streams in the state. The procedure for evaluating reaches has evolved from the 

 procedure employed in the 1980 stream fishery classification funded by the US 

 Fish and Wildlife Service. A preliminary stream rating assessment, based on the 

 updated procedure, was completed in November 1985 and details sent to 

 participants (see below) for review. Their recommendations were incorporated 

 when feasible. 



PROJECT EVALUATION 



1. The procedure used in the river assessment is the most objective that could 

 be devised with the data available. 



2. As might be expected, the main deficiency is the lack of accurate 

 information on the fish population and fishing pressure for many stream 

 reaches. 



3. In the future, when the database contains acceptable data for every reach 

 entered at that time, the standards and criteria for class 4 can be made 

 more stringent. Presently they are somewhat relaxed to insure no stream 

 reach is inadvertently placed in class 5 when it should be at least in 

 class 4. 



4. In the present assessment the habitat value for fishes of special concern 

 and the habitat value of spring creeks are based on biologists' judgment. 

 As these weigh heavily in the assignment of the habitat and species value 

 class, objective criteria should be developed. 



5. Although most of the important streams are represented, a considerable 

 number of those of lesser importance are not. Additional streams should be 

 added to the database as information is obtained. 



6. In the assessment, a tributary stream with essential spawning habitat for a 

 receiving stream that has a class 1 or 2 sport fishing value, is upgraded 

 respectively to class 1 or 2 habitat and species value. This is the only 

 portion of the fishery assessment that is not automated. The assessment 

 computer program should be enlarged to include this operation. 



7. From its beginning the stream fishery database has been handled on the 

 Montana Department of Administration mainframe computer in Helena. This 

 has been effective but time consuming. Biologists enter data onto forms 

 for keypunching and have to correct edit reports before data are accepted. 

 The MDFWP is now equipping its field offices with personal computers. 

 Programs should be written to allow database information to be entered 

 directly onto these microcomputers. Editing features would have to be 

 incorporated. A substantial programming effort will be required but this 

 will greatly facilitate data entry and use. 



USE CONSIDERATIONS 



The value classes assigned are a valid basis for determining the comparative 

 worth of streams fisheries. 



PARTICIPANTS 



Numerous fisheries biologists of Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and 

 Parks; US Forest Service; and US Bureau of Land Management provided information 

 for the current stream assessment. As mentioned, the habitat value of spring 



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