88-12

FISHERIES

DIVISION

TECHNICAL REPORT

A Fishery Survey of the Upper St. Joseph River
July and August 1987

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mber 88- 12
imber 22, 1988

Michigan Department of
Natural Resources

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
FISHERIES DIVISION
Fisheries Technical Report No. 88-12
December 22, 1988
A FISHERY SURVEY OF THE UPPER ST. JOSEPH RIVER,,
JULY AND AUGUST 1987

Gary L. Towns

SUMMARY
Fish populations in the upper St. Joseph River were surveyed by the Fisheries Division of
the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in July and August of 1987. Information
obtained during the project will be used during the development of fishery management plans.
Rotenone was used to collect fish at nine sampling sites on the upper St. Joseph River
and two sites on Nottawa Creek (a main tributary to the river). Some physical and biological
conditions of the riverine environment were noted but no chemical water quality parameters
were measured. This study was designed to sample fish populations only in the lotic riverine
habitat. Impoundments within the river system were not sampled, however, previous trap-net
surveys of Union Lake are discussed.
Over 49,750 fish were captured representing 51 species. Of this total, the two sites on
Nottawa Creek produced 4,680 fish and 36 species. Two of these (brown trout and tadpole
madtom) were not found in the St. Joseph River. When considering the total catch in the
St. Joseph River, bluntnose minnow was the most numerous species found throughout the
study area; but, disregarding all fish less than 3 inches long, golden redhorse was the most
numerous. Game fish comprised 10.6% by weight and 21.6% by number of the catch. Carp
accounted for 31.0% by weight and 4.1% by number of the catch. In the St. Joseph River
estimates of total fish standing crop averaged 365 pounds per acre and ranged from 104 to 716
pounds per acre. At the two sites sampled in Nottawa Creek standing crop estimates were 40
and 269 pounds per acre, respectively.
Some reaches in the lower half of the St. Joseph River held fair to good populations of
smallmouth bass, rock bass, and channel catfish. Both the channel catfish fishery and the
developing walleye fishery are due to Fisheries Division stocking efforts. Shoreline evidence
and angler reports indicated heavy fishing pressure in this area. Additionally, anglers reported
that impoundments and slow, deep riverine areas occasionally provided catches of bluegills,
black crappies, pumpkinseeds, largemouth bass, northern pike, carp, suckers, and redhorses.
Major factors which appeared to be limiting sport fish abundance included poor substrate
(largely sand) and limited fish cover. Water quality has been degraded by sedimentation and
municipal sewage inflows in the past, however, this has improved over the last decade. Boating
access to the majority of the river is negligible except at road crossings or through private
property. Some access is available on the impoundments.
Stocking northern pike, channel catfish, walleye, and possibly smallmouth bass would
enhance game fish populations where recruitment is presently limited. Construction of fish
habitat improvement structures and sediment traps in some reaches would likely increase large
game fish carrying capacity.

INTRODUCTION
The upper St. Joseph River is located in the extreme southern central portion of
Michigan's Lower Peninsula (Figure 1). The headwaters of the river flow in a northwesterly
direction. Then, near Homer in Calhoun County, the river abruptly turns and flows in a
general southwestern direction through part of Branch County and into St. Joseph County.
Not far beyond the most downstream site surveyed in this study, the character of the river
changes dramatically. The vast majority of the stream from that point to Lake Michigan is
impounded by several large dams. The primary objective of this study was to sample fish
populations in lotic riverine habitats in the upper St. Joseph River and Nottawa Creek (a main
tributary).
Within the study area the river drains approximately 912 square miles. The basin is
about 50 miles in length, from 3 to 40 miles wide, and includes portions of five Michigan
counties. Major tributaries include Beebe Creek, Sand Creek, Soap Creek, Burnett Creek,
Coldwater River, Swan Creek, Little Swan Creek, and Nottawa Creek.
There are three dams and impoundments in the study area. The largest impoundment,
Union Lake, is 525 acres in size (Figure 1). Impoundments at Litchfield and Jonesville were
much smaller, about 15 and 30 surface acres, respectively.
Little sportfishing takes place in the mainstream in the upper two-thirds of the study
area. Occasionally, anglers in that area fish for northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth
bass, suckers, and carp. Also, some fishermen collect bait minnows for use elsewhere. Near
Union City the stream flow increases substantially due to the entry of several tributaries. In
that area, sportfishing is more frequent and good catches of northern pike and smallmouth
bass have been reported. Union Lake is an excellent fishery well known for black crappies,
yellow perch, bluegills, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. Below Union Lake the river is
fished heavily for channel catfish, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and walleyes. This area
also has an excellent fishery for suckers and redhorses in the spring.
METHODS
Rotenone was used to capture fish during the survey. Techniques were similar to those
described by Nelson and Smith (1980; 1981) with modifications described by Towns (1987).
Low current velocities allowed the use of small-mesh blocking seines (maximum diagonal
opening of 3/16 to 1/4 inch) at every station. This precluded the need for downstream
subsampler nets to estimate escapement. It was assumed that the small-mesh blocking seines
captured all fish of about 2 inches and larger in total length. At each sampling station two
blocking seines were used-one at approximately the midpoint and the other at the end of the

