Publications
Merciai, R., L. L. Bailey, K. R. Bestgen, K. D. Fausch, L. Zamora, S. Sabater, and E. García-Berthou. 2018. Water diversion reduces abundance and survival of two Mediterranean cyprinids. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2018:27:481-491.
Fraser, G., D. Winkelman, K. R. Bestgen, and K. Thompson. 2017. Tributary use by imperiled flannelmouth and bluehead suckers in the upper Colorado River basin. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 146:858-870.
Bestgen, K. R., C. T. Wilcox, A. A. Hill, K. D. Fausch. 2017. A dynamic flow regime supports an intact Great Plains stream fish assemblage. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 146:858-870.
Bestgen, K. R., R. C. Schelly, R. R. Staffeldt, M. J. Breen, D. E. Snyder, and M. T. Jones. 2017. First reproduction by stocked bonytail in the upper Colorado River basin. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 37:445-455.
Haworth, M. R., and K. R. Bestgen. 2017. Flow and water temperature affect reproduction and recruitment of a Great Plains cyprinid. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 74:853-863.
Lanier, W. E., K. R. Bestgen, W. C. Funk, and L. L. Bailey. 2016. Unpalatable, yet unprotected: trout reduce survival and development rate of rare toad tadpoles despite chemical defense. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 74:494-502.
Bestgen, K. R. H. J. Crockett, M. R. Haworth, and R. M. Fitzpatrick. 2016. Production of non-adhesive eggs by flathead chub and implications for downstream transport and conservation. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 7:434-443.
Haworth, M. R. and K. R. Bestgen. 2016. Daily Increment Validation and Effects of Streamflow Variability and Water Temperature on Growth of Age-0 Flathead Chub. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 36:744-753.
Zelasko, K. A., K. R. Bestgen, J. A. Hawkins, G. C. White. 2016. Evaluation of a long-term predator removal program: abundance and population dynamics of invasive northern pike Esox lucius, Yampa River, Colorado. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 145:1153-1170.
Penaluna, B. E., A. Abadía-Cardoso, J. B. Dunham, F. J. García de León, R. E. Gresswell, A. Ruiz Luna, E. B. Taylor, B. B. Shepard, R. Al-Chokhachy, C. C. Muhlfeld, K. R. Bestgen, K. Rogers, M. A. Escalante, E. R. Keeley, G. Temple, J. E. Williams, K. Matthews, R. Pierce, R. L. Mayden, R. P. Kovach, J. C. Garza, and K. D. Fausch. 2016. Conservation of Native Pacific Trout Diversity in Western North America. Fisheries 41:286-300.
Wohl, E., B. Bledsoe, K. D. Fausch, N. Kramer, K. R. Bestgen, and M. Gooseff.. 2016. Management of large wood in streams: An overview and proposed framework for hazard evaluation. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA): 1-21.
Bestgen, K.R. 2015. Aspects of the Yampa River flow regime essential for maintenance of native fishes. Final report submitted to the National Park Service, The Nature Conservancy, and Western Resource Advocates. Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 181. Natural Resource Report NPS/NRSS/WRD/NRR—2015/962. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.12857.98402
Bestgen, K. R., K. B. Rogers, and R. Granger. 2014. Phenotype predicts genotype for lineages of native cutthroat trout in the southern Rocky Mountains. Proceedings of the Wild Trout Symposium XI—Looking Back and Moving Forward. Wild Trout Symposium, West Yellowstone, MT XI: 215-217.
Rogers, K. B., K. R. Bestgen, and J. Epp. 2014. Using Genetic Diversity to Inform Conservation Efforts for Native Cutthroat Trout of the Southern Rocky Mountains. Proceedings of the Wild Trout Symposium XI—Looking Back and Moving Forward. Wild Trout Symposium, West Yellowstone, MT XI: 218-228.
Hill, A. A. and K. R. Bestgen. 2014. Otolith daily increment deposition in age-0 smallmouth bass reared in constant and fluctuating water temperatures. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 34:774-779.
Li, H., C. B. Schreck, K. D. Fausch, and K. R. Bestgen. 2014. In Memorium, Robert J. Behnke, Ph.D., 1929-2013. Fisheries 39:128-129.
Bestgen, K. R. 2014. Suckermouth Minnow, Phenacobius mirabilis (Girard 1856). Pages 232-233 in Kansas Fishes Committee, editors. Kansas Fishes. University Press of Kansas, Lawrence.
Bestgen, K. R. 2014. Plains topminnow, Fundulus sciadicus Cope. Pages 337-338 in Kansas Fishes Committee, editors. Kansas Fishes. University Press of Kansas, Lawrence.
