PRICKLY PEAR CREEK PROJECT 



The Prickly Pear Creek Project was begun in the summer of 

 1949. It is to be a detailed study of the fish populations of this creek 

 near Wolf Creek, Montana. That portion of the creek from the Mis- 

 souri River to Sieben was designated as the study area. Six 600- 

 foot sections were selected at random for sampling. A census of each 

 section was made during 1949 four times with an electric shocker in 

 an effort to collect all of the fish from each section. The trout, 

 whitefish, suckers, and carp were caught, weighed, measured, tagged, 

 and released unharmed back into the section. Scale samples were 

 also taken. Records were made of all fish caught that had been tagged 

 on previous shockings. 



This program after a few more seasons, will show us how to 

 approach other streams. Our knowledge of trout streams is low as 

 is our knowledge of the behaviors of the fish themselves. Until some 

 of these problems are answered, we will be lacking the basic infor- 

 mation needed for proper management. The Prickly Pear project 

 should enable us: 



1. To establish the size sample needed to measure the abundance 

 of trout and the fluctuation of abundance in medium-sized 

 streams. 



2. To learn the size of the Prickly Pear Creek trout population 

 along with its length, weight, age, and species composition. 



3. To learn the size sample needed in streams to measure ade- 

 quately the growth rate of fishes and to measure the mor- 

 tality rates, both of which are extremely important in fishery 

 management. 



4. To study the angler's catch as it relates to the estimated size 

 and composition of the trout population. 



5. To measure the movement or dispersion of trout. 



6. To study under conditions that can be controlled, the relation 

 between trout and the other stream fishes, such as Cottus, 

 ling, suckers, whitefish, and carp. 



7. To study under conditions that can be controlled, the relations 

 between the various species of trout. 



8. To establish the reality of sucker migration and to measure 

 its magnitude and direction. 



9. To study the survival of hatchery-reared trout in a stream 

 where the size of the wild population can be estimated and 

 controlled. 



10. To find and study the portions of the stream where trout are 

 most numerous. 



11. To learn the types of stream improvement that may be used 

 in Montana waters. 



12. To test the effectiveness of stream improvement. 



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