station. The mid-station net captured upstream fish which probably would have settled to the
stream bottom and not drifted with the current to the downstream net. This net also may have
prevented the migration of some fish upstream and out of the station when those fish first
detected rotenone. In a few instances the mid-station net was not long enough to reach across
the entire width of the river. This was not considered critical since this net only was used to
assist in the overall collection of fish.
Based primarily on stream flow, ease of access, stream depth, and geographic
distribution nine sampling stations on the mainstream and two stations on Nottawa Creek were
selected (Figure 1, Table 1). The vast majority of both river mainstreams within the study area
were quite shallow with fair-to-moderate stream velocities and soft substrates (mostly sand).
This type of riverine habitat lends itself well to sampling with rotenone treatment methods.
Station lengths in the mainstream averaged 651 feet, but varied between 385 and 830 feet
to accommodate unusual channel structure or habitat. Station widths and lengths were
measured with either a measuring tape or pre-calibrated rope. Stream flows were measured
with a Gurley current meter or were interpolated from nearby United States Department of
Interior Geological Survey gauging stations.
All fish were identified, measured to the inch group, and weighed to the nearest 0.1
pound in aggregate by species. Most fish were weighed and measured at individual sampling
sites. In a few instances, to save time and promote accuracy, some fish were preserved in
formalin and later identified and measured in the laboratory.
RESULTS
Over 49,750 fish were captured during the survey. Of this total, nearly 4,700 were taken
at the two sites surveyed in Nottawa Creek. As with past surveys of warmwater rivers in
southern Michigan, the majority of these (80%) were small forage fish, but these accounted for
only 7.1% of the total biomass. Forty-nine species of fish were captured (Table 2) in the
St. Joseph mainstream and 36 species in Nottawa Creek. Two species, brown trout, and
tadpole madtom, were captured only in Nottawa Creek. In the St. Joseph mainstream, 14
species were found at every station. This is substantially more than have been found
consistently throughout other similar southern Michigan rivers. However, very few fish
migration barriers existed within the study area. Also, this study considered only the upper
third of the entire St. Joseph River. Comparative surveys of other rivers included the entire
mainstreams. Each of these had several large dams which acted to diversify habitat and
prevent the migration and mingling of fish species. Even so, the large number of species found
at every station in this study helps to support the consistency of water quality and habitat
characteristics observed throughout the upper St. Joseph River.

When considering fish larger than 3 inches (and excluding chubs, shiners, and minnows)
the golden redhorse was the most numerous species in the St. Joseph mainstream, comprising
16.4% of the catch by number. Combined totals of the six species of redhorses captured
comprised 32.9% of the catch (Table 3). Carp made up the highest single species catch by
weight with 31.0% of the catch (but only accounted for 4.1% by number). However, the
combined weight of all species of redhorses made up 49.0% of the catch. When the catch (by
weight) of suckers and redhorses were combined, the resulting 56.8% greatly overshadowed the
catch of carp. This predominance of redhorses and suckers has also been observed in the Battle
Creek River, the Cass River, the River Raisin, and the Grand River (Table 4).
In the upper St. Joseph River, game fish comprised 10.6% of the catch by weight and
21.6% by number. This proportion was similar to that observed in a number of southern
Michigan rivers (Table 4).
Standing crop estimates ranged from 104 pounds per acre at Station 1 to 716 pounds per
acre at Station 2 (Figure 2). The average was 365 pounds per acre. This was the second
highest of all other large southern Michigan streams surveyed to date (Table 4). The South
Branch of the River Raisin had the highest average standing crop of the rivers surveyed to date
with rotenone methods, however, only one station was surveyed on that stream.
The number of species present at sampling stations in the upper St. Joseph River ranged
from 24 at Station 1 to 38 at Stations 8 and 9 (Table 2). No large changes occurred in the
number of species present immediately below municipal areas as has been observed in previous
studies in other rivers (Nelson and Smith 1981; Towns 1984).
It is believed that the great majority of the fish present at each sampling station were
collected. Therefore, the total weight of each sample can be considered as a conservative
estimate of standing crop. Such estimates are somewhat less than the true standing crop since
some fish may have escaped capture by traveling upstream out of the station during rotenone
application. It is also likely that some fish fell to the bottom of the river, became entangled in
the substrate or covered with silt, and so were not collected in the blocking seines or hand nets.
Efficiency of fish capture was undoubtedly better in shallow sampling stations having hard
substrates and swift currents. Such conditions existed at Stations 2, 3, 5, 6, and 9 and it was
generally observed by the survey team that escapement was very low at those sites. Stations 1,
4, 7, and 8 had depths exceeding 3 feet, slow current velocities, and a significant amount of
soft, silty substrates. For these reasons, standing crop estimates reported for Stations 1, 4, 7,
and 8 should be considered a bit more conservative than estimates for other stations.
I was convinced that the use of two blocking seines, one in the middle and one at the end
of the sampling sites, substantially reduced escapement. The extra sampling effort employed
with this method was offset by greater accuracy in the catch. Where there were slow stream

velocities many of these.fish would not have drifted the entire length of the sampling station to
be captured in a single downstream blocking seine.
FISHERY DESCRIPTION
An extensive fishery survey of the St. Joseph River was conducted in 1972 by the
Fisheries Division of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. During this project, fish
were collected by electrofishing and fyke netting (Shepherd 1975). Recent studies comparing
fish sampling techniques have shown rotenone methods to be far superior, both quantitatively
and qualitatively, to electrofishing or electrofishing and netting combined (Towns 1984).
Consequently, it is difficult to make direct comparisons between the 1975 and the 1986 surveys.
However, general trends in fish populations were evident and will be discussed. Specific catch
data on each station are available in Fisheries Division files on standard fish collection form R8058.
Station 1-3
Station 1 at Moore Road in Hillsdale County, was the most upstream site sampled in
1987 (Figure 1, Table 1). This site was less than 1 mile below the Hillsdale Wastewater
Treatment Plant (WWTP) and the confluence with Beebe Creek. Station 1 produced the
smallest number of fish species (24) of any of the nine sites sampled on the mainstream (Table
2). It also had the lowest catch per surface acre (Figure 2).
While this reach had some gravel and rock substrate (primarily below the bridge) the
majority of substrate was silt (60%) and sand (25%). Slow stream velocity, turbidity, some
deep water areas (over 4 feet), and overhanging brush hampered fish recovery. These factors
undoubtedly contributed to the low total catch of fish.
The composition of the catch at Station 1 was very poor from a sport fishery standpoint.
Only 7.1% of the catch (by weight) was game fish. Of these, only a very few individuals were
of catchable size. Carp accounted for 90% of the catch by weight. A similar condition was
observed at this site in 1972 (Shepherd 1975). In that study, this same location produced the
lowest weight of game fish as well as the lowest total weight of fish captured at 52 survey sites.
Riverine habitat was very different at Station 2. A dense forest canopy shaded much of the
area. Stream substrates consisted of very little silt (5%) and a higher quantity of gravel and
rock (30%). Also, stream velocity was much swifter and fish habitat in the form of pools and
riffles was more abundant than at Station 1. This site produced the highest standing crop of
fish in the survey (715 pounds per acre). However, carp again dominated the catch (65% by
weight). Carp, suckers, and redhorses accounted for nearly 87% of the catch by weight while

