262 U. S. BUREAU OF FISHERIES 
From signs and the reports of native fishermen it is thought that the run 
here must have been an exceptionally large one. 
After the storm subsided an inspection was made of several locations in the 
Kvichak River, as far down as Horseshoe Bend, which were not suitable for 
weir purposes. At the: entrance to Kaskonak Flats a feasible and suitable 
location was found for the weir, and measurements and depths were secured. 
Good numbers of humpbacks were seen spawning over the flats. They appear 
to be increasing perceptibly each year. The return was then made to the lake, 
and, on account of bad weather, refuge was taken in Big Mountain Island 
Harbor for the night. 
The following morning a trip was made to Belinda Creek, where two families 
of reindeer natives were camped. Their cache contained about 130 bundles 
(5,200 red salmon), or about the same amount that they usually put up in 
good years. Few fish were seen in the small creek, and it is believed that the 
natives take nearly its entire yield for their home use. Weather conditions 
were unfavorable for landing at Kokhonak Creek, but a trip was made up 
Copper River with Evinrude and dory, the water being very low. More 
spawning than formerly was in progress in the lower reaches of the river and 
slightly less in the upper reaches in comparison with good years. The escape- 
ment compared favorably with 1923 and was slightly in excess of that year, 
but in no way equal to 1922 and considerably less than 1921. Good spawning 
was in progress, and the available area was fairly well covered, which, taken 
in connection with the numbers dead on the bars and beaches, shows conclu- 
sively an ample seeding. No extensive schoolings were noticed in this district. 
Some excess seeding was evidenced by small lots of early eggs being dug up by 
late spawners, but this was not extensive. Numerous bear trails, with fresh 
tracks, were seen, but no animals were encountered. A white family living on 
Copper River dried 30 bundles (1,200 salmon) for dog feed. An outstanding 
feature of the run here was the large size of the salmon in comparison with 
last year. It was estimated that about 200,000 red salmon had spawned, or 
about 25 per cent over 1923. This, however, is only about 70 per cent of 
1921. 
On returning to Kokhonak Creek, weather was favorable and it was entered 
with the launch. Water was also low here, and the river could be crossed on 
the bars at practically any point. There were not as many dead spent fish 
as at Copper River, but there was a considerable number dead along the shores. 
Compared with Copper River, greater numbers of spawners were seen all 
along the stream. The spawning areas were well covered, and practically the 
entire stream bottom was worked over by the salmon. No loss was noted from 
overseeding, but loss from this cause will occur later, due to the numbers, 
schooling in the eddies along the river in addition to those already on the 
spawning grounds. Every eddy and hole along the stream bank and back 
of large rocks in the stream contained schools of a few hundred to several 
thousand red salmon. The large size of the salmon here was noticeable, too, 
and measurements were made of many dead specimens, which were 28, 29, 
and 380 inches long. Fishing camps had been established by several families 
of reindeer natives on the side of the bluff where the creek empties into the 
lake. Their catch for home consumption and dog feed was 157 bundles (6,280 
salmon). No fishing was being carried on at the time of this visit. The 
estimated escapement into this stream was 250,000 red salmon, or 20 per cent 
over that of 19238, which is considered ample and comparable with the escape- 
ment of 1921. 
Shelter from rain and high winds was taken for the night in Kokhonak Point 
Harbor. On the morning of August 29 a start was made to Woody Islands, 
but the wind increased and refuge was taken in Chekok Harbor. In the after- 
noon the trip was continued to the Woody Island Lakes. With the exception 
of 1922, spawning here has always been small. More salmon were noted in the 
island lakes and also along the shoreline in Tliamna Lake than for the last 
three years. The season is early here, and estimates were based on the dead 
fish on the shores after spawning. It is thought that about 2,000 red salmon 
had spawned or were spawning in the lakes and entrance, which is comparable 
with 1923. The night was spent in Goose Bay. 
An investigation was next made of Chekok Creek and the spring ponds 
tributary thereto. A few salmon were spawning in the creek mouth, and several 
small schools were seen ascending the stream. A beaver dam, with fresh 
workings, was found about three-fourths mile upstream. It was about 50 feet 
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