North Coast Rivers are rewarded with rain and salmon

Northern California rivers have had a positive return for fall Chinook salmon, as well as rainfall. The salmon run started out strong early while rainfall was slow to start but at this time appears to be ample.
Salmon returned early this season on the SmithRiver with strong numbers in September and October. The run didn’t subside as rain started to increase river flows into early December. The SmithRiver salmon were pouring into the system even under low flow conditions. They seemed to head high into the system as if knowing big rains would come later and the need to spawn in the smaller tributaries was strong. This pattern continued as the water rose in early December; the tail end of the salmon run entered the river.
Towards the south, the Klamath River appeared to have a fair return of salmon. The challenge here was twofold, low water and warm water. While the numbers seemed good in the Lower Klamath, many of the tributary streams that support habitat and proper spawning conditions were too low for adults to make it into their natal streams. The Trinity had some relief as releases became mandatory for more water to flow through the system and aided the salmons’ return. The final numbers for the Klamath and Trinity are not available at this point.
The Eel and Mad River also had early signs of salmon returning from September through November but were unable to traverse the lower watershed due to lack of river flow. This was a combination from seasons past low flow and fall rains that did not produce enough water to raise the system. Early December rains have brought relief to the Eel and its tributaries as well as the MadRiver. At this time, these later returning salmon will be heading high into the system to spawn.
From the Sacramento River to the SmithRiver, salmon returns range from poor to fair at this time. We are still waiting final numbers from all the watersheds. It seems as though the southern range of these fish is in jeopardy and rivers like the Smith may have had healthy returns. Salmon have a will to survive; they are still battling marginal flows, habitat and warm water.
Mike Baxter has fished in the Monterey Bay Area since he was a boy and has been a licensed charter boat captain for more than 20 years. Contact him at

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