Fisheries Management Objectives for the North Saskatchewan River

Fisheries Management Objectives for the North Saskatchewan River October 7, 2008 Alberta Fish and Wildlife Your partner in Conservation 1

Preamble The following material represents the current understanding and views of Fisheries Management Branch of Sustainable Resource Development. Wherever possible, assessments are based on current data. Throughout the document, some statements are also made which are based on staff knowledge of the North Saskatchewan River, professional opinion and the application of more broadly understood biological, ecological and fishery management concepts, processes and relationships to the fish populations and habitats within the geographic area defined. For the purposes of this overview and the identified subjective assessments, these statements may not include references from the scientific literature. The content, context and format of these fisheries management objectives are subject to revision in the future as new information and knowledge becomes available. This document will become obsolete with the release of subsequent versions. 2

Fisheries Management Objectives North Saskatchewan River Background Policy and Legislative Framework Biologically diverse and productive ecosystems maintain healthy fish populations and support social and economic benefits for Albertans. Conservation and protection of Alberta s fish resource is the responsibility of the Fish and Wildlife Division, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. This stewardship role is addressed in the following mission statement, as extracted from Fish Conservation Strategy for Alberta, 2006-2010 : Maintenance of biodiversity and productivity of aquatic ecosystems helps to maintain healthy fish populations, which provide social and economic benefits to Albertans. Achieving sustainability of fish stocks and other aquatic resources requires that these resources, and the ecosystems that support them, be managed in such a way that their long-term viability and productivity are maintained for the benefit of future generations. Furthermore, the management of the fish resources involves the following four primary components: HABITAT MAINTENANCE - sustain, or achieve a net gain in, the quality and quantity of fish habitat; FISH POPULATION MANAGEMENT - ensure that native and desired introduced fish populations are maintained at satisfactory levels of abundance and distribution to meet the biological needs of fish communities. FISHING OPPORTUNITY PROVISION provide and maintain a high diversity quality and number of fishing opportunities across the province, while managing harvest and use at levels that are sustainable. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT obtain information on public views and expectations for the condition and availability of fish resources of the province. The legal basis for managing the above components is housed within various federal and provincial statutes. The federal Fisheries (Canada) Act addresses the harmful alteration of fish habitat by stating in Section 35 (1): No person shall carry on any work or undertaking that results in the harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat Furthermore, Section 34 (1) (e) of this Act defines fish habitat as: spawning grounds and nursery, rearing, food supply and migration areas on which fish depend directly or indirectly in order to carry out their life processes. 3

The Fisheries (Alberta) Act and regulations, proclaimed in 1997, provide for the development and implementation of regulations to manage the harvest and allocation of use of the fish resources. Since water is an integral component of the habitat for fish, the Water (Alberta) Act provides additional direction by providing definitions for the following terms: 1(1)(h) aquatic environment means the components of the earth related to, living in or located in or on water or the beds or shores of a water body, including but not limited to: i. all organic and inorganic matter, and ii. living organisms and their habitat, including fish habitat, and their interacting natural systems. (s) environment means the components of the earth and includes: i. air, land and water ii. all layers of the atmosphere, and iii. all organic and inorganic matter and living organisms and the interacting natural systems that include components referred to in sub clauses (i) to (iii). (iii) water conservation objective means the amount and quality of water established by the Director under Part 2, based on information available to the Director, to be necessary for the: i. protection of a natural water body or its aquatic environment, or any part of them, ii. protection of tourism, recreational, transportation or waste assimilation uses of water, or iii. management of fish or wildlife and may include water necessary for the rate of flow of water or water level requirements. Aquatic environment protection strategy 8(1) In this section, biological diversity means the variability among living organisms and the ecological complexes of which they are a part, and includes diversity within and between species and ecosystems. Fundamental to the Water Act is the recognition that the protection of the aquatic environment is an important element of sustainable water management. The Act requires that a strategy for the protection of the aquatic environment be developed as part of the provincial water managementplanning framework. This strategy is a reflection of the government s commitment to 4

maintaining, restoring and enhancing current conditions in the aquatic environment throughout the province (The Framework for Water Management Planning A Discussion Draft, June 9, 1999). Ecological Principles - Riverine Environments To appreciate and understand the fish resources within the major watersheds of Alberta, some discussion on the natural processes that provide for fish habitats and fish populations is imperative. The presence of specific fish habitats involves the dynamics of the physical and chemical processes associated with the flowing (riverine) system. Riverine fish habitats are a function of the flow regime of the system. The linkage of flow to the other processes is illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 1. Flow regime is of central importance in sustaining the ecological integrity of flowing water systems. After Karr 1991. Flow Regime Magnitude Frequency Duration Water Quality Energy Sources Physical Habitat Biotic Interactions Ecological Integrity 5