Bestgen, K. R., H. J. Crockett, and H. P. Foutz. 2013. Historical distribution and status of southern redbelly dace Phoxinus erythrogaster in the Arkansas River Basin, Colorado. Southwestern Naturalist 58:465-469.
Webber, P. A., K. R. Bestgen, and G. B. Haines. 2013. Tributary spawning by endangered Colorado River Basin fishes in the White River. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 33:1166-1171.
Gido, K. B., D. L. Propst, J. D. Olden, and K. R. Bestgen. 2013. Multi-decadal responses of native and introduced fishes to natural and altered flows in streams of the American Southwest. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science 70:554-564.
Sabo, J. L., K. R. Bestgen, W. Graf, T. Sinha, and E. E. Wohl. 2012. Dams in the Cadillac Desert: downstream effects in a geomorphic context. Annals of the New York Academy of Science 1249 (2012): 227-246.
Falke, J. A., L. L. Bailey, K. D. Fausch, and K. R. Bestgen. 2012. Colonization and extinction in dynamic habitats: an occupancy approach for a Great Plains stream fish assemblage. Ecology 94:858-867.
Falke, J. A., K. D. Fausch, K. R. Bestgen, and L. L. Bailey. 2010. Spawning phenology and habitat use in a Great Plains stream fish assemblage: An occupancy estimation approach. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 67:1942-1956.
Falke, J. A., K. R. Bestgen, and K. D. Fausch. 2010. Streamflow Reductions and Habitat Drying Affect Growth, Survival, and Recruitment of Brassy Minnow across a Great Plains Riverscape. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 139:1566-1583.
Hedrick, T. N., K. R. Bestgen, and K. D. Christopherson. 2010. Entrainment of semi-buoyant beads as a surrogate for larval razorback sucker, Xyrauchen texanus, into flood-plain wetlands of the middle Green River, Utah. Pages 185-194, In Melis, T.S., Hamill, J.F., Bennett, G.E., Coggins, L.G., Jr., Grams, P.E., Kennedy, T.A., Kubly, D.M., and Ralston, B.E., eds. Proceedings of the Colorado River Basin Science and Resource Management Symposium, November 18–20, 2008, Scottsdale, Arizona: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2010–5135, 372 p.
Zelasko, K. A, K. R. Bestgen, and G. C. White. 2010. Survival rate estimation and movement of hatchery-reared razorback suckers Xyrauchen texanus in the Upper Colorado River Basin, Utah and Colorado. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 139:1478-1499.
Bestgen, K. R., B. Mefford, J. M. Bundy, C. D. Walford, and R. I. Compton. 2010. Swimming performance and fishway model passage success of Rio Grande silvery minnow. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 139: 433-448.
Johnson, B. M., P. J. Martinez, J. A. Hawkins, K. R. Bestgen. 2008. Ranking relative predatory threats by nonnative fishes in the Yampa River, Colorado, via bioenergetics modeling. North American Journal Fisheries Management 28:1941-1953.
Bestgen, K. R., K. A. Zelasko, R. I. Compton, and T. Chart. 2008. Survival, condition, habitat use, and predation on stocked bonytail in the Green River, Colorado and Utah. Southwestern Naturalist 53:488-494.
Walford, C. D., and K. R. Bestgen. 2008. The nonnative Iowa darter (Etheostoma exile) established in the Yampa River, Colorado, and Green River, Utah. Southwestern Naturalist 53:529-533.
Olden, J. D., Poff, N. L., and K. R. Bestgen. 2008. Trait synergisms and the rarity, extirpation, and extinction risk of native fishes in the Lower Colorado River Basin. Ecology 89 (3):847-856.
Bestgen. K. R. 2008. Effects of water temperature on growth of razorback sucker larvae. Western North American Naturalist 68(1):15-20.
Bestgen, K. R., J. A. Hawkins, G. C. White, K. Christopherson, M. Hudson, M. Fuller, D. C. Kitcheyan, R. Brunson, P. Badame, G. B. Haines, J. Jackson, C. D. Walford, and T. A. Sorensen. 2007. Population status of Colorado pikeminnow in the Green River Basin, Utah and Colorado. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 136:1356-1380.
Bestgen, K. R., and R. I. Compton. 2007. Reproduction and culture of suckermouth minnow. North American Journal of Aquaculture 69:345-350.
Olden, J. D., N. L. Poff, and K. R. Bestgen. 2006. Life-history strategies predict invasions and extirpations in the Colorado River Basin. Ecological Monographs 76:25-40.
