Effects of hydrologic infrastructure on flow regimes of California's Central Valley rivers: Implications for fish populations

Alteration of natural flow regimes is generally acknowledged to have negative effects on native biota; however, methods for defining ecologically appropriate flow regimes in managed river systems are only beginning to be developed. Understanding how past and present water management has affected rivers is an important part of developing such tools. In this paper, we evaluate how existing hydrologic infrastructure and management affect streamflow characteristics of rivers in the Central Valley, California and discuss those characteristics in the context of habitat requirements of native and alien fishes. We evaluated the effects of water management by comparing observed discharges with estimated discharges assuming no water management (‘full natural runoff’). Rivers in the Sacramento River drainage were characterized by reduced winter–spring discharges and augmented discharges in other months. Rivers in the San Joaquin River drainage were characterized by reduced discharges in all months but particularly in winter and spring. Two largely unaltered streams had hydrographs similar to those based on full natural runoff of the regulated rivers. The reduced discharges in the San Joaquin River drainage streams are favourable for spawning of many alien species, which is consistent with observed patterns of fish distribution and abundance in the Central Valley. However, other factors, such as water temperature, are also important to the relative success of native and alien resident fishes. As water management changes in response to climate change and societal demands, interdisciplinary programs of research and monitoring will be essential for anticipating effects on fishes and to avoid unanticipated ecological outcomes. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Body mass and growth of overwintering brown trout in relation to stream habitat complexity

In winter, juvenile salmonids hide within the substrate during the day and emerge to feed on drifting invertebrates at night. In channelized streams, where the streambed heterogeneity has been artificially reduced, suitable microhabitats (low‐flow refugia) may be in short supply. Therefore, restoration of stream habitat by enhancement structures might improve the overwintering conditions of juvenile salmonids. We used a set of artificial streams to test whether individually‐marked juvenile brown trout of two age‐classes (age‐0 and age‐1 trout) loose mass during the winter differently in channelized and semi‐natural streams. Fish of both age‐classes lost mass early in the winter (November to January), but age‐0 fish in the channelized streams lost more of their initial mass than did the restored‐stream fish (ca. 10% vs. 2.5% on average, respectively). They then exhibited zero‐growth in both treatments in late winter (January to April), and by early spring (May), the channelized‐stream fish had completely caught up for their greater initial mass loss. In control tanks where the fish were fed continuously, age‐0 trout exhibited zero‐growth from November to January, then gaining mass constantly through the rest of the experiment. Significant time*treatment interaction was also detected for age‐1 trout, but all differences were caused by the faster growth of fish in the control tanks, whereas the two channel treatments did not differ significantly. The shortage of suitable sheltering sites in the channelized streams apparently intensified competition and caused greater initial mass loss in age‐0 trout. Furthermore, growth compensation exhibited by juvenile trout may have negative impacts on the long‐term fitness of individuals. Therefore, by increasing the amount of sheltering sites, in‐stream restoration may have potential to enhance the overwintering success of juvenile salmonids. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Long‐term Dynamics of Large‐bodied Fishes Assessed from Spatially Intensive Monitoring of a Managed Desert River

Imperilment of native fishes worldwide, and particularly in the American Southwest, has prompted management actions to protect and recover threatened populations. Implementation of management activities, however, often proceeds without clear understandings of ecological interactions between native fishes and other biotic and physical components of the environment. Using data obtained in a 19‐year, intensive monitoring effort across 288 km of the San Juan River in NM and UT, USA, we quantified relationships among large‐bodied fishes and longitudinal environmental gradients, tested for faunal breaks of fishes and habitat structure along the river's course, and assessed the response of fishes to mechanical removal of non‐native fishes and stocking of endangered fishes. Mesohabitat variation was not strongly linked to densities of large‐bodied fishes, but we found strong and temporally consistent longitudinal patterns of native and non‐native fishes: Native fish densities were highest upstream while non‐native fish densities where highest downstream, potentially driven by differential responses to temperature regimes. Two breaks in the longitudinal structure of large‐bodied fishes were identified and were associated with a man‐made barrier and changes in the width of the river's floodplain. While densities of common native fishes were relatively constant during the study, non‐native fish removal apparently reduced densities of one of two targeted species and densities of two endangered fishes increased as a result of stocking hatchery‐reared fish. Results of this study suggest that large‐bodied fishes of the San Juan River are responding to large‐scale longitudinal gradients rather than small‐scale habitat variation and management activities have altered densities of target species with limited responses by other fishes in the system. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Influence of the flood regime on the reproduction of fish species with different reproductive strategies in the Cuiabá River,Upper Pantanal,Brazil