Poff et al. (1997) provide a detailed discussion of the role of flow as the master variable in lotic (flowing) systems. The following key points have been extracted from that document: The natural flow regime plays a critical role in sustaining native biodiversity and ecosystem integrity in rivers. In rivers, the physical structure of the environment and thus, of the habitat is defined largely by physical processes, especially the movement of water and sediment within the channel. For many riverine species, completion of the life cycle requires an array of different habitat types, whose availability over time is regulated by the flow regime. The timing, or predictability, of flow events is critical ecologically because the life cycles of many aquatic and riparian species are timed to either avoid or exploit flows of variable magnitudes. Modification of the natural flow regime dramatically affects both aquatic and riparian species in streams and rivers. A focus on one or a few species and on minimum flows fails to recognize that what is good for the ecosystem may not consistently benefit individual species and that what is good for individual species may not be of benefit to the ecosystem. Recognizing the natural variability of river flow and explicitly incorporating the five components of the natural flow regime (i.e., magnitude, frequency, duration, timing, and rate of change) into a broader framework would constitute a major advance over most present management, which focuses on minimum flows and on just a few species. In summary, the protection of fisheries must include protection of hydrological and physical processes that maintain the natural structure and function of flowing water as well as protecting biological components. Successful management of fisheries requires consideration of fish and all ecosystem elements that are necessary to support them as well as societal uses and preferences. The North Saskatchewan River Environment - Overview The North Saskatchewan River (NSR) watershed in Alberta drains approximately 80,000 km 2. It originates at the Saskatchewan Glacier in Banff National Park, flows east to the Alberta- Saskatchewan border, after which it joins with the South Saskatchewan River and empties into Lake Winnipeg. Currently, Alberta must allow 50% of the natural flow of the NSR to pass into Saskatchewan as part of an inter-provincial agreement. Flow is regulated on the NSR by two headwater dams, the Bighorn Dam (on the NSR west of Nordegg), and the Brazeau Dam (on the lower end of the Brazeau River, a major tributary to the NSR). Both dams are owned and operated by TransAlta Corporation. 6

Allan (1984) divided the mainstem of the NSR into seven sections, based on discharge regimes. The three upper sections comprised the coldwater habitat with low temperatures and high dissolved oxygen levels. The middle of the main section was designated as the transition zone between cold and cool water habitat. The lower three sections of the mainstem constitute the cool water zone. The upper reaches of the river can be generalized as sinuous with braided channels, moderate velocity, and abundant exposed and submerged gravel substrates. The lower reaches (downstream of Edmonton) typically occupy a single channel within an incised valley with lower velocity and sand-silt substrates (Watters 2005 in prep). Current land use in the NSR watershed includes agriculture, oil and gas exploration and development, timber extraction, recreation, and urban development. The City of Edmonton is the largest urban centre in the watershed. Water use along the NSR includes human consumption (primarily the City of Edmonton), power generation, oil and gas extraction, mining, and agricultural practices such as livestock watering and irrigation. The mean annual discharge of the NSR is 7,154,200 dam 3 (1 dam 3 = 1,000m 3 ), of which approximately 32% of main stem natural flow is allocated (NSWA 2005). Of this 70% is used for commercial/industrial use and 19% is used for municipal use. The North Saskatchewan River Fish Community - Overview The NSR basin supports 32 of the 51 fish species native to Alberta (Table 1) plus seven known introduced fish species. The upper half of the basin in Alberta is occupied by cold water fish species. A short section of the NSR in the middle of the basin is a transitional zone, and contains an overlap of both cold and cool water fish species. The lower half of the river in Alberta is frequented by cool water fish species. These species prefer the relatively high water temperatures found in the lower end of the river, and are generally more tolerant of lower dissolved oxygen levels (Allan 1984). The habitat requirements of these species are also more diverse than those of the cold water species. Table 1. Fish Species of the North Saskatchewan River Basin (from Nelson and Paetz (1992) and from current Fisheries Management Branch knowledge). Introduced species are marked with an asterisk. Cold water sportfish: Brook trout* Salvelinus fontinalis Brown trout* Salmo trutta Bull trout Salvelinus confluentus Cutthroat trout* Oncorhynchus clarki Golden trout* Oncorhynchus aguabonita Lake trout Salvelinus namaycush Mountain whitefish Prosopium williamsoni Rainbow trout* Oncorhynchus mykiss Cool water sportfish: Burbot Lota lota Goldeye Hiodon alosoides Lake sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens Lake whitefish Coregonus clupeaformis 7

Mooneye Northern pike Sauger Walleye Yellow perch Hiodon tergisus Esox lucius Sander canadense Sander vitreus Perca flavescens Non-game species: Brook stickleback Culaea inconstans Emerald shiner Notropis atherinoides Fathead minnow Pimephales promelas Flathead chub Platygobio gracilus Finescale dace Phoxinus neogaeus Goldfish* Carrassius auratus Iowa darter Etheostoma exile Lake chub Couesius plumbeus Longnose dace Rhinichthys cataractae Longnose sucker Catostomus catostomus Mountain sucker Catostomus platyrhynchus Northern redbelly dace Phoxinus eos Pearl dace Margariscus margarita Quillback sucker Carpiodes cyprinus River shiner Notropis blennius Shorthead redhorse sucker Moxostoma macrolepidotum Silver redhorse sucker Moxostoma anisurum Spoonhead sculpin Cottus ricei Spottail shiner Notropis hudsonius Threespine stickleback* Gasterosteus aculeatus Trout perch Percopsis omiscomaycus White sucker Catostomus commersoni Bull trout, mountain whitefish and lake trout are the only indigenous salmonids in the NSR system. The first two species are wide spread throughout the upper portion of the system, while lake trout are only found in Swan Lake located in the Prairie Creek drainage, and in several headwater lakes in Banff National Park, and now in Abraham Lake (Allan 1984, Rhude and Rhem 1995, Fisheries Management files). Brook trout, brown trout, and cutthroat trout have been introduced into the system, and have established self reproducing populations. Rainbow trout have been introduced in the drainage, but are rarely found in the main stem. Rainbow trout are still extensively stocked in trout ponds within the basin. Lake sturgeon are found in the middle and lower sections of the NSR. Other than the South Saskatchewan River, the NSR provides the major portion of the habitat for lake sturgeon in Alberta. Detailed habitat information is still lacking for lake sturgeon. A number of suspected spawning sites have been identified; however, spawning individuals have not been captured at these sites. Radio telemetry studies and volunteer angling have indicated that major overwintering habitats exist for lake sturgeon in areas around Edmonton / Fort Saskatchewan and downstream towards Smoky Lake. Goldeye are found in the middle and lower sections of the main stem and are likely the most abundant fish species within the Edmonton city limits in early summer. Walleye and northern pike are also common in the middle and lower sections of the river and utilize major over 8

