597.5 1980 JIla^Z ■ C ' APR 2 7 2001 29 201? DISTRIBUTION OF FISHES IN SOUTHEASTERN MONTANA Cooperatively Compiled by Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management I § r k3, X % i k^' «w« 6 4 K i b I ft b I |j Authors Allen A. Elser, Fisheries Manager Region 7, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks Mark W. Gorges, Fisheries Biologist Miles City District, U.S.D.I., Bureau of Land Management Lani M. Morris, Fisheries Fieldworker Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks -OTrt WW" COaECTia,, April 1980 qoT 23 1991 ,. ctaTE LIBRAE MONTANA f^AVE. HELENA, MONTANA 59620 S7> I ^ ,ry j> • c TABLE OF CONTENTS Pearl Dace C Page Introduction 1 Description of Area 1 History 1 Physioqraphy and Geology 2 Climate 2 River Basins 2 Yellowstone Basin 2 Tongue River 3 Powder River 4 Minor Yellowstone River Tributaries 4 Little Missouri River 4 Literature Review 5 Methods 5 Sampling Sites g Fish Distribution 23 Pallid Sturgeon 24 Shovelnose Sturgeon 26 Paddlefish 28 Goldeye 3q Mountain Whitefish 32 Rainbow Trout 34 Brown Trout 35 Brook Trout 3g Northern Pike 4q Carp 42 Goldfish 44 Golden Shiner 4g 48 Creek Chub 5q Northern Redbelly Dace 52 Flathead Chub 54 Sturgeon Chub 5g Lake Chub g8 Emerald Shiner gg Sand Shiner g2 Brassy Minnow g* Plains Minnow/Western Silvery Minnow gg Fathead Minnow gg Longnose Dace 7q River Carpsucker 72 Blue Sucker -m Smallmouth Buffalo 76 Bigmouth Buffalo 7o Shorthead Redhorse on Longnose Sucker 00 White Sucker 04 -,.^ w J TABLE OF CONTENTS Page C Mountain Sucker Black Bullhead Yellow Bullhead Channel Catfish Stonecat Burbot Plains Killifish Mosquitofish Brook Stickleback Rock Bass Green Sunfish Pumpkinseed Bluegill Smallmouth Bass Largemouth Bass White Crappie Black Crappie Yel low Perch Sauger Wa 1 1 eye Iowa Darter Freshwater Drum Summary References 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 100 102 104 106 108 no 112 114 116 118 120 122 124 126 128 130 131 11 ^J LIST OF FIGURES Page 1. Major drainages in Montana. The area included in this report 6 is shaded. 2. Upper half of study area with all sampling sites numbered. 7 3. Lower half of study area with all sampling sites numbered. 8 4. Pallid Sturgeon 25 5. Shovelnose Sturgeon 27 6. Paddlefish 29 7. Goldeye 31 8. Mountain Whitefish 9. Rainbow Trout 10. Brown Trout 11 . Brook Trout 12. Northern Pike 13. Carp 14. Goldfish 33 35 37 39 41 43 45 59 61 63 15. Golden Shiner 47 16. Pearl Dace 4g 17. Creek Chub 51 18. Northern Redbellv Dace 53 19. Flathead Chub 55 20. Sturgeon Chub 57 21. Lake Chub 22. Emerald Shiner 23. Sand Shiner 24. Brassy Minnow 55 25. Plains Minnow/Western Silvery Minnow 67 26. Fathead Minnow 59 27. Longnose Dace 71 28. River Carpsucker 73 29. Blue Sucker 75 30. Small mouth Buffalo 77 31. Bigmouth Buffalo 7g 32. Shorthead Redhorse 33. Longnose Sucker 34. White Sucker 35. Mountain Sucker 07 36. Black Bullhead 37. Yellow Bullhead 38. Channel Catfish 39. Stonecat 40. Burbot 41. Plains Killifish 42. Mosquitofish 43. Brook Sticleback 44. Rock Bass 45. Green Sunfish 46. Pumpkinseed 47. Bluegill m 81 83 85 89 91 93 95 97 99 101 103 105 107 109 l.J^fJ w \^_, 48. Small mouth Bass 49. Largemouth Bass 50. White Crappie 51. Black Crappie 52. Yellow Perch 53. Sauger 54. Wa 1 1 eye 55. Iowa Darter 56. Freshwater Drum LIST OF FIGURES Page 113 115 117 119 121 123 125 127 129 \^_ ^ IV J W LIST OF TABLES Page 1 . Sampling Gear 9 2. Locations of sampling sites 10-22 w INTRODUCTION Montana's streams have traditionally supplied water for irrigation, domestic and livestock consumption, recreation, and industry. But a new industry spawned by the energy crisis of the early 70's threatens to alter Montana's streams and streamflow to an even greater extent. In 1971, the North Central Power Study (North Central Power Study Coordinating Conrn'ttee, 1971) identified 42 potential power plant sites in the northern Great Plains, 21 of them in Montana. These plants, all to be fired by Northern Great Plains Coal, would generate 200,000 megawatts of electricity, consume 3.4 million acre-feet of water per year and result in a large population increase. Energy development in eastern Montana will affect not only land use but the water resources of the area. Water will be pumped from streams and used to cool steam generators, heated effluents will be added; stream discharge patterns will be altered, run-off from strip mined areas will increase turbidity and change the chemical make up of many streams. Fish populations inhabiting the streams of eastern Montana could undergo great changes in species composition, distribution and abundance as a result of coal and energy development. The objective of this report is to compile available baseline data on the distribution of fishes in southeastern Montana. Then, as decisions are made concerning resource development, protection of the aquatic environment can be adequately considered. DESCRIPTION OF AREA History The first white men to enter southeast Montana were Pierre and Louis Verendyre and two other men in 1742, in search of a route to the Pacific. From the party's sketchy journals, it appears they entered the Yellowstone basin north of Miles City, traveling the Yellowstone, Powder, Tongue and Little Missouri River Valleys. Francois Larocque led another party into the area in 1805, a year earlier than the Lewis and Clark Expedition, pushed