Spatial variation in spawning habitat of cutthroat trout in a sediment-rich basin

Abstract

We examined distribution and habitat characteristics of spawning sites of cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarki at various spatial scales to assess effects of sedimentation within a large basin in Montana. Redd density varied widely across the basin; nearly all (99%) of the 362 redds observed occurred in two high-elevation headwater tributaries. Redd density at the reach scale was positively correlated (r2 = 0.72, P = 0.001) with abundance of spawning gravels. Other habitat variables, such as gradient, width, depth, embeddedness, bank stability, and percent riffle, were not significantly correlated to redd density. Taylor Fork redds contained some of the highest proportions of fine sediments (

Citation

Magee, James P.; McMahon, Thomas E.; Thurow, Russell F. 1996. Spatial variation in spawning habitat of cutthroat trout in a sediment-rich basin. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society. 125: 768-779.