 ft section
of Willow Creek (T4N, RlOW, Sec 31B) on August 5 and August

19, 1980 70

31 Estimated standing crops of brook and cutthroat trout in a
1,000 ft section of Willow Creek (T4N, RlOW, Sec 31B) on
August 5, 1980. Eighty percent confidence intervals are in
parentheses 70

Appendix

1 Concentrations of selected chemical and physical parameters
measured in Mount Haggin streams at high, intermediate and

low flows 78

2 Summaries of electrofishing surveys for 1,000 ft sections

of Mount Haggin streams 83

3 Estimated standing crops of trout in 1,000 ft study sections
of Mount Haggin area streams. Eighty percent confidence
intervals are in parentheses 86

- vn -

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page

1 Map of the Mount Haggin study area depicting the sample
stations (black dots) 5

2 Average concentrations of dissolved arsenic (ug/1) in
Mount Haggin streams relative to the location of the

Anaconda Smelter 9

3 The relationship between wetted perimeter and flow for

a composite of four riffle cross-sections in American Creek. . 35

4 The relationship between wetted perimeter and flow for

a composite of three riffle cross-sections in California

Creek 39

5 The relationship between wetted perimeter and flow for

a composite of two riffle cross-sections in Oregon Creek ... 42

6 The relationsip between wetted perimeter and flow for

a composite of three run cross-sections in Sevenmile Creek . . 46

7 The relationship between wetted perimeter and flow for

a composite of three riffle cross-sections in Seymour Creek. . 50

8 The relationship between wetted perimeter and flow for

a composite of four riffle cross-sections in Sixmile Creek . . 54

9 The relationship between wetted perimeter and flow for

a composite of three riffle cross-sections in Slaughterhouse
Creek 57

10 The relationship between wetted perimeter and flow for

a composite of two riffle cross-sections in Sullivan Creek . . 60

11 The relationship between wetted perimeter and flow for

a composite of three riffle cross-sections in Tenmile Creek. . 64

12 The relationship between wetted perimeter and flow for
a composite of two riffle cross-sections in Twelvemile

Creek 68

13 The relationship between wetted perimeter and flow for

a composite of two riffle cross-sections in Willow Creek ... 72

VI 1 1

ABSTRACT

An inventory of the aquatic resources of the Mount Haggin Wildlife
Management Area was conducted during the summer of 1980. The inventory
consisted of 1) a water quality study, 2) a fisheries survey and, 3) a
water availability and instream flow recommendation study. Work was con-
centrated on 13 major streams.

The Mount Haggin streams generally exhibited good water quality and
were classified into two basic types on the basis of chemical enrichment
and stream origin. Some potential water quality problems were identified
and included sediment, mercury, lead and arsenic.

The studied streams were found to contain high populations of "pan-
sized" trout. Estimated populations in stream study sections ranged from
160 to 740 trout per 1,000 feet. Catchable sized fish comprised 9 to 63%
of the populations. Brook trout were the most numerous and widely distributed
gamefish at Mount Haggin. Other gamefish collected included rainbow trout,
cutthroat trout, rainbow X cutthroat hybrid trout, mountain whitefish and
burbot. Non-game species present included mottled sculpin, longnose sucker
and longnose dace.

The wetted perimeter method of determining instream flows was applied
to eleven Mount Haggin streams. A minimum flow recommendation for the pre-
servation of fish and wildlife habitat was made for each stream for the low
flow period. Minimum flow recommendations were made for two other Mount
Haggin streams under a different project.

IX

INTRODUCTION

In 1976, the Montana Departiient of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MDFWP)
acquired the Mount Haggin Wildlife Management Area through the Nature Con-
servancy. The 55,000 acre tract had been owned by the Mount Haggin Live-
stock Company and was primarily used for the grazing of livestock. The
area, which lies about ten miles southeast of Anaconda, has historically
been an important hunting and fishing resource for local residents. Access
to the Mount Haggin Area is provided by Montana Highway 274 which roughly
bisects the property from north to south.

The Mount Haggin area is situated on the eastern flanks of the Anaconda-
Pintlar range and is partitioned into east and west slope drainages by the
Continental Divide. The area is characterized by a variety of topographical
features and habitat types encompassing an elevational range of approximately
9,000 to 5,500 feet. Coniferous forests of lodgepole pine and douglas fir
dominate the upper slopes and ridges while whitebark pine, alpine fir,
spruce and aspen contribute to a lesser extent to the forest habitat. The
lower foothills are primarily grasslands dissected by numerous streams
and willow bottom riparian zones.

Mount Haggin was acquired by the MDFWP for the management of dispersed
outdoor recreation. Anticipated activities include backpacking, hiking,
hunting, fishing, ski touring and snowmobil ing. The management of these
activities is to be consistent with the area's ability to support such use
and with a policy of returning the lands to a natural environment. A grazing
lease with the Mount Haggin Livestock Company and a timber sale contract with
the Louisiana Pacific Corporation were included under the purchase agreement.
These contracts are in effect at the present time.

The Mount Haggin interim management plan of the MDFWP calls for a
resource inventory of the area. Inventories of archeological , (Smith, 1979)
historical, (Newell, 1980) and wildlife (Erickson, 1979 and Frisina, 1980)
resources have been completed. This report will address aspects of the
Mount Haggin fisheries resource including: 1) a waterquality inventory, 2)
a fish populations survey, and 3) a water use and flow reservation study.
This phase of the fisheries resource inventory is consistent with the Mount
Haggin interim management plan for the 1980 field season.

1 -

WATER QUALITY

Mater Quality Inventory

Introduction

A water quality inventory was initiated to characterize the current
status of streams on the Mount Haggin F^anagenient area. The measurement of
physical and chemical parameters will also provide a baseline to monitor
current land uses such as cattle grazing, timber harvest and future land
use changes.

Methods

Water samples were collected at high (June 10-17, 1980), intermediate
(July 8-10, 1980) and low flows (August 26 - September 2, 1980) at stations
on 13 Mount Haggin streams (Figure 1). Samples were collected by immersing
a DH-48 depth integrated sampler at approximately one foot intervals
throughout a stream cross section. A sample collection consisted of: 500 ml
untreated, 250 ml filtered, 500 ml filtered and acidified, 500 ml acidified,
250 ml treated with ]7o Hg Cl^, and 250 ml for sediment analysis from each
stream on each sample date. Chemical samples that were not acid preserved were
kept on ice in the field and refrigerated as soon as possible. After collection,
the samples were delivered to the Analytical Division of the Montana Bureau of
Mines and Geology in Butte for analysis by standard methods. .

Chemical parameters selected for analysis included: specific conductance,
alkalinity, hardness, pH, total sediment, major anions and cations and nitrate.
Also included in the analysis were determinations of dissolved arsenic at high
and low flows and heavy metals analyses at low flow on streams that had a past
mining history. Streams from which chemical samples were collected include:
Seymour, Sullivan, Twelvemile, Slaughterhouse, Tenmile, Sevenmile, Deep, Six-
mile, Oregon, Ajiierican, California, French and Willow Creeks.

Results

Selected chemical and physical parameters for Mount Haggin streams are
presented in Table 1 and Appendix Table 1. The data indicate that Mount
Haggin streams exhibit low to intermediate specific conductances and
alkalinities and nearly neutral to slightly basic pH values. Streams that
originate at high elevation along the north-south spine of the Anaconda-
Pintlars, (e.g. Seymour, Sullivan, Twelvemile and Tenmile Creeks), exhibited
very low specific conductances (x = 35.7 to 64.0 umhos /cm), while streams
originating at lower elevation, (e.g. Sevenmile, Slaughterhouse, Sixmile and
Willow Creeks) showed intermediate conductance values (x = 96.0 to 235.9 umhos/
cm). Total alkalinities followed this same trend of stream origin. The
alkalinity of all Mount Haggin streams was bicarbonate in nature with the
exception of the intermediate flow of Sevenmile Creek which contained some
carbonate alkalinity. Specific conductance, alkalinity and pH all increased
with decreasing flow in the Mount Haggin streams.

2 -

Figure 1 .

Map of the Mt. Maggm
study area depicting
the sample stations
(black dots).

Table 1. Average concentrations* of selected chemical and physical parameters
measured in Mt. Haggin streams at high, intermediate and low flows.

Seymour

Sullivan

Twelvemile

Slaughterhouse

Tenmile

Creek

Creek

Creek

Creek

Creek

Conductance

55.5

64.0

35.7

171.9

41.0

Alkalinity

23.24

21.95

12.47

82.37

15,80

Hardness

24.81

28.42

14.06

85.38

17.37

pH

7.34

7.18

6.94

7.69

7.02

Sediment

16.3

8.4

2.0

3.6

4.5

Ca

8.1

7.9

4.4

23.7

5.2

Mg

1.1

2.1

0.8

6.4

1.1

Na

1.8

1.8

2.0

3.6

2.1

K

0.9

0.6

0.5

0.8

<0.04

Fe

0.07

0.39

0.18

0.19

0.11

Mn

<0.01

0.02

0.02

<0.01

<0.01

SiO^

11.0

10.9

11.4

18.1

10.0

HCO^

28.3

26.8

15.2

100.4

19.3

CO3

-

-

-

-

-

SO4

4.2

7.3

3.5

6.8

4.2

CI

0.4

0.6

0.6

0.5

0.5

NO3

0.23

0.12

0.11

0.85

0.03

F

0.27

0.30

0.26

0.13

0.23

Total Fe

0.10

0.60

0.27

0.30

0.16

Total fin

<0.01

0.03

0.02

0.05

0.01

*Concentrationsin mgl/1 except conductance (umhos/cm)

- 4

Table 1. continued.

Sevenmi le

Deep

Sixmile

Oregon

American

Creek

Creek

Creek

Creek

Creek

Conductance

235.9

73.0

204.0

96.0

117.0

AlkaV

i n i ty

131.93

30.37

91.91

35.46

52.85

Hardness

136.61

33.22

99.24

37.84

56.86

PH

8.11

7.33

8.00

7.39

7.66

Sediment

6.1

8.5

7.8

12.7

2.9

Ca

39.4

9.6

32.6

11.2

15.3

llg

5.5

2.3

4.3

2.4

4.5

Na

2.6

2.2

2.0

5.2

1.7

K

0.8

0.7

0.8

1.3

1.4

Fe

0.16

0.27

0.11

0.15

0.10

Mn

0.01

0.02

0.01

0.02

0.01

SiO„

C

15.2

12.0

12.2

18.9

12.4

HCO^

159.2

37.0

112.1

43.2

54.4

CO3

0.3

-

-

-

-

SO4

7.0

4.8

9.3

10.9

6.0

CI

0.5

0.4

0.7

0.5

0.4

NO3

0.78

0.20

0.14

0.08

0.04

F

0.25

0.27

0.21

0.18

0.11

Total

Fe

0.36

0.39

0.18

0.25

0.17

Total

Mn

0.03

0.02

0.02

0.02

<0.01

Table 1. Continued.

Condui

ctance

Alkal

inity

Hardness

PH

Sediment

Ca

Mg

Na

K

Fe

Mn

SiO^

HCO3

CO3

SO4

CI

NO3

F

Total

Fe

Total

Mn

California
Creek

145.1
61.54
65.39
7.71
82.8
18.9
4.4
3.3
2.0
0.16
<0.01
15.5
75.0

9.6

0.5

0.11

0.20

2.33

0.12

*Concentrations in mg/1 except conductance (umhos/cm]

French

Willow

Creek

Creek

136.3

142.7

53.37

45.25

56.68

51.20

7.69

7.49

37.4

5.6

16.4

16.8

3.8

2.3

3.5

7.4

1.4

1.5

0.12

0.12

<0.01

0.02

17.8

25.8

65.1

55.2

9.8

19.9

0.5

0.9

0.22

0.05

0.14

0.14

0.76

0.26

0.03

0.03

The Mount Haggin waters are primarily soft water streams. Slaughter-
house, Sevenmile and Sixmile Creeks are exceptions and exhibited hard water
in the moderate range. Calculation of Ryznar stability and Langelier
Saturation Indeces indicate that most Mount Haggin waters are corrosive,
rather than scale-forming, in nature. Water hardness increased with
decreasing discharge.

The Mount Haggin streams are calcium-magnesium-bicarbonate or calcium-
sodium-bicarbonate waters. Concentration of component anions and cations
were extremely low in the streams that originated at high elevations. The
major dissolved component following bicarbonate in the streams was silica.
Ionic concentrations achieved much higher levels in the streams that originated
at lower elevation.

Concentration of individual cations increased as discharge decreased on
all Mount Haggin streams. This same trend was observed during a study of the
Big Hole River (Bahls, 1978). The dominant cation in all streams was calcium
(x = 4.4 to 39.4 mg/1) followed by magnesium or sodium.

With the exception of the bicarbonate ion, concentration of anions did
not increase as discharge decreased. Sulphate, chloride and fluoride ions
generally decreased in concentration as the flow decreased. In some cases,
a slight increase in concentration was noted between the intermediate and
low flows; however, the highest concentrations of these ions were found at
the high flow sample. Still another pattern was observed in concentration
of nitrate. Nitrates generally reached maximum concentration at the inter-
mediate flow sample and minimum concentration at low flow. Bicarbonate was
the dominant anion in all of the studied streams followed by sulphate.

Total sediment levels were extremely low in most cases in Mount
Haggin streams. Heavy concentrations of sediment were measured in Cali-
fornia Creek (235.8 mg/1) and French Creek (98.3 mg/1) at the intermediate
flow following a rainstorm. High concentrations of total recoverable iron
also accompanied these sediment increases. Similar concentrations were
not measured in other Mount Haggin streams.

Arsenic concentrations were measured at high and low flow in all of
the studied streams (Table 2). Concentrations of arsenic generally increased
as stream origin moved from the southwest to the northeast and with the
proximity of the stream headwaters to the Anaconda Smelter (Figure 2).
Mean arsenic concentration ranged from 1.1 ug/1 in Seymour Creek to 33.4
ug/1 in Willow Creek. Concentration increased between the high and low
flows in all studied streams except Oregon Creek.

Table 2. Arsenic concentrations (ug/1) measured at high and low flows in
Mount Haggin streams.

High Fl

ow

Low Flow

Average

Seymour Creek

0.8

1.3

1.1

Sullivan Creek

1.5

2.2

1.9

Twelvemile Creek

1.7

2.6

2.2

Slaughterhouse Creek

5.2

5.4

5.3

Tenmile Creek

1.9

2.9

2.4

Sevenmile Creek

6.7

8.3

7.5

Deep Creek

3.3

4.7

4.0

Sixmile Creek

7.0

7.3

7.2

Oregon Creek

29.5

20.3

24.9

American Creek

7.6

10.7

9.2

California Creek

17.0

20.5

18.8

French Creek

14.3

18.4

16.4

*French Creek II

-

20.3

-

Willow Creek

26.1

40.6

33.4

*Sample collected

above

the mouth of

California

Creek in French

Gulch at low

flow.

A heavy metals analysis was performed on the low flow samples from
three flount Haggin streams because of their past mining histories (Table 3).
Dissolved copper, mercury, lead and zinc were measured in Oregon, California
and two stations on French Creek. Metal concentrations were generally low
with the exception of lead in Oregon Creek (.08 mg/1 ) and mercury in
California Creek (.04 ug/1).

_.\>:jo&o-

a

ANACONDA
SMELTER

Figure 2.

Average concentrati^^
of dissolved arseni^P
(ug/1 ) in Mt. Haq(|in
streams relative to
the location of the
Anaconda Smel ter.

Table 3. Concentrations of selected heavy metals measured at low flow in
riotint Haggin streams with past mining histories.

Oregon Creek California Creek French Creek

*

Cu <.01 <.01 .01

Hg <.03 .04 <.03

Pb .08 <.04 <.04

Zn <.01 <.01 <.01

*Hg concentrations in ug/1, others in mg/1.

Discussion

The chemical composition of the water of small streams is a product
of precipitation, surface runoff, geology of drainage basins and complex
chemical interactions within the stream itself (Reid and Wood, 1976). Human
activities on or near streams often introduce other variables into the
final determination of water chemistry while human demands on streams as
consumptive and recreational resources require specific water quality criteria,

Water quality in Mount Haggin streams was generally found to be good to
excellent. Some areas of concern were detected and these will be discussed
later.

a) Stream Typology

Two distinct water quality patterns are identifiable in the Mount
Haggin streams. The streams that originate at high elevations along the
north-south spine of the Anaconda-Pintlars are marked by \/ery low amounts
of dissolved chemical constituents and excellent water quality. This pattern
of chemical sterility is consistent with other streams in the upper Big Hole
drainage (USPS, unpublished data). This group of streams includes Seymour,
Sullivan, Twelvemile, Tenmile and Deep Creeks. Deep Creek was included in
this group because its chemistry is reflective of the high altitude streams
which are its major tributaries. These streams are characterized by low
concentrations of dissolved solids, soft water and high percent contributions
of silica. This pattern is typical of high elevation streams which drain
youthful mountain ranges (Reid and Wood, 1976).

The relative lack of chemical enrichment in these high elevation
streams is due to a predominance of Belt rocks in the headwater areas (USPS,
unpublished data). The Belt rocks are composed of very old metasediments
which are extremely resistent to chemical and mechanical weathering.

- 10 -

Total alkalinity levels were often near or below the recommended minimum
of 20 mg/1 (USEPA, 1976). In cases where natural concentrations are less
than 20 mg/1, it is recommended that they should not be reduced.