game fish represented only 4.3%. The game fish catch consisted primarily of rock bass and
yellow bullhead. Stream-side residents reported that very little fishing occurs in this area.
Sand and silt substrates were prevalent in the next several river miles below Station 2.
Fish habitat (logs, overhanging brush, undercut banks, etc.) was sparse and stream depths were
uniformly shallow. At Station 3 sand and silt made up about 85% of the substrate. Only one
large hole and some spare fish cover were present. White sucker, hog sucker, and redhorses
predominated (Figure 2). Interestingly no carp were captured. One legal-sized largemouth
bass (12 inches) was taken along with several catchable rock bass. This was the farthest
upstream site at which smallmouth bass were observed. Evidence along the stream bank
suggested that anglers use this reach occasionally.
Stations 4-6
Angling opportunities increased in this next downstream segment of the upper St. Joseph
River. Deep holes and good fish cover occurred a bit more frequently than at upstream sites.
Stream substrates began to change to a higher percentage of rock and gravel about halfway
through this area. Station 4 included one of the deepest holes in the immediate area according
to stream-side residents. Approximately 100 feet of the 810-foot sampled reach was not
wadable (over 4 feet deep).
The catchable sport fish population at Station 4 was much improved over upstream
areas. While accounting for only about 10% of the catch by weight, the game fish sample
included three legal-sized smallmouth bass (12 to 19 inches) and three legal-sized northern pike
(23 to 30 inches). Residents reported that some fishing for these species occurs along the river
in this area. While much of the habitat favored the survival of fingerling and adult
smallmouth bass, the predominant silt and sand substrate (80%) may greatly limit their
spawning success. Only two young-of-the-year smallmouth bass were collected at this
location. Many crayfish, the primary food of adult smallmouth bass, were observed during the
collection.
Two rather rare species, black redhorse and greater redhorse, were captured at Station 4
(Table 2).
Riverine habitat appeared to be more favorable for game fish at Station 5. Yet, while
several game fish species were present, few were of catchable size (Table 5). Species diversity
was high at this site with 33 species captured. Redhorses and suckers accounted for most of the
fish biomass in the sample (Figure 2). Good species diversity in this reach was also observed in
1972 (Shepherd 1975).
Station 6 was located within the village limits of Union City. The flow rate at this site
was more than double the flow rate at Station 5 due to the upstream additions of Coldwater
River, Burnett Creek, and various other smaller tributaries. Nearly 14% of the total survey

catch by weight was comprised of game fish, although once again, few were of catchable size.
This may have been a factor of fishing pressure to some extent. Anglers reported that this site
was fished rather heavily-mostly for bass and northern pike. No carp were captured,
however, suckers and redhorses clearly predominated in this reach (Figure 2). Also, a single
walleye fingerling was captured at Station 6, the farthest upstream that this species was
observed. This individual was probably one of those stocked about 1 month earlier by the
Fisheries Division at a site approximately 0.5 mile below Station 6.
In 1972 a river reach immediately upstream in Union City (Broadway Street) was
sampled. A good deal of turbidity and a low catch of fish was noted at that time (Shepherd
1975). In 1987 water conditions were clear and 35 fish species and over 3,100 fish were
captured at Station 6 (Page Avenue). It is uncertain whether these improvements were related
to increased water quality in 1987 or poor sampling conditions in 1972 or both.
Union Lake
Union Lake was the largest impoundment within the study area (Figure 1). Although
this lake was not surveyed as part of this study, it was extensively surveyed with trap nets in
1983, with trap and gill nets in September 1987, and was electrofished in October 1987.
Detailed results of those surveys can be found in Fisheries Division files; a brief discussion of
this large unique fishery is appropriate here.
In 1983, 12 trap-net nights produced a catch of 869 fish (483 pounds). Game fish
comprised 85% by number and nearly 55% by weight of the catch. Bluegills averaged 7.1 inches
and 87% of those captured were 6 inches or larger. Also, nearly half of the largemouth bass
and black crappies and all of the channel catfish were legal or "acceptable size" for anglers.
The catch of channel catfish was particularly impressive with 11 fish averaging 17.9 inches.
Survey results from 1987, when compared to those for 1983, indicate that the Union
Lake fishery is very stable. In 1987, game fish comprised 83% by number and 52% by weight of
the catch. Bluegills averaged 7.2 inches of which nearly 70% were 6 inches or larger. The black
crappie fishery seems to have improved since 1983 with the average size increasing from 6.7 to
9.2 inches. The average-sized crappie captured with fyke nets in 1972 (Shepherd 1975) was 6.4
inches and bluegills averaged only 4.7 inches. But that survey was done in midsummer when
larger fish are typically in deeper waters and not susceptible to capture by fyke nets. Fish scale
analysis indicated that sport fish populations in 1983 and 1987 were growing at or above state
average growth rates.
In 1987, three walleyes from 7 to 9 inches long were captured in trap and gill nets. Also,
during an electrofishing survey in the fall of 1987, five more walleyes were captured, ranging in
size from 9 to 16 inches. Fisheries Division stocked walleye fry in Union Lake in 1983 and 1984
and walleye fingerlings in the St. Joseph River just above and just below Union Lake in 1987.

