102 UNUK RIVER K 48 
N56°04.5 W131°05.7 Previous No. 43 
KETCHIKAN, BEHM CANAL, BURROUGHS BAY 
MAJOR SPECIES Pink, chum, king, coho, red CTHER SPECIES _ Trout 
ESCAPEMENT TIMING Early. June-July-Aug. -Sep.ESCAPEMENT MAGNITUDE No estimate possible 
SPAWNING FACILITIES A number of tributaries are known to have excellent facilities. However, complete 
information on all salmon tributaries and spawning facilities in the main river is not available. Information 
on the Canadian section of the Unuk River is very limited. 
STREAM TEMPERATURES Cold range (estimated). Numerous glaciers drain into the upper river and observed 
temperatures during the salmon runs have been below 50°F. 
VALLEY DESCRIPTION Glacial. Valley runs N.E. through the coast range to glacier headwaters in Canada. 
The lower valley is broad and flat with extensive flood plains, steep valley walls and numerous tributary valleys 
of glacial origin. 
DRAINAGE 500 square miles (Polar Planimeter) lies inside Southeastern Alaska, 1200 square miles (estimated) lies 
in Canadian territory. Numerous glaciers are in the upper headwaters and some small lakes are found in tributary 
systems. The main river is heavily silted throughout most of the year, clearing somewhat during mid-winter. 
STREAM MOUTH IDENTIFICATION The broad, glacial valley mouth and distinctive glacial silted discharge 
are easily identified. A navigation light on the N. shore marks a point just off the low tide mouth of the river. 
ANCHORAGE Fair weather anchorage along the margin of the delta. Waters off the navigational light are used by 
vessels prior to entering the river on high tide. Moderate or stronger winds are frequent, even during clear weather, 
and other anchorages are preferred (see K 47). 
TRAILS AND SURVEY ROUTES Trails and old unused roadbeds are available in the lower river valley. River 
boats are commonly used, the mouths of all tributaries below the Canadian border being accessible by boat. How- 
ever, local knowledge of the river is desirable for safe navigation. Light planes can land at points on the river 
near tributaries accessible to salmon. 
AERIAL SURVEY NOTES The larger tributaries are easily observed from the air. Aerial survey is the most 
practical means of observing the spawning tributaries. Lakes commonly used by seaplanes are Blue and Boundary 
Lakes. The main river is used occasionally. The Unuk Landing below the mouth of Eulachon Creek is used 
frequently by planes. Strong winds are common in the valley, especially during easterly winds. 
INTERTIDAL ZONE 
LENGTH 5 miles AVERAGE WIDTH/DEPTH  300-500'/>5! 
GRADIENT AND VELOCITIES Less than 1° at 3-4! per second 
BOTTOM Silt and sand. 
LOW TIDE LOCATION Just E. of N. shore navigation light. 
HIGH TIDE LOCATION Estimated to be in the first section of river along the S. side of the valley about 2 miles 
above the junction of the Unuk Slough. 
SCHOOLING AREAS _ Opaque silted water prohibits any observations. 
SPAWNING AREAS None reported. 
GENERAL NOTES Main channel follows N. shore and is navigable during normal water levels by river skiff. 
UPSTREAM 
LENGTH ACCESSIBLE 45 miles (estimated) AVERAGE WIDTH/DEPTH 300-400'/>5' 
GRADIENT AND VELOCITIES Less than 1° at 3-4' per second 
BOTTOM Sand, silt, rocks and gravel. 
MARKER DISTANCE 
MARKER IDENTIFICATION 
BARRIERS Undescribed barriers reported to obstruct migration beyond junction of Sulphurets and Kaypros Creeks 
in Canada. 
TRIBUTARIES Numerous clearwater and glacial tributaries throughout system. Known salmon spawning tributaries 
listed under Unuk River tributaries. 
SCHOOLING AREAS None reported in main riyer, except at confluences with clearwater tributaries. 
SPAWNING AREAS Main river spawning (unconfirmed) reported around the first canyon at the confluence with 
the Blue River. No information on main river available from Canadian side. 
GENERAL NOTES The Canadian Unuk River system is not well known. Information concerning spawning streams 
beyond Border Lake have been taken in part from the report written for the Fisheries Research Institute by Stanley 
Bishop, a long time resident of the Unuk River, who had spent considerable time in the upper river valley. 