The Mount Haggin streams that originate at lower elevations along the
eastern foothills of the Anaconda-Pintlars are marked by intermediate to high
levels of dissolved chemical constituents and good water quality. This
stream type includes Slaughterhouse, Sevenmile, Sixmile, Oregon, American,
California, French and Willow Creeks. Specific conductance and total alkalinity
were much higher than in the high elevation streams. Silica composed a
relatively low percentage of the dissolved solids and was dominated by calcium
in most cases. This elevation in dissolved solids and decrease in the
importance of silica is typical of valley or lowland streams in youthful
mountain ranges (Reid and Wood, 1976).

The higher chemical enrichment of these lower elevation streams can be
traced to a mixture of geologic formations. The lower drainages are pre-
dominated by glacial outwash which contains a mixture of rock types (USPS
unpublished data). Glacial outwash weathers easily and can produce large
amounts of dissolved solids into streams. Tertiary volcanics. Cretaceous
intrusives and Paleozoic sediments are also present and can contribute to
the chemical composition of these streams.

b) Patterns of Concentration

Concentrations of dissolved solids in natural waters generally tend
to increase with decreasing discharge (Hynes, 1970). The major cations,
bicarbonate, silica, specific conductance, alkalinity, hardness and pH
all followed this pattern at Mount Haggin. This is indicative of relatively
constant ground water sources for these components which concentrate with
the decreasing dilution factor.

Sulphate, chloride and fluoride ions did not concentrate as flow decreased
in Mount Haggin streams. These anions reached maximum levels at the high flow
and generally tended to decrease in concentration with decreasing discharge.
This is indicative of more diffuse sources for these ions which could include
decomposition of organic materials, precipitation and sorbed surface particles
(Hynes 1970, Ruttner 1963). Surface runoff, rather than groundwater is the
probable major source of these components in the Mount Haggin streams.
Sulphate and chloride were found to increase with decreasing flow in the Big
Hole River (Bahls, 1978).

Nitrate concentrations exhibited still another pattern of concentration
in the Mount Haggin streams. The highest concentrations of nitrate were
measured at intermediate flow while trace concentrations were found at the
low flow sample in most cases. Nitrate usually becomes available to streams
via precipitation and decomposition of organic debris (Hynes 1970, Reid and
Wood, 1976); The major source, then, is runoff. Nitrates generally reach
maximum concentrations during the spring runoff and decrease rapidly as they
are taken up by plants as discharge decreases (Reid and Wood, 1976). Bahls
(1978) observed maximum nitrate concentrations in June and the lowest
concentrations in early July in the Big Hole River. He believed that nitrogen
became the limiting factor for priniary production after July. The deviation
of the Mount Haggin streams from this pattern may be due to several causes.

- n -

The elevation of the Mount Haggin streams may cause a lag in the development
of periphyton communities which would take up nitrates. Secondly, the
presence of numerous beaver ponds may act as a system of nitrate storage
reservoirs which are capable of collecting and delaying the release of runoff
nitrates and organic source materials. Finally, the intermediate flow
period may have been marked by the presence of communities of nitrogen
fixing blue-green algae. Extremely high nitrate concentrations in Slaughter-
house and Sevenmile Creeks were accompanied by large skeins of filamentous
algae.

c) Metals

Although the data indicate good to excellent water quality in the Mount
Haggin streams, some areas of concern were noted. Relatively high arsenic
levels were measured in Oregon, California, French and Willow Creeks. Arsenic
distribution patterns (Figure 2) indicated that the arsenic concentrations
may be due to precipitates from the Anaconda Smelter, or, in the case of
French Creek, past mining activities. Arsenic is concentrated by aquatic
organisms, however, the concentration is not progressive through the food
chain. Toxicity of arsenic varies with the valence of the ions with the
trivalent arsenicals being more toxic than the pentavalent. Arsenic concentra-
tions in Mount Haggin streams were well below any known values capable of
harming aquatic life; however, arsenic has been found to have a greater toxic
effect on mammals than on aquatic organisms (USEPA, 1976). A low flow
concentration of 40.6 ug/1 in Willow Creek approaches the EPA criterion of
50 ug/1 for drinking water. While present arsenic levels in the Mount Haggin
streams are not at known toxic concentrations, they should be monitored to
prevent future damage to fish and wildlife.

A heavy metals analysis was performed on the low flow samples from
Oregon, California and French Creeks because of their past mining histories.
Concentrations of dissolved copper, mercury, lead and zinc were low or below
minimum detection levels in most cases. Exceptions were noted for lead in
Oregon Creek and mercury in California Creek. A low flow concentration of
.08 mg/1 of lead was observed in Oregon Creek. This concentration exceeds
both the mean natural range of lead in rivers and streams (1-10 ug/1) and
the domestic water supply standard (50 ug/1) recommended by the EPA. Two
to three month exposures of brook and rainbow trout to .1 mg/1 lead in soft
water (20-45 mg/1 CaCO^) resulted in detrimental effects on the fish (USEPA,
1976). The solubility and hence, the toxicity potential of lead increase
markedly with water softness; therefore, conditions in Oregon Creek may be
near to a point at which damage could occur to the trout population. It is
not known whether the lead concentrations in Oregon Creek originate from
natural sources, from air-born precipitates, or from past mining operations
on the stream. Lead concentrations downstream in California Creek did not
indicate any detrimental effects contributed from Oregon Creek.

The mercury concentration in California Creek was observed to be .04
ug/1 at low flow. This amount falls within concentrations measured in
U.S. rivers from 31 states where no known mercury deposits occurred (<.l ug/1);
however, it approaches the maximum standard of .05 ug/1 recommended for the
protection of aquatic life by the EPA (USEPA, 1976). Mercury can be

- 12 -

progressively concentrated through the food chain and is most toxic in its
methylated form. Certain micro-organisms have the ability to methylate
mercury in the natural environment, therefore, it is recommended that total
mercury levels rather than one particular form be the basis for a mercury
criterion. It has been observed that over a period of 20-48 weeks, several
species of fish had the ability to accummulate more than .5 ug/g of mercury
in tissues from aquatic concentrations of methyl mercury as low as
.018 to .030 ug/1 (USEPA, 1976). Mercury concentrations in California Creek
may represent a potential threat to fish populations if methylatinq conditions
are present. It is not known whether the mercury is present from natural or
man-caused sources such as mining activity.

Concentrations of copper and zinc in Oregon, California and French Creeks
were found to be at very low or trace levels. In general, dissolved heavy
metal concentrations in the three streams do not appear to pose an immediate
threat to fish populations. No sediment chemistry analyses were performed on
the Mount Haggin streams. It has been found that sediments in a heavily mined
area of Grasshopper Creek, Montana contained very high levels of heavy metals
while water samples showed low levels of the dissolved forms of the same
constituents (Peterson, 1979). This reach of Grasshopper Creek was observed
to support depressed populations of trout and aquatic invertebrates. It is
possible that the sediments of Oregon, California and French Creeks contain
elevated levels of heavy metals and may represent a further threat to fish
populations. Another ramification of heavy metals concentrations exists
because of the soft water of the Mount Haggin streams. Some metals, especially
copper and lead, become more soluable and more toxic in soft water. For this
reason, heavy metals must be regarded as a potential threat to fisheries in
some Mount Haggin streams.

d) Sediments

Most of the Mount Haggin streams were found to carry very small loads
of suspended sediment despite the occurrance of intensive logging activity
in the surrounding areas. This may be due to the presence of numerous beaver
ponds which act as sediment traps. High levels of a milky gray sediment were
measured in California and French Creeks on the day after a rain shower during
the intermediate flow period. Much lower amounts of the sediment were observed
in Willow Creek two days after the rain. The sediment originates on the slopes
near Sugarloaf Mountain which hold tributaries of California and Willow Creeks.
California Creek is the main tributary of French Creek. These slopes are
poorly vegetated and exhibit large areas of eroded gray soils. The area has
had a past history of heavy logging, grazing, fires and damage to vegetation
from arsenic and sulphide precipitates from the Anaconda Smelter. These
factors have combined to produce the poorly vegetated erodable slopes in the
area.

Numerous studies have shown that sediments can be extremely detrimental
to the aquatic ecosystem. Some major effects of sedimentation are loss of
spawning gravels or actual smothering of fish eggs and loss of benthic food
organism via the filling of gravel interstices. Sediment levels as low as
80 mg/1 have been found to decrease standing crops of macroinvertebrates by
60 percent both in areas where the sediment was suspended and where it had

- 13 -

settled out. Sediment levels measured in California and French Creek have
the potential to harm the habitat of these streams especially under circum-
stances of frequent or prolonged precipitation near Sugarloaf Mountain.

A secondary result of the sediment loads produced into California and
French Creeks was an elevation in the amount of total recoverable iron.
Total iron concentration reached 6.5 mg/1 in California Creek and 1.7 mg/1
in French Creek. These values represent a 650 and 100 percent increase over
the highest level of total iron measured in any other sample. Levels of
dissolved iron, which can be toxic to aquatic organisms at low concentrations
(1.0 mg/1) did not increase appreciably at this time. This is due to the
low solubility of iron under the aerobic conditions found in streams.
Precipitated compounds of ferric (oxidized) iron, however, have been found
to be detrimental to fish populations both as suspended floes and settled
materials on stream bottoms (USEPA, 1976). Ferric hydroxide precipitates have
been found to coat fish gills, smother fish eggs and reduce communities of
benthic invertebrates and periphyton.

Sediment and iron loads produced into California and French Creeks
represent threats to the aquatic habitat potential. These streams supported
the lowest estimated trout populations among all of the streams that were
surveyed on the Mount Haggin area.

- 14

;*
%

FISHERIES

•

FISHERIES INVENTORY

A fisheries inventory was initiated to assess the current species
composition and fish populations of streams on the Mount Haggin area. This
information can be used to characterize the current status of the fishery
and provide a basis of comparison for the effects of future habitat improve-
ment or impairments and fisherman use.

Methods

Fish population estimates and species composition were determined in
1,000 foot study sections on each of twelve Mount Haggin streams including:
Seymour, Sullivan, Twelvemile, Slaughterhouse, Tenmile, Sevenmile, Deep,
Sixmile, Oregon, American, California and Willow Creeks (Figure 1).
Fisheries data from French Creek were collected in 1979 by Janet Decker-Hess
of the MDFWP and will be included in this report.

Fish populations were sampled by using a bank electrof ishing unit
consisting of a 110 volt Honda generator, a Fisher shocker box, a 500 foot
cord, a stationary negative electrode and a mobile positive electrode. D.C.
current was used to draw fish to the positive electrode where they were
netted.

Two sampling runs were made through each study section. During the
first run, captured fish were anesthetized, weighed, measured and marked
with a partial fin clip, usually on the anal fin. Scale samples were also
collected from each fish for age determination. After a time period of
approximately two weeks, a second electrof ishing run was made through each
study section. During the second run, lengths, weights and scale samples
were collected from each unmarked fish and lengths were measured on marked
fish.

Standing crop estimates of numbers of fish were calculated by using
a modification of the basic formula:

p - MC
^ R

where: P= estimated number of fish

M= number initially marked

C= total number of fish collected in recapture run

R= number of marked fish collected in recapture run

Computer analysis allows the calculation of standing crops by 1/2 inch
group, length group (size groups of similar recapture efficiency), age group
and weight and provides for statistical analysis of the data. Coefficients of
condition, mean weight by length group, mean length by age group and recapture
efficiencies are also provided by the computer program developed by the MDFWP.
Electrofishing and estimate methods used during the study are discussed by
Vincent (1971 and 1974).

15

Results

a) Species Composition

The Mount Haggin streams supported a relatively diverse composition of
fish species for high altitude streams (Table 4). The brook trout (Salvelinus
fjontinji^) was the dominant game fish and was present in all 13 streams that
were studied. Rainbow trout (Salmo gai rdneri ) were common and found in most
of the streams. Cutthroat trout (Salmo clarki ) and rainbow-cutthroat hybrid
composed the remainder of the trout species collected. Cutthroat trout collec-
tions were limited to Willow and Sixmile Creeks. Other game fish that were
present included mountain whitefish (Prosopium williamsoni) and burbot (Lota
lota). Non-game species collected included mottled sculpin (Cottus barrdfTT
longnose sucker (Catostomus catostomus) and longnose dace (Rhinichthys cataractae).

b) Fish Populations

The numerical composition of the fish population of each study section
is given by species and length range in Appendix Table 2. Sculpins and dace
were not counted, nor were any lengths or weights measured, and are merely
listed as present in each stream in which they were collected. Data presented
in this table clearly indicate that the brook trout is the dominant fish
species. Rainbow trout, while present in many of the streams, were captured
in low numbers. Cutthroat trout were present in low numbers in the Sixmile
Creek section and relatively high numbers in Willow Creek. Mountain whitefish,
burbot, longnose suckers and longnose dace were found to be most abundant in
larger streams such as Deep, French and California Creeks. Mottled sculpin
were common in all of the study sections.

Estimates of standing crop (numbers and biomass) were calculated for
brook, rainbow or cutthroat trout populations where sufficient numbers of
these species were captured to insure statistical reliability of the estimate.
Estimated standing crops of fish by length group are presented in Appendix
Table 3. Some of this data is summarized to include total estimates of
trout and individual trout species for each Mount Haggin stream study section
in Table 5. Trout populations ranged from a low of 160 per 1,000 feet in
California Creek to a high of 740 per 1,000 feet in Willow Creek.

16 -

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17

Table 5. Estimated standing crops of trout in 1,000 ft. study sections of
Mount Haggin streams (P denotes presence in numbers too low to make
a reliable estimate).

Brook

Trout

Rainbow

Trout

Number

Pounds

Number

Pounds

Seymour

519

41

-

-

Sul livan

602

29

-

-

Twelvemile

314

27

-

-

Slaughterhouse

182

19

P

-

Tenmile

353

31

P

-

Sevenmile

183

13

P

-

Deep

166

18

18

3

Sixmile

392

13

20

1

Oregon

265

24

P

-

American

160

12

8

1

Cal ifornia

130

16

30

3

French

P

-

P

-

Willow

677

37

-

-

Cutthroat Trout Total Trout
Number Pounds Number Pounds

519

41

602

29

314

27

182

19

353

31

183

13

184

21

412

14

265

24

168

13

160

19

63

740

45

*From MDFWP collection, Janet Deckpr-Hess, 197'^.

Trout numbers in French Creek were too low to make a reliable estimate.
Estimated rainbow trout populations were low and ranged from 8 per 1,000
feet in American Creek to 30 per 1,000 feet in California Creek while
populations of brook trout ranged from 130 per 1,000 feet in California Creek
to 677 per 1,000 feet in Willow Creek. The Willow Creek section supported
the only estimated cutthroat trout population at 63 per 1,000 feet.

bbLiiiidLes ul LrouL bioiiidss i ctnyed between IJ lbi,/l,uOO IL iii bt-veiiiiiilt
and American Creeks and 45 lbs/1,000 ft in Willow Creek. Brook trout
standing crops varied between 13 lbs/1,000 ft in Sevenmile and Sixmile
Creeks and 41 lbs/ 1,000 ft in Seymour Creek. Brook trout biomass accounted
for the vast majority of the standing crop in each study section.

Estimates given in Appendix Table 3 were calculated on the basis of
length groups. The length groups are arrived at by lumping 1/2 inch groups
with similar recapture efficiencies. Another way to look at the size
distribution of the brook trout population is in terms of the numbers
and percent contribution of catchable fish (6 inches and larger) within
the population (Table 6). Numbers of catchable fish ranged between lows
of 37 and 38 per 1,000 ft in Sixmile and American Creeks to a high of 173 per
1,000 ft in Seymour Creek and averaged 88 per 1,000 ft per stream. Percent
contribution of catchable fish to total brook trout populations varied
between 9 percent in Sixmile Creek and 63 percent in Deep Creek and
averaged 32 percent for all of the study sections. The number of catchable
cutthroat trout was estimated at 48 fish/1,000 ft and comprised 76 percent
of the population in Willow Creek. Estimated numbers of catchable rainbow
trout comprised 47 to 100 percent of the populations in American, California
and Deep Creeks and only 15 percent of the population in Sixmile Creek.

Table 6. Estimated numbers and percentages of catchable fish (6 inches and
larger) within the brook trout populations of Mount Haggin stream
study sections.

Percentage of
Number* Total Population

Seymour Creek
Sullivan Creek
Twelvemile Creek
Slaughterhouse Creek
Teninile Creek
Sevenmile Creek
Deep Crppk
bixmi I p Creek
Oregon Creek
American Creek
California Creek
Willow Creek

''Number per 1 ,000 ft.

173

33

70

12

109

35

77

42

114

32

55

30

104

63

37

9

101

38

38

24

71

55

106

16

19 -

c) Condi tion

Fish condition is derived as a ratio between fish weight and length.
It generally describes the "heft" or "fatness" of a fish at a given length
or length range. Condition factors can be used to compare fish populations
between streams and from different stations within the same stream. Mean
condition factors for brook trout five inches long and larger are given in
Table 7 for the Mount Haggin stream study sections. Brook trout condition
ranged between a low of 37.89 in Deep Creek to a high of 43.04 in Tenmile
Creek. The average condition factor for all Mount Haggin streams sampled
in 1980 was 41.01. Rainbow trout conditions varied between 37.48 in
American Creek and 46.56 in Sixmile Creek and averaged 41.38. Condition
factors for cutthroat trout from Willow Creek averaged 38.55.

Table 7. Mean condition factors for estimated populations of trout five

inches long and larger collected in the Mount Haggin stream study
sections.

Cutthroat Trout
Condition Factor

Stream

Brook Trout
Condition Factor

Rainbow Trout
Condition Factor

Seymour

40.71

-

Sullivan

41.08

-

Twel vemile

40.09

-

Slaughterhouse

41.86

-

Tenmile

43.04

-

Sevenmile

40.66

-

Deep

37.89

40.76

Sixmile

42.50

46.56

Oregon

42.53

-

American

39.09

37.48

Cal ifornia

42.98

40.71

^French

39.15

37.68

Willow

39.71

-

«

38.55

*MDFWP data collected by J. Decker-Hess 1979.

