Microhabitat use by pre‐spawning Pacific lamprey Entosphenus tridentatus in a large, regulated river differs by year, river segment, and availability

Abstract

Decreasing river flows and increasing water temperatures during the summer have been associated with holding behavior by pre-spawning Pacific lamprey Entosphenus tridentatus in the mainstem Willamette River (Oregon, USA). However, it is unclear if microhabitat use (≤ 2 m) by these lamprey is associated with particular habitat structure(s) or thermal refuge. We implanted radio tags into lamprey (n = 425) and conducted boat surveys to track individuals and document their microhabitat use in the mainstem Willamette River. 58 % of the lamprey were detected, representing 460 detections of 247 individuals across two years (2009 and 2010). Lamprey distributed significantly further upstream, and more were found in the main channel during a high flow year (2010) in comparison with a low flow year (2009). More lamprey held in the main channel across all river segments in 2010 than in 2009. Main channel habitats were significantly deeper than other microhabitats. Lamprey migrating into the upper river segment tended to use microhabitats other than the main channel. These other microhabitats included rock revetments and boulders/bedrock. Rock revetments were more prevalent in the middle – upper river segments, and a greater percentage of lamprey were associated with this microhabitat in these segments. The further upstream the lamprey migrated, the cooler, shallower, and faster water they encountered. One lamprey was associated with coolwater refuge (15.5 oC) in an alcove to the mainstem river (18.1 oC). We conclude that microhabitat use by pre-spawning Pacific lamprey differs by year (river flow), river segment, and availability in a large, regulated river.