YREKA, Calif., Dec. 27, 2024 – Final fish counts from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife reveal a complex picture of salmon returns in the Klamath River system, with Chinook numbers below historical averages while Coho show promising increases in some tributaries.
The Shasta River station, which concluded operations on December 23, recorded 4,944 Chinook salmon – significantly below the 2001-2023 median. However, Coho salmon numbers reached 41, showing continued late-season growth.
The Scott River emerged as a bright spot for Coho salmon, with 706 fish counted through December 13, exceeding historical averages. Meanwhile, Chinook returns remained steady at 599, well below typical numbers.
