Chinook Salmon Seasonal Occurrence, Size, Abundance, Fishing Locations, and Duration of Runs in the Upper Klamath River

Using historical accounts, we summarize information on the pre-dam seasonal occurrence, size, abundance, locations used for fishing, and the duration of runs of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) upstream from the curent location of Iron Gate Dam, at present the first barrier to anadromous fish runs on the Klamath River.  This information will be important in reintroduction and habitat restoration decisions.  Accounts indicate that in the Klamath River upstream from IGD, adult salmon were observed primarily in the fall but also during winter, spring, and summer.  Information indicates that historical returns of Chinook salmon to the Klamath River were abundant and supported considerable harvest upstream from IGD.  Both the average size and age-structure diversity of adults returning to the Klamath Upper Basin were likely greater than that of the current population below IGD.  Of the many historical fishing locations upstream from the current limit of anadromy, four general areas were associated with small scale commercial fisheries.  Chinook salmon migration continued until blocked by an early construction phase of Copco 1 Dam in the fall of 1912.  Information suggests fall and spring/summer occurrence of returning Chinook salmon in the Klamath Upper Basin through 1912.