Distribution and growth of blue sucker in a Great Plains river, USA

Blue sucker, Cycleptus elongatus (Le Sueur), was sampled in the Kansas River, Kansas, USA to determine how relative abundance varies spatially and growth compares to other populations. Electric fishing was conducted at 36 fixed sites during five time periods from March 2005 to January 2006 to determine seasonal distribution. An additional 302 sites were sampled in summer 2005 to determine distribution throughout the river. A total of 101 blue sucker was collected ranging from 242 to 782 mm total length and 1–16 years old. Higher catch rates were observed in upper river segments and below a low‐head dam in lower river segments, and catch rates were higher during November in the upriver sites. Kansas River blue sucker exhibited slower growth rates than other populations in the Great Plains including populations as far north as South Dakota.