traps, D-nets, and kick-screens. These methods were tested at sites with high sculpin 

 densities. Each method was assessed qualitatively based on sampling efficiency 

 which was determined by the catch per unit effort. Catch per unit effort was defined as the 

 number of sculpins caught per unit of time. 



D-nets were used to sample sculpins by dragging the net along a diagonal upstream 

 transect while the net holder simultaneously shuffled the substrate with their feet to wash 

 sculpins into the net. 



A kick-screen, typically used to sample benthic macroinvertebrates, was used to sample 

 sculpins. Mesh size on the kick-screen was 2 mm. The screen, measuring 0.91 m in 

 length, was placed across the current and a 0.84 m 2 area was disturbed directly upstream 

 by shuffling the substrate using a combination of hands and feet for 1 minute. 



Minnow traps, measuring 40.6 cm in length and 22.9 cm in height at the center, were 

 used to sample sculpins. Rubble containing a high density of benthic macroinvertebrates 

 was placed inside the traps which were located in runs. These traps were sampled on 2, 4, 

 6, and 12 hour intervals. 



Sculpins were identified in the field, labeled, and temporarily preserved in formalin. 

 Sample size ranged from 5 to 15 sculpins depending on sculpin abundance and other 

 sample sites longitudinally on the same stream. All samples were shipped in 70% ETOH to 

 Dr. William Gould at Montana State University for verification of field identification. Four 

 samples of 25 sculpins each were sent to the University of Montana for electrophoresis 

 analysis. These sites were chosen for electrophoresis due to the close proximity of two 

 species of sculpins to each other. 



Age classification of sculpins was done with samples of torrent sculpins from Libby 

 Creek near the Fish, Wildlife and Parks field office. Sculpins were measured to the nearest 



