Author(s): R. S. Brown; G. Power; R. S. Mckinley; S. Beltaos
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Abstract: Little is known about how various ice formations, river ice breakup, and flooding affect fish. Fish in the Grand River were implanted with radio transmitters in the winters of 1996-97 and 1997-98 and tracked through changing ice conditions. Formation of a hanging dam caused fish to rapidly evacuate the pool in which the dam developed. Both white suckers and common carp made their longest movements during break-up of the river in mid-February and during flooding in early April. Brown trout moved relatively little during breakup and flooding. During periods of high water discharge associated with ice break-up and spring flooding, white suckers and common carp moved out of habitats in the main channel (pools and runs) into backwaters. Stranding of fish on the floodplain following ice breakup appears to be a major cause of mortality. The results show the importance of river ice on habitat use and movements of fish.
Year: 1998