SALMON INVESTIGATIONS IN IDAHO. 
257 
SNAKE RIVER. 
During former investigations in the Columbia Eiver Basin, particularly those of 
1893, considerable information was gathered regarding the physical characters of 
Snake Eiver, and something was learned about the salmon and other fishes occurring 
in that stream. This information has already been published.* In that report are 
given descriptions of the various falls in the Snake Eiver, and a consideration of each 
as a barrier to the distribution of fishes in that river. The investigations upon which 
that report was based showed that salmon can not possibly ascend Snake Eiver 
farther than the foot of Shoshone Falls; and it was also believed that certain falls 
below Shoshone Falls (Auger Falls, Upper Salmon Falls, and Lower Salmon Falls) 
interfere seriously with the ascent of salmon. 
During my trip to Idaho in September and October, 1894, I made still further 
investigations along that portion of Snake Eiver between Twin Falls and Weiser, 
Idaho, a distance of more than 200 miles. It was desired to determine more accu- 
rately: (1) The character of Auger Falls, Upper Salmon Falls, and Lower Salmon 
Falls, and the part each plays as a barrier to the free movement of fishes; (2) the 
abundance of salmon in that part of Snake Eiver. 
It was desirable not only to learn as much as possible regarding their abundance, 
but to locate their spawning-beds, determine their spawning time and habits, determine 
the location and importance of the salmon fisheries of the Snake Eiver, and to make 
investigations with reference to locating a salmon-hatchery at some point on Snake 
Eiver. 
Twin Falls and Shoshone Falls . — Both of these falls were visited by us. At Twin 
Falls there is a vertical descent in a single plunge of about 180 feet, while at the 
Great Shoshone Falls, 4 miles farther down the river, the descent is 210 feet. Each 
of these is, of course, an absolute barrier to the ascent of fish. As already stated in 
the report referred to, the construction of fishways at either of these falls seems 
entirely impracticable. 
Auger Falls . — About 10 miles below Shoshone Falls are Auger Falls. These are 
a long series of rapids and short falls, occupying 250 to 300 yards of the leugth of the 
river, as we have already described. It does not seem possible that many salmon 
would be able to sustain the long and continuous effort necessary to pass up through 
these turbulent rapids, though individual fish may occasionally succeed in doing so. 
One man with whom we talked at Shoshone Falls tells of a fisherman who claims to 
have seen some salmon at the foot of Shoshone Falls. 
I visited Auger Falls September 9 and spent several hours examining that part 
of the river. Although it was at a time when we might expect to find fish there, we 
did not see a single salmon attempting the rapids or in the quieter water below. 
Immediately below these rapids a small stream known as Bock Creek flows into Snake 
Eiver from the south or left bank, and it is claimed that salmon entered this stream 
formerly. 
Mr. I. B. Perrine, of Blue Lakes, situated about 4 miles above Auger Falls, says 
he has killed salmon in this creek and that they used to run into it in considerable 
numbers. 
* A Report upon Investigations in the Columbia River Basin, with descriptions of Four New 
Species of Fishes, by Charles H. Gilbert and Barton W. Evermann, in Report of the Commissioner of 
Fish and Fisheries on Investigations in the Columbia River Basin in regard to the Salmon Fisheries. 
F. C. B. 1895—17 
