Spring Run Salmon Populations

Note: Click here for the latest population numbers (updated 4/23/2007).

Data provided by California Department of Fish and Game and is based on snorkel counts and/or carcass counts. Numbers are approximate and generally reflect pre-spawning live adults except where noted.  Pre-spawn mortality numbers are provided in years where data has been made available.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service Anadromous Fish Restoration Program, often called the "Doubling Plan", estimated that a population of approximately 3000 returning adults a year would represent a recovered Butte Creek spring run Chinook population. The fifty year average for Butte Creek is now over 2,700 adults per year. the thirty year average is 3,600+, the twenty year average is 5,400+, and the average for the last eleven years is a staggering 9,200+. The Department of Fish and Game and PGE believe that the creek is saturated at 6,000 adults and refuse to open new habitat above their impassable dams.

Friends of Butte Creek believes that Butte Creek spring run Chinook are fully recovered unless new habitat is made available and may no longer need the protection of the Endangered Species Act. At the very least a limited harvest of 1000-2000 adults should be allowed to reduce overcrowding and the ridiculous sacrifice of the pre-spawn mortalities in areas directly affected by reduced flows for hydroelectric operations. This is a Public Trust Resource.