During the 1972 St. Joseph River fishery survey (Shepherd 1975) no walleyes or channel
catfish were captured in Union Lake or in any waters of the 1987 study area on the St. Joseph
River. In 1972 sampling effort and the total number of fish caught was low. Yet enough
information is present to suggest that the Union Lake sport fishery has improved substantially
over the last 15 years.
Stations 7-9
Sand and silt still made up the vast majority of the substrate (80%) at Station 7, but fish
habitat in the form of holes, instream logs, and pools was much better than at any of the
upstream stations. Game fish accounted for over 11% of the fish biomass. This was primarily
due to a large catch of channel catfish. The majority of these were large (14 to 25 inches), but
the presence of seven young-of-the-year catfish (2 inches) indicated successful natural
reproduction. This was the farthest upstream that channel catfish were found in the lotic
environment (several were captured in Union Lake during the 1987 netting survey).
Two walleyes were captured at Station 7. Although these were of sublegal size (less than
15 inches) anglers have reported catching several legal-Sized walleyes in this area in the past few
years. Northern pike were present but, as at other survey sites, were low in number even
though forage fish were plentiful. Streambank evidence suggested daily use of this area by
anglers.
Four species of redhorses were captured at Station 7 including a fair number of the
rather rare silver redhorse (Table 2).
Without the large catch of channel catfish taken at Station 8, the catch of game fish
would have almost been inconsequential. Yet, because of channel catfish, the game fish catch
(Figure 2) was the highest observed on the mainstream (20.5% by weight). Several other
species of game fish were present including walleye (Table 5). Stream habitat was quite good
at this site with a good riffle-pool complex and fair amounts of fish cover and deep water.
Carp, suckers, and four species of redhorses clearly predominated (Figure 2). This station and
Station 9 had the highest species diversity (38 fish species) of all survey sites.
The collection at Station 9 resulted in the highest single sample size of all survey sites.
Over 11,700 fish, weighing nearly 1,425 pounds were collected. This site was wide and quite
uniform in depth and substrate types. Stream substrate consisted primarily of sand and gravel
with lesser amounts of boulders, rocks, and silt. Four species of redhorses were captured and
their combined weight accounted for over 1,100 pounds or about 79% of the fish biomass.
Channel catfish supported the highest game fish catch weight; however, catchable populations
of other game fish species were present (Table 5).
Certain forage species became increasingly prevalent as the survey progressed
downstream. Logperch, for example, were not present at Stations 1-3 and were present in only

small numbers at Stations 4 and 5; but, these became very abundant at the remaining sites. At
Station 9, logperch numbered over 1,100 per acre. Brook silverside and mimic shiner displayed
similar abundance patterns.
Nottawa Creek
The most upstream site on Nottawa Creek (Station N-1) held a very low standing crop
of fish (slightly over 40 pounds per acre), however, game fish accounted for a rather large
amount of this total (Figure 2). Still, only one brown trout and a few rock bass were of legal
or acceptable size for the angler. Although only 17 species were captured, this was the only
station on the entire survey where tadpole madtom and brown trout were captured (Table 2).
Brown trout have been stocked in Nottawa Creek annually by Fisheries Division for many
years. The most downstream stocking site, however, was 1.2 miles above Station N-1.
Fishermen have reported catching trout in this downstream area in recent years, so apparently
some of the stocked fish have migrated downstream. Station N-2 held a good population of
catchable game fish (Table 5). Species diversity was much higher with 33 species captured.
Redhorses and suckers clearly predominated in the catch. Carp were present, but not in large
numbers.
A reason for the extreme difference in standing crop between Station N-1 and Station N2 was not immediately apparent. There were no industrial or municipal discharges upstream
from Station N-1. Station N-2 had more deep-water habitat and a more favorable substrate.
But also, this downstream site was probably more enriched with nutrients from surrounding
farmlands and probably sustained a higher summertime water temperature than Station N-1.
These factors can promote a higher level of stream productivity and potentially a higher fish
biomass.
DISCUSSION
In many respects the upper St. Joseph River fishery is similar to that which was observed
in 1972 (Shepherd 1975). Carp and redhorse still predominate and game fish comprise only a
small amount of the total standing crop. However, the addition of channel catfish and walleye
in the lower third of the study area have substantially improved sportfishing opportunities in
the 1980's.
Stream sedimentation continues to be a deterrent to the development of game fish
populations. In 1972 (Shepherd 1975) reported that a gravel bottom was predominant
throughout the river mainstream especially in flowing environments. However, that report
noted heavy silt and sand loads in the Jonesville and Litchfield areas. This same condition was
observed during the present study. Shifting sand sediments were especially evident just below

