Channel substrate prediction from GIS for habitat estimation in Lake Erie tributaries

► Revised predictive model for stream substrate size includes GIS-quantified metrics. ► GIS drainage area and slope and those measured with traditional methods are similar. ► GIS-derived metrics of stream power model can predict median substrate size. ► Revised model can be used to generate broad-scale maps of fish habitat. ► Habitat maps can improve population management of aquatic species.