This study evaluated the influence of the flood regime of the Cuiabá River on the reproductive dynamics of fish species with different reproductive strategies. Sampling was carried out at ten sites in the basin, between March 2000 and April 2004. The reproductive strategies evaluated were long‐distance migrant (LM), short‐distance migrant (SM), sedentary with parental care (PC) and sedentary or SM with internal fertilization (IF). Period, duration and intensity of floods were the flooding attributes considered. Duration and time of spawning were evaluated using the index of reproductive activity (IRA), and inferences concerning reproductive allocation were based on the analysis of gonad weight. Reproductive success was evaluated based on the annual catch of young‐of‐the‐year of each species. Reproductive dynamics and flood regime were closely correlated; the reproductive peaks of fishes using all four strategies always preceded flood peaks. Intense floods favoured gonadal development of LM and PC, but were less important for IF. In relation to juvenile survival, the occurrence of floods appeared to be crucial for the strategies of LM, PC and IF, because such floods increased fish survival in the period of initial development. In contrast, SM appeared to be less dependent on floods for reproduction. These results indicate that, except for SM, floods have an important role in the recruitment of species using other reproductive strategies, and influence spawning success as well as juvenile survival. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Selective use and spatial distribution of native and non‐native fish in wetland habitats

Wetland habitats are crucial for many fish species as spawning, feeding or nursery areas, but the major factors that govern their use by fish are poorly identified. In the present study, we aim to investigate the selective use and the spatial distribution of native and non‐native fish species in different types of wetland habitats (grasslands and reed beds) in a large freshwater marsh (North Western France). The selective use was measured by comparing the community that uses wetland habitats to the total community of the marsh (sampled in the permanent aquatic habitats (canals) during the low water period). The spatial distribution was studied by analyzing the presence probability of fish in wetland habitats as a function of the distance from adjacent canals. All sampled wetland habitats were occupied by fish, and the fish community in wetland habitats was dominated by three native (Abramis brama, Scardinius erythrophthalmus and Anguilla anguilla) and three non‐native (Ameiurus melas, Gambusia holbrooki and Lepomis gibbosus) species. Species richness and total fish abundance differed between canals and wetland habitats as a consequence of a variable propensity to use wetland habitats by native (avoidance and preference) and non‐native (no preference) species. Non‐native species were also more abundant in reed beds than in grassland while no differences were observed for native species. Universally, the presence probability of fish always decreased in wetland habitats as the distance from the canals increased and only a narrow area, close to canals (50–80 m), was well used by fish. However, non‐native fish species used over greater distances in reed beds than in grasslands while no differences were observed for native species. Variable interpretations related to species tolerance, reproductive guilds or diet are proposed to understand the mechanisms that might explain the widespread success of non‐native species in this spatially varying environment. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Consequences of stream impoundment on fish communities in a small North American drainage

We examined impoundment associated fish community changes in the Kinkaid Creek drainage of southern Illinois by comparing collections made in 1998 and 1999 with a pre‐impoundment survey conducted in 1958. We also analyzed other historical pre‐ and post‐impoundment collections made during the past 60+ years. A dramatic change in fish community structure occurred with the pre‐impoundment community dominated by cyprinids and the post‐impoundment community now dominated by centrarchids. In addition, a 50% increase in the number of fish species known from the Kinkaid Creek drainage has occurred, with 35% of all species known from Illinois now present in the drainage. This increase in species richness coincides with the extirpation of six native species. Possible explanations for the changes in the species assemblage and increased species richness include the introduction and dispersal of non‐native fish species and habitat alteration. Finally, we contend that processes, such as habitat alteration, must be considered when analyzing the pattern of increased species richness caused by non‐native species seen in North American drainages. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The effects of impoundment and non‐native species on a river food web in Mexico's central plateau

