Klamath River Project’s December 12th fish count update

The Klamath River Project’s December 12th fish count update shows varied returns across the monitored waterways. At the Shasta River station, which has been operational since August 29, 2024, observers have recorded 4,941 adult Chinook Salmon and 25 adult Coho Salmon through December 10, representing a modest increase from the previous count of 4,932 Chinook and 16 Coho on November 19. Bogus Creek, monitored since September 5, has seen 352 adult Chinook and 5 adult Coho through December 10, showing a slight decrease in Chinook (down 3) but an increase in Coho (up 2) from the November 28 count. The Scott River station, operational since September 13, has recorded significant movement with 599 adult Chinook and 696 adult Coho through December 10, marking notable increases from the November 18 count of 588 Chinook and 507 Coho.

Jenny Creek weir, which began operations on September 26, has maintained steady numbers with 333 Chinook Salmon and no Coho Salmon as of December 7, showing no change from the previous count. Similarly, Shovel Creek weir, operational since October 16, has recorded 245 Chinook Salmon and no Coho Salmon as of December 6, showing a minimal decrease of one Chinook from the previous count.

All monitoring stations experienced temporary closures due to weather conditions in November. Scott, Jenny, and Shovel weirs were removed on November 19, followed by Shasta on November 20 and Bogus on November 21. Most stations have since been reinstalled: Bogus, Jenny, and Shovel weirs resumed operations on November 25, the Shasta River weir on December 2, and the Scott weir on December 4. During the closure period, monitoring continued through alternative methods, including sonar camera usage at the Scott River station. Final count estimates are expected to increase once averaged estimates from the closure periods are incorporated into the totals.

It’s worth noting that the counting stations are positioned at varying distances from the Klamath River confluence: Shasta River station at approximately 600 feet, Scott River station at 18 miles upstream, and Bogus Creek station at 0.25 miles upstream. Significant portions of the adult salmonid populations in the Scott River and Bogus Creek may spawn downstream of these counting stations, meaning these counts don’t represent total spawning escapement. Final comprehensive reports detailing total escapement to each river will be available after data finalization.

source: CDFW Klamath River Project