This project is providing important information about the wild production of Chinook salmon in the Salmon River.

Other projects conducted around the Basin by agencies, universites and other partners are documenting wild reproduction of salmon and trout, and providing managers with other scientific knowledge needed to effectively manage this highly-valued diverse fishery.

Natural Reproduction of Chinook Salmon in the Salmon River, NY

Research Activities and Results of 2004
To determine the habitat preference of salmon juveniles, weekly sampling was conducted using a bag seine at 9 sampling stations systematically located along the Salmon River. Within each of the 9 stations, 4 sample units were randomly selected based on visual assessment of habitat type (pool, backwater, run, and riffle). At each of the 4 sampling units the seine was hauled over an area parallel to the riverbank.
Habitat assessment was conducted at all 4 sampling units within each of the nine sample stations. Depth (m), velocity (m/s), % cover, and % substrate were measured at 0.75 m. interval along 3 transects in each unit (upstream, middle, and downstream). Depth and velocity were measured using flow meters. Visual assessment was used to determine both % cover and % substrate for a 0.25m2 area. Cover was defined as vegetation, surface turbulence, and substrate that provided refuge for 2x the mean total length of a juvenile Chinook. A modified Wentworth scale was used to categorize substrate into 1 of 4 groups (boulder, cobble, gravel, and sand/silt). Because seining was conducted at various flows, the habitat measurements and assessments were made at similar flows. Visual assessment of substrate and cover is completed at 2 of the 3 flow regimes.
Preliminary analyses suggest that backwater and pools were the preferred habitat early in the season (Fig. 13). Later in the season more juveniles were captured in run habitats than any other habitat type. The fewest Chinook salmon were captured in the riffle habitat. Run habitat is an area of the river with medium flow and depth conditions. Sometimes called "glides" by fishermen. Depth is generally between 20cm and 60 cm, and velocity is between 15-40 cm/s. A riffle is an area of the river that is shallow with relatively fast moving water. Depth is generally between 1 and 20 cm and velocity is greater than 40 cm/s.
Figure 13. Total number of Chinook salmon captured in each of the 4 habitat types over time.
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Project Cooperators

New York
Department of Environmental Conservation