PROTECTING
WILD CALIFORNIA
When Trinity River spring-run Chinook like this one construct spawning nests – or redds – beginning in September (typically earlier than fall kings), they rearrange the stream bottom, which also improves the habitat for other fish and bugs. (JOHN HEIL/USFWS)
RESTORING THE KINGS OF SPRING THE KLAMATH BASIN’S EARLIEST RETURNING SALMON STOCK IS IMPORTANT IN MANY WAYS By John Heil
I
n Northern California, springtime is marked by wildflower blooms, bird migrations, swollen rivers and the return of the first salmon of the year to the Klamath River – spring-run Chinook.
This genetically based life history strategy of Chinook is not only critical to the diversity of the species and the economy for fishing, but also provides a vital source of food and other cultural value for indigenous people of the Klamath Basin.
“You can ask any tribal member right now, and they will tell you that one spring salmon is worth eight to 10 fall fish. They are that valuable. If I had two jars sitting here, you could see on the spring fish an inch of red oil and the fall fish sitting right next to it with
calsportsmanmag.com | JUNE 2020 California Sportsman
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