Station 2 and for the next several miles. Just above Station 2 there was once an impoundment.
This impoundment undoubtedly acted as a sediment basin for many years before the dam was
removed in 1961. Present excessive sand and silt loads below that point on the river could be
the result of the erosion of accumulated sediment from the basin of that impoundment.
An intensive water quality study conducted in 1975 and 1976 concluded that suspended
sediment concentrations of streams in the upper St. Joseph River basin were very low when
compared with those of streams in many parts of the country (Cummings 1978). However,
during this survey shifting sand substrate, not suspended but in close association to the
streambed, was observed in great abundance at many points in the river. Alexander and
Hansen (1983) stated that the presence of sand sediment in streams is deceiving in that it does
not produce the turbidity commonly associated with severe stream sedimentation. This type of
heavy moving substrate covers gravel and rock and fills in holes in the streambed. These are
vital attachment points and living places for many species of aquatic invertebrates as well as
fish. A recent study on a small cold-water stream (Alexander and Hansen 1983) determined
that a significant reduction in trout and trout habitat resulted when the sand bedload was
artificially increased four- to fivefold. It seems logical that the same principals would apply to
coolwater and warmwater streams.
Water quality in the St. Joseph River has been degraded in the past but improvements in
at least the upper part of the study area have occurred in the last decade. In 1973 a biological
and sediment chemistry survey was conducted on the St. Joseph River from above the Hillsdale
WWTP to below the Jonesville WWTP (Mikula et al. 1974). That study revealed high
concentrations of heavy metals and oils in stream sediments and enriched conditions throughout
the area. Also, substantial organic sludge deposits were evident resulting in degradation of the
benthic macroinvertebrate community below the Hillsdale WWTP. During the mid-1970's
Cummings (1978) found significantly increased concentrations of ammonia, organic nitrogen,
nitrates, and phosphorous below the Hillsdale WWTP. In 1979 Woods and Louwers (1979)
found that the daily minimum dissolved oxygen standard was not met during a late summer
low-flow period below the Hillsdale WWTP. This report predicted this standard would not be
met in the future under similar conditions unless the Hillsdale WWTP provided more advanced
wastewater treatment.
In 1983 the new Hillsdale WWTP with tertiary treatment began operation. With the
implementation of these improvements there has been an average 80% reduction of pollutants
discharged to the St. Joseph River at that point. The quality of the water coming from the
WWTP has usually been as clean or cleaner than the water already in the river
(J. Braunscheidel, 1987, personal communication, Surface Water Quality Division, Michigan
Department of Natural Resources, Jackson). Four years of this reduced pollutant loading
could only have had the effect of improving water quality compared to pre-1983 conditions.

Water withdrawals for farmland irrigation were evident at several sites along the river.
The effects of this consumption is uncertain, however, I suspect this can only be a deterrent to
the development of the sport fishery. Most sport fish species of catchable size require
sustained, relatively deep water, good cover (logs, brush, etc.), adequate forage, and favorable
substrates to maintain fishable populations in rivers. Water withdrawals reduce water levels
and thereby dewater aquatic habitat. Typically the most water for irrigation is extracted during
the hottest, driest part of the year when river flows are already at annual lows. Fisheries
professionals should strive to document the effects of such human intervention on the aquatic
environment. Then society must be asked to judge the merits of water consumption for
irrigation against the impacts of these withdrawals on aquatic organisms, riverine esthetics,
riparian terrestrial plants and animals, and the recreational potential of the river. Michigan law
allows for the reasonable use of surface water for agriculture. We must define what is
reasonable and what is not.
While there were no industrial or municipal effluents to Nottawa Creek, human impacts
have been substantial. The entire stream was channelized many years ago to improve the
drainage of farmland. Such construction destroys valuable fish habitat by removing fish cover
and reducing fish food production. Channelization also adversely alters the stream flow regime
by decreasing water retention (which decreases summer flows during drought conditions) and
causing more severe floods. These conditions generally cause increased erosion and higher
sediment loads. In addition the loss of near-stream trees during the dredging process allows
more solar heating of the stream. This is detrimental to cold-water game fish species such as
trout, and coolwater fish like smallmouth bass and walleye.
Game fish populations found at Station N-2 during the survey were substantial. But a
large deep hole (probably atypical of this reach) was within the station. This deep-water
habitat held the channel catfish and smallmouth bass which were the most impressive part of
the game fish catch. Obviously water quality and fish food production were adequate in this
reach to sustain a fair game fish fishery. This fishery would be significantly improved in the
lowest 6 miles of Nottawa Creek if more deep-water habitat were made available.
MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
St. Joseph River
Walleye fingerlings have been stocked in the lower part of the study area since the mid1970's. From 1975 through 1979 small numbers of fingerlings were stocked annually in Sturgis
Impoundment (5 miles below Station 9). In 1980, Fisheries Division stocked 55,000 spring
fingerling walleyes in this impoundment. Then in 1981 large numbers of walleye fry were
stocked in Sturgis Impoundment and Union Lake. In subsequent years, angler reports were

encouraging. Union Lake and the river below received massive fry plants in 1983 and 1984.
Fingerlings were stocked in Union Lake and Sturgis Impoundment in 1985 and 1986. Union
Lake received 48,700 fingerlings in 1987. Although only a few walleyes were captured in the
present survey, angler reports have continued to be encouraging. Some anglers have reported a
very substantial spring walleye fishery in the tailwaters of Union Lake Dam.
Walleye fingerling plants should continue and be scheduled for a least one plant every 2
years. It is not recommended to stock walleyes above Union City due to the lack of adequate
deep-water habitat. But, Union Lake and the river below hold excellent forage stocks and good
habitat for this species. Union Lake should receive the largest fingerlings possible to insure
survival in this lentic environment. Enough natural reproduction to maintain the fishery
should not be expected. Walleyes require relatively silt free water and rock or gravel substrates
for successful reproduction.
The Michigan Fisheries Division in cooperation with the Federal Government stocked
large numbers of channel catfish fingerlings, as well as some adults, in Sturgis Impoundment
from 1975 to 1981. In the present survey, channel catfish accounted for the majority of the
game fish standing crop at the three sites surveyed below Union Lake Dam. There were no fish
migration blockages between Sturgis Impoundment and Union Lake Dam.
Much of the river above Union City lacks the type of deep-water habitat where channel
catfish are typically found'. However, if stocked in the upper part of the study area thisspecies
would probably seek out any available deep-water habitat and a fishable population may
develop. Large channel catfish are piscivorous and should thrive on the abundant forage fish
populations in the upper part of the study area.
Some young-of-the-year catfish were found at each of three sampling sites below Union
Lake indicating successful natural reproduction. However, the stocking of fingerling catfish in
Union Lake and in the river below would augment these naturally reproduced fish and help
develop the fishery to its full potential.
Relatively few northern pike were found throughout the survey area. It seemed that with
the available forage stocks, pike should have been in greater abundance. Only one young-ofthe-year pike was captured in the entire survey. Perhaps the drainage of marshy spawning
areas within the watershed has limited the spawning success of this species in recent years.
Stocking fingerlings would augment native populations and potentially increase the overall
catchable pike population.
The reach from Litchfield to Union City has some potential for fishery development
through habitat manipulation. In other areas stream improvement via construction is either
impractical or unnecessary. Sediment traps if placed at various points in the above-mentioned
reach could reduce the shifting sand substrate while uncovering more productive gravel and
rock. Also, sediment traps would add deep holes which are important habitat for large fish. A