by the fears that fur trading activities would be affected by the planned expedition. When Larocque crossed the Powder River, he observed: "The current of the river is very strong and the water so muddy that it is scarcely drinkable. The savages say that it is always thus and that it is for this reason that they call the river Powder; for the wind rises and carries from the slope a fine sand which obscures and dirties the water." The Powder hasn't changed in the 185 years since Larocque visited its banks. The third expedition and most famous was the Lewis and Clark Expedition. In the latter part of June 1806, the party split; Lewis returned via the Missouri, exploring the Marias River, while Clark explored the Yellowstone. Expeditions that followed were for mercenary reasons rather than the scientific purposes of Lewis and Clark. The Northern Pacific Railroad came into the area from the east in 1881. Construction of military forts and the railroad brought cattlemen into the area. Irrigation developed slowly in eastern Montana, since the practice was not essential to most crops grown in the early days. Surveys for the Lower Yellowstone Irrigation Project were completed in 1902. Construction began in 1905 and initial water was available in 1909. And so agriculture remained the top user of water until "King Coal" threatened that spot in the 70's. Physiography and Geology The lower Yellowstone and Little Missouri basins lie in the unglaciated Missouri plateau. The majority of this area is classified as Northern Rolling High Plains, followed by Northern Smooth High Plains, Pierre Shale Plains and Badlands and Rolling Soft Shale Plains. Nearly all of this is a plains area of one kind or another - a factor that certainly affects water resources and the quality of these resources (Missouri River Basin Commission, 1978) . Most of the lower Yellowstone basin is underlain by the Fort Union Formation, the remainder by the Hell Creek Formation. The Little Missouri drainage lies above the Montana and Colorado sedimentary rock groups. The Fort Union Formation was formed 50-60 million years ago in a vast shallow water lake. Broad swamps and lowlands supported thick forests which formed the base for extensive coal beds. The northern most part of the lower Yellowstone basin came under continental glaciation twice. Prior to glaciation, the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers flowed north through Canada to the Arctic Ocean. With glacial advance, the north-flowing rivers were dammed, changed course and started their eastward flow across Montana in front of the ice and then southward across the Dakotas. Thus a new drainage pattern was formed and the continental divide (flow to the Arctic Ocean) was moved north. (Missouri River Basin Commission, 1978). Climate The climate of this region is continental with severe temperatures in summer and winter. Most precipitation falls during the April -September growing season which makes dryland farming possible. On the average, places near the mainstem of the Yellowstone receive 30-35 cm of precipitation annually. River Basins Yellowstone Basin. The Yellowstone River heads near Yellowstone National Park and flows some 1091 km to its confluence with the Missouri River in North Dakota. Of this length, 885 km are in Montana and 410 km are within the scope of this report. Total watershed area is 182,336 sq. km with slightly over half of that in Montana (92,981 sq. km). Flow regimens of the lower Yellowstone are typical of prairie streams with two peaks of runoff. The first occurs in late winter and early spring as a result of low land runoff from snow melt, followed by an early summer peak due to higher elevation snowmelt. Stream gradient in the lower basin is 0.53 m/km. Streamflows vary greatly from year to year, with an average annual discharge of 11.6 billion m3 (1.16 million ha-m) at Sidney. Extremes range from 13.3 m3/sec to 4502.9 m3/sec. Water quality is considered generally good above Miles City, while below Miles City dissolved solids and sulfate concentrations may restrict some uses of water. Total suspended solids (TSS) and turbidity increase with progression downstream. The dominant land use of the lower basin is agriculture with emphasis on irrigated crops. Irrigation returns result in an increased sediment load and concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS). The surrounding terrestrial environment is an impressive cottonwood-willow bottom land. The lower Yellowstone River supports a diverse and productive fishery which is dependent on good water quality and adequate flows. A total of 46 species of fish representing 12 families has been collected in this reach of the river. Tongue River. The headwaters of the Tongue River rise on the eastern slope of the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming and flow generally northeast through Montana to join the Yellowstone at Miles City. The length of the Tongue River from the Montana-Wyoming border to it's confluence with the Yellowstone is 337 km. Flow in Montana is controlled by the Tongue River dam. The dam, completed in 1940 for irrigation and flood control stores about 85 million m3 (8,512 ha-m) of water with a full pool area of 1416 surface ha. Drainage area of the Tongue basin is 13,932 sq km, with 70% in Montana. Average annual discharge