Habitat modifications, non‐native species and other anthropogenic impacts have restructured fish communities in lotic ecosystems of central Mexico. Conservation of native fishes requires understanding of food web changes resulting from the introduction of non‐native species, flow alteration and other human impacts. Using δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N analysis of fishes and invertebrates we investigated the effects of non‐native species, and reservoirs on food webs of the Laja river ecosystem (Guanajuato, central Mexico). We estimated trophic position (TP), relative trophic niche and food web dispersion at 11 reservoir, river and tailwater sites. Reservoirs and non‐native fishes modified food webs in the Laja. Food web dispersion was greater in reservoir than in tailwater and river sites. Reservoir food webs had the greatest range of δ¹³C values, indicating a more diverse resource base compared to rivers. δ¹³C values increased with distance downstream from reservoirs, suggesting declining subsidies of river food webs by reservoir productivity. Stable isotopes revealed potential effects of non‐native fishes on native fishes via predation or competition. Non‐native Micropterus salmoides were top predators in the system. Non‐natives Cyprinus carpio, Oreochromis mossambicus and Carassius auratus exhibited lowest TP in the Laja but overlapped significantly with most native species, indicating potential for resource competition. Native Chirostoma jordani was the only species with a significantly different trophic niche from all other fish. Many rivers in central Mexico share similar anthropogenic impacts and similar biotas, such that food web patterns described here are likely indicative of other river systems in central Mexico. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The Effect of Hydrologic Alteration on Capture Efficiency of Freshwater Fishes in a Highly Modified Prairie Stream

Hydrology is a defining feature of aquatic ecosystems. Changes in stream hydrology, due to climate change, water use and impoundment, have been shown to negatively affect fish populations. Assessing changes in hydrology and its effect on fish populations and communities remains an important consideration for aquatic monitoring programmes across the globe. In this study, we used the Milk River in southern Alberta as a model system to understand how hydrologic alteration may also affect capture probabilities of fishes and impact instream monitoring programmes. The Milk River receives the majority of its April to October flow via an inter‐basin transfer from the St. Mary River, drastically altering the hydrologic regime and instream habitats for fishes during this augmentation period. We estimated species‐specific seine net capture probabilities of fishes in the Milk River during augmentation and natural flow periods using depletion surveys in both open and enclosed sites. Using habitat data collected during the seine surveys, linear mixed‐effects models were created with capture efficiency as the dependent variable. Models were compared using corrected Akaike's information criterion, and the relative contributions of the different variables to the top models were examined. We found that species and flow characteristics, such as water velocity and the state of augmentation, played a prominent role in many of the top models explaining variation in capture efficiency. These results demonstrate that changes to stream hydrology clearly have the potential to impact gear efficiency and individual species assessments. Stream monitoring programmes, which aim to determine long‐term trends in aquatic ecosystem health, need to be mindful that any change to stream hydrology—from climate change, fragmentation or stream alteration—can alter capture efficiency of the sampling gear and inadvertently alter species‐specific trends. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Status and impacts of non‐native freshwater fish on fisheries biodiversity and biogeography in Kenya: A management perspective

The introduction and spread of non‐native fish species in Kenyan inland freshwater systems are affecting the integrity of Kenya's aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems. The present study investigated the existing knowledge of non‐native fishes in Kenyan inland freshwater systems and their consequential implications regarding fisheries management. A total of 29 non‐native fish species have been introduced to Kenyan inland freshwater systems, with 20 of these being alien fish species and nine extralimital. These introductions have increased the fish faunal compositional similarity of inland drainage systems by 4.1% to a current similarity of 26.9%, compared to a historical similarity of 22.8%. Documented impacts of this situation include displacements, predation, competition, hybridization, habitat modification and disease transmission, all of which have had negative impacts on the status and management of Kenyan freshwater fisheries. The present study addresses the taxonomic bias created by existing studies on non‐native fishes focusing on individual species, by providing more information on the status of other non‐native species about which information is limited and whose status is uncertain. The present study presents information that can be used in management efforts to control invasions and mitigate their negative impacts.     

Flow and water temperature simulation for habitat restoration in the Shasta River,California

Low instream flows and high water temperatures are two factors limiting survival of native salmon in California's Shasta River. This study examines the potential to improve fish habitat conditions by better managing water quantity and quality using flow and water temperature simulation to evaluate potential restoration alternatives. This analysis provides a reasonable estimate of current and potential flows and temperatures for a representative dry year (2001) in the Shasta River, California. Results suggest restoring and protecting cool spring‐fed sources provides the most benefit for native salmon species from a broad range of restoration alternatives. Implementing a combination of restoration alternatives further improves instream habitat. Results also indicate that substituting higher quality water can sometimes benefit native species without increasing environmental water allocations. This study shows the importance of focusing on the limitations of specific river systems, rather than systematically increasing instream flow as a one size fits all restoration approach. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Use of Dynamic Occupancy Models to Assess the Response of Darters (Teleostei: Percidae) to Varying Hydrothermal Conditions in a Southeastern United States Tailwater