Bestgen, K. R., D. W. Beyers, G. B. Haines, and J. A. Rice. 2006. Factors affecting recruitment of young Colorado pikeminnow: synthesis of predation experiments, field studies, and individual-based modeling. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 135:1722-1742.
Bestgen, K. R., as a contributor. 2006. Water in 2025: Beliefs and values as a means for cooperation. Living in the Rock Mountain West, A series from the Colorado Institute of Public Policy. Colorado Institute of Public Policy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins.
Bestgen, K. R., J. M. Bundy, K. A. Zelasko, and T. L. Wahl. 2004. Effectiveness of high velocity inclined profile-bar fish screens measured by exclusion and survival of early life stages of fathead minnows. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 24:1228-1239.
Scheurer, J. A., K, R. Bestgen, and K. D. Fausch. 2003. Resolving taxonomy and historic distribution for conservation of rare Great Plains fishes: Hybognathus (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) in eastern Colorado basins. Copeia 2003:1-12.
Scheurer, J. A., K. D. Fausch, and K, R. Bestgen. 2003. Multi-scale processes regulate brassy minnow persistence in a Great Plains river. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 132:84-855.
Bundy, J. and K. R. Bestgen. 2001. Confirmation of daily increment deposition in otoliths of young razorback suckers. Southwestern Naturalist 46:34-40.
Bestgen, K. R., and J. Bundy. 1998. Environmental factors affect daily increment deposition and otolith growth in young Colorado squawfish. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 127:105-117.
Bestgen, K. R. 1996. Growth, survival, and starvation resistance of Colorado squawfish larvae. Environmental Biology of Fishes 46:197-209.
Bestgen, K. R., and D. L. Propst. 1996. Redescription, geographic variation, and taxonomic status of the Rio Grande silvery minnow, Hybognathus amarus (Girard 1856). Copeia 1996:41-55.
Bestgen, K. R., and M. R. Williams. 1994. Effects of fluctuating and constant temperatures on early development and survival of Colorado squawfish. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 123:574-579.
Gutermuth, F. B., L. D. Lentsch, and K. R. Bestgen. 1994. Collection of Age-0 razorback suckers (Xyrauchen texanus) in the Green River, Utah. Southwestern Naturalist 39:389-391.
Cook, J. A., K. R. Bestgen, D. L. Propst, and T. L. Yates. 1992. Allozymic divergence and systematics of the Rio Grande silvery minnow, Hybognathus amarus, (Teleostei: Cyprinidae). Copeia 1992:36-44.
Propst, D. L. and K. R. Bestgen. 1991. Biology and habitat of the loach minnow, Tiaroga cobitis, in the Gila River drainage, New Mexico, Copeia 1991:29-38.
Bestgen, K. R., K. D. Fausch, and S. Riley. 1991. Rediscovery of a relict southern population of lake chub, Couesius plumbeus, in Colorado. Southwestern Naturalist 36:125-127.
Bestgen, K. R. and S. P. Platania. 1991. Status and conservation of the Rio Grande silvery minnow, Hybognathus amarus. Southwestern Naturalist 36:225-232.
Platania, S. P., K. R. Bestgen, M. M. Moretti, J. E. Brooks, and D. L. Propst. 1991. Status of Colorado squawfish and razorback sucker in the San Juan River, Colorado New Mexico, and Utah. Southwestern Naturalist 36:147-150.
Muth, R. T. and K. R. Bestgen. 1991. Effect of sunlight on tetracycline marks in otoliths of Colorado squawfish larvae. Transaction of the American Fisheries Society 120:666-668.
Bestgen, K. R. and S. P. Platania. 1990. Extirpation of Notropis simus simus (Cope) and Notropis orca Woolman (Pisces: Cyprinidae) from the Rio Grande in New Mexico, with notes on their life history. Occasional Papers of the Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico 6:1-8.
Bestgen, K. R. 1989. Distribution and notes on the biology of the northern redbelly dace, Phoxinus eos, in Colorado. Southwestern Naturalist 34(2):225-231.
Bestgen, K. R. and D. L. Propst. 1989. Distribution, status, and notes on the ecology of Gila robusta (Cyprinidae), in the Gila River drainage, New Mexico. Southwestern Naturalist 34(3):402-412
Bestgen, K. R., S. P. Platania, J. E. Brooks, and D. L. Propst. 1989. Dispersal and life history traits of Arkansas River shiner Notropis girardi introduced into the Pecos River, New Mexico. American Midland Naturalist 122:228-235.
Bestgen, K. R., D. A. Hendrickson, D. M. Kubly, and D. L. Propst. 1987. Movements and growth of fishes in the Gila River drainage, Arizona and New Mexico. Southwestern Naturalist 32:351-356.