is 11.9 m^/sec, with a maximum of 377 m3/sec in 1962. Flow from the Tongue is generally less than 6 percent of the Yellowstone at Miles City»with its greatest contribution occurring in March. The Tongue River basin is comprised of narrow stream valleys, plateaus and gently rolling uplands. Relief grows less rugged towards the mouth of the river. Major land uses are agricultural with cattle ranching dominating, followed by dryland and irrigated farming. Water quality of the Tongue is better than other prairie streams of the lower basin. TDS in the Tongue average near 500 mg/1. Fish populations vary from a cold-water mixed population downstream from the dam to a slow-water assemblage near the mouth. Migrant fish from the Yellowstone depend on high spring flows to allow good passage. I Powder River. The Powder River basin drains an area of approximately 34,318 sq. km of northeast Wyoming and southeast Montana. Over half of the drainage is in Wyoming. In general, the Powder flows north to its confluence with the Yellowstone River near Terry. The river, including the South Fork, is approximately 780 km. Typical of prairie streams, the Powder is silt-laden and subject to erratic flow fluctuations with much of its substrate constantly shifting as bed load. Historically, the Powder was much the same as it is now. Early settlers knew it as "a mile wide and an inch deep, too thin to plow" and too thick to drink." The river develops only shallow pools and lacks vegetation. Discharge averages 17.6 m3/sec, with an extreme of 878 m3/sec in 1943. The Powder is naturally saline and exhibits an average annual TDS concentration of 1100 mg/1. A major factor affecting the quality of water in the Powder is suspended sediment. Effects of the Powder on the Yellowstone are most pronounced during the peak prairie runoff in March and April. March flow contributions of sediment from the Powder have been noticed as far downstream as Sidney. Livestock and irrigated farming are the dominant land uses in the basin. Fish populations in the Powder are limited in diversity and abundance due to water quality and quantity. Minor Yellowstone River Tributaries Rosebud Creek rises in the Wolf and Rosebud Mountains, flowing northerly some 326 km to its confluence with the Yellowstone near the town of Rosebud. It drains an area of over 3,100 km2 with an elevation drop of 530 m. Rosebud Creek has its largest average monthly discharge during March. 0'Fallon Creek originates in the rolling foothills southwest of Baker, Montana, flowing generally northward to it's confluence with the Yellowstone River near Fallon. The 0'Fallon Creek drainage is large, with the stream flowing about 212 km. The stream is considered intermittent with some reaches flowing year around. Water is sodium-sulfate burdened, with best quality during high flows. Other minor creeks flowing south include: Greater Porcupine Creek, Little Porcupine Creek, Sunday Creek, Sevenmile Creek, Burns Creek and Fox Creek. The north flowing creeks include: Sarpy Creek, Armells Creek, Cabin Creek, Cedar Creek, Glendive Creek and Box Elder Creek. Little Missouri River The Little Missouri passes through a small corner of Montana; entering at Alzada and leaving at Capitol, flowing in a northeasterly direction. The Little Missouri River has highly erratic flows and greatly varying annual discharges. Water quality is poor to fair, with a sodium-sulfate content, very hard water. Turbidities are moderate to high. LITERATURE REVIEW Earliest records of fish in eastern Montana come from the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803 to 1806. According to Brown (1971), many of their diary descriptions were inadequate for positive identification of species. However, the following Yellowstone species were credited to them: goldeye, longnose sucker, mountain sucker, channel catfish and sauger. Scientific investigation of fishes in southeastern Montana was only an incidental part of the westward expansion until well into the twentieth century. The Pacific Railroad surveys of 1853-1855 collected several species which were sent to the Smithsonian Institute (Brown 1971). Additional collections were made in 1870-71 by the U.S. Geological Survey, followed by reconnaissance surveys under the direction of the U.S. Fish Commissioner in 1889. Limited collections were made during the late 1950's and early 1960's by Dr. C.J.D. Brown and his associates while preparing the Fishes of Montana (Brown 1971). Early interest and the high esteem placed on Montana's prime trout waters resulted in a scarcity of information on warm water fish until recently. Since Montana is nationally known as a "trout fishing paradise", the warm water species were ignored. Another factor was the greater difficulties encountered in sampling warm water streams with their more diversified habitats with larger and more varied fish populations. Increased interest in coal and its rapidly expanding development in the early 1970's brought the prairie fishes into forcus. The earliest concerted sampling effort occurred on the Yellowstone River near Forsyth to evaluate possible impacts of water withdrawals for Col strip Generating plants 1 and 2. From there, sampling efforts expanded throughout the coal fields with extensive sampling being conducted on major drainages and many smaller streams as well. Ranges