20

d ) Age Structure

Trout population age structure was determined through the examination

of scale samples collected from fish by 1/2 inch intervals. Estimates of

the numbers of brook trout within different age groups are presented in
Table 8.

Table 8. Estimated numbers* and percentages* (in parentheses) of brook trout
within different age groups of populations surveyed in 1,000 ft
study sections on Mount Haggin streams.

Age Group

Stream 0 I II III IV+

Seymour Creek - 228(44) 128(25) 145(28) 19(4)

Sullivan Creek - 304(50) 161(27) 124(21) 14(2)

Twelvemile Creek

Slaughterhouse Creek

Tenmile Creek

Sevenmile Creek

Deep Creek

Sixmile Creek 259(56)

Oregon Creek

American Creek

California Creek

Wi 1 low Creek

*Rounded to the nearest whole number.

As would be expected in most populations, the greatest numbers of fish were
found in the lower age groups (I and II) for most Mount Haggin streams. The
only estimate of age 0 fish was made on Sixmile Creek where they comprised
66 percent of the populations. Age III and IV or older fish represented 25
percent or less of the brook trout population in all of the study sections
except Seymour, California and Deep Creeks. Because of the low population
numbers of rainbow trout in the studied streams, no estimates by age group
will be treated in this report. The age structure of the Willow Creek cut-
throat trout population was determined to be, 2 age I fish, 17 age II fish,
38 age III fish, and 6 age IV and older fish representing 3,27, 60, and 10
percent of the population, respectively.

21 -

127(40)

111(35)

52(17)

24(8)

88(48)

53(29)

36(20)

6(3)

141(40)

126(36)

67(19)

19(5)

93(51)

70(38)

15( 8)

4(2)

42(25)

84(50)

38(23)

3(2)

70(18)

28( 7)

30( 8)

5(1)

105(40)

99(37)

58(22)

3(1)

57(36)

67(42)

30(19)

6(4)

17(13)

58(45)

43(33)

12(9)

267(39)

363(54)

40( 6)

7(1)

The age data, when combined with mean length of the fish in each age
group, can provide a rough means of cor.iparing fish growth among the different
Mount Haggin streams. Average lengths of brook trout by age group are pre-
sented in Table 9.

Table 9. Mean brook trout length (inches) at different age groups from
1,000 feet study sections on Mount Haggin streams.

Stream

Age Group

I

II

III

IV+

Seymour Creek
Sullivan Creek
Twelvemile Creek
Slaughterhouse Creek
Tenmile Creek
Sevenmile Creek
Deep Creek
Sixmile Creek
Oregon Creek
American Creek
California Creek
Willow Creek

2.3

4.0
3.4
4.0
4.7
3.8
4.5
5.0
4.0
4.4
3.9
4.3
4.0

5.4
4.7
5.6
6.4
5.4
5.8
6.3
5.3
5.8
5.3
5.6
5.4

6.8
5.8
7.3
7.8
7.2
7.4
7.6
7.2
7.4
6.9
7.3
6.8

9.2
8.2
8.9
9.0
9.2
9.2
9.9
8.8
10.3
9.3
9.1
8.0

The average lengths at age of Mount Haggin brook trout varied between streams
and ranged from 3.4 inches in Sullivan Creek to 5.0 inches in Deep Creek at

age I, 4.7 inches in Sullivan Creek to 6.3
5.8 inches in Sullivan Creek to 7.8 inches
III and 8.0 inches in Willow Creek to 10.3
and older. Mean brook trout length at age
4.2 inches at age I, 5.6 inches at age II,
inches at age IV and older.

inches in Deep Creek at age II,
in Slaughterhouse Creek at age
inches in Oregon Creek at age IV
for all Mount Haggin streams was
7.1 inches at age III and 9.0

Discussion

The most widely distributed gamefish in the streams of the Mount Haggin
area is the brook trout. Brook trout are common to the upper Big Hole River
and the majority of its tributaries (MDFWP, unpublished data). Brook trout
were found in all of the Mount Haggin study sections and were virtually the
only gamefish collected in Seymour, Sullivan and Twelvemile Creeks. Brook
trout were introduced into the upper Big Hole River about 1929 (Liknes, 1981)
and have become established in most tributary streams. The second most widely

22

distributed gamefish in the Mount Haggin streams is the rainbow trout. Deep
and Tenmile Creeks received annual plants of hatchery rainbow trout between
1958 and 1956 and the Big Hole River is currently stocked on an annual basis
near the mouths of Deep and Seymour Creeks (MDFWP Stocking Records). Records
also show that rainbow trout were planted in Seymour and Willow Creeks during
the 1940's and 1950's.

Cutthroat trout were collected from Sixmile and Willow Creeks. Cutthroat
trout were probably native to all of the Mount Haggin streams. Numerous plants
of hatchery cutthroat trout were made in Deep, Seymour and Willow creeks
between 1928 and 1954 (MDFWP Stocking Records). These cutthroat are listed
as being of undesignated strain meaning that their parental origin was from a
mixture of cutthroat varieties. Specimens collected from Willow Creek were
examined to determine if they were of the west slope cutthroat strain. The
fish were found to be of the Yellowstone strain and have some west slope
characteristics (Jim Roscoe, unpublished data). The present Willow Creek
cutthroat trout population is probably a result of past plantings and may have
replaced a native west slope population.

Small numbers of cutthroat trout in Sixmile Creek and low numbers of
rainbow X cutthroat trout hybrids indicate that cutthroat trout still occupy
the Deep Creek drainage. A previous electrof ishing survey of the Mount
Haggin streams found cutthroat trout in Tenmile Creek in a section located
upstream from that surveyed in 1980 (MDFWP unpublished data).

Burbot and whitefish were generally found in the larger streams including
Deep, French and California Creeks. Both species are native to the Big Hole
River drainage and common throughout the major tributaries (Brown, 1971).
Non-game species collected included longnose sucker, longnose dace and mottled
sculpin. Sculpins were common to all of the streams and provide a valuable
forage species for the trout and burbot. Like the burbot and whitefish,
longnose dace and longnose suckers were most common in the larger streams
studied.

Although no arctic grayling were captured during the study, this species
has historically occupied Mount Haggin streams. Deep and Seymour Creeks enter
the Big Hole River within the distributional limits of the present fluvial
grayling population. Liknes (1981) reported collecting grayling in LaMarche
Creek, a tributary stream entering the Big Hole River about three miles from
the mouth of Seymour Creek. Arctic grayling have been collected from Deep
Creek (Wipperman 1965 and 1967) and have been reported in fisherman catches
as recently as the early 1970's (Lew Myers, personal communication). The
origin of the Deep Creek grayling may have been native Big Hole River fish or
progeny from a 1937 plant of nearly 752,000 grayling fry in the stream
(MDFWP Stocking Records). The absence of grayling in the electrofishinq
survey may indicate that the species no longer occupies the Deep Creek drainage
due to unfavorable conditions as discussed by Liknes (1981) or may be related
to the selection of the study sections. It is possible that extensive
electrof ishing survey work could reveal grayling populations in other sections
of streams in the Deep Creek or Seymour Creek drainages.

23 -

a) Populations

The electrofishing data indicated that the game fish populations of the
Mount Haggin streams are heavily dominated by brook trout. Brook trout are
the most abundant trout in the upper Big Hole River and the majority of its
tributaries (MDFWP unpublished data). A look at past stocking records shows
that despite numerous plantings of cutthroat and rainbow trout in Deep,
Seymour, Tenmile and Willow Creeks, the brook trout has emerged as the
strongest competitor in the habitat. This may be related to the brook trout's
tolerance of low summer flows in small streams (Wipperman, 1966, 1967 and
1968), adaptability to streams that are heavily colonized by beaver or the
harsh winter conditions of the area. In study sections for which it was
possible to calculate estimates of rainbow or cutthroat trout in addition to
brook trout, brook trout populations accounted for 81 to 95 percent of the
estimated trout numbers and 82 to 93 percent of the estimated trout biomass.

Trout numbers generally ranged from good to excellent. Trout population
averaged 329 per 1,000 feet in the Mount Haggin streams and exceeded 500 per
1,000 feet in Seymour, Sullivan and Willow Creeks. Trout numbers did not
appear to be linked to stream size or the chemical enrichment of the water.
Some of the chemically sterile streams (e.g. Sixmile and Oregon Creeks)
supported 412 and 265 fish/1,000 feet while the two largest streams studied
(Deep and California Creeks) supported 184 and 160 fish/1,000 feet.

Estimated trout populations were lowest in American and California
Creeks. Furthermore, trout numbers in French Creek (30 fish/1,000 ft) and
Deep Creek below the mouth of French Creek (34 fish/1,000 ft) were too low
to calculate an estimate in a 1979 study (MDFWP unpublished data). The
low numbers in American Creek were probably a function of the study section
that was electrof ished. Due to the presence of multiple channels and
numerous beaver ponds, the study section had to be located in an area of
steep gradient and swift currents. The population estimate for this section
probably does not accurately reflect the carrying capacity of American Creek
since large numbers of brook trout were observed in the small channels and
beaver ponds immediately upstream. The low numbers of fish in California,
French and Deep Creek below the mouth of French Creek are not as easily
explained. Water quality data indicated potential problems with arsenic,
lead, mercury, sediment and iron in sections of the California Creek-French
Creek drainage. While none of these parameters exceeded EPA water quality
standards in the grab samples, it is possible that one or a combination of
these factors is acting to depress fish population throughout the system.
The low fish populations may also be a result of habitat degredation from
past grazing practices along these streams. California and French creeks
exhibit many areas of eroded banks and a general deficiency of overhanging
cover from streamside vegetation due to heavy concentration of cattle within
the drainages. Bowers et al. (1979) considered stable streambank and adequate
streamside vegetation as essential components of good trout habitat in streams.

b) Fish Size

The data from the study sections indicated that the Mount Haggin
streams hold large populations of relatively small or "pan sized" trout.

- 24 -

The largest trout conected during the study were about eleven inches long
and most of the catchable fish were within the 6 to 9 inch range. This
size range is relatively typical for small streams in the upper Big Hole
drainage (MDFWP unpublished data). For purposes of electrof ishing efficiency,
study sections were selected in reaches of streams that did not contain any
beaver ponds. It is quite probable that larger fish occupy some of these
beaver ponds and that the Mount Haggin streams have the potential to produce
larger brook trout. Brook trout considerably larger than any collected
during the sampling period have been reported in fisherman catches from
Mount Haggin streams (Mike Frisina, personal communication).

Catchable brook trout (6 inches and longer) averaged 32 percent of the
populations in the Mount Haggin streams. In Willow and Sullivan Creeks,
where trout populations exceeded 700 and 600 fish per 1,000 feet, catchable
fish composed 16 and 12 percent of the populations, respectively. There is
some indication that these populations represent overcrowded conditions and
some stunting. In Sixmile Creek, catchable fish represented only 9 percent
of an estimated population of 412 per 1,000 feet. No indication of stunting
was observed and Sixmile Creek appears to be an important rearing stream
for young trout. Catchable fish comprised 63 and 55 percent of the population
of Deep and California Creeks. Furthermore, most of the fish collected in
French Creek in 1979 exceeded 6 inches in length and all of the fish collected
in 1976 exceeded 7 inches in length. These data suggest that spawning or
rearing conditions may not be favorable in California, French and Deep Creeks.
The relatively large size of these streams may also be a factor, however,
in reducing the efficiency of capturing smaller fish by electrof i shing.
The highest numbers of catchable fish (109-173/1,000 ft) in relatively large
populations (314-519/1,000 ft) were collected in the Seymour, Twelvemile and
Tenmile Creek study sections. These streams also contained the highest numbers
of fish 7 inches and larger and held well balanced size distribution within
the populations.

c) Condition and Weight

Brook trout condition wcis generally good in the Mount Haggin streams
and averaged 41.01. This is considerably higher than the average condition
of 37.50 found for brook trout in Prickley Pear Creek, Montana (Bishop, 1951 ).
In a study of 18 other tributaries to the upper Big Hole River, brook trout
condition averaged 41.02 (MDFWP unpublished data). For most of the Mount
Haggin streams, condition increased markedly in the larger fish. Brook trout
condition dropped below 40 in only four of the studied streams. Deep, French,
American and Willow Creeks. These lower condition factors may be related to
overcrowding in Willow Creek, steep gradient and swift current in the
American Creek section and the previously discussed stresses in French Creek.
Sullivan Creek, with its large, brook trout population, had a good average
condition factor of 41.08.

Brook trout in Mount Haggin streams began to accumulate weight rapidly
once they reached a length of about 6 inches. Approximate average weights
for Mount Haggin brook trout were as follows: at 6 inches about .10 lb, at 7
inches about .15 lb, at 8 inches about .22 lb, and at 9 inches .31 lb. A
weight of .5 lb was generally reached at a length between 10 and 11 inches.

- 25 -

d) Age Structure

For most Ilount Haggin streams, over 75 percent of the estimated
population was accounted for by age I and II fish. This is probably
reflective of a normal population structure and corresponds with the
findings of McFadden (1960) in studies of large brook trout population
in Lawrence Creek, Wisconsin. Due to the difficulty of capturing very
small fish, the only available estimate of age 0 fish was from Sixmile
Creek where age 0 and age I fish accounted for 84 percent of the brook
trout population. This data reinforces the importance of Sixmile Creek
as a rearing stream for young trout. Relatively high percentages of
the populations of California, Seymour and, to a lesser extent. Deep
Creek were concentrated at Age III and older fish. In Seymour and Deep
Creeks, populations of Age I and II fish were also relatively high but,
in California Creek, only 13 percent of the population was estimated
at age I. Again, the apparent low numbers of young fish may be due to
unfavorable conditions in water quality or habitat.

The cutthroat trout population of Willow Creek was heavily shifted
toward older fish. This may be a result of competitive factors from
the large brook trout population. It is also possible that the study
section was located in an area of marginal cutthroat habitat and that
larger and more balanced populations exist in other portions of the
stream. Likely areas for expanded cutthroat populations would probably
be upstream of the study section nearer the headwaters of Willow Creek.

Brook trout length at age provided a rough index of growth and a
basis for comparing Mount Haggin streams. Mean lengths of the different
age classes of Mount Haggin brook trout indicated that growth is fairly
slow. Comparable data from Prickley Pear Creek, Montana, shows that
age II brook trout averaged almost two inches longer than those in Mount
Haggin streams (Bishop, 1951) while age II brook trout in Blacktail Creek,
Montana, averaged about three inches longer than those from Mount Haggin
(Wipperman, 1966). The slov/er growth rates of the Mount Haggin brook
trout may be due to harsh climatic conditions associated with higher ele-
vations and the severe winters that typify the upper Big Hole basin or may
be due to large concentrations of trout in waters of relatively low
productivity or a combination of these factors.

Brook trout growth was generally fairly similar among the Mount
Haggin streams. Growth appeared to most rapid in streams that exhibited
a high degree of chemical enrichment e.g. Slaughterhouse and Sevenmile
Creeks. Growth was slowest in streams that supported extremely high
brook trout populations e.g. Sullivan and Willow Creeks. This effect
became more pronounced as the fish increased in age.

e) Recreational Fishing

The Mount Haggin streams offer an excellent fishery for "pan sized"
brook trout and limited opportunities to catch rainbow trout, cutthroat

26

trout, burbot and whitefish. Present brook trout populations appear
capable of sustaining a fairly intensive fisherman harvest. Populations
in Sullivan and Willow Creeks would probably benefit from such harvest.
Fisherman use of Mount Haggin streams has been documented to a very
limited degree. Fishing pressure was estimated by mail survey for 1975-75
at 357 fisherman days on California Creek, 269 fisherman days on French
Creek, 560 fisherman days on Willow Creek and 1,005 fisherman days on
Mill Creek (MDFWP 1976). Week day observation during the summer of 1980
indicated that fisherman use of the streams was light. Preliminary
observations indicate that the Mount Haggin streams represent a harvest-
able recreational fishery that is lightly exploited at present. An
inventory of fisherman use and harvest on Mount Haggin streams would
provide valuable information for future management of the fisheries.

27

INSTREAM FLOW

INSTREAM FLOW RECOMMENDATIONS
Introduction

Instream flow has recently come to be recognized as a major determinant
in the capability of a stream or river to support populations of fish and
provide riparian and aquatic habitat for game, nongame and furbearing animals.
Because the aquatic habitat of a stream is directly dependent on the amount
of water within its channel, a particular habitat level will be linked to a
particular flow regime. In this manner, discharge regimes capable of main-
taining optimum, high, low and critical levels of aquatic habitat potential
can be identified when supported by appropriate hydrological and biological
data (MDFWP, 1976).

The MDFWP has undertaken a program to determine the instream flow
requirements of numerous streams throughout the state and to make instream
flow recommendations for fish and wildlife habitat preservation on these
streams. Thirteen streams lying within the boundaries of the Mount Haggin
Wildlife Management Area were selected for instream flow recommendations in
1979 and 1980.

The Mount Haggin Wildlife Management Area was obtained from the Nature
Conservancy by the MDFWP in 1976. The 55,000 acre area contains a rich
aquatic resource with part or all of 28 named streams and numerous unnamed
streams found within its boundaries. Mount Haggin area streams originate on
both the eastern and western slopes of the Continental Divide and contribute
tributary flow to the Big Hole River of the Missouri Basin and the Clark
Fork River of the Columbia Basin.

