Evaluation of salmonflies in Montana's rivers: are statewide populations really declining?

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For this evaluation of salmonfly populations in Montana's rivers, credible macroinvertebrate data sources were examined, and a few resource professionals, anglers, and professional outfitters were surveyed. Several conclusions were made. The state has lost a significant portion of its salmonfly populations with the effects of dams and mining, but about 70 miles of lost river habitat has occurred in the past 30 years, most recent losses being attributed to siltation and increasing water temperatures. Salmonfly populations within some rivers (four in particular having strong data or professional analyses) have declined in the past 20 years. There are also sections of rivers that had population decreases during the worst drought years, but rebounded populations during "good water" years. Also found was that sufficient data are lacking for many sections of the state's rivers, preventing the ability to offer a useful answer for those sections.

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ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology: Invertebrates

NOTE that a date does not appear on our copy of this document, but the citation information can be found at http://mtnhp.org/Reports.asp?key=6.

Additional information: Author was affliated with Montana Natural Heritage Program.

Suggested citation (with organization name changed to match official website): Stagliano, D.M. 2010. Evaluation of Salmonflies in Montana’s Rivers: Are Statewide Populations Really Declining? Report of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. 25pp + appendix.