and distribution patterns of prairie fishes were clarified greatly with this sampling effort. METHODS Sampling techniques varied widely among the numerous references used in this report. Some of the sites were sampled in depth using electro- fishing gear, seines, gillnets and trapnets. More extensive sampling on some streams may find that sites sampled only with a dip net or small seine have a greater fish diversity than shown here. Table (1) lists the gear used for fish sampling in each of the studies used as a reference. Baited fish traps included hoop nets and/or home made catfish traps. t Table 1. Sampling Gear. w Gear Electrofishing Boat Boat Mounted Mobile Electrode Bank Shocker Gill net Sei ne Baited Fish Traps Minnow Traps Dip Net Hook and Line Literature Cited Numbers 4, 7, 8, 11, 13, 14 6, 15, 16, 20, 21 3, 5, 6, 7, 13, 17, 18, 21 3, 4, 6, 7, 11, 13, 15, 16, 20, 21 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13, 15, 16 4 5, 6, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 n SAMPLING SITES Figure 1 shows the major drainages in the state of Montana. The creeks and rivers of the southeastern portion of Montana which are covered in this report are exhibited in Figures 2 and 3. On these two maps, the location of each collection site is identified and numbered. A total of 253 sites are included. Table 2 lists the township, range and section of each site, where known; data references are indexed by collection site in this table. Stock ponds, reservoirs and other water impoundments where game species have been stocked in this area were not included as part of the distribution of these fishes. t T3 rci x: CO -p s- o ex CD S- 5 -o OJ -a 3 c n3 cu s. ra CJ £= rcJ +J C o cu 03 S- -o S- o 3 en -.-.- -a £ 4-> CO C: 4-> rd a; i- O s- Q. <~ ^0 c Table 2. Locations of sampling sites. } Site Location Reference # YELLOWSTONE RIVER DRAINAGE 1 Yellowstone River above & below Armell's Creek 2 Between Armell's & Rosebud Creeks 3 Above & below mouth of Tongue River 4 Above & below mouth of Powder River 5 Near mouth of Box Elder Creek SARPY CREEK 6 S7,T6N,R37E 7 S30,T6N,R37E 8 S16,T2N,R37E 9 S21,T2N,R37E 10 S10,T1N,R37E 11 S33,T1N,R37E EAST FORK SARPY CREEK 12 S12,T1N,R37E 13 S22,T1N,R38E RESERVATION CREEK 14 S23,T6N,R38E GREAT PORCUPINE CREEK 15 S19,T7N,R39E ARMELL'S CREEK 16 S23,T6N,R39E LITTLE PORCUPINE CREEK 17 S30,T8N,R41E ROSEBUD CREEK 18 S16,T6N,R42E 19 S8,T3N,R43E 20 S4,T1N,R43E 21 S8,T1N,R43E 22 S34,T1N,R42E 23 S28,T1S,R41E 24 - T3S,R39E 25 S8,T6S,R39E 26 S22,T7S,R39E ,14, 20 ,14 ,14 ,14 ,14 3, 12 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 12 12 8 8 8 _/ ■-•-._. ■ 10 Table 2 Continued, '-, L»- 30 S7,T6S,R39E INDIAN CREEK 31 S31,T6S,R39E NORTH FORK ROSEBUD CREEK 32 S24,T7S,R38E SOUTH FORK ROSEBUD CREEK 33 S30,T7S,R39E SWEENEY CREEK 34 S22,T6N,R43E TONGUE RIVER 35 S4,T7N,R47E 36 S14,15, T7N.R47E 37 S15,T4N,R47E 38 S36,T3N,R45E 39 S2,T1S,R44E 40 S10,15,T2S,R44E 41 S5,8,T4S,R44E 42 S7,T6S,R43E 43 S32,T6S,R42E 44 S27,28, T7S,R41E 45 S7,T8S,R41E 45 S22,27, T9S,R40E Site Location ______^ Reference # LAME DEER CREEK 27 S17,T2S?R41E 8 MUDDY CREEK 28 S35,T2S,R40E 8 THOMPSON CREEK 29 S26,T5S,R38E 8 CACHE CREEK 12 7 7 7 7 7 4,7 4,7 4,7 4,7 7 7 7 TONGUE RIVER RESERVOIR 47 -,T8,9S, R40,41E 7)12 11 Table 2 Continued Site Location Reference TONGUE RIVER 48 S34,T9S,R40E 5,21 49 S29,T6N,R48E 12 50 S35,T6N,R48E 12 51 S7,T4N,R50E 5 52 S30,T4N,R50E 17 53 - T1N,R49E 17 BEAVER CREEK 54 S10,T1S,R45E 12 OTTER CREEK 55 S2,T3S,R44E 4,12,18 56 S12,T3S,R44E 12,17,18 57 S19,T3S,R45E 12 58 S4,T4S,R45E 4,12,18 59 S9,T4S,R45E 12 60 S2,T5S,R45E 4,12 61 S26,T5S,R45E 12 62 S19,T6S,R46E 12 63 S30,T6S,R46E 4,12,17,18 64 S13,T7S,R45E 12 65 S19,T8S,R46E ^2 EAST FORK OTTER CREEK 66 S16.T3S.R45E 17 TAYLOR CREEK 67 S33,T6S,R46E 12 NORTH FORK TAYLOR CREEK 68 S35,T6S,R46E 12 SOUTH FORK TAYLOR CREEK 69 -T7S,R46E 12 COW CREEK 70 S22,T6S,R45E 12 INDIAN CREEK 71 -T6S,R46E 12 w' 12 Table 2 Continued I Site Location Reference COOK CREEK 72 S25,T5S,R43E HANGING WOMAN CREEK (^ 83 S32,T6S,R43E 12 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 S18,T6S S18,T6S S5,T7S, S17,T7S S30,T7S S20,T8S S15,T9S S2,T10S ,R43E ,R43E R43E ,R43E 5R43E ,R43E ,R43E 5R43E EAST FORK HANGING WO 81 82 S20,T6S S29,T6S SR43E ,R43E LEE CREEK 83 S32,T6S ,R43E STROUD CREEK 84 S2,T8S,f ^43E BULL CREEK 85 S28,T6S ,R42E SQUIRREL CREEK 86 87 88 S32,T9S S29,T9S. S14J9S. R40E R40E R39E YOUNG' 5 CREEK 89 - T9S,R39E LITTLE YOUNG'S CREEK 90 - T9S,R39E SUNDAY CREEK 91 - T9N, R47E 4,12,18 4,12,18 4,12,18 4,18 12 12,17 12 12 12 12 12 12 5 5,12 5 19 19 10 13 Table 2 Continued Site Location , Reference # NORTH FORK SUNDAY CREEK 92 - T8N, R47E 10 LOUIE & SCOTTIE CREEK 93 - T9N, R43E 5 LONE TREE CREEK 5 9 13 94 95 - T10N,R43E S21,T11N,R43E MUSTER CREEK 96 S10,T9N,R48E HARRIS CREEK 97 S30,T10N,R49E CUSTER CREEK 98 99 100 S18,T11N,R50E S9,T11N,R49E S35,T12N,R48E POWDER RIVER 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 S3,T11N,R50E S8,T9N,R51E S30,T6N,R52E S17,T1S,R54E S3,T5S,R51E S17,T9S,R48E S36,T9S,R47E TENMILE CREEK 108 109 S32,T11N,R51E S3,T10N,R51E COAL CREEK no 111 S29,T10N,R51E S3,T9N,R51E LOCATE CREEK 112 113 S2,T8N,R51E S22,T8N,R51E 13 13 13 13 15,16 15,16 15,16 15,16 15,16 15,16 15,16 13 13,16 13,16 13 13 13 w 14 Table 2 Continued Site Location Reference # C SHEEP CREEK 114 S36 ,T7N ,R51E MIZPAH CREEK 115 S24 T6N ,R51E