wintering habitats in the NSR. Sauger, mooneye, and yellow perch occur occasionally in the same areas. Coldwater salmonids are rare in the middle and lower sections. Bull trout were common as far downstream as the city of Edmonton in the 1930s, but now only occur down to the vicinity of Drayton Valley (Nelson and Paetz, 1992). Goldfish are known to occur, at several locations, in ponds that may drain into the NSR (i.e. Rocky Mountain House, Drayton Valley). These populations have resulted from people dumping these unwanted aquarium species into area water bodies. Threespine stickleback are known to occur at several locations in the Edmonton vicinity, as a result of illegal stocking. 9

Fisheries Management Objectives - NSR Reach 1 Water Body Name: NORTH SASKATCHEWAN RIVER (NSR) Section: Reach 1 - Banff National Park to Bighorn Dam FMIS Water Body I.D. # 2162 Date: August, 2004 Updated: July, 2008 Author of this report: R. Konynenbelt & S. Herman Revised by: R. Konynenbelt & D. Christiansen Importance of fishery is primarily: Regional Use Group Indian domestic Sport Commercial Fishing Pressure NONE LOW Guiding LOW Net Fishing - NONE (Subjective interpretation H,M,L or actual data (no. of domestic licences, no. of yds/m of net) measure of fishing pressure (no. of hrs. / ha., L<2hr/ha., M>2<-7 hr/ha.,h>7hr/ha ), measure of Commercial fishing pressure (years fished, no. of gear units, do they take their quota every year.) Level of Inventory Level 1 - fish species, office assessments Level 2 - fish size composition and relative abundance, general assessment of habitat (within last 10 years). Level 3 - CPUE and age composition indexing, migratory info and critical habitat details (within last 10 years). YES or NO YES YES - limited information by Fisheries Management and the Alberta Conservation Association YES CPUE, migratory and spawning location information for BLTR only. Type of programs currently used to monitor the water body (check the appropriate box): X test netting, X test angling, creel, X electrofishing relative abundance, X population estimate, commercial sampling, X radio telemetry and Floy tagging of mature BLTR Note: One section of NSR from BNP boundary D/S for about 10 km is designated as a rotational monitoring site, including population estimates. Subjective assessment of natural factors likely limiting the fishery: beaver dams, winterkill, water levels, flow, barrier/waterfall, poor spawning habitat, X temperature, X productivity, habitat, X glacial turbidity 10

Subjective assessment of human factors likely contributing to significant risks to the fishery (These factors may require additional detailed assessment and the development of Fisheries Management objectives and strategies to reduce the threat to sustainability of the fishery.): riparian/alteration commercial tolerance water diversions forestry clearing pipelining X water level fluctuations stream crossing effluents channelization fishing pressure temperature X dam (hydro) macrophyte alteration contaminants grazing tournaments X impact on BLTR from LKTR expansion in Abraham Lake The construction of Bighorn Dam in the mid 1970 s (resulting in Abraham Lake) has caused fragmentation of fish populations in the upper North Saskatchewan River. Identify any habitat enhancement or development that has taken place: aeration, instream structures, spawning beds, pool creation, riparian protection, OTHER, X NONE Fish Populations: List Fish Species Present Priority Species for Management (indicate order of importance) Status Species @ Risk Collapsed Vulnerable Stable Quality Trophy Reproductive Status Self sustaining SS Stocked annually SA Stocked Critical Habitat Known Yes or No Migratory Behavior Known Yes or No BLTR 1 Recovering SS Yes Yes MNWH 2 Stable SS No No LKTR 3 Increasing SS No No CTTR 3 Stable SS No No RNTR 3 Increasing SS No No BKTR 4 Stable SS No No LNSC Unknown SS No No LNDC Unknown SS No No PRDC Unknown SS No No SPSC Unknown SS No No CTTR x RNTR hybrids have been captured in this reach, and BLTR X BKTR hybrids likely exist. 11

