Summary Description: Use models & field techniques to relate Kootenai River hydraulic conditions to fish habitat & food needs. Link river model to existing reservoir model to balance hydro operations. Study options to mitigate the effects of Libby Dam.

Background: This study was designed to determine the effects of drawdown of Libby Reservoir on game fish. Changes in the distributions of fish, their use of various reservoir zones, and timing of alterations of each zones' physical parameters as they relate to life stages of the fish were to be evaluated in order to determine seasonal drawdown levels that are compatible with the needs of the fish. The timing and quantity of entrainment in Libby Dam outflows will be examined. Habitat preference of rainbow and burbot will be examined in the Kootenai River downstream from the dam.The specific objectives of this project have been 1. Examine cost-effective opportunities to enhance the reservoir fishery through nonoperational and operational mitigation techniques. 2. Assess ways to enhance the recruitment of juvenile gamefish species from reservoir tributaries. 3. Monitor zooplankton and gamefish populations in Libby Reservoir. 4. Determine Libby Dam operations necessary to enhance populations of sturgeon, burbot, rainbow trout, bull trout, and mountain whitefish in the Kootenai River. 5. Determine use of Kootenai River tributaries for spawning and rearing by fluvial burbot, rainbow trout, and bull trout. 6. Describe the diet of rainbow trout, burbot, and bull trout in the Kootenai River. 7. Determine the effects of stream regulation on the macrozoobenthos of the Kootenai River. 8. Determine the feasibility of reclaiming lost spawning and rearing habitat for Kootenai River fish by creating a fish bypass facility at the Lake Creek Dam. 9. Determine operations necessary to balance the Libby Reservoir fishery and the fishery in the Kootenai River. 10. Determine if deltas at tributary mouths in the Kootenai River are impeding spawning migrations; recommend removal of deltas if necessary. 11. Develop a coordinated plan for operations to enhance fisheries in the Kootenai River by working with IDFG and BC on biological and hydrological concerns

Milestones: In 1992/1993, reservoir productivity at various levels were studied. Entrainment studies were continued. Emphasis was on IFIM studies in Kootenai River to determine amount of flow from Libby Dam that would guarantee sturgeon spawning in river. This work was coordinated with IDFG and the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho.Studies in the reservoir focused on areas of utilization of target fish-quantifying and the timing and significance of fish entrainment in Libby outflows. Emphasis was placed on kokanee. In the river below the dam, utilization of specific habitats by rainbow and burbot was examined.The effect of the Libby Dam operation (including power-peaking) on benthic insect production, biomass, and diversity was determined. Techniques used during this study were consistent with a study completed in 1983 so that results can be directly compared. The University of Montana did the work.Other efforts included: 1. Work on fish entrainment through the Libby Dam penstocks and effects of operations on the river fishery continued in FY 1994 and FY 1995 to increase utility of the reservoir model. 2. Effects of stream fluctuations on burbot examined in FY 1994 and continue in FY 1995. 3. IFIM studies were completed in Kootenai River below dam to determine spawning area available to sturgeon at various river flows. Development of Integrated Rules Curves continues (FY 94 and 95) to balance all water uses in the Kootenai River system. FY 94: Spring and fall gill netting, kokanee spawner surveys, zooplankton monitoring, and spring and fall dual beam hydroacoustic surveys of the kokanee population were completed. Contract 1983BI12660 was completed and closed.

Results: All objectives of the Libby Dam entrainment study have been completed. Habitat preference data were collected for rainbow trout and mountain whitefish. The reservoir model now includes a hydrologic component downstream to Duncan and Corra Linn dams. Formed advisory group of anglers, other agencies, and citizens' groups to develop mitigation recommendations to the NPPC. Completed reservoir component of Libby Reservoir model. IFIM studies completed for sturgeon spawning habitat. Spring 1995 - 1990-1994 Progress report includes summary of entrainment study and updates on river and reservoir work.

Publications:

Publication Title	Report Type	Coverage Years	Published	Pages	DOE/BP Number
Quantification of Libby Reservoir Water Levels Needed to Maintain or Enhance Reservoir Fisheries	Summary	1988 - 1996	Mar 1998		12660-7 R 217
Model Development to Establish Integrated Operational Rule Curves for Hungry Horse and Libby Reservoirs, Montana	Final	1996 - 1996	Jan 1996		92452-1 R 105
Quantification of Libby Reservoir Water Levels Needed to Maintain or Enhance Reservoir Fisheries Investigations of Fish Entrainment through Libby Dam	Summary	1990 - 1994	Jan 1996		12660-6 R 108
Quantification of Libby Reservoir Water Levels Needed to Maintain or Enhance Reservoir Fisheries	Annual	1984 - 1985	Jul 1985		12660-3 R 026
Quantification of Libby Reservoir Water Levels Needed to Maintain or Enhance Reservoir Fisheries	Annual	1983 - 1984	Jun 1985		12660-1 R 011
Quantification of Libby Reservoir Water Levels Needed to Maintain or Enhance Reservoir Fisheries Appendices	Annual	1983 - 1984	Jun 1985		12660-2 R 012
Quantification of Libby Reservoir Water Levels Needed to Maintain or Enhance Reservoir Fisheries	Technical	1983 - 1983	Jul 1984		296 R 008