During the past 100 years, most large rivers in North America have been altered for flood control, hydropower, navigation or water supply development. Although these activities clearly provide important human services, their associated environmental disturbances can profoundly affect stream‐dwelling organisms. We used dynamic multi‐species occupancy models combined with a trait‐based approach to estimate the influence of site‐level and species‐level characteristics on patch dynamic rates for 15 darter species native to the Elk River, a large, flow‐regulated Tennessee River tributary in Tennessee and Alabama. Dynamic occupancy modelling results indicated that for every 2.5 °C increase in stream temperature, darters were 3.94 times more likely to colonize previously unoccupied stream reaches. Additionally, large‐bodied darter species were 3.72 times more likely to colonize stream reaches compared with small‐bodied species, but crevice‐spawning darter species were 5.24 times less likely to colonize previously unoccupied stream reaches. In contrast, darters were 2.21 times less likely to become locally extinct for every 2.5 °C increase in stream temperature, but high stream discharge conditions elevated the risk of local extinction. Lastly, the presence of populations in neighbouring upstream study reaches contributed to a lower risk of extinction, whereas the presence of populations in neighbouring downstream study reaches contributed to higher rates of colonization. Our study demonstrates the application of a trait‐based approach combined with a metapopulation framework to assess the patch dynamics of darters in a regulated river. Results from our study will provide a baseline for evaluating the ecological consequences of alternative dam operations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Environmental flow enhances native fish spawning and recruitment in the Murray River,Australia

Environmental flows aim to mimic components of a river's natural flow variability, including the magnitude, frequency, timing, duration, rate of change and the predictability of flow events. Aspects of the natural flow regime are thought to be linked to critical components of the life history strategies of many riverine fishes, including spawning and recruitment. In the Murray River, Australia, environmental flows are increasingly being used as a restoration tool; however, there is little information about the response of fish to these managed flow events. This study reports on the results from a 3‐year study on the effects of water management on the spawning and recruitment of four native fish species in the mid‐Murray River system. Two of these years were hydrologically similar, while the third year encompassed an extensive period of floodplain inundation, including the use of the largest environmental flow allocation to date in Australia. Drift nets were used to collect the drifting eggs and larvae of four iconic native species throughout their spawning season each year. Young‐of‐year were collected in the following autumn. Although golden perch and silver perch eggs were collected in all 3 years, both species increased their spawning activity during the major flood period compared to the previous two seasons. Murray cod and trout cod appeared not to increase their spawning activity in the flood year, but their recruitment may be increased when floodplain inundation occurs at times when their larvae and juveniles are present, most likely through the generation of abundant food resources. Whilst further study is required to confirm the role and mechanism of flooding in the spawning and recruitment of these species; this study provides important evidence of a link between the provision of an environmental flood and fish spawning and recruitment, and has significant implications for managing flows in regulated rivers. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Efficacy of Mechanically Removing Nonnative Predators from a Desert Stream

Native fish faunas throughout the American Southwest have declined dramatically in the past century, mainly a consequence of habitat alteration and alien species introductions. We initiated this 6‐year study to evaluate the efficacy of mechanical removal of nonnative predaceous rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, brown trout Salmo trutta, yellow bullhead Ameiurus natalis and smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu from an open 4.6‐km reach of West Fork Gila River in southwest New Mexico, USA. Removal efforts involved intensive sampling with a 10‐ to 12‐person crew using backpack electrofishers and seines to capture fish over a 4‐ to 5‐day period each year. Additionally, two reference sites were sampled with similar methods to compare temporal changes in species mass in the absence of a removal effort. Results were mixed. Mass of yellow bullhead, rainbow trout and brown trout declined in the removal reach from 2007 through 2012, but there was no change in smallmouth bass. Concurrently, mass of Rainbow trout, yellow bullhead and smallmouth bass did not change at reference sites, but brown trout mass declined, indicating factors other than removal were driving abundance of brown trout. Occurrence of several large flathead catfish Pylodictis olivaris in the removal reach in 2012 changed what would have been a decline in overall nonnative mass to no change over the course of the study. Spikedace Meda fulgida was the only native species positively responding to predator removal. Results of this study suggest that with moderate effort and resources applied systematically, mechanical removal can benefit some native fish species, but movement of problem species from surrounding areas into removal reaches necessitates continued control efforts. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

HIGH‐HEAD DAMS AFFECT DOWNSTREAM FISH PASSAGE TIMING AND SURVIVAL IN THE MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER

Many high‐head dams in Oregon's Willamette River basin were constructed without fish passage facilities for downstream migrants. Instead, fish pass dams via hydroelectric turbines, surface spillways or deep‐water regulating outlets. The availability of these routes varies seasonally with dam operations and reservoir depth, which can fluctuate by tens of meters. To assess how dam and reservoir operations affect fish movement timing and survival, we used rotary screw traps below three Willamette basin dams and at two riverine sites above reservoirs. Traps were operated 2950 days over 8 years, and >195 000 fish were collected. Samples above reservoirs were primarily native salmonids (Oncorhynchus spp.), daces (Rhinichthys spp.) and sculpins (Cottus spp.), while those below dams were often dominated by non‐native Centrarchidae. Capture rates at riverine sites were highest from late winter to early summer, coincident with juvenile Chinook salmon emigration. Conversely, collection below dams was largely restricted to late fall and winter when reservoirs were drawn down to annual lows and discharge was high. We hypothesize that winter operations facilitated fish access to dam turbines and regulating outlets, whereas spring–summer operations entrapped fish in reservoirs and restricted volitional downstream passage. Total fish mortality was ≤2% at riverine sites and was 36–69% below dams. Estimates were highest for non‐native species and juvenile Chinook salmon. Fatal injuries were consistent with traumas related to pressure, shear and contact and there were size‐related and morphology‐related risk differences. Mitigation opportunities include fish bypass system development, retrofits for existing routes and seasonally appropriate reservoir draw down to allow fish passage. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN RIVER DISCHARGE AND ABUNDANCE OF AGE 0 REDHORSES (MOXOSTOMA SPP.) IN THE OCONEE RIVER,GEORGIA, USA,WITH IMPLICATIONS FOR ROBUST REDHORSE

Robust redhorse (Moxostoma robustum) and notchlip redhorse (M. collapsum) are two species of redhorses that reside in the lower Oconee River, Georgia. Robust redhorse is listed as a state endangered species in Georgia and North Carolina, and attempts to investigate factors affecting its reproductive success have met with limited success. Therefore, catch of robust redhorse young were combined with catch of notchlip redhorse to increase sample size. These congeners with similar spawning repertoire were assumed to respond similarly to environmental conditions. River discharge during spawning and rearing seasons may affect abundance of both redhorses in the lower Oconee River. An information‐theoretic approach was used to evaluate the relative support of models relating abundance of age 0 redhorses to monthly discharge statistics that represented magnitude, timing, duration, variability and frequency of river discharge events for April through June 1995–2006. The best‐approximating model indicated a negative relationship between the abundance of redhorses and mean maximum river discharge and the number of high pulses during June as well as a positive relationship with intermediate duration of low flows during April–June. This model is 9.6 times more plausible than the next best‐fitting model, which revealed a negative relationship between the abundance of redhorses and mean maximum river discharge during May and the number of high pulses during June as well as a positive relationship between abundance and intermediate duration of low flows during April–June. Management implications from the results indicate low‐stable flows for at least a 2‐week period during spawning and rearing may increase reproductive success of robust and notchlip redhorses. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The effect of Keepit Dam on the temperature regime of the Namoi River,Australia

Modifications to water temperature caused by the release of hypolimnetic water from thermally stratified reservoirs pose a major threat to the aquatic biota of lowland rivers in Australia's Murray–Darling basin. Keepit Dam is earmarked as one of several deep‐release structures in the basin causing ecologically significant temperature modification over a large length of river. This study utilized discrete and continuously monitored historical water temperature data from stream gauging stations, together with reservoir thermal profile data, to assess the impacts of Keepit Dam on the thermal regime of the Namoi River. Modifications to selected components of the river's annual temperature cycle were quantified in relation to a pre‐dam temperature regime estimated from statistical models incorporating catchment, hydrological and sample attributes. Keepit Dam has modified the thermal regime of the Namoi River. The effect was greatest immediately downstream from the dam where the annual maximum daily temperature was approximately 5.0 °C lower and occurred three weeks later than the pre‐dam condition. This change was sufficient to disrupt thermal spawning cues for selected Australian native fish species. The magnitude of disturbance progressively diminished with distance from the dam. Key aspects of the river's annual temperature cycle were largely restored to the pre‐dam condition within 100 river km downstream from the dam, which is closer than previous estimates. However, there was marked inter‐annual variation in the magnitude of thermal modification and ecological impact as a result of year to year changes in tributary flow and reservoir behaviour. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