The River Environment - Reach 1 This reach is approximately 62 km in length, of which the reservoir (Abraham Lake) comprises nearly one-half when full (about 30 km in length). The free-flowing portion of river in this reach varies in length due to the difference between the annual Low Supply Level (late May) and the annual Full Supply Level (fall) of Abraham Lake. The production of hydro power from this reservoir results in a vertical draw-down of up to 38 m over the winter each year. The reservoir is approximately 7.5 km shorter in length at LSL compared to FSL. Significant tributaries flowing into this reach include the Siffleur River and the Cline River. The free-flowing portion of river in this reach (32 40 km in length) is very dynamic as evident from the highly braided channel. It is characterized by one main channel and often several smaller channels, all of which are in a state of continual lateral adjustment across the broad alluvial valley. Annual wetted width can range from less than 50m to over 600m. Due to the mountainous terrain in the watershed upstream from this point, discharges can change quite rapidly, and typically contain high amounts of silt and glacial fines during summer. Mean discharge at Whirlpool Point (mid free-flowing portion of reach) ranges from a winter low of 5 m 3 /sec to a summer high of 169 m 3 /sec, with an annual mean of 53 m 3 /sec. River substrates are primarily cobble and gravel, with a limited amount of sand and silt. The river in this reach would be classified as Stream Type D according to Rosgen (1996). Land use in Reach 1 of the NSR watershed is primarily recreational. Existing limitations on industry and development have kept the area relatively undisturbed. The most significant human impact is the Bighorn Dam and reservoir (Abraham Lake), located at the lower end of this reach. Bighorn Dam was constructed in the 1970 s for purposes of hydro power generation. The dam is a barrier to the upstream movement of fishes, and has significantly changed the river and natural riparian functions for at least 30 km upstream. The next level of impact is from road crossings on tributaries, and the resulting impacts in a number of locations of increased sedimentation and blockage of fish passage. This reach is highly accessible, being paralleled by Highway 11, which is seldom more than one kilometre away along the entire length of the reach. Good access allows easy angling of the fish resources within this reach, which in turn can increase both direct fishing mortality (harvest) and indirect fishing mortality (hooking/handling mortality and illegal harvest mortality). The Highway 11 crossing of tributaries to this reach has had negative impacts on fish and fish habitat through increases in sedimentation, and through blockages to fish movement. The Fish Community - Reach 1 The river in this reach supports six species of game fish, and four species of non-game fish, as shown in Table 2. The reach has not been thoroughly examined for non-game species, so additional species of non-game fish may exist. Table 2. Fish species documented in Reach 1 of the North Saskatchewan River. Cold water sportfish: Bull trout Salvelinus confluentus Mountain whitefish Prosopium williamsoni Lake trout Salvelinus namaycush 12

Cutthroat trout Rainbow trout Brook trout Oncorhynchus clarki Oncorhynchus mykiss Salvelinus fontinalis Non-game species: Longnose sucker Catostomus catostomus Longnose dace Rhinichthys cataractae Pearl dace Margariscus margarita Spoonhead sculpin Cottus ricei This section of the river provides all of the requisites (spawning, rearing, feeding, overwintering) for the species listed. Known spawning sites for all species have not been mapped, though a sufficient number of sites are suspected based on habitat suitability and the presence of adults in areas during known spawning periods. Water depths in the free-flowing portions of this reach are suitable for over-wintering (>1.5m), but would not be considered common. Biologically significant periods, and water quality criteria for the species of sportfish inhabiting this reach are provided in Appendix 1 and 2 respectively. 13

Fisheries Management Objectives NSR Reach 2 Water Body Name: NORTH SASKATCHEWAN RIVER Section: Reach 2 - Bighorn Dam to Rocky Mountain House FMIS Water Body I.D. # 2162 Date: August, 2004 Updated: July, 2008 Author of this report: R. Konynenbelt & S. Herman Revised by: R. Konynenbelt & D. Christiansen Importance of fishery is primarily: Regional Use Group Indian domestic Sport Commercial Fishing Pressure NONE MEDIUM Guiding UNKNOWN Net Fishing - NONE (Subjective interpretation H,M,L or actual data (no. of domestic licences, no. of yds/m of net) measure of fishing pressure (no. of hrs. / ha., L<2hr/ha., M>2<-7 hr/ha.,h>7hr/ha ), measure of Commercial fishing pressure (years fished, no. of gear units, do they take their quota every year.) Level of Inventory Level 1 - fish species, office assessments Level 2 - fish size composition and relative abundance, general assessment of habitat (within last 10 years). Level 3 - CPUE and age composition indexing, migratory info and critical habitat details (within last 10 years). YES or NO YES YES - limited information, by Fisheries Management, and by consultant surveys on behalf of TransAlta Corporation. NO Type of programs currently used to monitor the water body (check the appropriate box). test netting, X test angling, creel, X electrofishing relative abundance, population estimate, commercial sampling, OTHER Note: A short section D/S of Bighorn Dam is monitored by TransAlta Utilities during their spring and fall maintenance and emergency shutdowns. Subjective assessment of natural factors likely limiting the fishery. beaver dams, winterkill, water levels, flow, barrier/waterfall, X poor spawning habitat, X temperature, X productivity, X habitat (consultant report suggests that class 1 over-wintering habitat is a limiting factor from the Bighorn Dam D/S to the Ram River mouth) 14

Subjective assessment of human factors likely contributing to significant risks to the fishery. (These factors may require additional detailed assessment and the development of Fisheries Management objectives and strategies to reduce the threat to sustainability of the fishery.): riparian/alteration commercial tolerance water diversions forestry clearing pipelining X water level fluctuations X stream crossing (tribs) effluents channelization fishing pressure temperature X dam (hydro) macrophyte alteration X contaminants (p/l break) X altered ice conditions grazing tournaments The construction of Bighorn Dam in the mid 1970 s (resulting in Abraham Lake) has caused fragmentation of fish populations in the upper North Saskatchewan River. Identify any habitat enhancement or development that has taken place. aeration, instream structures, spawning beds, pool creation, riparian protection, OTHER, X NONE Fish Populations List Fish Species Present Priority Species for Management (indicate order of importance) Status Species @ Risk Collapsed Vulnerable Stable Quality Trophy Reproductive Status Self sustaining SS Stocked annually SA Stocked Critical Habitat Known Yes or No Migratory Behavior Known Yes or No BLTR 1 Unknown SS No No MNWH 1 Stable SS No No BNTR 2 Increasing SS No No CTTR 3 Increasing SS No No RNTR 3 Unknown SS No No BKTR 4 Unknown SS No No WALL 5 Unknown SS No No BURB 5 Unknown SS No No SPSC Unknown SS No No LKCH Unknown SS No No LNDC Unknown SS No No EMSH Unknown SS No No LNSC Unknown SS No No WHSC Unknown SS No No MNSC Unknown SS No No CTTR x RNTR hybrids have been captured in this reach, and BLTR X BKTR hybrids likely exist. 15