LITTLE POWDER RIVER 116 S29. T4S ,R52E 117 S32. T4S ,R52E 118 S27. T8S ,R52E CROOKED CREEK 119 S33,T12N,R51E LOST MAN'S CREEK 120 S15,T12N,R51E CHERRY CREEK 121 S12,T12N,R51E 122 S12,T13N,R48E BRAKETT CREEK 123 S23,T13N,R50E 124 S34,T14N,R50E O'FALLON CREEK 125 S33,T13N,R52E 126 S30,T11N,R54E 127 S17,T9N,R55E 128 S17,T5N,R56E WHITNEY CREEK 129 S31,T12N,R53E 130 S9,T10N,R53E PENNEL CREEK 131 S6,T9N,R55E 132 S34,T10N,R55E 13 12,15,16 17 15,16 17 13 13 13 13 13 13 13,18 13,17 13 17 13 13 13 13 15 Table 2 Continued Site Location Reference # SANDSTONE CREEK 133 S6,T8N,R56E 13 134 S26,T8N,R57E 13 BAD ROUTE CREEK 135 S16,T13N,R53E 13 136 S24,T14N,R52E 13 137 S36,T15N,R51E 13 CRACKERBOX (TIMBER) CREEK 138 S6, T13N, R64E CABIN CREEK 139 140 S34 S3, ,T14N F12N, ,R54E R54E CLEAR CREEK 141 142 S19 S35 ,T14N ,T15N ,R55E ,R53E CEDAR CREEK 16 13 13 13 13 13 143 S20,T14N,R55E 13 144 S2,T13N,R55E 13 145 S20,T13N,R56E 13 SAND CREEK 146 S29,T15N,R55E 13 UPPER SEVENMILE CREEK 13 13 13 6 6 147 148 149 S34,T16N,R55E S36,T16N,R54E S10,T16N,R53E GLENDIVE CREEK 150 151 S20,T16N,R56E S24,T15N,R56E KRUG CREEK 152 153 S33,T16N,R56E S14,T15N,R57E ; 9 Table 2 Continued c Site Location Reference # GRIFFITH CREEK 154 S31,T16N,R57E HODGES CREEK 155 S9,T14N,R58E DEER CREEK 156 S5,T16N,R56E 157 S12,T16N,R55E 158 S6,T16N,R55E 159 S19,T17N,R54E 160 S10,T17N,R53E COTTON CREEK 161 S4,T16N,R56E LOWER SEVENMILE CREEK 162 S18,T17N,R56E 163 S4,T17N,R55E MORGAN CREEK 164 S5,T17N,R56E 165 S35,T18N,R55E THIRTEENMILE CREEK 166 S35,T18N5R56E 167 S7,T18N,R56E 168 S20,T19N5R55E BOX ELDER CREEK 169 S31,T18N,R57E 170 S18,T17N,R57E 171 S6,T16N,R58E 172 S8,T16N,R58E 173 S27,T16N,R58E WAR DANCE CREEK 174 S2,T18N,R57E 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 6 6 6 6 6 13 17 Table 2. Continued Site Location COTTONWOOD CREEK 175 S11,T18N,R57E 176 S6,T17N,R58E BURNS CREEK 177 S25,T19N,R57E 178 S32,T19N,R57E NORTH FORK BURNS CREEK 179 S26,T20N,R56E SMITH CREEK 180 S3,T19N,R58E 181 S29,T19N,R59E 182 S36,T19N,R59E DUNLAP CREEK 183 S27,T20N,R58E SHADWELL CREEK 184 S7,T20N,R59E 185 S24,T20N,R59E SEARS CREEK 186 S27,T21N,R58E CRANE CREEK 187 S14,T21N,R58E O'BRIEN CREEK 188 S10,T21N,R59E FOX CREEK 189 S19,T22N,R59E NORTH FORK FOX CREEK 190 S20,T22N,R58E 191 S14,T22N,R57E Reference # 13 13 13 13 13 6 6 6 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 _, 18 w Table 2. Continued C 4, Site Location Reference # SOUTH FORK FOX CREEK 192 S17,T22N,R56E 13 LONE TREE CREEK 193 S10,T22N,R59E 13 194 S36,T23N,R58E 13 195 S19,T23N,R58E 13 BENNY PEER CREEK 13 196 S1,T22N,R59E FIRST HAY CREEK 197 S31.T24N.R60E 198 S32,T24N,R59E 199 S16,T24N,R58E FOUR MILE CREEK 200 S23,T25N,R59E 201 S11,T25N,R58E L R CREEK BEAVE 202 S18,T16N,R61E 203 S27,T16N,R60E 204 S17,T15N,R60E 205 S36,T15N,R59E 206 S12,T14N,R59E 207 S24,T14N,R59E 208 S31,T14N,R60E 209 S6,T13N,R59E 210 S24,T13N,R59E 211 S36,T13N,R59E 212 S7,T12N,R60E 213 S19,T12N,R60E 214 S30,T11N,R60E 215 S5,T10N,R60E 216 S23fTI0N,R60E 217 S36,T10N,R60E 218 S4,T9N,R61E LITTLE MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE LITTLE BEAVER CREEK 219 S11,T15N,R60E 13 13 13 13 13 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 19 Table 2. Continued ,. J Site Location Reference # HAY CREEK 220 S21,T15N,R60E 221 S33,T15N,R60E LAME STEER CREEK 222 S9,T12N,R60E 223 S15,T12N,R60E 224 S23,T12N,R60E LITTLE BEAVER CREEK 225 S34,T3N,R56E 226 S14,T2N,R57E BOX ELDER CREEK 227 S17,T1N,R61E 228 S19,T5S,R58E 229 S7,T6S,R57E NORTH FORK COAL BANK CREEK 230 S12,T2N,R61E HORSE CREEK 231 S23,T2N,R61E COAL CREEK 232 S11,T1N,R60E SPRING CREEK 233 S16.T1N.R61E 234 S6,T1S5R62E 235 S8,T1S,R62E LONE TREE CREEK 236 S5,T2S,R59E DEAD BOY CREEK 237 S27,T2S,R58E 6 6 6 6 6 18 18 17 9 9 9,17 9 9 w 20 c Table 2 Continued Site Location Reference # CORRAL CREEK 238 S17,T4S,R58E 239 S23,T4S,R58E MUSKRAT CREEK 240 S4,T5S,R58E HAWKS NEST CREEK 241 S22,T5S,R58E WEST FORK T.L. CREEK 242 S23,T6S,R57E PORK CREEK 243 S8,T6S,R57E LITTLE MISSOURI RIVER 244 S10,T8S,R60E TIE CREEK 245 S31,T3S,R62E 246 S15,T4S,R62E COTTONWOOD CREEK 247 S9,T5S,R60E NORTH BUTTE CREEK 248 S24,T7S,R60E COTTONWOOD CREEK 249 S9,T8S,R60E SEVENMILE CREEK 250 S27,T8S,R60E THOMPSON CREEK 251 S19,T9S,R58E 9 9 9 9 21 Table 2 Continued DEADMAN CREEK 252 S19,T9S,R57E NORTH FORK THOMPSON CREEK 253 S8.T9S.R56E . Site Location Reference # 22 W" FISH DISTRIBUTION For each species of fish collected in southeastern Montana, there is a distribution map portraying the data compiled in this report. The sites at which each species has been collected are listed by number. A cross-reference between each site and the sources of information is available in Table 2. A reproduction of the map from Brown (1971) shows the former known distribution of each species in Montana. Common and scientific names of fish correspond to those presented by the American Fisheries Society (1970). i 23 PALLID STURGEON This species is apparently rare in Montana. It has been collected in the larqe turbid rivers of eastern Montana. The pallid sturgeon is classified as a fish of special concern in the state. SITES: 4, 5 j w! 9/1 Fiqure 4. PALLID STURGEON [Sc.CLphJA.htjnc.huA aJLhuh c oc SHOVELNOSE STURGEON Although the shovelnose is found mainly in the Yellowstone River, major spring spawning runs on the lower Powder and Tongue rivers have been recorded. This sturgeon is not widely distributed in