Changes in young-of-the-year fish stocks during and after filling of Lake Oahe, an upper Missouri River storage reservoir, 1966-74 /

Reduction and generalized degradation of the littoral spawning and nursery habitats were probably responsible for the general decline in species numbers and abundance after filling of the reservoir.Abundance increased and was highest in the lower third of the reservoir while it was filling, whereas it decreased and was generally highest in the upper two-thirds of the reservoir after it was filled. Abundance of species produced in littoral areas was greater wwhile the reservoir was filling -- particularly in years when spring water levels covered vegetation, fluctuated little, and were maintained through May or longer -- than after the reservoir was filled.The young-of-the-year fish stocks of Lake Oahe were sampled with a 30.5-m by 2.4-m haul seine at semimonthly intervals, from July to September, in 1966-74. The catch comprised 41 species, of which 6 accounted for about 93% of the total number of fish caught. Species numbers declined after the reservoir filled.Bibliography: p. 24-25.Reduction and generalized degradation of the littoral spawning and nursery habitats were probably responsible for the general decline in species numbers and abundance after filling of the reservoir.Abundance increased and was highest in the lower third of the reservoir while it was filling, whereas it decreased and was generally highest in the upper two-thirds of the reservoir after it was filled. Abundance of species produced in littoral areas was greater wwhile the reservoir was filling -- particularly in years when spring water levels covered vegetation, fluctuated little, and were maintained through May or longer -- than after the reservoir was filled.The young-of-the-year fish stocks of Lake Oahe were sampled with a 30.5-m by 2.4-m haul seine at semimonthly intervals, from July to September, in 1966-74. The catch comprised 41 species, of which 6 accounted for about 93% of the total number of fish caught. Species numbers declined after the reservoir filled.Mode of access: Internet