The River Environment - Reach 2 This reach is approximately 130 km in length. Significant tributaries into this reach include the Bighorn River, Ram River, and the Clearwater River. The river channel remains braided and obviously dynamic from the Bighorn Dam downstream to the Brazeau Mountain Range, covering about the upper 40 km of this reach. This portion is characterized by one main channel and often several smaller channels, all of which are in a state of continual lateral adjustment across the broad alluvial valley. Annual wetted width in that portion of the reach can range from less than 50m to over 600m. From the Brazeau Range downstream, the river is essentially confined to one channel, with the occasional mid-stream island. Annual wetted widths in this portion range from 70m to 300m. Mean discharge since flow regulation (Bighorn Dam) at Saunders (mid-point of reach) ranges from a winter low of 12 m 3 /sec to a summer high of 254 m 3 /sec, with an annual mean of 99 m 3 /sec. River substrates are primarily cobble, gravel, and boulder, often imbedded in sand and silt. The river in the braided upper portion of this reach would be classified as Stream Type D, and the more stable lower portion as Stream Type C, according to Rosgen (1996). Land use in Reach 2 of the NSR watershed includes agriculture, oil and gas exploration and development, timber extraction, and recreation. The most significant human impact results from the operation of the Bighorn Dam, which is located at the upper end of this reach. Bighorn Dam was constructed in the 1970 s for purposes of hydro power generation. In summer, these operations affect natural flow regimes (flushing) and water temperature. In winter, the effects of hydro-peaking contribute to ice-damming, breakup and unnatural flooding of portions of the stream channel, as well as development of unusual amounts of ice cover. Assessment of braided channels between the dam and the trunk road have shown that some side channel redds of brown trout have been subject to dewatering and freezing during the winter months. The dam has however elevated average winter minimum flow levels. The dam is also a barrier to the free movement of fishes, and has changed the nature of the river and natural riparian functions for some distance downstream. The next level of impact in this reach results from road crossings of the mainstem and tributaries, and the resulting effects on sedimentation and fish passage. This reach is relatively accessible, with all-weather access at the Bighorn Dam, the Trunk Road, Saunders, Horburg, and Rocky Mountain House. In addition, this section of the river is very popular for canoeing and boating. Good access allows easy angling of the fish resources within this reach, which in turn can increase both direct fishing mortality (harvest) and indirect fishing mortality (hooking/handling mortality and illegal harvest mortality). The Fish Community - Reach 2 The river in this reach supports eight species of game fish, and at least seven species of nongame fish, as shown in Table 3. The reach has not been thoroughly examined for non-game species, so additional species of non-game fish may exist. Table 3. Fish species documented in Reach 2 of the North Saskatchewan River. Cold water sportfish: Bull trout Salvelinus confluentus 16

Mountain whitefish Brown trout Cutthroat trout Rainbow trout Brook trout Prosopium williamsoni Salmo trutta Oncorhynchus clarki Oncorhynchus mykiss Salvelinus fontinalis Cool water sportfish: Walleye Sander vitreus Burbot Lota lota Non-game species: Longnose sucker Catostomus catostomus White sucker Catostomus commersoni Mountain sucker Catostomus platyrhynchus Longnose dace Rhinichthys cataractae Lake chub Couesius plumbeus Spoonhead sculpin Cottus ricei Emerald shiner Notropis atherinoides Lake sturgeon and northern pike have been reported from the lower end of this reach, but never confirmed. Their presence, along with walleye, would be considered to be at the upper end of the range of these species. This section of the river system provides all of the life cycle requirements (spawning, rearing, feeding, over-wintering) for the species listed. Known spawning sites for all species have not been mapped, though a sufficient number of sites are suspected based on habitat suitability and the presence of adults in areas during known spawning periods. Tributaries to the main stem are known to provide important spawning areas for species such as bull trout. Biologically significant periods, and water quality criteria for the species of sportfish inhabiting this reach are provided in Appendix 1 and 2 respectively. 17

Fisheries Management Objectives NSR Reach 3 Water Body Name: NORTH SASKATCHEWAN RIVER Section: Reach 3 - Rocky Mountain House to approximately Highway 759 crossing (near mouth of Tomahawk Creek) FMIS Water Body I.D. # 2162 Date: August, 2004 Updated: July, 2008 Author of this report: R. Konynenbelt & S. Herman Revised by: R. Konynenbelt & D. Christiansen Importance of fishery is primarily: Regional Use Group Indian domestic Sport Commercial Fishing Pressure None MEDIUM Guiding - UNKNOWN Net Fishing - NONE (Subjective interpretation H,M,L or actual data (no. of domestic licences, no. of yds/m of net) measure of fishing pressure (no. of hrs. / ha., L<2hr/ha., M>2<-7 hr/ha.,h>7hr/ha ), measure of Commercial fishing pressure (years fished, no. of gear units, do they take their quota every year.) Level of Inventory Level 1 - fish species, office assessments Level 2 - fish size composition and relative abundance, general assessment of habitat (within last 10 years). Level 3 - CPUE and age composition indexing, migratory info and critical habitat details (within last 10 years). YES or NO YES YES - limited information by Fisheries Management NO Type of programs currently used to monitor the water body (check the appropriate box). test netting, X test angling, creel, X electrofishing relative abundance, population estimate, commercial sampling, OTHER Note: Four electrofishing sections have been established, which can be used to monitor relative abundance. Monitoring for lake sturgeon has been undertaken primarily by test angling. Subjective assessment of natural factors likely limiting the fishery. beaver dams, winterkill, water levels, flow, barrier/waterfall, poor spawning habitat, temperature, X productivity, habitat, OTHER 18