southeastern Montana. Sites: •5, 35, 36, 101, 102, 103 \ Figure 5. Shovel nose Sturgeon (ScapkOthtjnchuA plaJtoh.ijnc.huA C 27 PADDLEFISH This species is restricted to large rivers. Their access to certain areas of historic spawning runs has been reduced by dam construction. A very popular sport fishery has developed around spring concentrations at Intake, collection site #5. The paddlefish is classified as a state fish of special concern. Sites: 2-5, 35, 101 w Wy^V 28 w Figure 6. Paddlefish [Polydon &pa£kixlci) C 29 GOLDEYE Goldeye are widely distributed throughout southeastern Montana. Although collected at only 17% of the sites, they are yery common in large streams and rivers. Sites: 1-6, 18, 35, 36, 49, 50, 91, 101, 102, 106, 107, 115, 117, 125-127, 134, 156, 166, 177, 187, 189, 196, 203-213, 227, 233, 236. \-IJ(J mm ~r\-\ ■iZ-f ft — J f#. «§ 5«is tf ■■<•■■ w 30 ' ,. Finure 7. Goldeye [Hlodon aJLo6o-idte c 31 MOUNTAIN WHITEFISH u« This species is common to the cold mountain streams of western Montana. It is rare in southeastern Montana due to a lack of suitable habitat. Mountain whitefish were identified at two sites on the Tonque River. Brown (1971) recorded this species from only one site in this area - Rosebud Creek. Sites: 44 and 46 ^ w 32 Fiqure 8. Mountain Nhitefish (Vno&opi-ucm u)il.Limn£>o\%l 33 RAINBOW TROUT Rainbow trout have been planted in many ponds in southeastern Montana as well as above and below the Tongue River Reservoir dam. A few individuals are caught each year in the lower Yellowstone River, but overall, rainbows are not common to the area. Sites: 2-5, 42, 44, 45, 47 . 34 Figure 9. Rainbow Trout [Salmo c\cuAdnv_^. C Fiqure 14. Goldfish [CaAaAA-LuA CLUJUUtuJ) GOLDEN SHINER The qolden shiner has been used as a forage fish in stocking programs which may account for its sporadic distribution over the area. This minnow tends to be plentiful where found. Sites: 6, 42, 45, 47, 55, 56, 58-60, 72-76, 78, 97, 125-127, 196, 227, 233, and 239. w 46 Fiqure 15. Golden shiner {tlotm-igonuA citj6ol£uccu> C 47 PEARL DACE We have no data to expand the known distribution of this species in southeastern Montana. Brown listed only one site on the Yellowstone River for the pearl dace. Sites: None w: 48 Figure 16. Pearl Dace (SemoJUZuA moJtQOJxJjta.) 49 CREEK CHUB This species is much more common in southeastern Montana than prior information indicated. Recently, the creek chub has been removed from Montana's list of species of special concern due to an awareness of their wider distribution. Specimens up to 29 cm long have been collected in this part of the state. Sites: 50, 59, 60, 62, 81, 87, 98-100, 102, 108-115, 121, 123, 124, 125, 127, 129, 131, 132, 135-139, 141, 142, 144, 147, 148, 153, 154, 158-172, 174-184, 187, 189, 191, 193, 194, 200, 202-220, 227, 233. 234. (' ' ' '.< ' ■ •'. }. .ii,/V\' >f7< i4 m aJyiomciculcuttii, NORTHERN REDBELLY DACE The northern redbelly dace prefers small slow- flowing creeks with clear cool water and abundant vegetation. It is not common in south- eastern Montana, but is often plentiful where found. Its distribution in this part of the state seems to be limited to a small groupinq of tributaries in the lower Yellowstone basin. Brown did not list any collection sites from southeastern Montana. Srtes_: 158, 160, 164-172, 174, 175, 180 and 191. '*mJ 52 Fiqure 18. Northern Redbelly Dace [FhoxinuA l& geJUda) 57 LAKE CHUB The lake chub is abundant and widely distributed in southeastern Montana. It is found mainly in smaller creeks rather than in large rivers. It is the fifth most comnon fish in this report having been found at about 42% of the sampling sites. , Sites: 6-14, 18-30, 32, 33, 52-54, 56, 57, 60, 62-75, 78, 80-82, 84, 85, 87-90, 94, 100, 109-112, 116, 118, 121-129, 131, 132, 135-138, 142, 44, 145, 153, 154, 158, 162, 163, 165, 167, 168, 170-176, 179, 180, 184, 191, 194, 195, 210-212, 219, 227, 230 and 251. J 58 Figure 21 . Lake Chub L c 59. EMERALD SHINER The emerald shiner is widely distributed in southeastern Montana. This species has been collected primarily from the lower sections of small prairie streams in this part of the state. Sites: 6> 16, 18, 56, 73, 98, 99, 127, 133, 144, 150, 162, 173, 174, 177, 180, 183, 189, 193, 196, 213, 214 and 217-219. "v_/ *% w 61 Fiqure 22. Emerald Shiner [UotAOp-U, 8j , ^Uif i V-> ■ "■"»-. i'K'R- ,M*\V ■'■-.A:.-- ",\ ■ v-, « w. mm $% mi ■A .K'ri . Y, 62 _- ^ Figure 23. Sand Shiner 63 BRASSY MINNOW The brassy minnow is common in southeastern Montana. It was collected at about 1/4 of the sites in this study, widely expanding the known distribution of the species in the Yellowstone drainage." w Sjtes_: 34, 50, 56, 57, 59-61, 63, 67, 68, 75, 78, 80, 81, 83-85, 87, 89. 90, 96, 97, 102, 108, 110, 111, 115, 122, 124-127, 129-132, 136,' 137, 139, 142, 144, 145, 147, 148, 160, 166, 168, 171, 175, 176, 179, 182, 184, 187, 193-195, 201, 203, 205, 210, 213, 215, 216, 219, 230 and 233. Is I ; • ' W3f> ::-;J WRWW7'^i Wh\^SMvl *& m W- m a> "5»£3 M*. ... ^ £M KQl %' CPJ g*: itL •i^r m w 64 I , Figure 24. Brassy Minnow [fiijbognathuu> hankinAovil ^3 65 PLAINS MINNOW/WESTERN SILVERY MINNOW The plains minnow and the western silvery minnow are combined since not all available distribution data differentiates between the two species. These species are widely distributed in southeastern Montana and are often abundant. Sites: 2-6. 