Distribution of fishes in southeastern Montana

597.5

1980 JIla^Z ■

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'

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 %

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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

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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

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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

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\^_,

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.

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Table 2. Locations of sampling sites.

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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#.

Ǥ

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\cuAdn<WA,)

C

35

BROWN TROUT

This species was planted in the Tonque River Reservoir (1958-1960)
A few individuals are caught in the lower Yellowstone River each year.
Overall, the brown trout is not common in southeastern Montana.

v

Sites: 2, 3, 5, 35, 45-47 and 146.

■\«*j

mMm

■&\

b&

v-4i

*?//

•M

w

-J'

7-pz

&WS

V^^-W^

:i^^/

^

)-

mm

m

ill

J

36

\ /

(^^

Fiqure 10. Brown Trout

[Salmo tmxttd)

37

BROOK TROUT

_

This species has been planted in a number of ponds in southeastern
Montana. However, due to lack of suitable habitat, brook trout are
rare in this part of the state.

Sites: 25, 30, 90, 190 and 195

J

'\^0

38

t

\^p,

Fiqure 11. Brook Trout

(SalveJLiniU) fioivtLnatU

39

NORTHERN PIKE

Northern pike have been widely planted in the ponds and lakes of
southeastern Montana including periodic plants in the Tongue River
Reservoir. As a result of these plantings, some stream dwelling
populations have developed, Pike in the larger rivers apparently
move into weedy tributaries to spawn in the spring. Some of these
tributaries are used by the young-of-the-year as nursery grounds.

Sites: 2-5, 19-25, 35, 42, 45, 46, 47, 55, 73, 114, 127, 134, 147-149,
156, 157, 166, 182, 187, 189, 190, 192, 196, 198, 199, 204, and
236.

-_..„"

40

c

Figure 12. Northern Pike

41

CARP

The carp has a wide distribution in southeastern Montana. Its
habitat preference for warm shallow waters with aquatic vegetation
typically is found in many streams and ponds in this part of the
state.

Sites: 1-6, 8, 9, 18-24, 34-53, 55, 56, 58, 63, 66, 72-76, 79, 80,

86, 87, 91, 97, 101, 105-107, 112, 114-118, 125-128, 131, 132,
134, 139, 141, 142, 147, 148, 152, 153, 156, 157, 159, 162,
164, 166, 175, 177, 179, 180, 184, 187, 189, 196, 204-210,
212-217, 222-224, 227, 233 and 236.

J

^y

E'HTrCn

&

%Jk

1 -i

rrr-

■-^te£s

M

<iMm&*3®&-

--,-

42

w

Fiqure 13. Carp

[CypAslivu o.ojvpi.0

L

43

GOLDFISH

This introduced species is rare in southeastern Montana,
coexists with carp at all sites where it has been found.

It

w

Sites: 45, 47, 212, 222 and 223.

K'FiSfKSt waists

llllll

J

44

>v_^.

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<vMJmi^;\m

mmmSmk

j

a

50

^

Fiqure 17. Creek chub

(Smo£<Lltju> 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 <lo&

53

FLATHEAD CHUB

The flathead chub is abundant in the prairie streams of south-
eastern Montana; it is the fourth most common species in this report.
Although widely distributed, the flathead chub is more common in the
larger flowing streams than in intermittent creeks.

Sites: 1-7, 18-24, 35-42, 45, 46, 49, 50, 52, 53, 55, 56, 58, 63, 66,

73-76, 78, 86, 87, 92, 94, 96-112, 114-121, 125-129, 131-133, 135,
138, 139, 141, 143, 144, 146, 147, 150-154, 157, 162, 166, 169,
174, 177, 178, 180, 183, 186, 187, 189, 193, 196, 197, 203,204,
210, 214-217, 220, 227, 230, 233 and 244.

J

54

Fiqure 19. Flathead Chub

[Htjbop&Lk gfiacJUj)

55

STURGEON CHUB

This species is rare in Montana. It has been collected mainly in
the Yellowstone and Powder Rivers, generally in areas characterized by
moderate to strong currents over a gravelly substrate. Although widely
distributed in the large rivers of southeastern Montana, the sturgeon
chub is not common where found. This species is classified as a state
species of special concern in Montana.

Sites: 3, 4, 5, 36, 101-107 and 169,

56

Figure 20. Sturgeon Chub

{Hijbopi>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, <xtkQAAJAO-id.lt,

61

SAND SHINER

This hardy species is common in southeastern Montana and can be
locally abundant. It was collected at about 26% of the sites in this
report. The sand shiner has not been found upstream of the Tongue
River in the Yellowstone drainage.

Sites.: 50, 56-59, 63, 75, 79, 80, 98-100, 106, 114-116, 118, 121, 125-127,
129, 131-133, 135, 139-141, 144, 146-148, 150, 151, 155, 158, 159,
163, 169, 173, 175, 177, 178, 180-182, 184, 186, 189, 193, 203-205,
207-218, 227, 233, 244 and 251.

|rnr

f>

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>

"5ȣ3

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

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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.