Subjective assessment of human factors likely contributing to significant risks to the fishery. (These factors may require additional detailed assessment and the development of Fisheries Management objectives and strategies to reduce the threat to sustainability of the fishery.): riparian alteration commercial tolerance water diversions forestry clearing X pipelining X water level fluctuations stream crossing effluents channelization fishing pressure temperature X dam (hydro) macrophyte alteration X contaminants (p/l break) X aggregate extraction grazing tournaments The construction of Brazeau Dam in the late 1970 s (resulting in Brazeau Reservoir) has caused fragmentation of fish populations in this reach of the North Saskatchewan River system. Identify any habitat enhancement or development that has taken place. aeration, in stream structures, spawning beds, pool creation, riparian protection, OTHER, X NONE Fish Populations List Fish Species Present Priority Species for Management (indicate order of importance) Status Species @ Risk Collapsed Vulnerable Stable Quality Trophy Reproductive Status Self sustaining SS Stocked annually SA Stocked Critical Habitat Known Yes or No Migratory Behavior Known Yes or No LKST 1 Vulnerable SS No Limited BLTR 1 Vulnerable SS No No MNWH 2 Stable SS No No NRPK 3 Unknown SS No No WALL 3 Unknown SS No No GOLD 3 Unknown SS No No SAUG 3 Unknown SS No No BURB 3 Unknown SS No No BNTR 4 Increasing SS No No LNSC Unknown SS No No WHSC Unknown SS No No SLRD Unknown SS No No SHRD Unknown SS No No LNDC Unknown SS No No EMSH Unknown SS No No This reach would be considered the lower end of the ranges for BLTR and BNTR in the NSR. 19

The River Environment - Reach 3 This reach is approximately 165 km in length. Significant tributaries to this reach include the Baptiste River, Brazeau River, and Wolf Creek (Rose Creek). The river in this reach is primarily confined to one channel, with the occasional mid-stream island, or set of islands. In several locations the river is wide and braided for a short distance. Annual wetted widths in this portion range from 90m to 400m, with the occasional braided area up to over 700m wide. Mean discharge at Rocky Rapids (lower mid-point of reach, downstream of the mouth of the Brazeau River) ranges from a winter low of 33 m 3 /sec to a summer high of 661 m 3 /sec, with an annual mean of 258 m 3 /sec. River substrates are primarily cobble, gravel, and boulder, often imbedded in sand and silt. The river would generally be classified as Stream Type C according to Rosgen (1996). Land use in Reach 3 of the NSR watershed includes agriculture, oil and gas exploration and development, timber extraction, and recreation. The most significant human impact results from the operation of the Bighorn Dam (located over 100 km upstream on the NSR), and the Brazeau Dam (located on the Brazeau River about 18 km upstream from its mouth). The Brazeau Dam affects about the lower one-half of this reach. Both dams were constructed in the 1970 s for purposes of hydro power generation. In summer, these operations affect natural flow regimes (flushing) and water temperature. In winter, the effects of hydro-peaking cause ice-damming and break up resulting in some unnatural flooding of portions of the stream channel. Fluctuating flows appear to contribute to development of unusual amounts of ice cover as well. Both dams are also a barrier to the free movement of fishes, and have changed the river and natural riparian functions for some distance downstream. Additional impact on the aquatic environment results from road crossings of the main stem and tributaries, and the potential effects of increased sedimentation and fish passage disruption. A number of aggregate extraction operations in and adjacent to the river channel have likely caused impacts to fish habitat. In Reach 3 the river crosses from a predominantly forested Crown land watershed into an area of increasing settled private land. This portion of the river receives municipal waste water and storm water discharge from the towns of Rocky Mountain House and Drayton Valley, in addition to runoff from agricultural lands where livestock manure, inorganic fertilizers and pesticides are present. Riparian cover deterioration is evident on some tributary streams to this reach of the river, largely associated with land clearing and livestock operations. The middle portion of this reach is relatively inaccessible, while the upper and lower sections of this reach have reasonable access at a number of locations. All-weather access is found at Rocky Mountain House, the Crimson Lake Road, near the mouth of Wolf Creek, at Drayton Valley, and at Highway 759. Good access allows easy angling of the fish resources within these sections, which in turn can increase both direct fishing mortality (harvest) and indirect fishing mortality (hooking/handling mortality and illegal harvest mortality). 20