POST‐DAMMING FLOW REGIME DEVELOPMENT IN A LARGE LOWLAND RIVER (VOLGA,RUSSIAN FEDERATION): IMPLICATIONS FOR FLOODPLAIN INUNDATION AND FISHERIES

Periodic flooding plays a key role in the ecology of floodplain rivers. Damming of such rivers can disturb flooding patterns and have a negative impact on commercial fish yield. The Volga River, the largest river in Europe, has a regulated flow regime after completion of a cascade of dams. Here, we study effects of damming on long‐term discharge variability and flood pulse characteristics. In addition, we evaluate the effects of the altered flood pulse on floodplain ecosystem functioning and commercial fish yields. Our results indicate that both flood pulse and fish populations of the Volga–Akhtuba floodplain have varied considerably over the past decades. After damming, annual maximum peak discharges have decreased, minimum discharges increased, but average discharges remained similar to pre‐damming conditions. Moreover, because of bed level incision of over 1.5 m, a higher discharge is needed to reach bankfull level and inundate the floodplains. Despite this significantly altered hydrological regime and subsequent morphological changes, current discharge management still provides significant spring flooding. However, commercial fish catches did decrease after damming, both in the main channel and in the floodplain lakes. All catches were dominated by species with a eurytopic flow preference, although catches from the main channel contained more rheophilic species, and floodplain catches contained more limnophilic and phytophilic species. The strong increase of opportunistic gibel carp (Carassius gibelio) around 1985 was apparent in the main channel and the floodplain lakes. Despite the hydrological changes, the decrease in overall catches, and the upsurge of gibel, we found a strong positive effect of flood magnitude in the previous year on commercial fish yield in the floodplain lakes. This suggests that under the current discharge management there still is an increased fish growth and/or survival during high floods and that functioning of the floodplain is at least partly intact. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The influence of conditions in Lake Superior and the Bois Brule River,Wisconsin on returns of migratory rainbow trout

Rainbow trout were introduced to Lake Superior in the late 1800’s and exhibit a potamodromous life history and exhibit high variability in reproductive success. We examined reproductive variability in the Bois Brule River, WI (Lake Superior), through analyses of returns of wild first spawning (hereafter “maiden” returning) adults. We used classification and regression tree analyses to identify in-stream and in-lake (western Lake Superior) sources of variability and to identify the environment (stream or lake) that was most influential to the returns to each location. Among in-stream influences, high discharge rates in the spring period (March – May) during a pre-smolt’s first stream year were the strongest source of variability and were negatively correlated with returns. High discharge during the fall period from September to November in the pre-smolt first stream year was also negatively correlated with numbers of maiden returning steelhead from that year class. When variables associated with Lake Superior were considered, maiden returns were positively correlated with higher lake surface temperatures in Lake Superior. Returns were negatively correlated with the abundance of adult rainbow smelt and bloater suggesting a possible competitive interaction among those species. Finally, we also observed a conditional (minor) positive effect of age-0 smelt abundance indicating the importance of this prey for juveniles in colder years in western Lake Superior. Taken together, our findings indicate that both stream and lake conditions in their first lake year are important sources of variability and point to spates in the spring and fall as initial controlling variables.     

Age‐0 Channel Catfish Ictalurus Punctatus Growth Related to Environmental Conditions in the Channelized Missouri River,Nebraska

Large river paradigms suggest that natural flow regimes are critical for maintaining instream habitats and promoting production and growth of native aquatic organisms. Modifications to the Missouri River, Nebraska, within the past 100 years have drastically reduced shallow water habitat, homogenized the flow regime, and contributed to declines in several native species. Despite drastic flow modifications, several metrics of the Missouri River's flow regime still vary across years. We related age‐0 channel catfish growth to environmental conditions in the channelized Missouri River, Nebraska, between 1996 and 2013 using an information theoretic approach. Growth rate was most influenced by growing season duration and duration of discharges below the 25th percentile of 30‐year daily Missouri River discharges. Periods of low water may be important for juvenile growth because of channel modifications that limit critical shallow water habitat during higher within‐bank flows. Exclusion of peak discharge and peak discharge timing in the best model to predict growth is counter to conventional thoughts on river fish responses to hydrological conditions but may be reflective of the general lack of high‐magnitude flooding during the majority of our study. Future efforts to relate juvenile fish growth to environmental conditions can provide guidance for water management in the Missouri River and other regulated North American rivers. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.