34, 36, 39, 40, 52-56, 58, 59, 66, 71, 73-75, 80, 91, 99-110. Ill1,] 5"U?' !?73> 3S-1?!,' 133' 139' 141' 143-147> 15°-155» 162>' 169-171, 175, 177, 180, 181, 183, 186, 187, 189, 196, 202 203 205, 212, 214, 215, 217, 219, 227, and 233. ' ' i ■ .'..•STTi Si- ^ W5- rAr^V^ PLAINS MINNOW r^r, WESTERN SILVERY MINNOW 66 Fiqure 25. Plains Minnow/Western Silvery Minnow [HybogncLthu&l c w^^' 67 FATHEAD MINNOW This species is widely distributed, and it is very abundant in southeastern Montana. The fathead is the second most common fish in this report, having been collected at about 64% of the sites. This hardy minnow is well suited to the extremes encountered in prairie streams where conditions range from flowing water to ephemeral pools. _ Sites: 6-16, 18, 25, 78-81, 84-90, 140, 142-145, 169-177, 179, and 236-253. 27, 34, 38, 50, 53, 56-58, 62-64, 66, 72-76, 97-100, 108-116, 118, 119, 121-128, 130-137, 139 147, 148, 151, 153-155, 157, 159, 160, 162-166, 180, 184-187, 189, 193-197, 200-222, 224-234, w 68 c Fiqure 26. Fathead Minnow (VimzpkatQM pnomoXaM \ ^^^ 69 LONGNOSE DACE This species is widely distributed and abundant in southeastern Montana. The longnose dace was collected at about 54% of the sites; it is the third most common species in this report. Although it occurs in a wide variety of habitats, this minnow prefers flowing water with a rocky substrate. Sites; 2-7, 17-29, 31-34, 36, 38-42, 44-46, 49, 50, 53, 56, 58, 63, 64, 66, 70-75, 78, 81, 82, 84, 86-90, 94, 96-100, 102-106, 108-112, 114-116, 118, 120, 121, 125, 127-129, 131, 132, 134-144, 146-148, 153, 154, 158-170, 174, 177-181, 186, 187, 193-195, 197, 202, 204-207, 210-212, 227, 230, 235, 244, 245 and 251. v ■- 70 Figure 27. Longnose Dace [Uhinlchthiji aatcutactan C ^ 71 RIVER CARPSUCKER This species is widely distributed and abundant in southeastern Montana. Carpsuckers are usually found in the pools and backwaters of the rivers and lower reaches of the streams. Sites: 1-6, 18, 35-42, 45-47, 49, 50, 52, 55, 66, 73, 78, 91, 97, 98, 101, 102, 104-108, 110, 112, 115-117, 125-128, 133, 134, 139, 143, 147, 150, 162, 164, 169, 175, 183, 184, 189 and 196. w w 72 I Figure 28. River Carpsucker [CaApoZdeA c-cwp-lo 73 BLUE SUCKER The blue sucker is apparently rare in southeastern Montana. Its distribution is confined to large streams and rivers. The blue sucker has been removed from the state list of fishes of special concern because of recent documentation of high population levels in the Missouri drainage. Sites: 2-5, 35, 36, and 125. ill: J -* 74 Fiqure 29. Blue Sucker [CyzldptuA clongatuA C 75 SMALLMOUTH BUFFALO This species is not cormion in southeastern Montana. It was found at only about 6% of the sites in this report. The smallmouth buffalo has been collected mainly from larger streams and rivers. Brown (1971) listed one site on Rosebud Creek for this species. Sites: 1-5, 35, 55, 110, 125, 127, 147, 150, 156, 166, 180, 187, 189 and 204. J ^^ 76 I £ Figure 30. Smallmouth Buffalo lojtiobvJb buhtxXjik 11 BIGMOUTH BUFFALO Although this species occurs throughout the Tower mainstem Yellowstone River, its distribution in the smaller rivers and streams of southeast Montana is limited. The bigmouth buffalo was collected at only about 2% of the sites in this report. Brown (1971) listed no sites for this species in southeastern Montana. W Sites: 2-5, 35 and 184. J > 78 Figure 31. Biqmouth Buffalo [IctLobuA atjpfu.mll.uA w l^J- 79 SHORTHEAD REDHORSE This species is widely distributed in the larger streams in southeastern Montana. It is locally abundant. The shorthead redhorse is the most common fish in the mid-section of the Tongue River, sites 40 to 43 (Clancey 1980). Sites: 1-7, 18-25, 35-50, 52, 53, 55-59, 63, 66, 73-75, 78, 101, 106, 107, 115, 117, 125-127, 134, 147, 156, 166, 175, 177, 180, 184, 187, 202-213, 227, and 233. >J 80 i w Figure 32. Shorthead Redhorse [MoxoAtoma macAoldp-ido turn 81 L0N6N0SE SUCKER This species is common in the cold water streams of western Montana. In the southeastern part of the state, the longnose sucker is found mainly in the larger and cooler streams. Sites: 2-7, 16, 18, 35-47, 73, 86, 87, 116, 126, 127, 174, and 227. J 82 Fiqure 33. Lonqnose Sucker [CcutoAtomuA aatoistomu& £ 83 WHITE SUCKER The white sucker is widely distributed and abundant in southeastern Montana. It was collected at about 73% of the sites in this report, ranking it as the most common species. Sites: 1-10, 12-14, 16, 18-50, 52, 53, 55-69, 71-81, 83, 85-89, 97-100, 108-118, 121-139, 141-144, 146-148, 151-153, 156-172, 174-182, 184, 186, 187, 189-198, 200, 202-219, 222, 223, and 233. /■' c 87 BLACK BULLHEAD This species is widely distributed and abundant in southeastern Montana. It was collected at almost 1/3 of the sampling sites in this report. Habitats in which it was found varied from large rivers to pools in small intermittent streams. ^ Sites: 2, 3, 6, 8-10, 15, 18, 39, 40, 42, 45, 47, 52, 53, 55-63, 66, 72-76, 78, 86, 109, 113-116, 118, 126, 127, 140, 149, 153, 157. 