Book Chapters
Rogers, K. R., K. R. Bestgen, S. M. L. Stowell, and A. P. Price. In press. Cutthroat Trout diversity in the southern Rocky Mountains. In P. Trotter, P. Bisson, B. Roper, and L. Schultz (editors), Cutthroat trout of the American West. Special Publication of the American Fisheries Society.
Thorgaard, G. H., K. R. Bestgen, P. C. Trotter, E. J. Loudenslager, and P. A. Wheeler. In press. Historical studies on Cutthroat Trout taxonomy based on morphological-meristic characters, allozymes and chromosomes. In P. Trotter, P. Bisson, B. Roper, and L. Schultz (editors), Cutthroat trout of the American West. Special Publication of the American Fisheries Society.
Fausch, K. D., J. Prosek, and K. R. Bestgen. In press. Standing on the shoulders of giants: three trout biologists who shaped our understanding of trout and trout streams. In J. L. Kershner, J. E. Williams, R. E. Gresswell, and J. Lobon-Cervia (editors), Diversity and Status of Trouts and Chars of the World. Special Publication of the American Fisheries Society.
Bestgen, K. R., T. E. Dowling, B. Albrecht, and K. A. Zelasko. In press. Large-river fish conservation in the Colorado River basin: progress and challenges with endangered razorback sucker. In D. L. Propst, J. E. Williams, K. R. Bestgen, and C. W. Hoagstrom. Standing between life and extinction: Ethics and ecology of conserving aquatic species in the American Southwest.
Bestgen, K. R., and K. D. Fausch. In press. Robert J. Behnke. In D. L. Propst, J. E. Williams, K. R. Bestgen, and C. W. Hoagstrom. Standing between life and extinction: Ethics and ecology of conserving aquatic species in the American Southwest.
Fausch, K. D., and K. R. Bestgen. 1997. Ecology of stream fishes indigenous to the central and southern Great Plains. Pages 131-166 in F. L. Knopf and F. B. Samson (eds.), Ecology and conservation of Great Plains vertebrates. Springer-Verlag Inc, New York.
Technical Reports
Bestgen, K. R., C. D. Walford, G. C. White, J. A. Hawkins, M. T. Jones, P. A. Webber, M. Breen, J. Skorupski, J. Howard, K. Creighton, J. Logan, K. Battige, and F. B. Wright. Draft final 2018. Population status of Colorado pikeminnow in the Green River sub-basin, Colorado and Utah, 2000–2013. Final Report. Colorado State University, Larval Fish Laboratory to Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program, Denver, Colorado. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 200.
Zelasko, K. A., K. R. Bestgen, and G. C. White. 2018. Abundance and survival rates of razorback suckers Xyrauchen texanus in the Green River, Utah, 2011–2013. Final report to the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program. Denver, Colorado. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 203.
Bestgen, K. R., and A. A. Hill. 2016. River regulation affects reproduction, early growth, and suppression strategies for invasive smallmouth bass in the upper Colorado River basin. Final report to the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program, Project FR-115, Denver, CO. Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 187. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.29635.20009
Bestgen, K. R., and A. A. Hill. 2016. Reproduction, abundance, and recruitment dynamics of young Colorado pikeminnow in the Green River Basin, Utah and Colorado, 1979-2012. Final report to the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program, Project FW BW-Synth, Denver, CO. Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 183.
Francis, T., A., K. R. Bestgen, and G. C. White. 2016. Population size and structure of Humpback Chub, Gila cypha and Roundtail Chub, Gila robusta, in Black Rocks, Colorado River, Colorado, 2011-2012. Final report to the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program, Project 131, Denver, CO.
Hines, B. A., K. R. Bestgen, and G. C. White. 2016. Abundance Estimates for Humpback Chub (Gila cypha) and Roundtail Chub (Gila robusta) in Westwater Canyon, Colorado River, Utah 2011–2012. Final report to the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program, Project 132, Denver, CO.
Breton, A. R, D. L. Winkelman, K. R. Bestgen, and J. A. Hawkins. 2015. Population dynamics modeling of introduced smallmouth bass in the upper Colorado River basin. Final report to the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program, Denver, Colorado. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 186.
Wohl, E., K. R. Bestgen, B. Bledsoe, K. D. Fausch, M. Gooseff, and N. Kramer. 2015. Management of Large Wood in Streams: A Risk Analysis Based on Physical, Biological, and Social Factors. Final report to Colorado State University Water Center.