Project Classification Keys:
Primary: All projects in the Resident Fish Program
Secondary: Research, evaluation, and studies
Tertiary: Development and testing of Models

Work Sites

Site/Subsite Names	Site Type	Types of Work Performed
BARRON CREEK/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
BIG CHERRY CREEK/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
BIG CREEK (KOOTENAI)/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Fish Traps (build, operate)
BIG CREEK (KOOTENAI)/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
BIG CREEK, SOUTH FORK/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
BIG CREEK, SOUTH FORK, EAST BRANCH/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
BOBTAIL CREEK/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
BRISTOW CREEK/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
CALLAHAN CREEK/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
CALLAHAN CREEK, NORTH FORK/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
CLARENCE CREEK/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
CRIPPLE HORSE CREEK/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
DEEP CREEK (KOOTENAI)/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
DODGE CREEK (C BRANCH AREA)/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
DUNN CREEK/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
FISHER RIVER/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
FIVEMILE CREEK (KOOTENAI)/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
FORTINE CREEK/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
GRANITE CREEK (KOOTENAI)/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
GRAVE CREEK/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
KOOTENAI RIVER [MT]/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
LAKE CREEK (KOOTENAI)/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
LAKE CREEK DAM (TROY DAM)/	Dam (hydro-electric, reclamation, diversion, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
LAKE KOOCANUSA/	Reservoir (incl. lakes, ponds,etc.)	Consult, model / plan devel, gather data, edit
LAKE KOOCANUSA/	Reservoir (incl. lakes, ponds,etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
LIBBY CREEK/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
LIBBY DAM/	Dam (hydro-electric, reclamation, diversion, etc.)	Consult, model / plan devel, gather data, edit
LIBBY DAM/	Dam (hydro-electric, reclamation, diversion, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
O'BRIEN CREEK/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
PINKHAM CREEK/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
PIPE CREEK/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
QUARTZ CREEK/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
QUARTZ CREEK, WEST FORK/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
SINCLAIR CREEK/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
SULLIVAN CREEK (KOOTENAI)/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
SUTTON CREEK/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
TENMILE CREEK (KOOTENAI)/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
WARLAND CREEK/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
YAAK RIVER/BELOW YAAK FALLS	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate
YOUNG CREEK/	Stream (river, creek, canal, etc.)	Survey, study, research, monitor, evaluate

Project Budget and Obligation:

Fiscal Year	Initially Authorized	Latest Authorized	Authorized Change	Obligation In Process	Bonneville Overhead	Contracted Obligation	Contracted Agent
1983	$156,305	$0	$-156,305	$0	$0	$156,305	MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE - HELENA
1984	$327,567	$0	$-327,567	$0	$0	$112,561	MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE - HELENA
1984				$0	$0	$215,006	MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE - HELENA
1985	$524,014	$0	$-524,014	$0	$0	$231,908	MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE - HELENA
1985				$0	$0	$292,106	MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE - HELENA
1986	$472,871	$0	$-472,871	$0	$0	$472,871	MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE - HELENA
1987	$56,245	$0	$-56,245	$0	$0	$6,550	MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE - HELENA
1987				$0	$0	$49,695	MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE - HELENA
1988	$72,826	$0	$-72,826	$0	$0	$72,826	MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE - HELENA
1989	$50,000	$248,844	$198,844	$0	$0	$248,844	MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE - HELENA
1990	$110,000	$270,492	$160,492	$0	$0	$270,492	MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE - HELENA
1991	$217,000	$282,142	$65,142	$0	$0	$282,142	MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE - HELENA
1992	$275,000	$297,956	$22,956	$0	$0	$297,956	MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE - HELENA
1993	$275,000	$275,000	$0	$0	$0	$275,000	MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE - HELENA
1994	$325,000	$293,463	$-31,537	$0	$0	$6,939	MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE - HELENA
1994				$0	$0	$286,524	MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE - HELENA
1995	$325,000	$284,215	$-40,785	$0	$0	$4,500	MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE - HELENA
1995				$0	$0	$279,715	MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE - HELENA
1996	$325,000	$298,249	$-26,751	$0	$0	$298,249	MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE - HELENA
1997	$310,700	$310,700	$0	$0	$0	$310,700	MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE - HELENA
1998	$450,000	$308,004	$-141,996	$0	$0	$308,004	MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE - HELENA
Totals:	$4,272,528	$2,869,065	$-1,403,463	$0	$0	$4,478,893	.