Spawning-related Movements of Flathead Chub in a Prairie Stream

Research Task: WRD
Task Manager: Robert Zuellig

Although flathead chub (Platygobio gracilis) is considered secure throughout most of its central North American range, it is a species of special concern in Colorado, state threatened in Kansas, and considered imperiled or critically imperiled in 8 states by the Nature Conservancy and Natural Heritage Program network. In Colorado, flathead chub occur primarily in the plains portions of the Arkansas and the Rio Grande river basins and has been apparently eliminated from the Arkansas River upstream of Florence, Colo. Unpublished data from the USGS and the Colorado Division of Wildlife suggest that flathead chub also may be declining in Fountain Creek upstream of the two most downstream potential barriers in the basin. Specific causes of this decline are unknown; however, barriers that impede movement and migration (for example, diversion dams and grade control structures), particularly during the spawning season, may play a role.

The Clear Springs Ranch Diversion (CSRD) structure is the farthest downstream barrier on Fountain Creek, located about 60 km upstream from the confluence with the Arkansas River. Flathead chub in spawning condition congregate during spring and summer below the CSRD, which presumably blocks further upstream migration. In 2011 the CSRD will be retrofitted with a fishway with the intent of improving fish passage. This project will determine movement patterns of flathead chub below the CSRD and the extent to which the CSRD currently impedes their upstream movement. Specifically, this work will determine whether flathead chub migrate upstream to spawn, the timing of spawning movement, and how far they move. Results of this study will (1) allow project managers to ensure that design criteria based on swimming and life history characteristics of flathead chub are met in the fishway during peak periods of flathead chub movement, (2) provide baseline data to evaluate the efficacy of the fishway, (3) inform future monitoring efforts, and (4) improve efforts to reconnect stream habitats for Great Plains fishes and serve as a model for improving fish passage through other man-made barriers in the region.

 For more information contact Robert Zuellig