The impact of alteration of hydrologic regimes in the upper Teton River on the competition between fish species

This thesis presents an individual-based modeling (IBM) approach to studying how modified flow regimes impacts virtual rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Yellowstone cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki bouvieri) populations in the upper Teton River, Teton Creek, and Fox Creek. The use of field data: cross-sectional profiles of the stream channels, temperature, average daily flow, etc. is used to define the virtual habitat for the fish. The study is separated into two parts: 1) Teton River connected to Fox Creek and 2) Teton River connected to Teton Creek. The results of studying how peak and minimum flow affects fish populations are displayed. Reasons for shifts in species dominance are presented. A discussion of the limitations of this study is also provided.