Low Stream Water for Pink Salmon

Observation: Last year at this time the creek was completely dry, following a winter with very little snow, and a summer with very little rain. This was unprecedented and all the salmon and trout died in the creek bed. This winter also had very little snow, but the summer brought a lot of rain. On Labor Day, there was enough to keep the stream flowing, although quite low. Pink salmon and maybe some silvers were spawning in the deeper pools. As someone who fishes here every year, it is encouraging to see that there may be a future for this stream and for the fish that live and return here.

Seldovia Village Tribe Consult: Yes, the creek has been running much better this year. Another winter with very little snow and a warm spring had us worried we were going to see even worse conditions in the creek this year. On September 1st a short portion near the middle of the creek had been discovered to be dry. Thankfully there has been a lot of precipitation, and the entirety of the creek was flowing again within days. On September 15th dozens of Coho and Sockeye were observed in Kingfisher Lake and their spawning grounds in the upper reaches of the creek. We’re happy to see such a positive turn for the salmon after last year’s die-off. Steve Payton