Butte Creek supports the largest run of wild, naturally spawned Spring Run Chinook in California

Salmoncam is up!

The new HD camera, donated by Aercontvision, is in and working. Enjoy the arrival of the Spring Run Salmon and the most recent videos. Click here.

Spawn 2013 - 15,866 Spring Run Salmon

The 2014 Spring Run Salmon are back. Low water may have triggered an early return. An then came the rain! The creek is in remarkably good condition with good flows for the juveniles heading to the ocean and adults returning home to entertain the creatures of the Canyon. Otters are happy and enjoying wild salmon sashimi regularly. View the Salmoncam and check out the action. Sponsors needed!

8th Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival Save the Date! Sat., September 13, 2014 Sierra Nevada Brewery Big Room

A sold out crowd enjoyed the fun and inspiring films at the 7th Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival. This year’s theme, “Climate of Change” – positive changes to create better living for people and creatures was featured in many of these inspirational, independent films.

A special thanks to the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company and the Big Room staff for a wonderful evening. Live music was provided by Butte Creek Canyon’s own, Coopers Bluff. Special thanks goes to our local supporters, Sacramento River Preservation Trust, AltaCal Audubon Society, and the Mt. Lassen Chapter of the California Native Plant Society, and silent auction donors.

More info here.

The Salmoncam is online

Over 200 salmon were in the pool!!

Mid-morning to early afternoon is best. Click here

The new HD camera donated by Aercontvision is online. The spring run salmon were holding in large numbers. The camera is on the cliff overlooking one of the best salmon pools. YOU CAN SPONSOR THE LIVE CAMERA FEED. Your name, your business or your dedication will be featured on the salmoncam web page.

Please contact us to find out how you can help keep the beauty of Butte Creek live on the internet and share with your friends this beautiful place we live! Thanks to Michael Smith for this incredible photo taken May 7.

2012 Fish Spawned in Record Numbers!!!

We had a spectacular run with a final estimate at just under 17,000 salmon. This is in the top 4 years of recent records. Spawning began earlier than usual. Contact us for a 2013 Spring Run Salmon Tour. More videos including underwater action are located on the video page.

Fish Counts

Final 2011 Carcass Count Estimate was 4500 fish. They are bouncing back!

Final 2010 Spring Run Salmon Count Estimate - 1,979

Butte County General Plan

Butte Creek Canyon residents are working on a Conservation Overlay to be included in General Plan.

Supporters

Please take time to thank the Butte County supervisors for supporting the protection of Butte Creek.

News

Carcass Count Completed

The Department of Fish and Wildlife counted carcasses by the thousands. They chop the older carcasses and tag fresh ones with a round disc. Counting the # of tags left after a week helps determine how many are being dragged off by the bears and other critters which improves the accuracy of the count. The total estimate for the 2013 spring run was 15,886. Up by over 4,000 from the snorkel count of 11,470. Last yer's run was extimated at 17,000. Are we there yet?

Run is On!

The recent rains brought the fish upstream from the ocean and they have flooded the lower canyon. Please "Like" Friends of Butte Creek on Facebook and post your salmon pictures and videos!! Check the Salmoncam also.

2013 Snorkel Count

As was expected the summer snorkel count is a near record and snorkel counts are historically low. With 11,470 counted, 2800 more than last year, we could be looking at a run of 18,000 or more. The all-time record is from 1998 with over 20,000 spawning salmon. Things are looking good. Read report.

2012 Carcass Count

Final estimate from CDFW was 17,000 salmon. One of the top years for returns. Butte Creek's capacity to support salmon is a marvel to all.

2012 Snorkel Count

Nearly 9000 salmon counted. The summer survey is generally much lower than the actual numbers, especially when there is a big run like this year. Read the report.

2011 Salmon Carcass count is in. The numbers are up!!!

Read the newsletter.

Climate Change Threatens California Salmon

Two centuries ago there were over a million spring run Chinook salmon in California. Today there are fewer than 10,000. A new study conducted by UC Davis and the Stockholm Environment Institute, climate change could make these fish locally extinct. Read more.

Capitol Public Radio Story on Butte Creek

Part 1 - Listen here

Part 2 - Listen here

Annual Spring Run Salmon Snorkel Count Results

Read the DFG report for 2011. (pdf)

UC Davis Study Paints Bleak Picture for Butte Creek Spring Run Salmon

UC Davis researchers along with hydrologist from the Stockholm Institute have released their findings on Butte Creek. Without dramatic changes in hydroelectric operations you can say good-bye to the Spring Run. Read the Science Daily article.

Down Comes the Sediment Again-Third time is not a charm

Check out the story. The spill happened before the reported fire and some 8-10 miles upstream of these pictures.

FERC is Concerned About Repeated Sediment Pollution

Read the letter.

Regional Water Board Wants Answers to Sediment Pollution

Read the notice.

PG&E Centerville Canal Fails Again - More Sediment? March 2011

Read the report.

FERC orders PG&E to produce a report in 7 days on sediment pollution in Butte Creek February 9, 2011

Read the FERC order.

Watch the video.

Supervisor support Butte Creek Overlay

Butte County Supervisors voted 5-0 on July 27 to support the development of a Conservation Overlay for Butte Creek Canyon.Read article .

Spring Run Symposium Tours were enjoyed by many.

For more info and photo albums click here.

Fish Rescued Again???

High flows most of the spring left springers spread all the way to Durham. Several pulse flows in July helped some over the last barriers above Hwy 99.

EPA wants new restrictions on pesticides for salmon protection

Read the story.

Canyon residents fight off another threat

Read the Chico News-Review article.

2010 Butte Creek spring run count

The final carcass count is in for the 2010 Butte Creek spring run and the decline continues. Only 1979 salmon were counted, the lowest number in 13 years. Sacramento Valley salmon are heading for extinction. We can not let this happen!

Salmon Water Now has some great videos

See the rest of their videos on our video page.