Zelasko, K. A., K. R. Bestgen, J. A. Hawkins, G. C. White. 2015. Abundance and population dynamics of invasive Northern Pike, Yampa River, Colorado, 2004–2010. Final report to the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program, Project 161b, Denver, Colorado. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 185.
Bestgen, K. R. 2015. Aspects of the Yampa River flow regime essential for maintenance of native fishes. Final Report submitted to the National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO, The Nature Conservancy, Boulder, CO, and Western Resource Advocates, Boulder, CO. Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 181.
Snyder, D. E., K. R. Bestgen, and C. L. Bjork. 2014. Illustration of suckermouth minnow larvae and early juveniles. Unpublished report to Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife, Fort Collins. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 182, Colorado State University.
Shanahan J. O., D. W. Baker, B. P. Bledsoe, N. L. Poff, D. M. Merritt, K. R. Bestgen, G. T. Auble, B. C. Kondratieff, J. G. Stokes, M. Lorie and J. S. Sanderson. 2014. An Ecological Response Model for the Cache la Poudre River through Fort Collins. City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department, Fort Collins, CO. 93 pp + appendices. http://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/eco-response.php
Bestgen, K. R. 2014. Potential impacts of gas well development on endangered fishes in the lower Green River, Utah. Expert witness report prepared for the U.S. Department of Justice United States v Gasco Energy, Inc. DJ # 90-5-1-1-19544. Denver, Colorado.
Breton, A. R., D. L. Winkelman, J. Hawkins, and K. R. Bestgen. 2014. Population trends of smallmouth bass in the upper Colorado River basin with an evaluation of removal effects. Final report to the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program, Denver, Colorado. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution Number 169.
Speas, D. W., J. A. Hawkins, P. D. MacKinnon, K. R. Bestgen, and C. W. Walford. 2014. Entrainment of Native Fish in the Maybell Ditch, 2011 – 2012. Final report to the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program, Denver, Colorado. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 184.
Bestgen, K. R., K. B. Rogers, and R. Granger. 2013. Phenotype predicts genotype for lineages of native cutthroat trout in the southern Rocky Mountains. Final Report to U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Colorado Field Office, Denver Federal Center (MS 65412), Denver, CO. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 177. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.17720.75520
Bestgen, K. R. 2013. Distribution, habitat, and ecology of hornyhead chub Nocomis biguttatus in southeastern Wyoming. Final Report to Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Cheyenne. Colorado State University, Fort Collins. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 175.
Breton, A. R., J. A. Hawkins, K. R. Bestgen, D. L. Winkelman, and G. C. White. 2013. Escapement rates of translocated smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) from Elkhead Reservoir to the Yampa River. Final report to the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program, Denver, Colorado. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 168.
Bestgen, K. R., K. A. Zelasko, and G. C. White. 2012. Monitoring reproduction, recruitment, and population status of razorback suckers in the Upper Colorado River Basin. Final Report to the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver, CO. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 170. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.21285.91369
LaGory, K., T. Chart, K. Bestgen, J. Wilhite, S. Capron, D. Speas, H. Hermansen, K. McAbee, J. Mohrman, M. Trammell, and B. Albrecht. 2012. Study plan to examine the effects of using larval razorback sucker occurrence in the Green River as a trigger for Flaming Gorge Dam peak releases. Report to the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver, CO.
Bestgen, K. R., G. B. Haines, and A. A. Hill. 2011. Synthesis of flood plain wetland information: Timing of razorback sucker reproduction in the Green River, Utah, related to stream flow, water temperature, and flood plain wetland availability. Final report to the Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fishes in the Upper Colorado River Basin. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver, CO. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 163. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.21076.19848
Bestgen, K. R., P. Budy, and W. J. Miller. 2011. Status and trends of flannelmouth sucker Catostomus latipinnis, bluehead sucker Catostomus discobolus, and roundtail chub Gila robusta, in the Dolores River, Colorado, and opportunities for population improvement: Phase II Report. Final report submitted to the Lower Dolores Plan Working Group-Legislative Committee. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 166 and Intermountain Center for River Rehabilitation and Restoration 2011(2): 1-55, + appendices. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.16043.03360
Zelasko, K. A., and K. R. Bestgen. 2011. Drift and retention of flannelmouth sucker Catostomus latipinnis, bluehead sucker Catostomus discobolus, and white sucker Catostomus commersonii in Big Sandy River, Wyoming. Unpublished report to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Laramie. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 165. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.21993.70249
Bestgen, K. R. 2011. Status and trends of flannelmouth sucker Catostomus latipinnis, bluehead sucker Catostomus discobolus, and roundtail chub Gila robusta, in the Dolores River, Colorado, and opportunities for population improvement: Phase I. Report to the Lower Dolores Plan Working Group-Legislative Committee, Cortez, Colorado.