Recreational Use

The Mount Haggin area is an important recreational resource. The many
streams support an abundant brook trout fishery and lesser numbers of cutthroat
trout, rainbow trout, mountain whitefish, and burbot. Arctic grayling have
been collected in Deep Creek in the past (Wipperman, 1967). Fisherman use
of the area has been documented for a small number of streams (MDFWP, 1976),
however, observations made during the summer of 1980 indicate a lightly used
resource.

Lands within the area support substantial populations of elk, moose,
mule deer and black bear and are heavily used for big game hunting (Frisina,
1980). Hunting district 319, which includes the Mount Haggin area, provided
an estimated 34,216 hunter days for elk and mule deer in 1980 (MDFWP, 1980)
and, on a per acre basis, supports the highest elk hunter numbers of any
district in Montana (Frisina, personal communication). Important moose and
deer winter ranges and elk migration routes are found on the Mount Haggin
property. Willow bottoms, particularly those in the Deep, Seymour and Willow
Creek drainages, provide important moose winter range. Many predators and
furbearers are found in the Mount Haggin drainages. Beaver provide a fur
harvest on most of the larger streams. During the 1980-81 trapping season,
the Mount Haggin area was utilized by five furbearer trappers and four predator
trappers on a permit basis.

- 28 -

In addition to hunting, fishing and trapping, the Mount Haggin property
is used for winter recreation in the form of cross-country skiing and particu-
larly snowmobiling. MDFWP has provided a parking area and access that is
heavily used by snowmobi lers.

Past Commercial Use

The Mount Haggin area has played an important historical role in the
commercial development of the Anaconda area. Placer gold mining was succeeded
by logging and finally livestock grazing in the economic development of the
Mount Haggin drainages (Newell, 1980). Gold deposits discovered in French
Creek in 1864, yielded between $1 and $5 million in the first four years they
were worked (Lyden, 1948). By 1877, gold mining by rocker and sluice box were
replaced by hydraulic mining operations, dredges and underground load mines.
Gold placer operations were also located on Oregon, California and Beefstraight
Creeks on the Mount Haggin area.

Commercial timber harvest began in the area in the Mill Creek canyon
along the Continental Divide in 1883. The area was clear cut and has not
reforested to date. Between 1906 and 1915 approximately 79 million board
feet of timber were harvested from the French Gulch vicinity to provide
cordwood and mine stulls to the Anaconda Company (Newell 1980). At the
completion of the French Gulch timber harvest in 1917, livestock grazing
became the principal commercial practice on the Mount Haggin area and persisted
through the purchase of the land by the MDFWP-

Commercial utilization of the Mount Haggin streams followed the
commercial development of the area. Hydraulic gold mining of placers
required the concentration of large amounts of water on gravel beds or
benches. One such hydraulic operation in French Gulch used water diverted
from American, California and Oregon Creeks. Mount Haggin water was also
diverted to transport timber from French Gulch to a site near Anaconda.
Water was diverted from American, California, Mill and other streams to
a massive flume that was used to float the timber (Newell, 1980). Finally,
water from many of the Mount Haggin streams was diverted to irrigate crops
or grasslands as ranching became the primary commercial use of the area.

Present Commercial Use

Present commercial activities taking place on the Mount Haggin area
include livestock grazing and timber harvest. At the time of the land
acquisition by the MDFWP, a five year grazing contract with the Mount Haggin
Livestock Company was in effect. The contract was renegotiated in 1981
and calls for a three pasture rest-rotation grazing system for 4,000 animal
unit months through a four month grazing season. The three pastures repre-
sent a limited segment of the Mount Haggin area.

A timber harvest contract with the Louisiana Pacific Corporation was
also in effect at the time of the Mount Haggin purchase. The contract calls
for the harvest of merchantable timber, roundwood and pulpwood and will be
in effect for approximately seven more years. The Mount Haggin interim
management plan calls for the implementation of each contract with the
minimum impact to the resource allowable under the terms of the contract.

29

Methods

The procedure utilized by the MDFWP to quantify instream flow
recommendations is the wetted perimeter method. Wetted perimeter is
the distance along the bottom and sides of a stream channel cross section
that is in contact with water. Wetted perimeter is a direct function of
discharge but the rate at which it increases or decreases is not constant
throughout the discharge range and is modified by channel configuration.
Wetted perimeter increases rapidly with small increases in flow up to the
point where the stream nears its maximum width. The rate of increase then
slows as the water moves up the stream banks with increasing discharge.
In small streams, there are usually two points, termed the lower and upper
inflection points, which can be depicted on a plot of wetted perimeter
versus discharge and which represent significant changes in the rate of
increase or decrease of wetted perimeter with flow.

Studies have shown that the wetted perimeter-discharge relationships
for selected channel cross sections can be used to quantify instream flow
needs for the maintenance of trout habitat (Nelson, 1980). As the wetted
perimeter decreases and pulls away from stream banks, accompanying losses
of riffle habitat for the production of benthic food organisms, spawning
sites, inshore rearing areas and streambank cover can occur. In this
manner, wetted perimeter can be related to various levels of aquatic habitat
potential .

The methods used to derive wetted perimeter-discharge relationships
on Mount Haggin streams are given in Nelson (1980b). A study section or
subreach was established on each stream that was examined at Mount Haggin.
Each subreach was selected to typify the stream habitat and generally
contained riffle and run habitat. Pool habitat occurred in few of the
subreaches due to high gradients of these headwater streams. Five cross
sections were selected for study within each subreach.

Data collection usually consisted of three sets of stage (water surface
elevation) measurements for each cross section at three different known
discharges. The stage-discharge data were collected at high (as runoff
is receding), intermediate (near the end of runoff) and low (late summer)
flows. A fourth stage-discharge measurement was collected at a second
intermediate flow on some of the streams. The final set of data collected
in the field consisted of a measurement of the stream channel profile
through each cross section. The profile measurements were made during
the low flow period.

The stage-discharge data and cross sectional profile measurements
were entered into the wetted perimeter predicative computer program (WETP)
(Nelson, 1980b) for analysis. The WETP program uses stage-discharge data
to derive a stage-discharge rating curve for each cross section by least
squares fit. The rating curve, when coupled with the cross-sectional profile,
was used to predict wetted perimeter at selected flows of interest for each
stream.

- 30

Because riffles are the areas of a stream most affected by flow reduction
(Bovee, 1977 and Nelson 1980a) and because the riffle habitats are essential
for the maintenance of good trout populations, composites of the riffle cross
section for each Mount Haggin stream were analyzed for an instream flow
recommendation. Plots of wetted perimeter versus discharge for composites of
riffle cross sections were analyzed to determine lower and upper inflection
points. These inflection points provide a range of flows which are believed
to brackett those flows which are necessary to maintain the high and low levels
of aquatic habitat potential (Nelson, 1980a). The final instream flow
recommendation is selected from this range of flows. The selection was based
on the magnitude and composition of existing fish populations, water avail-
ability and quality, the recreational use or potential use, the existing
level of environmental degradation and flow contribution to downstream water
quality. Fish populations were determined by electrof ishing 1,000 foot
sections of each stream. Instream flow recommendations were determined for
Ajiierican, California, Oregon, Sevenmile, Seymour, Sixmile, Slaughterhouse,
Sullivan, Tenmile, Twelvemile and Willow Creeks during the course of this
study. Two other Mount Haggin streams. Deep and French Creeks, were analyzed
in 1979 under a separate project by Janet Decker-Hess of the MDFWP (MDFWP, 1981),

31

1. STREAM
American Creek

2. DESCRIPTION

American Creek originates on the eastern slope of the Anaconda-Pintlar
Range at the Continental Divide. It flows in a westerly direction for
approximately 5.7 miles to its confluence with California Creek, a tributary
of French Creek. American Creek meanders through a relatively narrow
floodplain vegetated with willow, alder, grasses and sedges and characterized
by numerous beaver ponds. The 7.1 square mile drainage area is characterized
by high south facing meadows and heavily timbered slopes. The only major
tributary of American Creek is Little American Creek. Average gradient of
the 11 foot wide channel is 46.6 feet per 1,000 ft. Ownership of the
American Creek drainage is held by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife
and Parks.

Lands within the American Creek drainage are used for recreation in the
form of hunting, fishing, trapping and snowmobil ing. Past commercial uses
include livestock grazing, timber harvest and diversion of water to Moose
Creek for the Anaconda timber flume. Grazing of cattle and timber harvest
continue in the drainage at present. No estimate of fishing pressure is
available for American Creek; however, some fishermen were observed during the
summer of 1980.

Water chemistry samples were collected from American Creek during the
summer of 1980. The chemical data generally indicate good water quality
with yery little suspended sediment. American Creek is a calcium-maanesium-
bicarbonate water exhibiting slightly higher than average specific conductance,
alkalinity and hardness than most streams in the upper Big Hole drainage.
Slightly elevated arsenic levels indicated some disturbance probably due to
precipitates from the Anaconda Smelter.

Aiierican Creek is bordered by a relatively broad riparian zone and
stable banks. Potential environmental problems include sedimentation from
existing and proposed areas of timber harvest and damage to the stream banks
and riparian zone from cattle.

3. FISH POPULATIONS

A 1,000 foot section of American Creek was electrof ished on August 7
and August 19, 1980. Game fish present in descending order of abundance
were brook trout, rainbow trout and rainbow X cutthroat hybrids. Mottled
sculpins were the only nongame species captured (Table 10).

32 -

Table 10. Summary of electrof ishing survey data for a 1,000 ft section of
American Creek (T3N, RllW, Sec. 30C) on August 7 and Auaust 19,
1980.

Species No. Captured Length Range (inches)

Brook Trout 147 2.0 - io.2

Rainbow Trout 8 6.4-9.2

Rainbow X Cutthroat Hybrids 1 9.5

Mottled Sculpin

Standing crops of brook trout and rainbow trout in the study section
were estimated using a mark-recapture method (Table 11). The section supported
approximately 160 brook trout and 8 rainbow trout representing a combined
biomass of 13 lbs. Catchable fish (6 inches and larger) composed 24 percent
of the brook trout population. Brook trout condition (length to weight ratio)
was good although slightly below average when compared with other Mount Hagqin
streams and other streams in the upper Big Hole River drainage (MDFWP unpub-
lished data).

Table 11. Estimated standing crops of brook and rainbow trout in a 1,000 foot
section of American Creek (T3N, RllW, Sec. 30C) on August 7, 1980.
Eighty percent confidence intervals are in parentheses.

Per 1,000 ft.
Species Length Group (inches) Number Pounds

Brook Trout 3.2 - 5.9 122

6.0 - 10.2 38

160(+24) 12(+1)
Rainbow Trout 6.0-9.2 8

8(+3) l(+0)

A brief reconnaisance of American Creek was conducted by MDFWP fisheries
biologists in 1976. They rated the stream as having a good fishery potential
for the production of catchable brook trout.

4. FLOW RECOMMENDATIONS

Cross-sectional data were collected for a 169 foot riffle-run sequence
located approximately at stream mile .2 (T3N, R12W, Sec 25D). Five cross

- 33 -

sections were placed within this sequence. The WETP program was calibrated
to field data collected at flows of 31.8, 16.6, 11.2, and 6.7 cfs.

The relationship between wetted perimeter and dishcarge for a composite
of four riffle cross sections is shown in Figure 3. Lower and upper inflection
points occur at 4 and 8 cfs. Based on an evaluation of the existing fishery,
recreational potential and headwater contribution to water quantity and
quality in the Big Hole River, a flow of 6 cfs is recommended for the low
flow period (July 1 - April 30). Due to a lack of long-term flow data,
recommendations for the high flow period (May 1 - June 30) cannot be derived
for American Creek.

34

16

15

u. 14

a. 13

ui

a

o

UI

»-
^ 12

II

10

I
10

20
FLOW (CFS)

30

40

Figure 3. The relationship between wetted perimeter and flow for a
composite of four riffle cross sections in American Creek.

- 35

1 . STREAM
California Creek

2. DESCRIPTION

California Creek originates on the eastern slope of the Anaconda-
Pintlar Range at the Continental Divide. It flows in a southerly direction
for approximately 7.7 miles to its junction with French Creek. California
Creek meanders through a narrow floodplain characterized by a relatively
narrow riparian zone. For most of its length, the stream is bordered by
grass and sedge meadows containing scattered clumps of willow and alder.
The 28.4 square mile drainage area is characterized by high south facing
slopes bearing little coniferous growth in the headwater region and timbered
foothills and grass-sedge meadows downstream. Major tributaries of California
Creek include Crooked John, Little California, Oregon, Sixmile and American
Creeks. The average gradient of the 22 foot wide channel is 29.5 feet per
1,000 ft. The majority of the California Creek drainage is owned by the
MDFWP while a very small portion lies on USES land.

Lands within the California Creek drainage are used for recreational
hunting, fishing and snowmobil ing. The lower portions of the drainage are used
for trapping. Past commercial uses of the drainage include placer mining
(Lyden 1948), timber harvest and livestock grazing (Newell 1980), and diversion
of water for irrigation and timber transport. Intensive grazing and timber
harvest continue in the drainage at present. Fishing pressure on California
Creek in 1975-76 was estimated at 357 fisherman-days per year (MDFWP, 1976).
This translates to 45 fisherman days per stream mile/year.

Chemical analyses were performed on water samples collected during the
summer of 1980. The data revealed that California Creek is a calcium-magnesium-
bicarbonate water of slightly basic pH. The stream has a higher specific
conductance, alkalinity and hardness than most waters in the upper Big Hole
River drainage. Relatively high arsenic, total recoverable iron and suspended
sediment levels were measured in California Creek. The source of the arsenic
is probably precipitates from the Anaconda Smelter. High levels of suspended
sediment (235.8 mg/1) and total recoverable iron (6.5 mg/1) were measured
following a brief summer rain. The source of the sediment and iron is believed
to be erodable soils in the vicinity of Sugarloaf Mountain. This area was
clear-cut in the late 1800' s and has revegetated very slowly due to
precipitates from the Anaconda Smelter, sheep grazing and fires. The
California Creek stream banks and riparian areas exhibit evidence of erosion
and trampling from concentrations of cattle. Other environmental concerns
include sediment loading and elevated concentrations of arsenic and total
recoverable iron.

3. FISH POPULATIONS

A 1,000 foot section of California Creek was electrofished on August 4
and August 18, 1980. Game fish present in descending order of abundance were
brook trout, rainbow trout, mountain whitefish and burbot. Nongame species
captured were mottled sculpin, longnose sucker and longnose dace. Electro-
fishing survey data are presented in Table 12.

36 -

Table 12. Summary of electrofishing survey for a 1,000 foot section of

California Creek (T2N, R12W, Sec IB) on August 4 and August 18,
1980.

Species No. Captured Length Range (inches)

Brook Trout 97 3.6 - 10.2

Rainbow Trout 23 2.4-8.9

Mountain Whitefish 9 6.8-12.6

Burbot 1 11.0

Mottled Sculpin
Longnose Sucker
Longnose Dace

Standing crops of brook trout and rainbow trout in the study section
were estimated using a mark-recapture method (Table 13). The section supported
approximately 130 brook trout and 30 rainbow trout representing a combined
biomass of 19 pounds. Catchable fish (6 inches and longer) composed 55 percent
of the brook trout and 47 percent of the rainbow trout populations. Brook
trout condition (length to weight ratio) was above average for Mount Haggin
streams and other streams in the Big Hole River drainage (MDFWP unpublished
data). A 325 foot section of California Creek was electrofished in 1976
(MDFWP unpublished data). Game fish captured during this survey included
19 brook trout (length 4.8 - 9.1 inches) and one burbot. As a result of the
inventory, the fishery potential of California Creek was rated as good.

Table 13. Estimated standing crops of brook and rainbow trout in a 1,000 foot
section of California Creek {J2H, R12W, Sec IB) on August 4, 1980.
Eighty percent confidence intervals are in parentheses.

Per 1 ,000 ft
Species Length Group (inches) Number Pounds

Brook Trout 3.6-6.9 86

7.0 - 10.2 44

^ 130(+20) 16(+2)
Rainbow Trout 3.9-8.9 30

30(+10) 3(+l)

37

The brook trout population of California Creek was low (40 percent of average)
when compared with other Mount Haggin streams. The relatively large size of
California Creek and the frequency of relatively deep pool habitat gave the
appearance of a stream capable of supporting larger populations of game fish.
Low numbers of trout in the study section may be related to sediment loading,
high arsenic or iron levels or bank instability due to intensive livestock
use. While present game fish populations in the section are low, it is
probable that California Creek has the potential to support much larger numbers
of fish.

4. FLOW RECOMMENDATIONS ,

Cross-sectional data were collected in a 252 foot riffle-run sequence
located approximately at stream mile .15 (T2N, R12W, Sec IB). Five cross
sections were placed within this sequence. The WETP program was calibrated
to field data collected at discharges of 94.6, 43.1 and 14.0 cfs.

The relationship between wetted perimeter and discharge for a composite
of three riffle cross sections is shown in Figure 4. Lower and upper inflection
points occur at 10 and 14 cfs. Based on an evaluation of the existing fishery,
recreational use, and contributing flow to the Big Hole River, a flow of 12
cfs is recommended for the low flow period (July 1 - April 30). Due to a
lack of long term flow data, recommendations for the high flow period
(May 1 - June 30) cannot be derived for California Creek.