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82

Fiqure 33. Lonqnose Sucker

[CcutoAtomuA aatoistomu&

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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.

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84

Figure 34. White Sucker

[CatoAtomuA corrtneJiAoni

85

MOUNTAIN SUCKER

This species is common in the Rosebud and Tongue River drainages,
where it finds the cool clear waters it prefers. With the exception of
these streams and the Yellowstone River, the mountain sucker is rare in
this corner of the state.

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Sites: 1-7, 18-27, 30, 31, 36, 38-41, 43-45, 49, 50, 86 and 163.

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Fiqure 35. Mountain Sucker

(Cato&tomuA platyith.ijnc.hiLi>

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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1 i / Xtt- li .' . I ' "' }r , - A l //]'-' l\\ I ■ ' ) --T \r-\ . .-'s T ' ■> » ^< ' e ) j-

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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--_-"

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Figure 39. Stonecat

95

BURBOT

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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.

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96

Figure 40. Burbot

Lota lota

97

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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.

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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

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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.

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102

Figure 43. Brook Stickleback

[Ctxlci£.a. i.ncon&ta.n&

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"103

ROCK BASS

This species has been collected exclusively in the Tongue River
and its tributaries in Montana. Rehwinkel (1978) collected rock bass
in Clear Creek, a Wyoming tributary to the Powder River, entering
the Powder near the state line. It is anticipated it will be
found in the Lower Yellowstone River.

Sites: 36-48, 55, 73 and 86.

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Figure 44. Rock Bass

{Ambloptitu hupQJstAJji

GREEN SUNFISH

This species is the most widely distributed of the sunfish family
in southeastern Montana. It was collected at about 26% of the sites
in this report.

Sites: 2, 6-10, 12, 14, 34, 38-40, 42, 45, 47, 55, 56, 63, 66, 73-79, 81,
84, 90, 100, 102, 103, 108-110, 115-118, 121, 124, 125-129, 131-
134, 136, 137, 140, 157, 160, 175, 179, 182, 207-210, 212, 213,
215, 227 and 233-235.

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Figure 45. Green Sunfish

\LzpomiA ctjamlluA

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PUMPKINSEED

This species has a scattered distribution in southeastern Montana
reflecting it's wide utilization as a stock pond fish. It was collected
at about 9% of the sites in this report.

Sites: 16, 34, 36, 42, 45, 47, 50, 55-63, 78, 79, 128, 148, 215, 216
and 246.

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Figure 46. Pumpkinseed

[LzpomiA g<LbboAu6

109

BLUEGILL

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This species has a widely scattered distribution in southeastern
Montana reflecting its utilization as a stock pond fish. At most
sites it is found with other sunfish species.

Sites: 42, 50, 52, 74, 75, 78, 79, 81, 127, 194

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Fiqure 47. Bluegill

' LzpomiA moLcKockAJuMs

111

SMALLMOUTH BASS

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Smallmouth bass were collected primarily from the Tongue and
Yellowstone Rivers. The smallmouth population in the Tongue is thriving
and with increased interest is providing excellent angling opportunities.
Growth rates of the Tongue River smallmouth are comparable to Missouri
smallmouth streams (Clancey 1980). Smallmouth bass have been used in
stock water ponds in eastern Montana, but are not reflected on the map.

Sites: 2-4, 35-38, 41-43, 45-47, 55, 57, 73 and 194.

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' , .

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.

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Figure 49. Largemouth Bass

[hiicA.opte.nuU> i>aXmot&oj>

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WHITE CRAPPIE

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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.

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Figure 50. White Crappie

[ Pbmox-lA annuZajuA

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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

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Figure 51. Black Crappie

{Pomox<a> nA-QHomcLculatuA

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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.

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Figure 52. Yellow Perch

[Vqaqjx filaveAcznA

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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.

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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.

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124

Fiqure 54. Walleye

[Stlzoi,tzdion vJJjiejum)

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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.

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126

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Figure 55. Iowa Darter

[Ethe.o££oma zxaJLz)

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FRESHWATER DRUM

Freshwater drum have been collected exclusively in the larger rivers

in southeastern Montana. The five sites identified here illustrate its
wide distribution along the Yellowstone.

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Sites: 2-5 and 35

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128

Fiqure 56. Freshwater Drum

[AplodinotuA gmn.nie.n6

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SUMMARY

In this report, fifty-three species of fish have been identified.
Twenty-eight of these, more than half, have been collected at fewer than
10% of the sites. This suggests a wide variety of habitats or, at least,
many discontinuous reaches of similar habitat. Both descriptions fit the
waters of southeastern Montana. Fourteen species have been collected at
more than 25% of the sites; of these only the fathead minnow, longnose
dace and white sucker have been found at more than half of the sites.
Considering the limited habitat available to the various fish species in
southeastern Montana, extreme care must be taken where there is a potential
for the degredation of aquatic resources.