Valdez, R. A., A. M. Widmer, and K. R. Bestgen. 2011. Research Framework for the Upper Colorado River Basin: Final Report submitted to the Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fishes in the Upper Colorado River Basin. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver, CO.
Zelasko, K. A., K. R. Bestgen, and G. C. White. 2011. Survival rate estimation of hatchery-reared razorback suckers Xyrauchen texanus stocked in the Upper Colorado River Basin, Utah and Colorado, 2004–2007. Final report to the Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fishes in the Upper Colorado River Basin. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver, CO. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 162.
Bestgen, K. R., J. A. Hawkins, G. C. White, C. D. Walford, P. Badame, and L. Monroe. 2010. Population status of Colorado pikeminnow in the Green River Basin, Utah and Colorado, 2006-2008. Final report to the Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fishes in the Upper Colorado River Basin. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver, CO. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 161. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.30801.74085
Bestgen, K. R., K. A. Zelasko, and G. C. White. 2009. Survival of hatchery-reared razorback suckers Xyrauchen texanus stocked in the San Juan River Basin, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. Final report to the Recovery Program for Endangered Fishes in the San Juan River Basin. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 160.
Zelasko, K. A., K. R. Bestgen, and G. C. White. 2009. Survival rate estimation and movement of hatchery-reared razorback suckers Xyrauchen texanus in the Upper Colorado River Basin, Utah and Colorado. Final report to the Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fishes in the Upper Colorado River Basin. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver, CO. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 159.
Hedrick, T. N., K. R. Bestgen, and K. D. Christopherson. 2009. Entrainment of semi-buoyant beads and razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus) larvae into flood plain wetlands of the middle Green River, Utah. Final report to the Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fishes in the Upper Colorado River Basin. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver, CO. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 153. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.28127.87209
Bestgen, K. R., B. Mefford, and R. I. Compton. 2008. Survival and injury rates of early life stages of fishes passed over three diversion spillway models. Final report submitted to the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, Denver, Colorado. Larval Fish Laboratory, Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 152. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.20368.40968
Bestgen, K. R., C. D. Walford, and A. A. Hill. 2007. Native fish response to removal of non-native predator fish in the Yampa River, Colorado. Final report to the Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fishes in the Upper Colorado River Basin. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver, CO. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 150.
Bestgen, K. R., K. A. Zelasko, and C. T. Wilcox. 2007. Non-native fish removal in the Green River, Lodore and Whirlpool canyons, 2002-2006, and fish community response to altered flow and temperature regimes, and non-native fish expansion. Final report to the Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fishes in the Upper Colorado River Basin. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver, CO. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 149.
Bestgen, K. R.,, R. A. Valdez, and A. M. Widmer. 2007. Research Framework for the Upper Colorado River Basin: Phase I. Final report submitted to the Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fishes in the Upper Colorado River Basin. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver, CO.
Bestgen, K. R., K. A. Zelasko, R. I. Compton, and T. Chart. 2006. Response of the Green River fish community to changes in flow and temperature regimes from Flaming Gorge Dam since 1996 based on sampling conducted from 2002 to 2004. Final report submitted to the Biology Committee, Upper Colorado Endangered Fish Recovery Program. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 144. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.34629.04323
Bestgen, K. R., K. A. Zelasko, and R. I. Compton. 2005. Survey of fishes in the Republican River Basin, Colorado. Final report submitted to the Colorado Division of Wildlife, Fort Collins, CO.
Snyder, D. E., K. R. Bestgen, S. C. Seal, C. L. Bjork. 2005. Native cypriniform fish larvae of the Gila River Basin. Final report to the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, Phoenix, AZ. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.26240.43528
Bestgen, K. R., J. A. Hawkins, G. C. White, K. Chrisopherson, M. Hudson, M. Fuller, D. C. Kitcheyan, R. Brunson, P. Badame, G. B. Haines, J. Jackson, C. D. Walford, T. A. Sorensen, and T. B. Williams. 2005. Population status of Colorado pikeminnow in the Green River Basin, Utah and Colorado. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 140. 112 pp.
Bestgen, K. R., and K. A. Zelasko. 2004. Distribution and status of native fishes in the Colorado River Basin, Colorado. Final report submitted to the Colorado Division of Wildlife, Fort Collins, CO. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 141. 68 pp.
Bestgen, K. R., B. Mefford, J. Bundy, C. Walford, and B. Compton. 2003. Swimming performance of Rio Grande silvery minnow. Final report submitted to the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, Denver. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 132.
