programs

Fisheries Program

MKWC participates in a variety of fisheries enhancement and education projects.

Thermal Refugia

Bella Vista Mid Klamath Creek Mouth Assesment Project:

Thermal Refugia on a Klamath Tributary

In 2006 the Mid Klamath Watershed Council was funded by the Bella Vista Foundation to identify and implement restoration projects that enhance access and habitat at cold water refugial areas for both adult and juvenile salmonid use along the Klamath River from the Scott River to the Trinity River. Partnerships between tribal agencies, adjacent landowners, and area residents are being formed to focus restoration efforts on these critical habitats. Recent scientific studies in the Klamath by the Karuk and Yurok Tribes, the Mid Klamath Watershed Council, Bureau of Reclamation and US Fish and Wildlife Service have shown the critical importance of thermal refugia associated with creek mouths during the summer months when mainstem Klamath temperatures exceed the lethal levels for salmonids. By understanding the dynamic relationship between the mainstem Klamath and these tributaries through historic photo analysis, data collection, synthesis of existing related research, and strategic field work aimed at filling data gaps we can identify opportunities to improve these refugial habitats and access to them from the Klamath River.

Since 2001, MKWC volunteers have analyzed and modified creek mouths in the lower Mid Klamath, with good results. Under the guidance of fish biologist experts, volunteers move rocks and materials to channelize and cool the water entering the river. On Sandy Bar Creek, we lowered the temperature at the mouth by six degress Celsius. At Ti Creek, we increased the size of the refugial area at the mouth by shifting flow from going straight into the main Klamath current, and into an eddy with complex cover. Juvenile fish counts before and after showed fish numbers had increased from less than 100 to nearly 600 within a week!

If you would like to see a slide show of creek mouth panoramas taken by Mike Hentz for the Bella Vista Mid Klamath Creek Mouth Assessment Project CLICK HERE.

There are several things that you can do to help fish and protect refugial areas during the hot summer and fall months

1. Swim outside of the refugial areas (where creeks enter the river)
2. Don’t park rafts, kayaks or boats in or directly adjacent to creek mouths
3. When dredging and mining, don’t dredge in creek mouths or side channels
4. Volunteer with MKWC on a creek mouth enhancement workday!

Fish Surveys

Each fall, MKWC volunteers participate in the collaborative Fall Carcass Surveys on Klamath River tributaries. They work with the Salmon River Restoration Council (SRRC), the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG), the US Forest Service (USFS), the Karuk and Yurok Tribes, and local school children to collect data on spawning Salmon. MKWC volunteers also collaborate with the Karuk Fisheries department to survey for spring Chinook, summer steelhead, winter steelhead, as well as green sturgeon, and participate in multi-agency fish kill monitoring efforts throughout the summer months.

Fish Survey in Dillon Creek

This data is used to determine population trends for Klamath River fish stocks, and to set harvest allocations for certain species. With decreasing federal and state funding, community participation in collecting fish population data for the Mid Klamath is ever increasing. If you would like to volunteer for Fall Carcass Surveys, or other fisheries surveys, please contact the MKWC office.

Underwater Video: Klamath-Salmon Media Collaborative

Green Sturgeon in the Klamath River

In coordination with the Karuk Tribe and Salmon River Restoration Council, MKWC has captured never before seen footage of fishes in the Klamath River system, and created videos that educate the public on fish identification, habitat use and needs, behavior, surveying technique, etc. Videography also includes upslope management and restoration themes including road decommissioning, invasive species management, and prescribed fire.

The Klamath-Salmon Media Collaborative currently has several videos that are available to the public for a small production fee. To order any of the following DVDs, please send an email to .

See some of our video clips.

Solving the Klamath Crisis: Keeping Farms and Fish Alive - This film takes an in-depth look at the role dams play in the decline of Klamath River Salmon and rural communities. “Solving the Klamath Crisis” chronicles the struggle of Tribes, farmers, and fishermen who are tired of the endless court battles and rivalry, and are now working together on lasting solutions to resource issues in the Klamath Basin.

Salmon on the Backs of Buffalo – Documents the struggle of the Karuk Tribe to protect their fisheries resource. Features excerpts from rallies and hearing on Klamath water issues, including the Fish Kill of 2002 and the recent trip to Scotland by representatives of all Klamath Basin tribes to convince Scottish Power to voluntarily decommission their dams on the Klamath River that currently block fish passage to the Upper Klamath Basin.

Fish ID Video – Features high quality underwater video showing definitive identification traits for salmonid species in the Klamath River system. Also describes proper survey technique.

Shake Your Oncorhyncus – High quality underwater video clips of salmonids, sturgeon, and lamprey in the Klamath River system, set to music that will make you “shake your oncorhyncus”!