Although this report updates Brown using the latest available data,
it is not the final word on the distribution of fishes in southeastern
Montana. The known distribution of some species will be expanded as more
streams are surveyed and as more intensive sampling is done. Nevertheless,
this report will assist state and federal agencies, as well as private
industry and local governments, in making sound biological decisions
concerning the protection of the fisheries resources in southeastern Montana.

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REFERENCES

1. American Fisheries Society. 1970. A List of Common and Scientific Names
of Fishes from the United States and Canada. Third Edition.
Washington, D.C.

2. Brown, C.J.D. 1971. Fishes of Montana. Big Sky Books, Montana State
University, Bozeman, Montana.

3. Clancey, Christopher G. 1978. The Fish and Aquatic Invertebrates in Sarpy
Creek, Montana. Master's Thesis. Montana State University, Bozeman.

4. Clancey, Christopher G. 1980. Vital Statistics and Instream Flow Requirements
of Fish in the M0NTC0 Mine Area of the Tongue River, Montana. Mont.
Dept. Fish, Wild!. & Parks.

5. Elser, Allen A. Personal communication. Regional Fisheries Manager.
Miles City Regional Office, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife
& Parks, Miles City, Montana.

6. Elser, Allen A., Christopher Clancey, Lani Morris and Mark Gorges. 1978.
Aquatic Habitat Inventory of the Beaver Creek Drainage and Selected
Tributaries of the Yellowstone River. Montana Dept. of Fish and
Game. Prepared for and submitted to the Bureau of Land Management.

7. Elser, Allen A., Robert C. McFarland, and Dennis Schwehr. 1977. The
effect of altered streamflow on fish of the Yellowstone and Tongue
rivers, Montana. Yellowstone Impact Study, Technical Report No. 8

DNRC, Water Resources Division.

8. Elser, Allen and James C. Schreiber. 1978. Environmental Effects of Western

Coal Combustion. Part 1. The Fishes of Rosebud Creek, Montana.
Montana Department of Fish and Game. Miles City, Montana.

9. Gorges, Mark W. Personal communication. Miles City District Office, Bureau

of Land Management, Miles City, Montana.

10. Haddix, Mike. 1975. Aquatic Habitat Evaluation Study - Offstream Storage

Reservoirs. From: Yellowstone River Habitat Evaluation Attempt -
Mainstem Impoundment Compared to Offstream Storage Options. Montana
Dept. of Fish and Game, Environment and Information Division in
cooperation with Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.

11. Haddix, Michael H. and Christopher Estes. 1976. Yellowstone River Fisheries

Study, Final Report. Conducted by: Montana Department of Fish and
Game, Region 7, Miles City, MT. Environment and Information Division.

12. Hightower, Terry and Lani Morris. 1980. An Aquatic Resources Inventory

of Selected Streams in the Lower Yellowstone River Basin. Interim
Report. Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Miles City,

13. Missouri River Basin Commission. 1978

14. Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

131

15. Morris, Lani. Personal communication. Fish. Div., Fish, Wildl. & Parks, Miles City.

16. North Central Power Study Committee. 1971. North Central Power Study.

NCP Study Committee, Report of Phase I, Vol. 2.

17. Penkal, Russell. Personal communication. Fisheries Bioloqist, Department

of Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Miles City.

18. Rehwinkel, Bruce J. 1978. Powder River Aquatic Ecology Project. Final

Report. Montana Department of Fish and Game. Prepared for: Utah
International, Inc.

19. Rehwinkel, Bruce J. and Mark Gorges. 1977. Powder River Aquatic Ecology

Project. Annual Report. Montana Department of Fish and Game.

20. Schoenthal, N.D. Col strip Plume Fallout Area: Stream Biology Sampling

Stations. In_ Toxic Effects in the Aquatic Biota from Coal and Oil
Shale Development: Progress Report - Year 1 Natural Resource Ecology
Laboratory Colorado State Univ. Fort Collins. July 1975-June 1976.

21. Schoenthal, N.D. Personal communication. Associate Professor of Biology,

Eastern Montana College, Billings, MT.

22. Schmidt, Dana C. Ph. D. 1977. The Aquatic Biology of Young's Creek

Ecosystem (Pearl Area). Prepared for WESTECH by Olson-Elliott and
Associates.

23. Seaburg, Keith G. 1973. A summary of data collected from the Yellowstone

River in the vicinity of Armell's Creek near Forsvth, Montana, during i

sampling periods of March 29-30 and May 2-4, 1973. Montana Department
of Fish and Game.

24. Wesche, Thomas A. and Lora S. Johnson. 1979. The Tongue River in Wyoming;

A Baseline Fisheries Assessment, Monarch to the Stateline. Water
Resources Research Institute. University of Wyoming, Laramie.
Prepared to Peter Kiewit and Sons' Mining Company and Argonne National
Laboratory.

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