Bestgen, K. R., R. I. Compton, and K. A. Zelasko. 2003. Distribution and status of Rio Grande chub in Colorado. Final report submitted to the Colorado Division of Wildlife, Fort Collins, CO. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 135. 61 pp. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.10800.15362
Bestgen, K. R., K. A. Zelasko, and R. I. Compton. 2003. Environmental factors limiting suckermouth minnow Phenacobius mirabilis populations in Colorado. Final report submitted to the Colorado Division of Wildlife, Fort Collins, CO. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 136. 82 pp. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.16252.74883
Bezzerides, N., and K. R. Bestgen. 2002. Status of roundtail chub Gila robusta, flannelmouth sucker Catostomus latipinnis, and bluehead sucker Catostomus discobolus in the Colorado River Basin. Final report to the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, Salt Lake City Utah. 139 pp. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 118. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.30723.09769
Beyers, D. W., and K. R. Bestgen. 2002. Impingement and injury rates of bull trout Salvelinus confluentus in a flat-plate horizontal screen. Report to B. Mefford, U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, Denver, CO.
Bestgen, K. R., G. B. Haines, R. Brunson, T. Chart, M. Trammell, G. Birchell, and K. Christopherson. 2002. Status of wild razorback sucker in the Green River basin, Utah and Colorado, determined from basinwide monitoring and other sampling programs. Final report submitted to the Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fishes in the Upper Colorado River Basin. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 126. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.12477.87523
Bestgen, K. R., J. M. Bundy, K. A. Zelasko, and T. L. Wahl. 2001. Exclusion and survival rates of early life stages of fathead minnows released over coanda-effect wedge wire screens. Final report to Metro Wastewater Reclamation District. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 116.
Bezzerides, N., and K. R. Bestgen. 2001. Status of roundtail chub Gila robusta, flannelmouth sucker Catostomus latipinnis, and bluehead sucker Catostomus discobolus in the Colorado River Basin. Phase I, unpublished report to the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, Salt Lake City Utah. 163 pp. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 118.
Bundy, J. M., and K. R. Bestgen. 2001. Evaluation of the Interagency Standardized Monitoring Program Sampling Technique in Backwaters of the Colorado River in the Grand Valley, Colorado. Final report to the Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fishes in the Upper Colorado River Basin. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 119. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.32898.89289
Beyers, D. W., C. Sodergren, K. R. Bestgen. 2001. Habitat use and movement of three native Colorado River fishes. Report submitted to Colorado Division of Wildlife, Grand Junction, CO. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.12766.23360
Bestgen, K. R., and L. Crist. 2000. Response of the Green River fish community and habitat to construction and re-regulation of Flaming Gorge Dam, 1962-1996. Final report to the Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fishes in the Upper Colorado River Basin. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 109. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.14443.95529
Muth, R. T., L. W. Crist, K. E. LaGory, J. W. Hayse, K. R. Bestgen, T. P. Ryan, J. K. Lyons, and R. A. Valdez. 2000. Flow and temperature recommendations for endangered fishes in the Green River downstream of Flaming Gorge Dam. Final report FG-53 to the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver, CO. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 120.
Bestgen, K. R., K. A. Zelasko, and J. M. Bundy. 1999. Entrainment of fishes from the South Platte River into Fulton Ditch, 1998. Final report to Metro Wastewater Reclamation District. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 108. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.17851.82725
Bestgen, K. R., R. T. Muth, and M. A. Trammell. 1998. Downstream transport of Colorado squawfish larvae in the Green River drainage: temporal and spatial variation in abundance and relationships with juvenile recruitment. Final report to the Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fishes in the Upper Colorado River Basin. Contribution No. 97 of the Larval Fish Laboratory. 98 pp. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.27865.72801
Bestgen, K. R. 1997. Ph.D. Dissertation. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.22832.56323
Bestgen, K. R., D. W. Beyers, G. B. Haines, and J. A. Rice. 1997. Recruitment models for Colorado squawfish: Tools for evaluating the relative importance of natural and managed processes. Final report to the National Biological Survey and National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado. 55 pp. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.10302.08002
Bestgen, K. R. and B. Kondratieff. 1996. Fishes, macroinvertebrates, and habitat of South Boulder Creek, Colorado, within City of Boulder Open Space property. Final report to the City of Boulder, Open Space Department. 99 pp. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.27446.29769
Bestgen, K. R., and K. D. Fausch. 1993. Status and trends of the fish community at four sites in the Big Thompson River, near Loveland, Colorado, 1979-1992. Final report to North Front Range Water Quality Association and City of Loveland. 68 pp + addendum.