thorough investigation of underlying substrate types should be made prior to proceeding with
any sediment trap construction. If underlying substrates are composedprimarily of sand, the
benefits of such construction would be minimal. Conversely, if underlying substrates are of
gravel and rock composition, the production of fish food organisms could be greatly enhanced
by stream improvement measures. This would in turn enhance fish populations.
Stream improvement structures designed to armor erodible stream banks and provide
deep water and cover for fish would help to increase the carrying capacity for large game fish.
Smallmouth bass were not found upstream from the dam in Litchfield. This same
observation was made in 1972. Riverine habitat observed during this survey was rather poor in
this reach. However, if sediment traps and stream improvement methods were employed and
habitat improved, perhaps smallmouth bass (if stocked) might provide a future opportunity
for anglers in that area.
Flathead catfish is another piscivorous species that does quite well in the lower end of
some large river systems in Michigan. In similar surveys in the past, this species was found in
the lower segments of the Grand River (Nelson and Smith 1981) and the Kalamazoo River
(Towns 1984). Both of these rivers are in the same general area of Michigan and drain into
Lake Michigan. In neither case has this species been stocked, but has apparently migrated
upstream from Lake Michigan. Perhaps if fingerling flathead catfish were stocked in the lower
parts of the study area (below Union Lake), this species would add a new dimension to the
sport fishery while capitalizing on the very abundant forage fish stocks in that area.
The effects on the fish population as a result of consumptive water withdrawals for
farmland irrigation should be monitored. Severe damage to the aquatic habitat may be
occurring in the heat of the summer when river water levels are low and irrigation demands are
high.
Access to many of the better fishing areas on the river is available only through private
property or at road crossings. Steep banks at road crossings prevent most forms of boat access.
The river must become more available to the public if its full potential as a recreational
resource is to be achieved. Good locations for access development are river sections near
Stations 6, 7, 8, and 9 (Figure 1).
Future fishery surveys of this river should be done with rotenone. Catch results from
1987 could then be closely compared and changes in the fishery accurately assessed.
Nottawa Creek.
At the time of this survey, the middle portion of Nottawa Creek was being managed as a
marginal brown trout fishery. This section (2-6 miles above Station N-i) has received annual
plantings of yearling brown trout for many years. Trout survival in this section is limited by
rather poor stream habitat. A stream habitat improvement project has been proposed by a

15
local sportsman's club to create better habitat (in at least 1 mile of stream) while not impeding
stream flow. The reach near Station N-i would benefit greatly from similar habitat
improvement.
A thorough investigation of present stream habitat is needed 'From Station N -2 upstream
to Athens. The catch at Station N -2 indicated that an excellent sport fishery may already be
present in the lower section of Nottawa Creek.. However, because the sample at Station N -2
was probably somewhat biased (because it contained a large deep hole under a bridge),, the
development of more fish cover and deep water in this reach would be instrumental in the
development of a substantial fishery for warm- and coolwater sport fish.

LOCATION MAP

LITCHFIELD

Marble
Lake

MILES__
0 2 4

Figure 1. Locations of sampling stations during the 1987 St. Joseph River survey.

800 E" Game fish
I Redhorses and suckers
0 Carp
700..-. 600,.
O
500
"OD
CL
- ]
o 400,c11
~.' 300
0)
200
I100 e
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 N-1 N-2
Station number
Figure 2. Total weight of game fish, redhorses and suckers, and carp captured at sampling
stations on the St. Joseph River and Nottawa Creek, 1987. The solid line
represents the weight of all captured fish.
O /// /%
0I
2 3 5 6 7 8 9 N - N-2~
/.I E~ Station number/

Table 1. Description of 1987 sampling stations on the St. Joseph River and Nottawa Creek.
"N" denotes Nottawa Creek.
Upstream limit
Station County Location Length and location
1 Hillsdale T6S, R3W, Sec. 9 536 186 ft. above Moore Rd.
2 Hillsdale T5S, R3W, Sec. 29 676 216 ft. above Genessee Rd.
3 Calhoun T4S, R5W. Sec. 36 758 198 ft. above S. County Line Rd.
4 Calhoun T4S, R5W, Sec. 10 816 309 ft. above 22 Mile Rd.
5 Calhoun T4S, R6W, Sec. 29 653 478 ft. above 14 Mile Rd.
6 Branch T5S, R7W, Sec. 5 385 379 ft. above Page Ave., Union City
7 Calhoun T5S, R7W, Sec. 21 832 25 ft. below Athens Rd.
8 St. Joseph T6S, R9W, Sec. 1 585 685 ft. above Stowell Rd.
9 St. Joseph T5S, R9W, Sec. 32 615 389 ft. above Jacksonburg Rd.
N-1 Branch T4S, R8W, Sec. 26, 27 554 385 ft. above 4 Mile Rd.
N-2 St. Joseph T5W, R9W, Sec. 29 431 320 ft. above Olney Rd.

