Migration Of Sauger Past A Thermal Discharge In Melton Hill Reservoir

A total of 259 sauger (Stizostedion canadense) was tagged and released downstream of Bull Run Steam Plant during the winters of 1974-75 and 1976. Gill nets and electrofishing gear were used to recapture sauger that moved into the discharge basin or past the plant. Over the study period 7 sauger were recaptured upstream from the discharge; 3 of these had moved past the plant while it was continuously operating. Fourteen sauger were caught in the discharge. The thermal plume from Bull Run Steam Plant had no significant effect on the movement of sauger.