The Fish Community - Reach 3 The river in this reach supports nine species of game fish, and at least six species of non-game fish, as shown in Table 4. The reach has not been thoroughly examined for non-game species, so additional species of non-game fish may exist. Table 4. Fish species documented in Reach 3 of the North Saskatchewan River. Cold water sportfish: Bull trout Salvelinus confluentus Mountain whitefish Prosopium williamsoni Brown trout Salmo trutta Cool water sportfish: Lake sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens Northern pike Esox lucius Walleye Sander vitreus Goldeye Hiodon alosoides Sauger Sander canadense Burbot Lota lota Non-game species: Longnose sucker Catostomus catostomus White sucker Catostomus commersoni Shorthead redhorse sucker Moxostoma macrolepidotum Silver redhorse sucker Moxostoma anisurum Longnose dace Rhinichthys cataractae Emerald shiner Notropis atherinoides This section of the river provides all of the requisites (spawning, rearing, feeding, overwintering) for most of the species listed. However, for bull and brown trout it is unlikely that this section of the main stem provides suitable spawning habitat. Known spawning sites for all species have not been mapped, though a sufficient number of sites are suspected based on habitat suitability and the presence of adults in areas during known spawning periods. Biologically significant periods, and water quality criteria for the species of sportfish inhabiting this reach are provided in Appendix 1 and 2 respectively. Environmental Issues 1. Water quality: It is in this reach that the first impacts from urban-source wastewater and storm water occurs. Several towns and villages have either wastewater treatment plants or wastewater lagoons that discharge their treated effluent either directly or indirectly into the NSR. Due to this, bacterial and phosphorous concentrations are undoubtedly higher than natural background levels. Agricultural practices in this reach, while not intense, likely contribute to increased nutrients and chemical agents in the river. Manure from livestock operations most certainly enters surface runoff, particularly from winter feeding areas as snow melt occurs. Pesticide and herbicide inputs are of concern. Impacts on the aquatic environment, and ultimately affecting fish, are unknown. 21

Mercury contamination of fish flesh remains a concern, and guidelines on fish consumption from the river are in place. Impacts of human and animal pharmaceuticals are also a concern, and their impacts remain un-quantified. Increasing linear disturbances resulting from petroleum exploration and development, deforestation, infrastructure (roads, etc), and settlement, have negative impacts on fish and fish habitat through increases in sedimentation, bank erosion, alteration of drainage patterns, and generally the degrading of aquatic habitat. The effects of aggregate extraction operations in and adjacent to the river channel are evident in a number of locations. 2. Water quantity: With increased demand for water through human consumption, petroleum exploration and development, and agriculture it will be critical that instream flow needs are met for the various life stages of all fish. 3. Natural factors: Prolonged warm weather conditions experienced in the last number of years have resulted in elevated summer water temperatures in some small tributary streams in this portion of the basin. In some cases water temperatures are approaching the upper tolerance limit for some species. 4. Access The number of access points to the river has increased allowing, anglers to use portions of the river not historically fished. That translates into more angling pressure on fish resources within this reach, which in turn has increased both direct fishing mortality (harvest) and indirect fishing mortality (hooking mortality and illegal harvest mortality). 5. Introduction of exotics: The introduction of exotic fish species to the NSR is a growing problem particularly in area lakes. In the majority of cases exotics are not able to survive and/or reproduce in the river, however, there is still risk of their establishment at the detriment of native species. 22

Fisheries Management Objectives NSR Reach 4 Water body Name: NORTH SASKATCHEWAN RIVER Section: Reach 4 - From (approximately) UTM_E 657424, UTM_N 5909838 Zone 11 (near mouth of Tomahawk Creek) to the City of Devon (Highway 60 bridge, UTM coordinates E316877, N5916985, Zone 12). FMIS Water Body I.D. # 2162 Date: September 5, 2007 Author of this Report: O. Watkins Update: Revised by: S. Spencer Importance of fishery is primarily: Regional Use Group Indian domestic Sport Commercial Fishing Pressure Unknown (likely negligible) Medium (No complete creel info, some creel data from staff and volunteer anglers. Some anecdotal data from enforcement patrols, catch and release regulations in place from overfishing). Guiding Unknown Net fishing - None (Subjective interpretation H,M,L or actual data (no. of domestic licences, no. of yds/m of net) measure of fishing pressure (no. of hrs. / ha., L<2hr/ha., M>2<-7 hr/ha.,h>7hr/ha ), measure of Commercial fishing pressure (years fished, no. of gear units, do they take their quota every year.) Level of Inventory Level 1 - fish species, office assessments, from work done by consultants Level 2 - fish size composition and relative abundance, general assessment of habitat (within last 10 years). Level 3 - CPUE and age composition indexing, migratory info and critical habitat details (within last 10 years). YES or NO YES - primarily presence / absence, some baseline data for tissue analysis YES - limited information, predominantly for lake sturgeon. YES for lake sturgeon only. Includes CPUE, migratory info, critical habitat. This data dates back to 1990. 23

Type of programs currently used to monitor the water body (check the appropriate box). X test netting, X test angling, creel, electrofishing population estimate, commercial sampling, X OTHER -, seining, trapnet Note: Sturgeon monitoring has been undertaken primarily through a test angling program through staff and volunteers.. Electrofishing and seining primarily directed towards presence/absence. Subjective assessment of natural factors likely limiting the fishery. beaver dams, winterkill, X water levels, X flow, barrier/waterfall, X poor spawning habitat, temperature, X productivity, habitat, X gravel pits and development Subjective assessment of human factors likely contributing to significant risks to the fishery. (These factors may require additional detailed assessment and the development of Fisheries Management objectives and strategies to reduce the threat to sustainability of the fishery.): X riparian/alteration commercial tolerance X water diversions forestry clearing X pipelining X water level fluctuations X stream crossing X effluents channelization X fishing pressure X temperature X dam macrophyte alteration X contaminants (p/l break) X aggregate extraction X grazing tournaments X plant expansions Identify any habitat enhancement or development that has taken place. aeration, X instream structures, spawning beds, pool creation, riparian protection, OTHER Note: Habitat enhancements have been done in this section of the river but only as compensation for habitat destruction/alteration done in other areas. Thus these are not enhancements, but more like equalizations or restorations. Fish Populations List Fish Species Present Priority Species for Management (indicate order of importance) Status Species @ Risk Collapsed Vulnerable Stable Quality Trophy Reproductive Status Self sustaining SS Stocked annually SA Stocked Critical Habitat Known Yes NO Migratory Behavior Known Yes No LKST 1 Threatened SS Limited Limited WALL 2 Collapsed SS NO NO NRPK 2 Collapsed SS NO NO 24