19
Table 2. List of species captured at each station during the 1987 St. Joseph River fisheries
survey. "N" denotes Nottawa Creek.
Station
Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 N-i N-2

Chestnut lamprey
Ichihyomyzon castaneus
Silver lamprey
Ichthyomyzon unicuspis
Longnose gar
Lepisosteus osseus
Brown trout
Salmo trutta
Central mudminnow
Umbra limi
Grass pickerel
Esox americanus vermiculatus
Northern pike
E-sox lucius
Central stoneroller
Campostoma anomalum
Common carp
Cyprinus carpio
Hornyhead chub
Nocomis biguttatus
Golden shiner
Notemigonus crysoleucas
Striped shiner
Notropis chrysocephalus
Common shiner
Notropis cornutus
Roseyface shiner
Notropis rubellus
Spotfin shiner
Notropis spilopterus
Sand shiner
Notropis stramineus
Mimic shiner
Notropis volucellus
Bluntnose minnow
Pimephales notatus
Blacknose dace
Rhinichthys atratulus

- x x x - x x x
-~ - ----------------x -
X

x -

x - xY x
x x x x
x -- X X
x x -
x x -- x
- x x x
x x x

x -- x -- x
x x x x x
x x x x
x x - -
x -- x x x
x x x - x
x -- x x x

x x
- x
- x

x x

- xC

x x x X

x x
x x
x x
x x
x x x

x
x

x x
x x x x x x x

- x x - -- x -- -

Table 2. Continued:

Station
Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 N-i N-2

Creek chub
Semotilus atromaculatus
White sucker
Catostomus commersoni
Creek chubsucker
Erimyzon oblongus
Northern hog sucker
Hypentelium nigricans
Spotted sucker
Minytrema melanops
Silver redhorse
Moxostoma anisurum
River redhorse
Moxostoma carinatum
Black redhorse
Moxostoma duquesnel
Golden redhorse
Moxostoma erythrurum
Shorthead redhorse
Moxostoma macrokepidotum
Greater redhorse
Moxostoma valenciennesi
Yellow bullhead
Ictalurus natalis
Channel catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
Stonecat
Noturus flavus
Tadpole madtom
Noturus gyrinus
Pirate perch
Aphredoderus sayanus
Brook silverside
Labidesthes sicculus
Rock bass
Ambloplites ripestris
Green sunfish

x x x x x x x x x x
x xxxxx

x
x

x
x
x

x
x

- - x x x x - - -

xx x
- x
x x
x x

Table 2. Continued:

Station
Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 N-1 N-2
Pumpkinseed
Lepomis gibbosus x x x x x x x x x - -
Warmouth
Lepomis gulosus - - - - x x x - x - -
Bluegill
Lepomis macrochirus x x x x x x x x x x x
Smallmouth bass
Micropterus dolomieui - - x x x x x x x - x
Largemouth bass
Micropterus salmoides x x x x x x x x x - x
Black crappie
Pomoxis nigromaculatus x x - - - x x x - - x
Greenside darter
Etheostoma blennioides x x x x x x x x - - -
Rainbow darter
Etheostoma caeruleum x x x x x x x x x x x
Johnny darter
Etheostoma nigrum i x x x x x x x x x x x
Yellow perch
Perca flavescens x - - - x x x x x - -
Logperch
Percina caprodes - - - x x x x x x - x
Blackside darter
Percina maculata X X X X X X X X X X X
Walleye
Stizostedion vitreum vitreum - - -- - - x x x - - -
Total species
per station 24 26 28 31 33 35 37 38 38 17 33

Table 3. Percent of catch, by weight and number, for various species of fish 3 inches long
and larger collected during the 1987 St. Joseph River survey (Nottawa Creek
catch not included). All shiners, darters, logperch, chubs, and minnows are
excluded.
Catch composition
Species Weight Number
Northern pike 1.1 0.3
White sucker 3.6 7.9
Northern hog sucker 4.0 8.1
Redhorse spp. 49.0 32.9
Golden 17.3 16.4
Shorthead 19.1 12.1
Black 4.6 2.7
River 6.5 1.2
Silver 1.1 0.4
Greater 0.5 0.1
Carp 31.0 4.1
Yellow bullhead 1.1 5.1
Channel catfish 4.0 1.6
Stonecat 1.0 12.3
Smallmouth bass 1.2 2.4
Largemouth bass 0.5 0.9
Bluegill 0.8 2.2
Pumpkinseed 0.2 1.2
Rock bass 1.4 5.5
Green sunfish 0.3 3.6
Yellow perch 0.1 1.6
Central stoneroller 0.3 6.5
Other species 0.6 3.7

Table 4. Catch results of southern Michigan rivers which have recently been surveyed using rotenone.

Game fish'
Number Number Average
of of standing Percent Percent
River sampling species crop by by
(survey year) sites captuted (lbs/acre) weight number

Redhorses and suckers' COWrp
Percent Percent Percent Percent
by by by by
weight number weight number

St. Joseph
(1987)
Nottawa
(1987)
Shiawassee2
(1987)
Battle Creek'
(1986)
Cass"
(1985)
Raisins
(1984)
Saline'
(1984)
S. Br. Raisin'
(1984)
Kalamazoo"
(1982)
Grand'
(1978)

9
2
14
7
11
12
2
1
14
2.2

49
36
51
42
43
59
24
23
62
70

365 10.6 21.6
154 22.6 37.5
294 11.4 40.1
163 26.5 49.1
268 9.4 6.4
278 14.1 26.6
117 12.3 63
463 1.3 1.0
186 12.8 30.1
160 9.6 22.0

56.6
55.1
54.5
42.1
47.9
53.0
32.9
81.8
17.3
44.0

49.0
32.5
30.1
11.9
142
51.0
28.7
42.1
30.3
59.0

31.0 4.1
15.1 1.6
28.7 4.7
27.9 1.4
24.4 0.6
28.3 1.9
39.5 2.0
0.1 0.4
67.5 18.2
45.61 16.0'

Table 4. Continued:

River
(survey year)
St. Joseph
(1987)
Nottawa
(1987)
Shiawassee
(1987)
Battle Creek
(1986)
Cass
(1985)
Raisin
(1984)
Saline
(1984)
S. Br. Raisin
(1984)
Kalamazoo
(1982)
Grand
(1978)