160, 174, 175, 179-182, 198, 200, 202-204, 208-219, 222, 227, 229, 233, 234, 236, 237, 240, 247 and 251. mmmMMmmk v^^' J 88 Figure 36. Black Bullhead 89 YELLOW BULLHEAD This species is only about 1/3 as widely distributed in southeastern Montana as the black bullhead. It was found in combination with the black bullhead in 20 of the 26 collection s.ites in this report. Brown (1971) listed only one site for the yellow bullhead in this part of the state. Sites: 36, 39, 40, 42, 45-47, 55, 73, 75, 111, 114, 153, 157, 175, 177, 180-182, 184, 202, 205, 210, 212, 214, and 217. J ima^ „ 90 Figure 37. Yellow Bullhead ' lc.taluA.ai> nataLLA 91 CHANNEL CATFISH The channel cat is one of the major game fish in southeastern Montana. It was collected at only about 17% of the sites in this report, mainly in the larger rivers and creeks. Much of the sampling in the lower reaches of tributaries coincided with spring spawning migrations. Sites: 1-5, 18, 35-38, 47, 49-52, 55, 56, 66, 73, 74, 91, 101-106, 115-118, 125-127, 133, 139, 147, 156, 166, 175, 180, 187, 189, 227 and 233. _ ■ \) y, A W'i ) — a . ■ *r> "jC\ ■• •;*^*r3%_-^ WM 1 i / Xtt- li .' . I ' "' }r , - A l //]'-' l\\ I ■ ' ) --T \r-\ . .-'s T ' ■> » ^< ' e ) j- _ 92 w Figure 38. Channel Catfish ' loX.al.uJmM puntatuJ) 93 5 TONE CAT This species has a fairly wide distribution in southeastern Montana It was found at about 26% of the sites, mainly in flowing water over rocky substrates. Srtes.: 1-6, 18-24, 35-50, 55, 56, 58, 63, 73, 74, 86, 97, 101-105,107, IS: SK: ISS-^HsiS?3- 14U ,47- ,56- 166- w- ,81- 182- ,89- s--_-" 94 t w Figure 39. Stonecat 95 BURBOT •-^-■- This species is found in the larger rivers of southeastern Montana, It was identified at approximately 5% of the sites. The burbot is a popular winter and spring game fish in southeasten Montana. Sites: 1-5, 18, 35, 36, 38, 101, 102 and 157. •^y' 96 Figure 40. Burbot Lota lota 97 J> PLAINS KILLIFISH This species is more common in the lower Yellowstone drainage than was originally thought. Expansion of the knew distribution of the plains killifish in Montana has warranted the removal of this fish from Montana's list of fishes of special concern. This species has been collected mainly in small clear water creeks. The killifish is usually locally abundant where found. Sites: 16, 92-94, 98-100, 121, 125, 129, 135, 138-140, 143-145, 152, 157, 158, 161, 162, 164, 169, 170, and 175. ■•y^gj ■w; 98 t Figure 41. Plains Kill i fish [fundntui kanbae. 99 _ MOSQUITOFISH Mosquitofish have been collected at Angela Hotsprings which is located at the head of Lone Tree Creek. The year round survival of Gambusia in Montana is restricted to waters with thermal influences. Sites: 95 w 100 Sj^^^. Figure 42. Mosquitofish [Gambti&Za. oc^ajum 101 BROOK STICKLEBACK This species is normally found in small, clear, cool streams. It has been collected mainly in tributaries to the lower Yellowstone and in the Beaver Creek drainage. The apparent distribution of the stickleback does not extend very far up the Yellowstone drainage. Sites: 113, 136, 142, 150, 151, 153, 160, 161, 168, 174-176, 179, 182, 184, 185, 188, 189, 191, 195, 200, 201, 204, 210, 212, 213, 215- 220, 222, and 224. ■v ) ■ * •■J N 112 ' , . Figure 48. Smallmouth Bass {ULcsiopteAuA dolomttuA.} 113 LARGEMOUTH BASS This species was collected only on the Tonque and Yellowstone Rivers. Numerous ponds throughout southeastern Montana are stocked with largemouth bass; these are not shown on the distribution map. Sites: 2-5, 35, 45 and 47. w 114 Figure 49. Largemouth Bass [hiicA.opte.nuU> i>aXmot&oj> ■ 115 WHITE CRAPPIE \^0T White crappie were taken primarily from the Yellowstone and Tongue Rivers. Most of the sites from which white crappie have been collected have also yielded black crappie. Sites: 2-5, 18, 36, 38-40, 42, 44, 45, 47, 49, 50, 55, 73 and 182. w 116 Figure 50. White Crappie [ Pbmox-lA annuZajuA 117 •w" BLACK CRAPPIE This species has been collected mainly on the Yellowstone and Tongue Rivers. In most cases, black and white crappie were collected together. Sites: 1-5, 36-38, 42, 44, 45, 47 and 73. 118 i Figure 51. Black Crappie {Pomox nA-QHomcLculatuA C 119 YELLOW PERCH Yellow perch were collected mainly in the Yellowstone and Tongue Rivers. The yellow perch has been stocked in a number of ponds throughout southeastern Montana. Ponds are not shown on this distribution map. Sites: 3, 5, 41, 42, 44-47, 55, 73, 210, 212 and 223. w 120 t Figure 52. Yellow Perch [Vqaqjx filaveAcznA 121 SAUGER This species is one of the most popular gamefish in southeastern Montana. It has been collected mainly on the larger rivers and streams, Sauger are locally abundant offering great angling opportunities during spring spawning runs in Yellowstone tributaries. Sites: 1-5, 18, 35, 36, 38-40, 42, 45-50, 55, 91, 101-103, 106, 107, 125, 156, 166, 187, 189 and 227. ^J 122 \^^ Figure 53. Sauqer [Stiz o& tzdion aanadnnitQ, 123 WALLEYE The walleye is another important sport fish in eastern Montana, but is not as widely distributed as the sauger. This species was taken at about 9% of the sites, restricted primarily to the larger streams. Walleye have been utilized as a pond fish which is not reflected on the distribution map. Sites: 2-5, 18, 35, 36, 45, 47, 50, 55, 73,189, 204-207, 209-212, 223. j ^y 124 Fiqure 54. Walleye [Stlzoi,tzdion vJJjiejum) C 125 IOWA DARTER This species has been collected in the Little Missouri drainage and on one tributary of the lower Yellowstone. The limited distribution of the Iowa Darter in southeast Montana probably represents the extent of its westward range. Sites: 194, 195, 204-206, 209-213, 215-219, 222 and 235. _ 126 i, Figure 55. Iowa Darter [Ethe.o££oma zxaJLz)