38

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1. STREAM
Oregon Creek

2. DESCRIPTION

Oregon Creek originates on the east slope of the Anaconda-Pintl ar
Range at the Continental Divide and flows in a southerly direction for about
1.2 miles to its mouth on California Creek. It meanders through a very small
floodplain and is bordered by a narrow riparian zone. Streamside vegetation
is composed primarily of grasses and sedges with small clumps of willow and
alder scattered intermittantly. Coniferous growth is extremely sparse
throughout the 1.8 square mile drainage and streamside canopy is restricted
to willow clumps or is lacking. The lower reaches of the stream are bordered
by till from a placer mining operation. The drainage is characterized by high
open south-facing slopes. Oregon Creek has no major tributaries. The average
gradient of the 7.5 foot wide channel is 31.6 feet per 1,000 ft. Ownership
of the Oregon Creek drainage is held entirely by the MDFWP.

Recreational uses of the Oregon Creek drainage include hunting, fishing
and snowmobi 1 ing. No estimate of fishing pressure is available for Oregon
Creek and no fisherman use was observed during the summer of 1980. The
drainage has been used in the past for commercial livestock grazing, timber
harvest (Newell 1980), and placer gold mining (Lyden 1948). Present commercial
use of the drainage is confined to cattle grazing.

Water chemistry samples were collected from Oregon Creek during the
summer of 1980. Chemical data indicated that Oregon Creek is a calcium-
sodium-bicarbonate water of moderate specific conductance, alkalinity and
hardness. Water quality was generally good except for the presence of
elevated levels of arsenic (average 24.9 ug/1) and lead (.08 mg/1). The
probable source of the arsenic is the Anaconda Smelter. Other existing
environmental problems include sedimentation from the slumping roadbed of
Highway 274 and channel and streambank alteration from past placer mining
acti vi ties.

3. FISH POPULATIONS

A 1,000 foot section of Oregon Creek was electrofished on August 5 and
August 14, 1980. Game fish captured in descending order of abundance were
brook trout and rainbow trout. Mottled sculpins were the only nongame species
present. Electrofishing survey data is given in Table 14.

Table 14. Summary of electrofishing survey for a 1,000 foot section of

Oregon Creek (T3N, RllW, Sec. 20C) on August 5 and August 14, 1981.

Species No. Captured Length Range (inches)

Brook Trout 275 2.5-11.1

Rainbow Trout 4 4.6-8.3

Mottled Sculpin

- 40 -

The standing crop of brook trout in the study section was estimated by
using a mark -re capture method (Table 15). The section supported approximately
265 brook trout representing a biomass of 24 pounds. Catchable fish (6 inches
and larger) composed 38 percent of the brook trout populations. Brook trout
condition (length to weight ratio) was excellent and above average for Mount
Haggin streams and upper Big Hole River tributaries (MDFWP unpublished data).

Table 15. Estimated standing crop of brook trout in a 1,000 foot section of

Oregon Creek (T3N, RllW, Sec 20C) on August 5, 1980. Eighty percent
confidence intervals are in parentheses.

Per 1,000 ft.
^P^^'ies Length Group (inches) Number Pounds

Brook Trout 3.5 _ 6.9 221

7.0 - 11.1 44

265(+28) 24(+3)

The trout populations observed in the study section revealed a good fishery
relative to the size of Oregon Creek. Fisheries in the lower reaches of
the stream may be affected by habitat destruction from past placer mining
operations and sediment loading from a slumping hillside and subsequent
slumping of the roadbed of Highway 274 at the Oregon Creek road crossing.

4. FLOW RECOMMENDATIONS

Cross sectional data were collected in a 178 foot riffle-pool-run
sequence located approximately at stream mile .2 (T3N, RllW, Sec SOB). Five
cross sections were placed within this sequence. The WETP program was
calibrated to field data collected at flows of 8.9, 4.7 and 0.5 cfs.

The relationship between wetted perimeter and discharge for a composite
of two riffle cross sections is shown in Figure 5. Lower and upper inflection
points occur at .4 and 2 cfs. Based on an evaluation of the existing
fishery, a flow of 1 cfs is recommended for the low flow period (July 1 -
April 30). Due to a lack of long term flow data, recommendations for the
high flow period (May 1 - June)cannot be derived for Oregon Creek.

- 41 -

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14

1 . STREAM
Sevenmile Creek

2. DESCRIPTION

Sevenmile Creek originates on the east slope of the Anaconda-Pintlar
Range at the Continental Divde and flows in a southerly direction for about
5.6 miles to its juncture with Tenmile Creek to form Deep Creek. The
stream drops rapidly through a narrow, steep -sided canyon in the upper
reaches and meanders through grasslands and willow bottoms in the lower
reaches. The 5 square mile drainage area is characterized by open south facing
slopes and timbered conferous ridges. Streamside vegetation is typically
riparian in nature and composed primarily of willow, alder, grasses and sedges.
Numberous beaver ponds are found in the lower reaches of the stream. Seven-
mile Creek has no major tributaries. The average gradient of the 6.1 foot
wide channel is 37.2 feet per mile. Ownership of the Sevenmile Creek drainage
is controlled mainly by the MDFWP while a small portion of the drainage is under
USPS control.

Lands within the Sevenmile Creek drainage are used for recreational pur-
poses; primarily hunting, fishing and snowmobil ing. No estimate of fishing
pressure is available for Sevenmile Creek; however, some fishermen were
observed during the summer of 1980. Past commercial uses of the drainage
include livestock grazing, timber harvest and numerous diversion of water for
agriculture, mining and timber harvest. Present commercial uses include
livestock grazing and possible timber harvest.

Chemical analyses were performed on water samples collected during the
summer of 1980. The data revealed that Sevenmile Creek is a calcium-
magnesium-bicarbonate water of slightly basic pH. Specific conductance,
total alkalinity, hardness and nitrate concentrations were much higher than
values measured from other Mount Haggin streams, resulting in a chemically
rich water of good quality. Environmental concerns include streambank in-
stability and erosion in the lower reaches of the stream resulting from
vehicular travel and livestock use.

3. FISH POPULATIONS

A 1,000 foot section of Sevenmile Creek was electrof ished on August 12
and August 21, 1980. Game fish captured in descending order of abundance
were brook trout, rainbow trout and rainbow-cutthroat hybrid trout. Nongame
species present were mottled sculpin and longnose suckers. Electrofishing
survey data are presented in Table 16.

43

Table 15. Summary of electrof ishing survey for a 1,000 foot section of
Sevenmile Creek (T3N, R12W, Sec. 34A) on August 12 and August
21, 1980.

Species No. Captured Length Range (inches)

Brook Trout 149 2.1 - 10. 1

Rainbow Trout ' 2 4.8-7.7

Rainbow X Cutthroat 1 7.7

Mottled Sculpin
Longnose Sucker

The standing crop of brook trout in the study section was estimated by
using a mark-recapture method (Table 17). The section supported approximately
183 brook trout representing a biomass of 13 pounds. Catchable fish (6 inches
and larger) composed 30 percent of the populations. Brook trout condition
(length to weight ratio) was slightly below average for Mount Haggin streams
and other streams in the upper Big Hole River drainage (MDFWP unpublished
data).

Table 17. Estimated standing crop of brook trout in a 1,000 foot section of
Sevenmile Creek (T3N, R12W, Sec. 34A) on August 12, 1980. Eighty
percent confidence intervals are in parentheses.

Per 1,000 ft.
Species Length Group (inches) Number Pounds

Brook Trout 3.0-4.9 83

5.0 - 6.4 68

6.5 - 10.1 31

183(+29) 13(+2)

A 300 foot section of Sevenmile Creek (T3N, R12W, Sec 26) was electro-
fished in 1976 (MDFWP unpublished data). Forty-one brook trout ranging in
size from 3.3 - 11.5 inches were captured. The fishery potential of Seven-
mile Creek was rated as good at the time of the inventory.

- 44 -

4. FLOW RECOMMENDATIONS

Cross sectional data were collected in a 190 foot run sequence located

approximately at stream mile .1 (T3N, R12W, Sec. 34BC). Five cross sections

were placed within this sequence. The WETP program was calibrated to field
data collected at flows of 12.7, 5.7 and 1.8 cfs.

The relationship between wetted perimeter and discharge for a composite
of three run cross sections is shown in Figure 6. Lower and upper inflection
points occur at 2 and 3.5 cfs. Based on an evaluation of the existing fishery
and recreational use potential, a flow of 2.5 cfs is recommended for the low
flow period (July 1 - April 30). Due to a lack of long term flow data,
recommendations for the high flow period (May 1 - June 30) cannot be derived
for Sevenmile Creek.

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46

1 . STREAM
Seymour Creek

2. DESCRIPTION

Seymour Creek originates on the east slope of the Anaconda-Pintlar
Range at the Continental Divide. The extreme upper reaches of the stream
lie within the Anaconda-Pintlar Wilderness area. The stream flows in a
southerly direction for approximately 16.8 miles to its confluence with
the Big Hole River. The majority of the 31.7 square mile drainage lies
within the Beaverhead and Deer Lodge National Forests while smaller portions
of the lower drainage are under the control of the MDFWP and private
landowners. The upper drainage is characterized by alpine meadows and
steep heavily timbered canyons and ridges. The stream meanders through
broad willow bottoms and grass and sedge meadows in the lower drainage.
Upper and lower Seymour Lakes as well as numerous unnamed lakes lie within
the drainage. Riparian vegetation is primarily composed of willow, alder,
grasses and sedges. Numerous beaver ponds characterize the lower drainage.
The only major tributary of Seymour Creek is Chub Creek. The average
gradient of the 22 foot wide channel is 36.7 feet per 1,000 feet.

Lands within the Seymour Creek drainage are used for recreation in
the form of hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, backpacking and winter
sports. The lower drainage is considered to be high quality winter range
for moose (Frisina, personal communication). No estimate of fishing pressure
is available for Seymour Creek; however, numerous fishermen were observed
during the summer of 1980. Fishing pressure on Seymour Lake in 1975-76 was
estimated at 469 fishermen days (MDFWP, 1976). Past and present commercial
uses of the drainage include livestock grazing, timber harvest and diversion
of water for irrigation.

Chemical analyses were performed on water samples collected from Sey-
mour Creek during the summer of 1980. The data revealed that Seymour Creek
has excellent water quality marked by '^ery low specific conductance,
alkalinity, hardness, suspended sediment and concentrations of dissolved ions.
The stream is a weak calcium-magnesium-bicarbonate water of nearly neutral pH.
Seymour Creek streambanks and riparian areas are relatively stable and in good
condition. Potential environmental impacts are sedimentation from existing
clear cut areas and roads and damage to riparian areas and banks
from cattle.

3. FISHERIES

A 1,000 foot section of Seymour Creek was electrofished on August 11 and
August 25, 1980. The only game fish captured were brook trout while the
mottled sculpin was the only nongame species collected. Electrof ishing data
are summarized in Table 18.

47 -

Table 18. Summary of electrof ishing survey for a 1,000 foot section of
Seymour Creek (T2N, R13W, Sec 13D) on August 11 and August 25,
1980.

Species No. Captured Length Range (inches)

Brook Trout 273 2.2 - 10.2

Mottled Sculpin

The standing crop of brook trout in the study sections was estimated
using a mark-recapture method (Table 19). The section supported approximately
519 brook trout exhibiting a biomass of 41 pounds. Catchable fish (6 inches
and longer totaled 173, as compared with an average of 38 per thousand feet
for all Mount Haggin streams, and composed 33 percent of the populations.
Mean condition (length to weight ratio) of Seymour Creek brook trout was
slightly below the average for Mount Haggin streams and other tributaries
of the upper Big Hole River.

The data from the study section indicate that Seymour Creek supports
a very good population of brook trout.

Table 19. Estimated standing crop of brook trout in a 1,000 foot section of
Seymour Creek (T2N, R13W, Sec 13D) on August H,
1980. Eighty percent confidence intervals are in parentheses.

Per 1,000 ft.
Species Length Group (inches) Number Pounds

Brook Trout 3.2-4.9 263

I 5.0 - 6.9 177

7.0 - 10.2 Jl

519 (+111) 41(+5)

Low numbers of arctic grayling have been collected in Deep Creek
(Wipperman, 1965 and Wipperman, 1967a) and LaMarche Creek (Liknes, 1981),
the two tributaries to the Big Hole River immediately downstream and upstream
from Seymour Creek. The arctic grayling is classified as a species of special
concern (Deacons et a^. 1979) and the only substantial fluvial population of
the species in Montana is restricted to the upper Big Hole River and its
tributaries (Liknes, 1981). It is possible that small numbers of arctic
grayling currently inhabit portions of Seymour Creek although none were
captured in the study section.

- 48 -

4. FLOW RECOMMENDATIONS

Cross sectional data were collected in a 321 foot riffle-run sequence
located approximately at stream mile 3.6 {T2N, R13W, Sec 13D). Five cross
sections were placed within this sequence. The WETP program was calibrated
to field data collected at discharges of 87.6, 55.0 and 10.1 cfs.

The relationship between wetted perimeter and discharge for a composite
of three riffle cross sections is shown in Figure 7. Lower and upper inflection
points occur at 10 and 13 cfs. Based on an evaluation of the existing fishery,
recreational use potential and flow contribution to the Big Hole River, a flow
of 12 cfs is recaiimended for the low flow period (July 1 - April 30). Due to
a lack of long-term flow data, recommendations for the high flow period (flay 1 -
June 30) cannot be derived for Seymour Creek.

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- 50 -

1 . STREAM
Sixmile Creek

2. DESCRIPTION

Sixmile Creek originates on the east slope of the Anaconda-Pintlar
range at the Continental Divide. The stream flows in a southerly direction
for approximately 3.0 miles to its confluence with California Creek and has
no major tributaries. The 4.2 square mile drainage is characterized by
high open south facing slopes bearing little coniferous growth. The stream
drops rapidly through a narrow floodplain and is bordered by a narrow
riparian zone containing willow, alder, aspen, grasses and sedges. The
average gradient of the 6.3 foot wide channel is 44.1 feet per thousand
feet. Ownership of the drainage is controlled by the MDFIJP.

Lands within the drainage are utilized for recreational hunting,
fishing, and snowinobil ing. No estimate of fishing pressure is available
for Sixmile Creek; however, some fishermen use was observed. Past commercial
uses of the drainage include timber harvest, livestock grazing and diversion
of water to the McCune flume for timber transport and to the Home Ranch for
irrigation. Sixmile Creek flows through the Mule Ranch, an important his-
torical site in the development of sheep husbandry in the area. Present
commercial use of the drainage is confined to livestock grazing.

Water chemistry samples were collected from Sixmile Creek during the
summer of 1980. Sample analyses revealed that Sixmile Creek is a calcium-
magnesium-bicarbonate water of moderately alkaline pH. Specific conductance,
hardness, alkalinity and concentrations of dissolved ions were higher than
average for Mount Haggin streams. Water quality v/as generally good, although
a slight elevation in arsenic was noted. The source of the arsenic is believed
to be precipitates from the Anaconda Smelter. The lower reaches of Sixmile
Creek exhibit eroded streambanks from past livestock grazing. Areas of channel
instability exist in the vicinity of the Mule Ranch.

3. FISHERIES

A 1,000 foot section of Sixmile Creek was electrofished on August 7
and August 26, 1980. Game fish captured in descending order of abundance
were brook trout, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and rainbow X cutthroat
hybrid trout. The mottled sculpin was the only nongame species collected.
Electrofishing survey data are presented in Table 20.

51 -

Table 20. Summary of electrofishing survey for a 1,000 foot section of
Sixmile Creek (T3N, R12W, Sec 25 A) on August 7 and August 26,
1980.

Species

No.

Captui

''ed

Length Range (inch(

Brook Trout

189

1.0 - 9.7

Rainbow Trout

19

3.7 - 7.0

Cutthroat Trout

3

4.8 - 8.2

Rainbow X Cutthroat Hybrid Trout

2

5.4 - 9.5

Standing crops of brook and rainbow trout in the study section were
estimated using a mark-recapture method (Table 21). The section supported
approximately 392 brook trout and 20 rainbow trout representing a combined
biomass of 14 pounds. Catchable fish (6 inches and longer) represented
9 percent of the brook trout population while 85 percent of the population
was less than 5 inches and 66 percent of the population was less than 3 inches
in length. Brook trout condition (length to weight ratio) was above average
for Mount Haggin streams and other upper Big Hole River tributaries (MDFHP'
unpublished data).

Table 21. Estimated standing crops of brook and rainbow trout in a 1,000
foot section of Sixmile Creek (T3N,R12W, Sec 25A) on August 7,
1980. Eighty percent confidence intervals are in parentheses.

Per 1,000 ft.
Species Length Group (inches) Number Pounds

Brook Trout 1.0-2.9 259

3.0 - 4.9 76

5.0 - 6.9 34

7.0 - 9.7 23

392(+119) 13(+2)
Rainbow Trout 3.5 - 7.0 20

20(+3) l(+0)

A 150 foot section of Sixmile Creek (T3N, R12W, Sec 24) was electrofished
in 1976 (riDFWP unpublished data). Nine brook trout and single specimens of
rainbow, cutthroat and rainbow X cutthroat hybrid trout were captured. The
fish ranged in size from 2.7 to 8.4 inches in length. The survey rated the

- 52 -

fishery potential of Sixmile Creek as fair and noted that the cutthroat
trout specimens appeared to be of the west slope variety.

Fishery data from the Sixmile Creek study section indicate that the
stream may be an important rearing area for the California-French Creek
drainage. The presence of small numbers of cutthroat leads to the
possibility that larger populations may exist in other portions of the
stream. Such populations would add to the importance of the fishery of
Sixmile Creek.

4. FLOW RECOMMENDATIONS

Cross sectional data were collected in a 165 foot riffle-run sequence
located approximately at stream mile .5 (T3N, R12W, Sec 25A). Five cross
sections were placed within this sequence. The WETP program was calibrated
to field data collected at flows of 21.5, 6.6, 3.2 and 1.8 cfs.

