34 U. S. BUREAU OF riSHEEIP:S. 



arrivals. No trout or birds were in evidence. The tenure of life of spawning 

 fish seemed to be prolonged in this water, and the dead were not decaying as 

 rapidly as those in the creek beds. Other spring ponds not as suitable were 

 supplied to capacity with spawners and many far beyond that point. In one 

 pond, 150 feet long by 50 feet wide and 18 inches deep, there were estimated 

 to be about 2,000 fish either dead or spawning. The bottom was literally covered 

 with dead eggs; but few live ones were noted, and they would all eventually be 

 picked up by the numerous gulls. Many more fish were schooling in the ci-eek 

 outside destined to the spring ponds. 



At Copper River, August 29, it was estimated that there were about three 

 times as many fish in the stream as were ob.served last year, possibly at least 

 1,000,000 fish in this river. Tlie entire river bottom was dug over, and from 

 the number of dead noticed it was concluded that one run had spawned. 

 Another run was then on the beds, and sufficient numbers to cover this spawn- 

 ing territory a third time to capacity were yet in large schools, finning and 

 milling in every eddy and deep pool. 



Many sloughs in which extensive spawning was accomplished before the 

 lowering of the stream were dry or nearly dry, and many that were separated 

 from the main stream in which spawning was yet in force would be dry 

 eventually. These formed serious losses, as the river was due to drop consid- 

 ably and continue extremely low throughout the winter months. Many nests 

 in sloughs, entirely separated from the river, were dug up and both live and 

 dead eggs found in about equal proportion. 



Large losses of eggs have also occurred from rotational spawning on the 

 same grounds, one set of spawners beginning after the first set is through. 

 While watching the spawning riffles in the main river white eggs were seen 

 at times drifting in a steady flow with the current. These were eggs dug up 

 by the latest spawners and were a total loss. It was judged that about one- 

 third of the number of spawners in this stream would bring maximum 

 efficiency. 



The number of fish at Kokhonak River was slightly larger than last year; 

 possibly 2,000 were seen below the falls. The salmon were not active in the 

 fishway on August 31 at the date of the inspection. With the improvements 

 made to the fishway no trouble is experienced in their ascent over the falls. 



The party followed the river to Kokhonak Lake, a very extensive body of 

 water that has the appearance of being ideal for salmon and is connected with 

 numerous smaller lakes and ponds of more or less value to salmon. The river 

 is about 8 miles long and has four series of falls, each, with the exception of 

 the falls near the river mouth, followed by rapids several hundred yards in 

 length. No. 1 series of falls at the river mouth is about 20 feet high, over 

 which the fishway is blasted, and is the most severe. No. 2 series, about 

 5 miles above that point, passes through three openings between high rock 

 bluffs and is about 5 feet high. No. 3, a quarter of a mile above, passes 

 through two openings between rock bowlders. No trouble is anticipated for the 

 fish negotiating these natural obstacles. No. 4 is a serious obstruction for 

 salmon. These falls are about 1 mile below the lake. The river passes 

 through two entrances between rock ledges, and the fall is about 15 feet. 

 There are three shelves over which the water flows, and it is doubtful if 

 any salmon are able to pass over. Attention will be centered on this barrier 

 another year. 



The conditions at Kokhonak Creek were very similar to those experienced 

 in Copper River, with an equal surplus of spawners and a like loss of eggs 

 from overseeding. 



The numbers of salmon entering Belinda Creek were about equal to those 

 entering in 1921, and very few were taken by the natives at that point for 

 home consumption. Early in the season great numbers were seen schooling 

 near the creek mouth, but evidently the main body passed up the lake to other 

 streams or scattered along the lake shore to deposit their eggs. 



The fact is emphasized that this season was exceptional, and although it is 

 felt that the corresponding cycle will bring results fully on a par with this 

 year, no absolute reliance can be placed on the return of the next two years. 

 Following that period a substantial improvement may be looked for all along 

 the line. It is felt that the extermination of the predatory enemies of salmon 

 is the most important work that can be accomplislied toward salmon conser- 

 vation and that the results much more than warrant the expenditures made. 