GOLD 3 Unknown SS NO NO MOON 3 Unknown SS NO NO SAUG 3 Unknown SS NO NO BURB 3 Unknown SS NO NO QUIL 4 Unknown SS NO NO SHRD 4 Unknown SS NO NO LNSC 4 Unknown SS NO NO WHSC 4 Unknown SS NO NO SLRD 4 Unknown SS NO NO SPSC 5 Unknown SS NO NO EMSH 5 Unknown SS NO NO SPSH 5 Unknown SS NO NO LKCH 5 Unknown SS NO NO FLCH 5 Unknown SS NO NO LNDC 5 Unknown SS NO NO NRDC 5 Unknown SS NO NO FTMN 5 Unknown SS NO NO BRST 5 Unknown SS NO NO IWDR 5 Unknown SS NO NO TRPR 5 Unknown SS NO NO The River Environment - Reach 4 This section is approximately 106 river km in length. The channel pattern is described as sinuous with islands and gravel bars with sequences of pool and riffle areas (Allan 1984). The channel is partly entrenched and frequently confined in a stream cut valley. Mean channel width in this reach is 120 m with a mean depth of 1.2 m, and a mean current velocity of just over 1.2 m/s. Mean total annual discharge is about 6,833 X 10 6 m 3 (Allan 1984). The Fish Community - Reach 4 This section of the river contains cool water fish species as well as the very rare appearance of some cold water fish species such as bull trout and rainbow trout. A total of 27 fish species are known to reside through this reach. Northern pike, walleye, sauger, burbot, mountain whitefish and goldeye are seasonally abundant sportfish. Lake sturgeon and mooneye are encountered rarely. Other species encountered are included in Table 5. Fisheries work in this area has been limited. Lake sturgeon studies by Watters (1993, 1995, 2005 (in prep)), and work under fish research licenses associated with water crossings and in-stream industrial activities make up the majority of information for this section. 25

Table 5. Fish species present in Reach 4 of the North Saskatchewan River. Cold water sportfish: Mountain whitefish Prosopium williamsoni Cool water sportfish: Burbot Lota lota Goldeye Hiodon alosoides Lake sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens Mooneye Hiodon tergisus Northern pike Esox lucius Sauger Sander canadense Walleye Sander vitreus Yellow perch Perca flavescens Non-game species: Brook stickleback Culaea inconstans Emerald shiner Notropis atherinoides Fathead minnow Pimephales promilus Flathead chub Platygobio gracilis Iowa darter Etheostoma exile Lake chub Couesius plumbeus Longnose dace Rhinichthys cataractae Longnose sucker Catostomus catostomus Mountain sucker Catostomus platyrhynchus Northern redbelly dace Phoxinus eos Quillback sucker Carpiodes cyprinus River shiner Notropis blennius Shorthead redhorse sucker Moxostoma macrolepidotum Silver redhorse sucker Moxostoma anisurum Spoonhead sculpin Cottus ricei Spottail shiner Notropis hudsonius Trout perch Percopsis omiscomaycus White sucker Catostomus commersoni This section of the river provides rearing and summer feeding habitat for all species listed. It is a migration corridor for all species in the river that carry out extended spring spawning and late summer return migrations. Depths suitable for over wintering (>1.5m) are common. Spawning sites for all species, and in particular lake sturgeon, have not been mapped or confirmed, though a number of sites are suspected based on site habitat evaluations and presence of adults in areas during suspected spawning periods. Biologically significant periods, and water quality criteria for the species of sportfish inhabiting this reach are provided in Appendix 1 and 2 respectively. 26

Environmental Issues 1. Water quality: Water quality at the up stream end of this reach has historically been good with no chemical constituents exceeding the recommended safe levels for fish (Allan 1984). Agricultural practices in the area would be described as moderate. Surface run-off from agricultural sites has negative impacts on water quality from nutrient, pesticide, and E. coli inputs. Infrastructure (roads, etc) development has negative impacts on fish and fish habitat through increases in sedimentation, bank erosion, alteration of drainage patterns, and destruction of aquatic habitat. The evidence of aggregate extraction operations in and adjacent to the river channel are evident in a number of locations. 2. Access Access in this reach still tends to be low, particularly in comparison to the adjoining Capital Region area. Angling pressure for this reach is largely unknown on the main stem, though it is likely low. The number of access points to the river has increased allowing anglers to access sites not historically fished. Much of this increased access is attributable to oil and gas exploration in the area. 3. Introduction of exotics: The introduction of exotic fish species to the North Saskatchewan River is a growing problem. In the majority of cases exotics are not able to survive and/or reproduce in the river, however, there is still risk of establishment of some species, possibly to the detriment of native species. 27