Water Flow And Aquatic Insect Populations In The Missouri River

Abstract

Water flow rate and air and water temperature in the Missouri River below Holter Reservoir were monitored in S the summer of 1992. Immature and mature insects along with other aquatic life were collected from a variety of habitats and identified. Emergence dates of insects were recorded. Information on the river management and water flow rates in prior years was reviewed. Correlation of data from the present study, the author's observations and the effect of water management policy on insect populations is presented. Evidence suggests that major fluctuations of water flow has adverse effects upon insect populations and diversity, and subsequently, upon the quality of the river as a fishery.