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North, J. A., R. C. Beamesderfer and T. A. Rien (1993). Distribution and movements of white sturgeon in three lower Columbia River reservoirs. Northwest Science. 67:105-111.

The authors determined the distribution and movement of white sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus in Bonneville, The Dalles, and John Day reservoirs on the Columbia River from April through August, 1987-1991. The study also evaluated effects of hydroelectric dams on white sturgeon populations. Differences in catch per setline-day indicated that white sturgeon densities were greatest in Bonneville Reservoir and least in John Day Reservoir. White sturgeon concentrated in tailraces of dams and density generally declined downstream through each reservoir. Distribution within each reservoir varied with sampling month and were related, in part, to temperature. Most fish were caught at depths from 10 to 30 m. Tagged fish were often recaptured in locations other than those where originally marked. Some fish were recaptured as far as 152 km from where released. Individual fish frequently traveled the length of a reservoir, but were seldom recaptured in another reservoir. Dams restrict white sturgeon movements, may limit populations in some reservoirs, and concentrate fish immediately downstream, potentially increasing their vulnerability to exploitation. To optimize these fisheries, resource managers must recognize differences among reservoirs and employ regulatory schemes specific to each.