The time and location of spawning, food and larvae, and habitats used as nursery areas by young-of-the-year fishes were studied from 1972 to 1975 in South Dakota waters of Lake Oahe, a main stem Missouri River reservoir. Sampling locations were in the tributary rivres -- the Grand Moreau, and Cheyenne -- and their embayments. Year-class strength of river-spawning species was strongly correlated with river flow rates during the spawning season. Success of reservoir-spawning species was primarily dependent on above-average water levels, which inundated terrestrial vegetation to provide a substrate for egg deposition and cover for larvae. Preserving adequate streamflow and enhancing reservoir shoreline areas by managing water levels, seeding vegetation, and eliminating grazing alongshore would probably ensure adequate reproduction of most areas.

This book assembles information on the fish fauna of South Dakota into a conveniently usable form. Ninety-three species are described with precise data on distribution and measurements. Additionally, this book attempts (1) to collect and identify published records of South Dakota fishes, (2) to present keys for the identification of fishes known or expected to occur in South Dakota, (3) to record original distributional data based on 137 fish collections taken throughout the state, (4) to solve some problems involving the systematic status of certain South Dakota species, (5) to clarify or extend information on the distribution of several species in the adjoining Plains area, and (6) to determine the geographic sources of origin of South Dakota fishes and to interpret routes of postglacial dispersal.