The relationships between wetted perimeter and discharge for a composite
of four riffle cross sections is shown in Figure 8. Lower and upper inflection
points occur at 2 and 4 cfs. Based on an evaluation of the existing fishery
and recreational use potential, a flow of 2.5 cfs is recommended for the low
flow period (July 1 - April 30). Due to a lack of long term flow data,
recommendations for the high flow period (May 1 - June 30) cannot be derived
for Sixmile Creek.

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54 -

1 . STREAM
Slaughterhouse Creek

2. DESCRIPTION

Slaughterhouse Creek originates in the timbered foothills of the east
slope of the Anaconda-Pintlar Range. The stream flows in a southerly direction
for approximately 4.2 miles to its confluence with Deep Creek, a tributary of
the Big Hole River. The major tributary of Slaughterhouse Creek is Corral
Creek. The 5.4 square mile drainage is characterized by steep heavily
timbered slopes in the upper reaches and the broad Deep Creek floodplain
at lower elevations. The stream is bordered by coniferous growth, primarily
lodgepole pine, in the upper drainage and a broad riparian zone of willow,
grasses and sedges in the Deep Creek floodplain. The average gradient of the
5.9 foot wide channel is 46.9 feet per 1,000 feet. The majority of the
Slaughterhouse Creek drainage lies within the boundaries of the Deerlodge
National Forest and the lower portions of the drainage are controlled by the
MDFWP.

Lands within the Slaughterhouse Creek drainage are utilized for
recreational hunting, fishing, trapping and winter sports. The broad
willow bottoms of the lower Slaughterhouse Creek drainage and its Deep
Creek floodplain constitute important winter range for moose. No
estimate of fishing pressure is available for Slaughterhouse Creek and no
fishermen use was observed during the summer of 1980. Past and present
commercial uses of the drainage include livestock grazing and timber harvest.

Chemical analyses were performed on water samples collected from
Slaughterhouse Creek during the summer of 1980. The data indicated that
Slaughterhouse Creek is a calcium-magnesium-bicarbonate water of slightly
basic pH. Specific conductance, alkalinity, hardness and nitrate concen-
tration were much higher than average for other Mount Haggin streams
resulting in a chemically rich water of good quality. Some streambank
erosion from cattle grazing was noted in the lower reaches of Slaughterhouse
Creek. Timber harvest in the upper reaches of Slaughterhouse and Corral
Creeks could have an environmental impact through increased sedimentation.

3. FISHERIES

A 1,000 foot section of Slaughterhouse Creek was electrofished on
August 13 and August 21, 1980. Game fish collected in descending order
of abundance were brook trout and rainbow trout. Mottled sculpins and
longnose suckers were the only nongame species collected. Electrof ishing
survey data are summarized in Table 22.

55

Table 22. Summary of electrof ishing survey for a 1,000 foot section of
Slaughterhouse Creek (T3N, R12W, Sec 34C) on August 13 and
August 21, 1980.

Species No. Captured Length Range (inches)

Brook Trout 173 2.3 - 10.3

Rainbow Trout 1 6.8

Mottled Sculpin
Longnose Sucker

The standing crop of brook trout in the study section was estimated
using a mark-recapture method (Table 23). The section supported approximately
182 fish representing a biomass of 19 pounds. Catchable fish (6 inches and
longer) amounted to 42 percent of the papulation. Brook trout condition
(length to weight ratio) was good and slightly above average for Mount Haggin
streams and other upper Big Hole River tributaries (MDFWP, unpublished data).
Data from the study section indicate that Slaughterhouse Creek has a good
fishery relative to the size of the stream.

Table 23. Estimated standing crop of Brook trout in a 1,000 foot section of
Slaughterhouse Creek (T3N, R12W, Sec 34C) on August 13, 1980.
Eighty percent confidence intervals are in parentheses.

Per 1,000 ft.

Species Length Group (inches) Number Pounds

Brook Trout 3.5 - 6.9 130

7.0 - 10.3 _52

182(+28) 19(+2)

4. FLOW RECOMMENDATIONS

Cross sectional data were collected in a 165 foot riffle-run sequence
located approximately at stream mile .2 (T3N, R12W, Sec 34C). Five cross
sections were placed within this sequence. The WETP program was calibrated
to field data collected at flows of 8.7, 5.0 and 1.8 cfs.

The relationship between wetted perimeter and discharge for a composite
of three riffle cross sections is shown in Figure 9. Lower and upper inflection
points occur at 2 and 4.5 cfs. Based on an evaluation of the existing fishery
and recreational use potential, a flow of 3 cfs is recommended for the low flow
period (July 1 - April 30). Due to a lack of long term flow data, recommendations
for the high flow period (May 1 - June 30) cannot be derived for Slaughterhouse
Creek.

- 56 -

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- 57

1 . STREAM
Sullivan Creek

2. DESCRIPTION

Sullivan Creek originates on the east slope of the Anaconda-Pintlar
Range at the Continental Divide. The stream flows in a southerly direction
for approximately 10.4 miles to its juncture with Deep Creek, a tributary
of the Big Hole River. The major tributary of Sullivan Creek is Bear Trap
Gulch Creek. The 9.7 square mile drainage is characterized by high alpine
meadows, and small lakes, steep heavily timbered slopes, and relatively
broad willow bottoms as the elevation decreases. The major vegetation types
are coniferous forest in the upper reaches and willow-grass-sedge riparian
zone at lower elevations. Numerous channels and beaver ponds characterize
the stream in the lower riparian region. The average gradient of the 14.3
foot wide channel is 60.8 feet per 1,000 feet. The majority of the Sullivan
Creek drainage is owned by the USPS with smaller portions under MDFWP and
private control .

Lands within the Sullivan Creek drainage are used for recreational
hunting, fishing, trapping, camping and winter sports. The willow bottom
riparian zone is considered to be important moose winter range (Mike Frisina,
personal communication). No estimate of fishing pressure is available for
Sullivan Creek; however, some fishermen use was observed. Past commercial
uses of the drainage include timber harvest, livestock grazing and diversion
of water for irrigation. Present commercial uses include livestock grazing
and heavy timber harvest in the upper drainage.

Chemical analyses were performed on water samples collected during
the summer of 1980. The data revealed that Sullivan Creek has excellent
water quality marked by very low specific conductance, alkalinity, hardness,
suspended sediment and concentrations of dissolved ions. The stream is a
weak calcium-magnesium-bicarbonate water of nearly neutral pH. Timber
harvest and road construction in the upper reaches of the drainage could
impair water quality in Sullivan Creek through sedimentation.

3. FISHERIES

A 1,000 foot section of Sullivan Creek was electrof ished on August 6
and August 20, 1980. Brook trout and mottled sculpins were the only game
and nongame species collected in the section. Electrof ishing survey data
are presented in Table 24.

Table 24. Summary of electrof ishing survey for a 1,000 foot section of

Sullivan Creek (T2N, R12W, Sec 32A) on August 5 and August 20, 1980.

Species No. Captured Length Range (inches'

Brook Trout 375 2.3 - 9.5

Mottled Sculpin

- 58

The standing crop of brook trout in the study section was estimated
using a mark-recapture method (Table 25). The section supported approximately
602 fish representing a biomass of 29 pounds. Catchable fish (6 inches and
longer) amounted to 12 percent of the population. Brook trout condition
(length to weight ratio) was average for Mount Haggin streams and other upper
Big Hole River tributaries (MDFWP unpublished data).

Table 25. Estimated standing crop of brook trout in a 1,000
Sullivan Creek (T2N, R12W, Sec 32A) on August 6,
percent confidence intervals are in parentheses.

foot section of
1980. Eighty

Species

Length Range (inches)

Per 1 ,000 ft.

Number

Pounds

Brook Trout

2.5

4.0
7.0

3.9
6.9
9.5

258
324
19
602(+63) 29(+3)

Sullivan Creek supported the second highest brook trout population of all
Mount Haggin streams surveyed; however, fish numbers were heavily concentrated
in the small size groups. Analysis of scale samples indicated that brook trout
growth was slightly slower than in other Mount Haggin streams although fish
condition was about average. A 50 foot section of Sullivan Creek (T3N, R12W,
Sec 30) was electrofished in 1976 (MDFWP unpublished data). Twenty-one brook
trout ranging in size from 2.8 - 8.0 inches were captured. As a result of
this survey, the fishery potential of Sullivan Creek was rated as good.

4. FLOW RECOMMENDATIONS

Cross sectional data were collected from a 74 foot riffle-run-pool
sequence located approximately at stream mile 2.6 (T2N, R12W, Sec 29CD).
Five cross sections were placed within this sequence. The WETP program was
calibrated to field data collected at flows of 50.1, 19.4 and 5.1 cfs.

The relationship between wetted perimeter and discharge for a composite
of two riffle cross sections is shown in Figure 10. Lower and upper inflection
points occur at 4 and 5 cfs. Based on an evaluation of the existing fishery,
recreational use potential and contributory flow to the Big Hole River, a flow
of 4 cfs is recommended for the low flow period (July 1 - April 30). Due
to a lack of long term flow data, recommendations for the high flow period
(May 1 - June 30) cannot be derived.

- 59

18

17

16

15

UJ

5 14

UJ

a
o

Ui

I-
I-

UJ ,^

12-

II

10

10

20 30

FLOW (CFS)

40

50

Figure 10.

The relationship between wetted perimeter and flow for a
composite of two riffle cross-sections in Sullivan Creek.

60

1 . STREAM
Tenmile Creek

2. DESCRIPTION

Tenniile Creek originates on the east slope of the Anaconda-Pintlar
range at the Continental Divide. The stream flows in a southerly direction
for approximately 9.1 miles to its juncture with Sevenmile Creek to form
Deep Creek and has no major tributaries. The 9.6 square mile drainage
is characterized by high alpine meadows, timbered slopes and ridges, and
broad willow bottoms as the elevation decreases. The alpine portion of the
drainage contains numerous mountain lakes. Predominant vegetation types
are coniferous forest in the upper reaches and a willow-grass-sedge riparian
zone in the lower reaches. Numerous beaver ponds are found in the lower
riparian region. The average gradient of the 12.3 foot wide channel is
57.9 feet per 1,000 feet. The majority of the Tenmile Creek drainage lies
within the Deerlodge National Forest while the lower portions of the
drainage are controlled by MDFWP.

Lands within the Tenmile Creek drainage are used for recreational
hunting, fishing, trapping, backpacking, camping and winter sports. The
lower riparian zone is considered to be important moose winter range. No
estimate of fishing pressure is available for Tenmile Creek; however, some
fishermen use was observed during the summer of 1980. Past commercial uses
of the drainage include timber harvest, livestock grazing and diversion of
water. Present commercial uses of the drainage include livestock grazing,
timber harvest and commercial guiding and outfitting.

Chemical analyses were performed on water samples collected from
Tenmile Creek during the summer of 1980. The data revealed that the stream
has excellent water quality marked by very low specific conductance, alkalinity,
hardness, suspended sediment and concentrations of dissolved ions. The stream
is a weak calcium-sodium-bicarbonate water of nearly neutral pH.

3. FISHERIES

A 1,000 foot section of Tenmile Creek was electrof ished on August 12 and
August 21, 1980. Game fish captured in descending order of abundace were
brook trout, rainbow trout and burbot. Mottled sculpins were the only nongame
species present. Electrofishing survey data are summarized in Table 26.

i

61

Table 26. Summary of electrof ishing survey for a 1,000 foot section of
Tenmile Creek (T3N, R12W, Sec 34B) on August 12 and August 21,
1980.

Species No. Captured Length Range (inches)

Brook Trout ' 221 2.0 - 10.9

Rainbow Trout 3 4.3-7.7-

Burbot 1 '8.8 —

Mottled Sculpin - - '

The standing crop of brook trout in the study section was estimated
using a mark-recapture method (Table 27). The section supported approximately
353 fish representing a biomass of 31 pounds. Catchable fish (6 inches and
longer) composed 32 percent of the population. Brook trout condition (length
to weight ratio) was the highest of all Mount Haggin streams surveyed and
was well above average for other upper Big Hole River tributaries (MDFWP,
unpubl ished data ).

Table 27. Estimated standing crop of brook trout in a 1,000 foot section of
Tenmile Creek (T3N, R12W, Sec 34B) on August 12, 1980. Eighty
percent confidence intervals are in parentheses.

Per 1 ,000 ft.
Species Length Range (inches) Number Pounds

Brook Trout 3.0 - 4.9 179

5.0 - 6.9 117

7.0 - 10.9 _57

353(+57) 31+5)

A 1,000 foot section of Tenmile Creek (T3, R12W, Sec 22) was electrof ished
in 1976 (MDFWP unpublished data). Eleven brook trout ranging in size from 4.5
to 8.5 inches and 5 cutthroat trout ranging from 6.3 - 3.4 inches were collected
during the survey. The study section surveyed during the 1976 inventory was
located further upstream than the section that was electrofished in the present
study. This may explain the lack of cutthroat trout in the present study section.
Cutthroat trout and rainbow X cutthroat hybrid trout are known to occupy the
Tenmile lakes at the headwaters of the drainage (MDFWP unpublished data).

62 -

Tenmile Creek was found to support a \ery good brook trout fishery
relative to most other Mount Haggin streams, lumbers of catchable fish
brook trout condition, average weight and biomass were well above average
for Mount Haggin streams.

4. FLOW RECOMMENDATIONS

Cross sectional data were collected from a 266 foot riffle-run sequence
located approximately at stream mile .3 (T3N, R12W, Sec 34B). Five cross
sections were placed within this sequence. The WETP program was calibrated
to field data collected at flows of 44.0, 18.4 and 5.9 cfs.

The relationship between wetted perimeter and discharge for a composite
of three riffle cross sections is shown in Figure 11. Lower and upper
inflection points occur at 4 and 6 cfs. Based on an evaluation of the
existing fishery, recreational use potential and contribution to downstream
water quality and quantity in the Big Hole River, a flow of 6 cfs is
recommended for the low flow period (July 1 - April 30). Due to a lack
of long term flow data, recommendations for the high flow period (May 1 -
June 30) cannot be derived.

63

15-1

14

CI3

a.

UJ

\-

Ui

•^ II

10

9-L

10

20

I I

30 40

FLOW (CFS)

50

60

70

Figure 11. The relationship between wetted perimeter and flow for a
composite of three riffle cross-sections in Tenmile Creek.

64 -

1 . STREAM
Twelvemile Creek

2. DESCRIPTION

Twelvemile Creek originates on the east slope of the Anaconda-Pi ntlar
range at the Continental Divide. The stream flows in a southerly direction
for approximately 9.4 miles to its confluence with Deep Creek, a tributary
of the Big Hole River. The only major tributary of Twelvemile Creek is the
West Fork of Twelvemile Creek. The 10 square mile drainage area is characterized
by high alpine meadows with numerous small lakes, timbered ridges and slopes,
and broad willow bottoms as elevation decreases. The stream drops rapidly
through coniferous forests in the upper reaches and meanders through a broad
willow-grass-sedge- riparian zone in the Deep Creek floodplain. The lower
willow bottoms are characterized by numerous beaver ponds. The average
gradient of the 9.5 foot wide channel is 56.4 feet per 1,000 feet. Ownership
majority of the Twelvemile Creek drainage is controlled by the USPS while a
smaller portion is controlled by the MDFWP.

Lands within the Twelvemile Creek drainage are used for recreational
hunting, fishing, trapping, and winter sports. Lower portions of the drainage
contain important moose winter range and an elk calving area. No estimate of
fishing pressure is available for Twelvemile Creek; however, some fishermen use
was observed during the summer of 1980. Past commercial uses of the drainage
include livestock grazing, timber harvest and diversion of water for irrigation.
Present commercial uses include cattle grazing and timber harvest.

Chemical analyses were performed on water samples collected from Twelve-
mile Creek during the summer of 1980. The data revealed that the stream has
excellent water quality marked by very low specific conductance, alkalinity,
hardness, suspended sediment and concentration of dissolved ions. The stream
is a weak calcium-sodium-bicarbonate water of nearly neutral pH.

The streambank and riparian zones of Twelvemile Creek are relatively
stable and in good condition. Activities that could impair water quality and
damage habitat include timber harvest in the upper drainage and cattle grazing
along the lower reaches of the stream.

3. FISHERIES

A 1,000 foot section of Twelvemile Creek was electrof ished on August 6
and August 20, 1980. Game fish captured in descending order of abundance were
brook and rainbow X cutthroat hybrid trout. Mottled sculpin were the only non-
game species collected. Electrof ishing survey data are summarized in Table 28.

65

Table 28. Summary of electrof ishing survey for a 1,000 foot section of

Twelvemile Creek (T2M, R12W, Sec 4A) on August 6 and August 20,
1980.

Species No. Captured Length Range (inches)

Brook Trout • 272 2.0 - 9.6

Rainbow X Cutthroat Hybrid Trout 1 8.8

[lottled Sculpin - _

The standing crop of brook trout in the study section was estimated
using a mark-recapture method (Table 29). The section supported approximately
314 fish representing a biomass of 27 pounds. Catchable fish (6 inches and
longer) composed 35 percent of the population. Brook trout condition (length
to weight ratio) was good and slightly below average for Mount Haggin streams
and other tributaries of the upper Big Hole River (MDFWP unpublished data).

Table 29. Estimated standing crop of brook trout in a 1,000 foot section of
Twelvemile Creek (T2N, R12W, Sec 4A) on August 6, 1980. Eighty
percent confidence intervals are in parentheses.