Bestgen, K. R., and K. D. Fausch. 1993. Status and trends of the fish community at 10 sites in the Cache la Poudre River, from Fort Collins to Greely, Colorado, 1970-1992. Final report Eastman Kodak Company and City of Fort Collins. 107 pp.
Bestgen, K. R. 1993. Redescription, geographic variation, and taxonomic status of the Rio Grande silvery minnow, Hybognathus amarus (Girard 1856). Final report to New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Santa Fe. 102 pp.
Bestgen, K. R. and H. T. Bestgen. 1991. Fishes in low-velocity habitats of the Colorado River, Colorado, between Rifle and DeBeque Canyon. Final report to U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Bestgen, K. R. 1990. Status review of the razorback sucker, Xyrauchen texanus. Final report submitted to the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, Salt Lake City, Utah. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution No. 44. 92 pp. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.34576.61446
Bestgen, K. R. and S. P. Platania. 1989. Fishes and aquatic habitats of the middle Rio Grande, New Mexico, 1988. Final report to U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Bestgen, K. R. 1989. Description and identification of early life history stages of Pantosteus clarki, Catostomus insignis, and Xyrauchen texanus, catostomids of the Gila River drainage. Final report submitted to the Arizona Game and Fish Department. 27 pp.
Propst, D.L., K.R. Bestgen, and C.W. Painter. 1988. Distribution, Status, Biology, and Conservation of the loach minnow, Tiaroga cobitis Girard, in New Mexico. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque, Endangered Species Report Series 17:1-75.
Bestgen, K. R. and S. P. Platania. 1988. Fishes and associated aquatic habitats of the Rio Grande from the Texas-New Mexico border to Big Bend National Park. Final report submitted to Region 2, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Endangered Species, Albuquerque. 55 pp.
Platania, S. P. and K. R. Bestgen. 1988. A survey of the fishes of an 8 km reach of the Rio Grande drainage below Cochiti Dam, July 1988. Final report submitted to the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque, New Mexico. 23 pp.
Platania, S. P. and K. R. Bestgen. 1988. An interim report on the fishes of the lower San Juan River, New Mexico, 1987. Final report to New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Santa Fe, Contract No. 516.6-74-23. 61 pp.
Platania, S. P. and K. R. Bestgen. 1988. Study of the rare and endangered fishes of the San Juan River, New Mexico: 1988 Report of activity. Final report to New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Santa Fe (Contract No. 516.6-74-23) and U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, Salt Lake City, Utah (Contract No. 7-FC-40-05060).
Bestgen K.R. and S.P. Platania. 1987. The status of bluntnose and phantom shiners in the Rio Grande drainage, New Mexico. Final report to the New Mexico Dept. of Game and Fish, Santa Fe, New Mexico. Contract No. 516.6-74-23. 87 pp.
Culver, S.R. and K.R. Bestgen. 1986. Greenback cutthroat trout recovery project, 1985 final report. Colorado Division of Wildlife, Northeast Regional Fisheries, Fort Collins, 37 pp.
Propst, D.L., K.R. Bestgen, and C.W. Painter. 1986. Distribution, status, biology, and conservation of the spikedace, Meda fulgida, in New Mexico. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque. Endangered Species Report Series 15:1-94.
Bestgen, K. R. 1985. M.S. Thesis DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.29543.44960
Bestgen, K. R. 1985. Species account for the Gila chub, Gila intermedia, in New Mexico. In Handbook of Species Endangered in New Mexico, FISH/CY/GI/IN:1-2. New Mexico Dept. of Game and Fish, Santa Fe.
Bestgen, K. R. 1985. Species account for the roundtail chub, Gila robusta, in New Mexico. In Handbook of Species Endangered in New Mexico, FISH/CY/GI/RO:1-2. New Mexico Dept. of Game and Fish, Santa Fe.
Bestgen, K. R. and S.R. Culver. 1985. Survey of the fishes of the Plum Creek drainage, Colorado, 1985. Colorado Division of Wildlife, Northeast Regional Fisheries, Fort Collins, 51 pp.
Propst, D. L., K. R. Bestgen, and C. W. Painter. 1984. Ichthyofaunal survey of the Gila-San Francisco River basin, New Mexico, a final status report, 1982-1983. New Mexico Dept. of Game and Fish, Endangered Species Program, Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Culver, S. R. and K. R. Bestgen. 1983. Greenback cutthroat trout recovery project, 1982 progress report. Colorado Division of Wildlife, Northeast Region, Nongame Wildlife, Fort Collins, CO., 74 pp.