Most numerous
species by weight1
carp8
golden redhorse8
redhorse spp.
rock bass
redhorse spp.
northern hog sucker
carp
white sucker
carp
carp9

Most numerous game fish1
Percent Percent
by weight by number
channel catfish (4.0) rock bass (5.5)
channel catfish (9.0) smallmouth bass (102)
rock bass (4.1) rock bass (13.4)
rock bass (10.5) rock bass (29.5)
rock bass (3.4) rock bass (32)
smallmouth bass (7.6) smallmouth bass (15.0)
yellow bullhead (6.9) yellow bullhead (2.5)
yellow bullhead (1.0) yellow bullhead (1.0)
channel catfish (3.9) rock bass (11.8)
channel catfish (3.3) bullhead spp.10 (5.5)

1 Based on the catch of fish, 3 inches and longer (excluding all chubs, shiners, and darters). "Game fish" include
rock bass, smallmouth bass, bullhead spp., northern pike, channel catfish, pumpkinseed, warmouth, bluegill,
largemouth bass, black crappie, and yellow perch.
2 D. Nelson, personal communication, 1988, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, East Lansing.
STowns (1987).
4 J. Leonardi, personal communication, 1987, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Imlay City.
s Towns (1985).
6 Towns (1984).
7 Nelson and Smith (1981).
8 All redhorse spp. combined were more numerous.
9 Carp and goldfish included.
10 Smallmouth bass were next in highest abundance (5.0%).

25
Table 5. Numbers of common fish collected per surface acre at each station, during the
1987 St. Joseph River fisheries survey. The value in parentheses indicates the
number of legal- or acceptable-sized fish collected per acre at each station. "N"
denotes Nottawa Creek.
Station
Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 N-1 N-2

Game fish
Smallmouth bass
Northern pike
Rock bass
Largemouth bass
Yellow bullhead
Channel catfish
Pumpkinseed
Bluegill
Walleye
Yellow perch
Black crappie
Warmouth
Brown trout
Coarse fish
Carp
White sucker
Northern hog sucker
Redhorse spp.1
Stonecat
Green sunfish

- - 8 8 30 44 21 19 25
- -- (1) (3) (0) (1) (2) (1) (2)
2 - 3 6 7 3 2 1 -
(0) - (0) (3) (3) (0) (2) (0) -
35 102 103 48 57 105 41 19 10
(5) (20) (25) (19) (13) (33) (8) (7) (3)
5 5 38 6 56 29 27 62 30
(0) (0) (1) (0) (0) (1) (0) (1) (1)
5 155 5 16 81 27 44 37 57
(0) (33) (0) (9) (0) (9) (17) (7) (7)
- - - - - - 13 45 28
- - - - - - (10) (33) (13)
7 15 8 8 1 17 22 6 1
(0) (0) (0) (0) (0) (0) (3) (3) (1)
40 68 7 20 23 112 24 16 30
(5) (0) (0) (0) (1) (1) (2) (6) (3)
- - - - - 1 1 1 -- - - - - (0) (0) (0) -
17 - - - 5 60 17 56 38
(0) - - - (0) (3) (0) (0) (0)
3 22 -- -- - 33 18 27 -
(2) (0) - - - (0) (10) (3) -
- - - - 2 1 1 - 1
- - - - (1) (0) (0) - (0)
i,,i.- -.,....,......, I....-..,..,...

- 172
-- (3)
- 2
-- (1)
58 22
(11) (9)
- 31
-- (1)
-- 39
- (13)
- 16
- (16)
2 -
(0) -
- 105
-- (0)
-- 19
-- (0)
2 -
(2) -
-- 9
1,696 37
38 106
20 323
- 176
4 88

42 130
28 742
2 237
- 162
3 95
8 232

-- 14
421 181
75 38
186 279
83 98
-- 13

5 - 42
829 29 39
178 96 14
133 352 519
414 59 13
18 48 43

26
31
58
299
89
25

8
16
61
439
147
19

'Redhorse species include golden, shorthead, black, river, silver, and greater.

LITERATURE CITED
Cummings, T. R. 1978. Agricultural land use and water quality in the upper St. Joseph River
basin, Michigan. U. S. Geological Survey, Water-Resources Investigations, Openfile Report 78-950, Lansing.
Mikula, R., R. Lundgren, and E. Evans. 1974. A biological and sediment chemistry survey of
the St. Joseph River from above Hillsdale's Wastewater Treatment Plant to below
Jonesville's Wastewater Treatment Plant, Hillsdale County, Michigan. Michigan
Water Resources Commission, Bureau of Water Management, Michigan Department
of Natural Resources, Lansing.
Nelson, D. D., and D. W. Smith. 1980. Rotenone stream fish sampling in Michigan.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Technical Report 80-2,
Lansing.
Nelson, D. D., and D. W. Smith. 1981. Rotenone fisheries survey of the Grand River.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Technical Report 81-3,
Lansing.
Shepherd, R. E. 1975. Inventory of fish and evaluation of water quality during minimum
flow period in the St. Joseph River. Michigan Department of Natural Resources,
Fisheries Technical Report 75-9, Lansing.
Towns, G. L. 1984. A fisheries survey of the Kalamazoo River, July and August 1982.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Technical Report 84-7, Ann
Arbor.
Towns, G. L. 1985. A fisheries survey of the River Raisin, August 1984. Michigan
Department of NatUral Resources, Fisheries Technical Report 85-3, Ann Arbor.
Towns, G. L. 1987. A fisheries survey of the Battle Creek River, August 1986. Michigan
Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Technical Report 87-3, Ann Arbor.
Woods, R. K., and K. B. Louwers. 1979. St. Joseph River study at Hillsdale. Michigan
Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Environmental Protection,
Environmental Services Division Publication No. 3730-0041, Lansing.
Report approved by W. C. Latta

Typed by G. M. Zurek