Per 1 ,000 ft.
Species Size Range (inches) Number Pounds

Brook Trout 3.0 - 4.9 143

5.0 - 6.9 112

7.0 - 9.6 59

314(+33) 27(+3)

A 100 foot section of Twelvemile Creek (T3N, R12W, Sec 20) was electro-
fished in 1976 (fIDFWP unpublished data). Six brook trout ranging in length
from 2.0 to 10.0 inches were collected during the survey. As a result of this
inventory, the fishery potential of Twelvemile Creek was noted as fair.

Twelvemile Creek was found to support a very good brook trout fishery
relative to other streams in the Mount Haggin area. Numbers of catchable fish,
average weight and brook trout biomass were above average for Mount Haggin
streams. Twelvemile Creek supported the second highest number of fish 7.0
inches long and greater in the area.

66 -

4. FLOW RECOMMENDATIONS

Cross sectional data were collected from a 232 foot riffle-run sequence
located approximately at stream mile .75 (T2N, R12W, Sec 4A). Five cross
sections were placed within this sequence. The WETP program was calibrated
to field data collected at flows of 24.5, 16.9, 7.7 and 1.8 cfs.

The relationship between wetted perimeter and discharge for a composite
of two riffle cross sections is shown in Figure 12. Lower and upper inflection
points occur at 1.5 and 2.5 cfs. Based on an evaluation of the existing
fishery and recreational use potential, a flow of 2.5 cfs is recommended for
the low flow period (July 1 - April 30). Due to a lack of long term flow
data, recommendations for the high flow period (May 1 - June 30) cannot be
derived.

«

67

UJ

cr
iij

Q.

Q
Ul

10 15

FLOW (CFS)

20

25

30

Figure 12.

The relationship between wetted perimeter and flow for a
composite of two riffle cross-sections in Twelvemile Creek.

68 -

1 . STREAM

Wil low Creek

2. DESCRIPTION

Willow Creek originates on the west slope of the Anaconda-Pintlar
range at the Continental Divide. The stream flows in a northerly direction
for approximately 12 miles to its juncture with Silver Bow Creek, a
tributary of the Clark Fork of the Columbia River. Major tributaries of
Willow Creek include Long Canyon, Elk and the West Fork of Willow Creek.
The 25.5 square mile drainage is characterized by steep heavily timbered
north-facing slopes, open grasslands, and agricultural lands as the elevation
decreases. Headwater regions are vegetated with heavy coniferous growth
and aspen thickets while lower regions are bordered by a narrow riparian
zone of willow and alder and open grasslands. The upper forested region
contains several revegetated clear-cuts and the riparian zone is marked
by numerous beaver ponds. The average gradient of the 11 foot wide channel
is 29.9 feet per 1,000 feet. Ownership of the upper drainage is held by
MDFWP while the lower reaches of the stream are privately owned.

Lands within the Willow Creek drainage are used for recreational
hunting, fishing and winter sports. The drainage contains areas of important
deer and moose winter range (Frisina, personal communication). Fishing
pressure on Willow Creek from May, 1975 to April 1976 was estimated at 560
fisherman days (MDFWP, 1976). This converts to approximately 47 fisherman
days/stream mile/year. Past and present commercial uses of the drainage
include timber harvest, livestock grazing and diversion of water for
irrigation.

Chemical analyses were performed on water samples collected from
Willow Creek during the summer of 1980. The data indicates that Willow Creek
is a calcium-sodium-bicarbonate water of slightly basic pH. Specific
conductance, alkalinity, hardness and dissolved solids were generally higher
than values obtained from Mount Haggin streams that originate high on the
east slope of the Anaconda-Pintlar range. Water quality was generally good
with the exception of suspended sediment and dissolved arsenic levels.
Elevated sediment levels were measured on the second day following a summer
rain shower. The origin of the sediment is believed to be the eroded slopes
in the vicinity of Sugarloaf Mountain. Arsenic levels were the highest
measured in any Mount Haggin stream. A low flow concentration of 40.6
ug/1 approached the maximum level of 50 ug/1 accepted by the Environmental
Protection Agency for drinking water (USEPA, 1976). The source of the
arsenic is believed to be precipitates from the Anaconda Smelter.

3. FISHERIES

A 1,000 foot section of Willow Creek was electrof ished on August 5
and August 19, 1980. Game fish captured in descending order of abundance
were brook trout and cutthroat trout. Mottled sculpins and longnose suckers
were the only nongame species collected. Electrof ishing survey data are
summarized in Table 30.

- 69 -

Table 30. Summary of electrof ishing survey for a 1,000 foot section of
Willow Creek (T4N, RlOW, Sec 31B) on August 5 and August 19,
1980.

Species No. Captured Length Range (inches)

Brook Trout 494 1.5 - 9.3

Cutthroat Trout 54 3.3 - 9.2

Mottled Sculpin
Longnose Sucker

Standing crops of brook and cutthroat trout in the study section were
estimated using a mark-recapture method (Table 31). The section supported
approximately 677 brook trout and 63 cutthroat trout representing a combined
biomass of 45 pounds. Catchable fish (6 inches and longer) composed 16 per-
cent of the brook trout and 75 percent of the cutthroat populations. Brook
trout condition (length to weight ratio) was below average for Mount Haggin
streams.

Table 31. Estimated standing crops of brook and cutthroat trout in a 1,000
ft. section of Willow Creek (T4N, RlOW, Sec. 31B) on August 5,
1980. Eighty percent confidence intervals are in parentheses.

Per 1 ,000 ft.
Species Length Range (inches) Number Pounds

Brook Trout 3.5 - 4.9 364

5.0 - 6.4 262

6.5-9.3 ^

677 (+73) 37 (+3)

Cutthroat Trout 3.8 - 6.9 37

7.0 - 9.2 26

63 (+10) 8(+l)

The Willow Creek study section supported the highest numbers and biomass
of trout of any of the Mount Haggin streams surveyed. It also supported the
only population of cutthroat trout that was large enough to estimate. These

70

cutthroat appear to be of the Yellowstone variety and probably have replaced
the native westslope variety as a result of stocking (Roscoe, unpublished
data). The cutthroat trout population in the study section was composed
mainly of larger fish (6 inches or longer) suggesting that reproducing
populations of cutthroat may be found in otherportions of the stream or its
tributaries.

4. FLOW RECOMMENDATIOfIS

Cross sectional data were collected from a 151 foot riffle-run-pool
sequence located approximately at stream mile 7 (74N, RlOW, Sec 31B). Five
cross sections were placed within the sequence. The WETP program was
calibrated to field data collected at flows of 27.2, 14.6 and 2.7 cfs.

The relationship between wetted perimeter and discharge for a composite
of two riffle cross section is shown in Figure 13. Lower and upper inflection
points occur at 5 and 8 cfs. Based on an evaluation of the existing fishery
and recreational use, a flow of 6 cfs is recommended for the low flow period
(July 1 - April 30). Due to a lack of long term flow data, recommendation
for the high flow period (May 1 - June 30) cannot be derived.

«

71 -

19

18

17-

16-

I-
ui

E 15

bJ

a
o

UJ

»-

13

ll-L

iO

20 30

FLOW (CFS)

40

50

Figure 13.

The relationship between wetted perimeter and flow for a
composite of two riffle cross- sections in Willow Creek.

72

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

Environmental Concerns

The Mount Haggin area was acquired for fish and wildlife management
and multiple forms of outdoor recreation. The future management of the area
calls for a return of lands to a more natural state. While the aquatic resource
of the area appears to be in relatively good shape, certain areas of environmental
concern should be addressed.

1 ) The area along the continental divide roughly located between Grassy and
Sugarloaf Mountains has suffered from past practices. Intensive clear cutting,
sheep grazing, fires and precipitates from the Anaconda Smelter have resulted
in poorly vegetated land marked by heavily eroded hillsides. This area is the
source of important headwater tributaries of Mill, Willow, Oregon, California
and French Creeks. These slopes have been found to produce large amounts of
sediment and iron into streams during runoff periods. The sediment and com-
pounds of iron could be detrimental to downstream fisheries. Furthermore, the
lack of shading from tree canopy could result in high summer water temperatures
which may inhibit trout growth.

2) Water quality analysis detected elevated levels of some metals which are
known to be detrimental to fish and other aquatic organisms. Concentrations
of lead in Oregon Creek and mercury in California Creek approached levels

found to be harmful to fish. Arsenic was found in relatively high concentrations
in streams with past mining histories and streams subject to precipitates from
the Anaconda Smelter. Although none of the concentrations of these metals
exceeded EPA water quality standards, they do pose a potential threat to some
of the Mount Haggin streams.

3) The grazing of livestock along Mount Haggin streams has been in practice
since the mid-1880' s and continues at present. Concentration of sheep and
cattle along streams has resulted in numerous areas of streambank erosion
and mass wasting. This problem is particularly evident along French and
California Creeks. Livestock grazing practices have also been responsible
for the chemical removal of much of the willow cover along these two streams.
Unstable erodable banks and the loss of streambank and overhanging cover as

a result of past livestock grazing practices may be acting to depress trout
populations in California and French Creeks and in smaller reaches of other
Mount Haggin streams.

4) Timber harvest began in the Mount Haggin drainages in 1883 and has
persisted through the present day. Logging activities on national forest
lands surrounding Mount Haggin could produce undesirable amounts of sediment
into Mount Haggin streams. A current timber harvest contract between Louisana
Pacific and MDFWP on the Mount Haggin property may also represent a potential
threat to fisheries via sedimentation, elevated water temperatures, channel
blockages and damage to riparian zones.

- 73 -

/kO' , ■-*5(. *■■!*■■«■ ■# -^BWl^f- " " "V— SW*- ^ -TSK^'^TT-^T'iSt'^^MW^JX -Jw^^ -™ .w^Tciw-viasSft:^

MANAGEMENT SUGGESTIONS

Management Suggestions

Based on evaluations of data collected during this study and on-site
observations made during the field season, the following management suggestions
are offered for the Mount Haggin streams.

1) Efforts should be made to encourage the reforestation and stabilization of
the damaged slopes between Grassy and Sugarloaf Mountains. Livestock should
be excluded from this important headwater region until the slopes become less
erodable.

2) Minimum flows for fish and wildlife needs as recommended in this report
should be secured and implemented.

3) Effects of the contracted timber harvest should be monitored on selected
streams. A series of sediment and water temperature samples should be collected
on a regular basis from established stations. Electrof ishing surveys should

be impleiDented to determine the effect of logging activities on fisheries if
potentially harmful sediment or temperature levels are observed.

4) Cattle grazing along streams should be minimized. Cattle should be fenced
from the immediate streambank and limited to small watering areas. The
inventory of streambank, channel and riparian zone stability called for in

the Interim Management Plan should be implemented to assess the current condition
of the ftount Haggin streams and to establish a baseline from which to compare
future recovery. A comparative study of channel stability and cover in
relation to trout populations on California or Deep Creek would be of some
value and should be considered for future implementation.

5) Concentrations of metals, particularly arsenic, lead and mercury should

be monitored again in the future. In view of the closing of the Anaconda Smelter,
it would be of some value to measure arsenic levels at a future date to monitor
change. Heavy metals have been found at low levels in the water column yet have
produced harmful effects on fish and invertebrates due to high concentrations
in the sediments in Grasshopper Creek (Peterson, 1979). A heavy metals analysis
of sediments in French and California Creeks may provide useful information
and should be considered.

6) Additional fisheries work should be considered on the Mount Haggin streams.
An electrofishing survey of the Deep Creek drainage should be undertaken to
determine if a viable arctic grayling population still exists. If so, care
should be taken to protect this species of special concern.

A further electrofishing survey should be conducted on Willow Creek to
determine the size and extent of the cutthroat trout population. Care should
be taken to preserve the habitat of this species.

A creel census should be implemented to determine the extent of fisherman
use and exploitation. The Mount Haggin streams could provide an alternative
fishery for people dissatisfied with the more restrictive harvest regulations
on larger rivers.

74 -

Literature Cited

Bahls, L. L. 1978. Streamflow and water quality in the lower Big Hole River.
Montana Department Health and Environ. Sciences, Helena, MT, 19 pp.

Bishop, C. G. 1951. Age, growth, and condition of trout in Prickly Pear Creek,
Montana. Trans. Am. Micros. Soc, 74(2): 134-135.

Bovee, K. D. 1978. Probability of use criteria for the family Salmonidae.
Cooperative Instream Flow Service Group, Fort Collins, Col. 80 pp.

Bowers, W. , B. Hosford, A. Oakley, and C. Bond, 1979. Wildlife habitats in

managed rangelands - the great basin of southeastern Oregon - native trout.
Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Exp. Station, USFS, 16 pp.

Brown, C. J. D. 1971. Fishes of Montana. Big Sky Books, 207 pp.

Deacon, J.E., G. Kobetich, J.D. Williams and S. Contrevas. 1979. Fishes
of North America endangered, threatened, or of special concern: 1979.
Fisheries 4(2): 29-44.

Erickson. 1979. Big game survey and inventory Region Three. Montana Department
Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Helena, Montana, Project No. W-130-R-10, Job No.
I-3(c), 117 pp.

Frisina, M. R. 180. Mount Haggin big game study. Montana Departiient Fish,
Wildlife and Parks, Helena, Montana. Project No. W-130-R-10, Job No.
1-3.2, 83 pp.

Hynes, H. B. N. 170. The ecology of running waters. University of Toronto
Press, 555 pp.

Liknes, G. A. 1981. The fluvial arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus) of the
upper Big Hole River drainage, Montana. Mstrs. Thesis, Montana State
University, Bozeman, 59 pp.

Lyden, C. J. 1948. The gold placers of Montana. Montana Bureau of Mines
and Geology, Butte, 152 pp.

McFadden, J. T. 1960. A population study of the brook trout, Salvelinus
fontinalis, J. Penn. Ag. Exp. Sta., Paper No. 2437: 4-73.

Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. 1976. Estimated man day of
fishing pressure by region for the summer and winter season May, 1975 -
April 1976. Montana Department Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Helena.

. 1979. Instream flow evaluation for selected streams in the

upper Missouri River basin. Montana Department Fish, Wildlife and Parks,
Helena, 254 pp.

• 1981. Instream flow evaluation for selected waterways in

western Montana. Montana Department Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Ecological
Services and Fisheries Divisions, Helena, USFS Contract No. 53-0343-0-305,
340 pp.

- 75 -

Nelson, F.A. 1980a. Evaluation of four instreani flow methods applied to
four trout rivers in southwest Montana. U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Contract No. 14-16-0006-78-046, 105 pp.

1980b. Guidelines for using the wetted perimeter (WETP)

computer program of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and
Parks. Montana Department Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Helena, 23 pp.

Newell, A.S. 1980. Historic resources study Mount Haggin Area Deerlodge
County, Montana. Historical Resource Associates, Missoula, Montana,
94 pp.

Peterson, N. W. 1979. Inventory of waters of the project area. Job
progress report. Fed. Aid in Fish and Wildlife Restor. Acts,
Project No. F-9-R-25, Job No. I-b, 23 pp.

Reid, G. K. and R. D. Wood. 1976. Ecology of inland waters and estuaries
D. Van Nostrand Co. 485 pp.

Ruttner, F. 1963. Fundamentals of limnology. University of Toronto Press
295 pp.

Smith, M. B. 1979. Archeological investigations in the Deep Creek-French
Creek locality Deerlodge County, Montana. Montana Department Fish,
Wildlife and Parks, Helena, 67 pp.

U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1976. Quality criteria for water
USEPA, Cincinnati, Ohio, EPA-440/9-76-023, 501 pp.

Vincent, E. R. 1971. River electrof ishing and population estimates. Prog
Fish Culturist, 33(3): 163-169.

1974. Addendum to river electrofishing and population

estimates. Prog. Fish Culturist 36(3): 182.

Wipperman, A. H. 1965. Big Hole River Sport Fishery. Job. Comp. Report,
Fed. Aid in Fish and Wildlife Rest. Acts, Proj. No. F-9-R-13 Job
No. I-A, 10 pp.

. • 1966. Effects of dewatering on a trout population.

Job Comp. Report, Fed. Aid in Fish and Wildlife Restoration Acts,
Proj. No. F-9-R-14, Job No. IV, 10 pp.

• 1967a. Inventory of the waters of the project area. Job

Comp. Report, Fed. Aid in Fish and Wildlife Restoration Acts, Proi
No. F-9-R-15, Job No. I, 14 pp.

• 1967b. Effects of dewatering on a trout pooulation. Job

Comp. Report, Fed. Aid in Fish and Wildlife Restoration Acts, Proj
No. F-9-R-15, Job No. IV, 4 pp.

• 1968. Effects of dewatering on a trout population. Job

Comp. Report, Fed. Aid in Fish and Wildlife Restoration Acts, Proi
No. F-9-R-16, Job No. IV, 9 pp.

- 76 -

A P P E M D I X

- 77 -

Appendix Table 1. Concentrations* of selected chemical and physical parameters

measured in Mount Haggin streams at high, intermediate and
low flows.

Seyi

High

Tiour Cr.
Inter.

Low

Sull

ivan Cr.

Low

Twel

veiiiile

Cr.

High

Inter.

High

Inter.

