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Helfrich, L. A., C. Liston, S. Hiebert, M. Albers and K. Frazer (1999). Influence of low-head diversion dams on fish passage, community composition, and abundance in the Yellowstone River, Montana. Rivers. 7:21-32.

The influence of three low-head irrigation diversion dams on the fish communities in the middle Yellowstone River was examined by down- and upstream electrofishing and trammel net comparisons of fish distribution, relative abundance, and size-structure. Fish passage at Huntley and Intake dams was evaluated by mark-recapture techniques in July and September following maximum annual discharge. Catostomids and cyprinids dominated the fish community at all sites. Mean relative abundance (CPUE) ranged from 1.58 to 5.13 fish/min, but no significant differences were detected between sites. Shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus) were consistently more abundant in the trammel net and electrofishing collections downstream of Cartersville and Intake dams. Species richness ranged from 7 to 24, depending on site and sampling method, but did not differ between down- and upstream sites. Of 4,430 fish (37 species) marked downstream of Huntley Dam, 13 fish (7 species) passed upstream and 3 fish (2 species) of the 1,032 fish marked upstream passed downstream during high flows in June 1997. Of 4,080 fish marked downstream of Intake Dam, 17 fish (4 species) passed upstream in June 1998. Fish species (swimming ability) appeared to be related to dam passage, but fish size was not an important variable. Our results suggest that fish passage was feasible at individual dams at high flows for some species such as sauger (Stizostedion canadense), white sucker (Catostomus commersoni), goldeye (Hiodon alosoides), shorthead redhorse (Moxostoma macrolepidotum), walleye (Stizostedion vitreum), and carp (Cyprinus carpio). However, the six dams in series on the Yellowstone River represent a cumulative fish passage challenge that, in combination, may ultimately restrict fish distributions and limit abundance, especially during low flows in dry years. Enhancing natural bypass channels and constructing artificial riffles may be useful strategies for promoting fish passage at low-head dams.