Thomas G. Coon

Catfish Movement and Habitat Use in a Missouri River Tributary

Adult channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) monitored by radiotelemetry made frequent movements within Perche Creek, a tributary of the lower Missouri River. Individuals of both species moved at a rate greater than 50 m/day in >50% of all observations. The favored depth for both species was 1 - 2 m, even though shallower and deeper habitats were available. Both species avoided open water habitat and selected complex woody structure over other cover types. Channel catfish movements were more restricted in Hinkson Creek, an upland tributary of...