Low

Conductance

45.4

54.7

66.3

47.0

63.8

81.2

28.7

34.5

43.9

Alkal

inity

17.14

21.32

31.25

12.63

16.98

36.25

7.71

11.07

18.62

Hardness

19.44

22.43

32.55

19.16

26.30

39.81

9.96

11.96

20.26

PH

7.10

7.16

7.75

6.79

7.16

7.59

6.59

6.96

7.28

Sediment

44.1

3.0

1.8

17.4

5.1

2.8

3.2

1.9

0.9

Tempe'

rature

6.0

14.0

9.0

8.0

16.5

14.0

14.0

16.0

15.0

Ca

6.3

7.5

10.4

5.2

7.4

11.0

3.0

3.8

6.3

Mg

0.9

0.9

1.6

1.5

1.9

3.0

0.6

0.6

1.1

Na

1.4

1.5

2.4

1.4

1.5

2.4

1.7

1.7

2.7

K

1.1

0.6

0.9

0.9

0.3

0.7

0.7

0.1

0.6

Fe

0.05

0.08

0.08

0.17

0.46

0.55

0.11

0.20

0.23

Mn

■0.01

0.01

<0.01

0.01

0.03

0.03

<0.01

0.01

0.01

SiO^

8.8

10.5

13.7

9.0

10.8

12.9

9.9

10.6

13.8

HCO^

20.9

26.0

38.1

15.4

20.7

44.2

9.4

13.5

22.7

CO^

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

'%

4.9

3.6

4.0

8.6

6.9

6.3

4.6

2.5

3.4

CI

0.8

0.1

0.2

0.9

0.5

0.3

0.7

0.4

0.8

NO3

0.22

0.46

<0.01

0.20

0.15

-0.01

0.14

0.15

0.03

F

0.35

0.28

0.18

0.32

0.18

0.41

0.43

0.25

0.11

Total

Fe

0.08

0.10

0.11

0.32

0.62

0.37

0.19

0.27

0.35

Total

Mn

-0.01

0.01

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.05

<0.01

0.01

0.02

*Concentrations in mg/1 ; conductance in umhos/cm; temperature in °C.

- 78

Appendix Table 1. Continued

Slaughterhouse Cr.
High Inter. Low

Tenmile Cr.
High Inter.

Low

Sevenmile (

>.

High

Inter.

Low

Conductance

142.8

173.8

199.2

35.3

36.3

51.5

218.8

205.9

282.9

Alkal

inity

60.12

81.85

105.15

12.30

11.32

23.78

102.52

129.49

1 63 . 79

Hardness

64.86

84.45

106.84

15.10

14.03

22.99

109.36

133.68

166.78

PH

7.43

7.64

8.00

6.79

6.97

7.30

7.89

8.10

8.33

Sediment

4.2

2.5

4.0

3.7

8.8

1.0

■4.5

10.9

2.9

Tempe

rature

15.0

17.0

14.0

12.0

14.0

10.0

15.0

17.0

14.0

Ca

17.9

23.6

29.6

4.4

4.3

6.9

31.6

38. 7

48.0

Mg

4.9

6.2

8.0

1.0

0.8

1.4

7.4

9.0

11.4

Na

3.2

3.3

4.2

2.1

1.6

2.6

2.5

2.4

3.0

K

1.2

0.6

0.7

0.6

<0.1

0.4

1.3

0.4

0.7

Fe

0.12

0.19

0.27

0.07

0.11

0.16

0.11

0.18

0.20

Mn

0.01

0.02

0.06

<0.01

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.02

0.01

SiO^

18.0

19.5

18.1

9.2

9.0

11.8

14.7

16.0

15.2

HCO3

73.3

99.8

128.2

15.0

13.8

29.0

125.0

153.0

199.7

CO3

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

'%

9.2

5.6

5.5

6.6

2.5

3.5

11.5

6.4

3.0

CI

0.6

0.3

0.7

0.7

0.4

0.5

1.0

0.2

0.3

NO3

0.27

2.24

0.03

0.03

0.06

<0.01

0.10

2.22

<0.01

F

0.29

0.23

0.13

0.31

0.16

0.22

0.40

0.23

0.13

Total

Fe

0.18

0.28

0.44

0.11

0.16

0.21

0.26

0.43

0.38

Total

Mn

0.02

0.04

0.08

<0.01

0.01

0.02

0.02

0.04

0.02

*Concentraions in mg/1; conductance in wmhos/cm; temperature in °C

79

Appendix Table 1. Continued

Deep Cr.
High Inter.

Low

Sixmile Cr,

Low

Ore

gon Cr.

High

Inter.

High

Inter.

Low

Conductance

54.6

69.2

95.3

165.8

213.0

233.3

84.2

99.5

104.4

Alkali

ini ty

19.44

23.54

43.14

69.39

96.86

109.49

24.11

35.84

46.42

Hardness

23.98

30.46

45.22

80.15

103.01

114.56

31.04

36.11

46.38

pH

6.98

7.26

7.74

7.79

8.01

8.20

6.94

7.44

7.79

Sediment

19.9

3.3

2.4

18.9

1.5

2.9

28.9

5.5

3.7

Teinpei

"ature

9.0

18.0

14.0

11.0

15.0

15.0

16.0

13.0

10.5

Ca

6.8

8.9

13.0

26.0

34.0

37.8

9.3

11.0

13.3

Mg

1.7

2.0

3.1

3.7

4.4

4.9

1.9

2.1

3.2

Na

2.0

1.9

2.8

1.9

1.7

2.5

4.8

5.5

5.2

K

1.1

0.2

0.7

1.1

0.4

0.8

1.5

0.9

1.5

Fe

0.16

0.26

0.38

0.12

0.13

0.08

0.10

0.18

0.17

Mn

0.01

0.02

0.02

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.02

0.02

SiO^

11.0

11.8

13.3

12.0

13.0

11.6

19.6

20.8

16.4

HCO3

23.7

34.8

52.6

84.6

118.1

133.5

29.4

43.7

56.6

CO3

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

SO4

7.3

4.1

3.0

12.4

7.8

7.6

14.4

8.9

9.3

CI

0.6

0.2

0.3

0.6

0.2

1.2

0.7

0.3

0.4

NO^

0.12

0.47

0.02

0.32

0.07

0.02

0.01

0.23

•0.01

0

F

0.32

0.26

0.23

0.21

0.38

0.04

0.21

0.20

0.13

Total

Fe

0.26

0.36

0.56

0.23

0.17

0.13

0.28

0.25

0.23

Total

Mn

0.02

0.02

0.03

0.02

0.02

0.02

0.01

0.02

0.02

*Concentraions in ing/1; conductance in umhos/cm; temperature in C.

80

Appendix Table 1. Continued

American Cr.

Cali

fornia

Cr.

French Cr

High

Inter.

Low

High

Inter.

Low

High

Inter.

Low

Condui

ctance

103.2

122.3

125.6

118.3

145.0

171.9

104.0

132.0

172.9

Alkal

i n i ty

42.24

55.85

60.45

44.37

58.31

81.94

37.65

50.77

71.68

Hardness

47.60

58.80

64.19

49.88

62.07

84.21

42.99

53.61

73.43

PH

7.30

7.78

7.91

7.36

7.57

8.19

7.47

7.31

8.30

Sediment

3.5

3.5

1.8

8.1

235.8

4.5

9.1

98.3

4.9

Teiiipe'

rature

10.0

16.0

14.0

n.o

11.0

17.0

10.0

13.0

18.0

Ca

12.8

15.8

17.3

14.7

18.1

24.0

12.6

15.7

21.0

Mg

3.8

4.7

5.1

3.2

4.1

5.9

2.8

3.5

5.1

Na

1.7

1.7

1.8

3.5

3.3

3.1

3.5

3.5

3.5

K

1.9

1.1

1.3

1.5

3.4

1.1

1.5

1.3

1.4

Fe

0.07

0.10

0.13

0.12

0.18

0.17

0.13

0.15

0.08

Mn

<0.01

0.01

0.01

<0.01

0.02

0.01

0.01

0.02

■0.01

SiO^

12.6

12.3

12.2

16.9

15.5

14.0

18.3

18.8

16.4

HCO3

51.5

68.1

73.7

54.1

71.1

99.9

45.9

61.9

87.4

CO^

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

'%

8.6

5.4

4.0

12.8

9.8

6.1

12.0

11 .3

6.1

CI

0.5

0.3

0.4

0.8

0.3

0.4

0.9

0.3

0.4

N03

0.02

0.06

0.04

0.11

0.20

<0.01

0.04

0.36

0.27

F

0.18

0.08

0.08

0.20

0.30

0.09

0.20

0.14

0.09

Total

Fe

0.14

0.15

0.21

0.23

6.50

0.26

0.24

1.74

0.30

Total

Mn

<0.01

0.01

0.02

0.02

0.15

0.20

0.01

0.06

0.02

'^Concentrations in mg/1; conductance in umhos/cm; temperature in C.

81 -

Appendix Table 1. Continued.

Wil low Cr.
High Inter. Low

Condu(

:tance

130.1

148.0

149.9

Alkal-

ini ty

34.61

44.62

56.51

Hardness

46.44

51.92

55.24

pH

7.33

7.53

7.62

Sediment

2.1

12.4

2.4

Temperature

14.0

12.0

12.0

Ca

15.3

17.0

18.0

Mg

2.0

2.3

2.5

Na

6.7

7.5

8.1

K

1.7

1.3

1.4

Fe

0.08

0.11

0.18

Mn

0.01

0.03

0.03

SiO^

24.0

26.4

27.1

HCO^

42.2

54.4

68.9

CO3

-

-

-

^^4

24.8

20.4

14.5

CI

1.2

0.7

0.9

NO^

0.02

0.11

<0.01

F

0.24

0.06

0.11

Total

Fe

0.13

0.39

0.26

Total

Mn

0.02

0.04

0.04

^■Concentrations in mg/1 ; conductance in unhos/cm; temperature in °C.

82

Appendix Table 2. Summaries of electrof ishing surveys for 1,000 ft. section

of Mount Haggin Area streams.

Seymour Creek (T2N, R13W, Sec 13D) August 11 and August 25, 1980

Species No. Captured Length Range (inches)

Brook Trout 273 2.2 - 10.2

Mottled Sculpin

Sullivan Creek (T2N, R12W, Sec 32A) August 6 and August 20, 1980

Species No. Captured Length Range (inches)

Brook Trout 375 2.3 - 9.5

Mottled Sculpin

Twelvemile Creek (T2N, R12W, Sec 4A) August 6 and August 20, 1980

Species No. Captured Length Range (inches)

Brook Trout 272 2.0 - 9.6

Rainbow X Cutthroat Hybrid 1 8.8

Mottled Sculpin

Slaughterhouse Creek (T3N, R12W, Sec 34C) August 13 and August 21, 1980

Species No. Captured Length Range (inches)

Brook Trout 173

Rainbow Trout 1

Longnose Sucker 2
Mottled Sculpin

2.3 -

■ 10.3

6.8

6.6 -

■ 8.4

Tenmile Creek (T3N, R12W, Sec 34B) August 12 and August 21, 1980

Species No. Captured Length Range (inches)

Brook Trout 221

Rainbow Trout 3

Burbot 1
Mottled Sculpin

2.0 -

- 10.9

4.3 ■

- 7.7

8.8

83 -

Appendix Table 2. Continued.

Sevenmile Creek (T3N, R12W, Sec 34A) August 12 and 21, 1980

Species No. Captured Length Range (inches)

Brook Trout

149

2.1 -

10.1

Rainbow Trout

2

4.8 -

7.7

Rainbow X Cutthroat Hybrid

1

7.7

Longnose Sucker

3

6.5 -

8.1

Mottled Sculpin

-

-

Deep Creek (T2N, R12W, Sec 9A) August 20 and September 5, 1980

Species No. Captured Length Range (inches)

Brook Trout 131 2.2-9.9

Rainbow Trout 12 2.5 - 11.0

Mountain Whitefish 6 8.4-13.1

Burbot 13 7.2 - 13.0

Longnose Sucker 25
Longnose Dace
Mottled Sculpin

Sixmile Creek (T3N, R12W, Sec 25A) August 7 and August 26, 1980

Species No. Captured Length Range (inches)

Brook Trout 189 1.0-9.7

Rainbow Trout 19 3.7 - 7.0

Cutthroat Trout 3 4.8 - 8.2

Rainbow X Cutthroat Hybrid 2 5.4-9.5
Mottled Sculpin

Oregon Creek (T3N, RllW, Sec 20C) August 5 and August 14, 1981

Species No. Captured Length Range (inches)

Brook Trout 275 2.5-11.1

Rainbow Trout 4 4.6-8.3

Mottled Sculpin

- 84 -

Appendix Table 2. Continued.

American Creek (T3N, RllW, Sec 30C) August 7 and August 19, 1980

Species No. Captured Length Range (inches)

Brook Trout 147 2.0-10.0

Rainbow Trout 8 6.4-9.2

Rainbow X Cutthroat Hybrid 1 9.5
Mottled Sculpin

California Creek (T2N, R12W, Sec IB) August 4 and August 18, 1980

Species No. Captured Length Range (inches)

Brook Trout 97 3.6 - 10.2

Rainbow Trout 23 2.4 - 8.9

Mountain Whitefish 9 6.8 - 12.6

Burbot 1 11.0

Longnose Sucker 29 4.8 - 12.1
Longnose Dace
Mottled Sculpin

French Creek (T2N, R12W, Sec IOC) July 11 and August 1, 1979*

Species No. Captured Length Range (inches)

Rainbow Trout 17

Brook Trout 13

Mountain Whitefish 9

Burbot 4

Longnose Sucker 48
Longnose Dace
Mottled Sculpin

Willow Creek (T4N, RlOW, Sec 31B) August 5 and August 19, 1980

Species No. Captured Length Range (inches)

Brook Trout 494 1.5-9.3

Cutthroat Trout 54 3.3 - 9.2

Longnose Sucker 2 7.6 - 8.8
Mottled Sculpin

*Data from Jane Decker-Hess 1979 (MDFWP)

85 -

4.1 -

10.2

5.5 -

10.4

8.3 -

11.5

7.8 -

9.3

4.1 -

11.0

Appendix Table 3. Estimated standing crops of trout in 1,000 ft. study

sections of Mount Haggin Area streams. Eighty percent
confidence intervals are in parentheses.

Seymour Creek (T2N, R13W,

Sec 13D) August 11, 1980

Species

Length Range (inches)

Per 1,000 Ft.
Number Pounds

Brook Trout

3.2 - 4.9
5.0 - 6.9
7.0 - 10.2

263

177
79

9
15
17

519(+111) 41(+5)

Sullivan Creek (T2N, R12W, Sec 32A), August 6, 1980

Species

Per 1,000 Ft.
Length Range (inches) Number Pounds

Brook Trout

2.5 - 3.9
4.0 - 6.9
7.0 - 9.5

258

324

19

6
18

5

602(+53) 29(+3)

Twelvemile Creek (T2N, R12W, Sec 4A) August 6, 1980

Species

Length Range (inches)

Per 1 ,000 Ft.
Number Pounds

Brook Trout

3.0 - 4.9
5.0 - 6.9
7.0 - 9.6

143

112

59

5

9

13

314(+33) 27(+3)

Slaughterhouse Creek (T3N, R12W, Sec 34C) August 13, 1980

Species

Per 1 ,000 Ft.
Length Range (inches) Number Pounds

Brook Trout

3.5 - 6.9
7.0 - 10.3

130 8

52 11

182 (+28) 19(+2)

86

Appendix Table 3. Continued.

Tenmile Creek (T3N, R12W, Sec 34B) August 12, 1980

Species Length Range (inches)

Per 1,000 Ft.
Number Pounds

Brook Trout

3.0 - 4.9
5.0 - 6.9
7.0 - 10.9

179

117

57

6
11

14

353(+57) 31 (+5)

Sevenniile Creek (T3N, R12W, Sec 34A) August 12, 1980

Species

Per 1 ,000 Ft.
Length Range (inches) Number Pounds

Brook Trout

3.0 - 4.9
5.0 - 6.4
6.5 - 10.1

83
68
31

3
5
5

183(+29) 13(+2)

Deep Creek (T2N, R12W, Sec 9A) August 26, 1980

Species

Length Range (inches)

Per 1,000 Ft.
Number Pounds

Brook Trout

Rainbow Trout

4.0
7.0

6.9
9.9

4.5 -11.0

129
37

10

8

166(+35) 18(+3)

18 3
18(+9) 3(+2)

Sixmile Creek (T3N, Rl 2W, Sec 25A) August 7, 1980

Species Length Range (inches)

Per 1,000 Ft.
Number Pounds

Brook Trout

1.0
3.0
5.0
7.0

2.9
4.9
6.9
9.7

259 3

76 3

34 3

23 5

392(+119) 14(+2)

Rainbow Trout

3.5 - 7.0

20

1

20(+3) l(+0)

Appendix Table 3. Continued

Oregon Creek (T3N,

RllW,

Sec 20C) August 5, 1980

Species

Length Range (inches)

Per 1,000 Ft.
Number Pounds

Brook Trout

3.5 - 6.9
7.0 - 11.1

221
44

15
9

265(+28) 24(+3)

American Creek (T3N, RllW, Sec 30C) August 7, 1980

Species

Per 1,000 Ft.
Length Range (inches) Number Pounds

Brook Trout

Rainbow Trout

3.2
6.0

5.9
10.0

6.0 - 9.2

122

6
6

160(+24) 12(+1)

8 1

3(+3)

K+O)

California Creek (T2N, R12W, Sec IB) August 4, 1980

Species

Brook Trout

Rainbow Trout

Length Range (inches)

3.6 - 6.9
7.0 - 10.2

3.9 - 8.9

Per 1,000 Ft.
Number Pounds

86

7

44

9

130(+20)

16(+2)

30

3

30(+10)

3(^1)

Appendix Table 3. Continued.

Willow Creek (T4N, RlOW, Sec 31B) August 5, 1980.

Per 1 ,000 Ft.
Species Length Range (inches) Number Pounds

Brook Trout 3.5-4.9 364 11

262 19
50 7

3.5 -

4.9

5.0 -

6.4

6.5 -

9.3

3.8 -

6.9

7.0 -

9.2

677 (+73) 37 (+3)

Cutthroat Trout 3.8 - 6.9 37 3

26 4

63(+10) 8(+l)

89 -