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Home My WebLink AboutAPA588r r f r I ' l r t !""' f ! r I l r l r SUSITNA HYDRO AQUATIC STUDIES PHASE II FINAL DATA REPORT Volume 2, Adult Anadromous Fi~h Studies, 1982. ;l~ qil~ - flf*:p;., - - - ~"' ""'" C") CD ·-CD LO C") 0 0 0 LO LO """' C") C") --"-r L ARLIS SUSITNA HYDRO AQUATIC STUDIES PHASE II FINAL DATA REPORT Volume 2, Adult Anadromous Fish Studies, 1982. by Alaska Department of Fish and Game Susitna Hydro Aquatic Studies 2207 Spenard Road Anchorage, Alaska 99503 Alaska Resources Library & Information Services Anchorage, Alaska -rk lttzs- [ s b A-b<6# Jtt~J, s-t~ PREFACE This report is part of a five volume presentation of the fisheries, aquatic habitat, and instream flow data collected by the Alaska Depart- ment of Fish and Game (ADF&G) Susitna Hydroelectric (Su Hydro) Feasibility Aquatic Studies Program during the 1981-82 (October-May) ice-covered and 1982 open water (May-October) seasons. It is one of a series of reports prepared for the Alaska Power Authority (APA) and its principal contractor, Acres American (Acres) by the ADF&G and other contractors to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed Susitna Hydroelectric Project. This report is intended for data transmittal to other Susitna Hydroelectric Feasibility Study participants. A preliminary draft was circulated for review in February. The topics discussed in Volumes Two through Five are illustrated in Figure A. Volume One presents a synopsis of the information contained in the other four volumes. Volume Two also includes a comparison of 1981 and 1982 adult anadromous fisheries data. An ADF&G data analysis report will include an analysis of the pre-project fishery and habitat relationships derived from this and related reports prepared by other study participants. A review draft will be circulated to study participants on May 1, 1983. The final report will be submitted to the APA on June 30, 1983 for formal distribution to study participants, state and federal agencies, and the public. Also scheduled for completion on June 30, 1983 is the first draft of the ADF&G 1982-83 ice-covered season basic data report. It will include a presentation of 1982-83 incubation and other fishery and habitat data. These and other ADF&G reports (1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1981a, b, c, d, e, f, 1982) and information reported by others will be summarized and analyzed by the Arctic Environmental Information and Data Center (AEIDC) to evaluate post-project conditions. Woodward ; ...... ...... Factors Influencing Aquatic Habitat River Morphology Vol. 4, Vol. II Phyalcol Vol. 4, Vol. II Chamlcol Vol. 4, Vol. II Fish Life Phases Influenced by Habitat -· ___ .. -- !atribution Vol.~. Vol,4, Vol. II Figure A. Program elements presented in Volumes Two through Five . .... J .J '~ - - - - - - Clyde Consultants will, in turn, use this information to support their preparation of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission License Appli- cation for Acres. The five year (Acres 1980) ADF&G Su Hydro Aquatic Studies program was initiated in November, 1980. It is subdivided into three study sections: Adult Anadromous Fish Studies (AA), Resident and Juvenile Anadromous Fish Studies (RJ). and Aquatic Habitat and Instream Flow Studies (Ali) 0 Specific objectives of the three sections are: 1. AA -determine the seasonal distribution and relative abun- dance of adult anadromous fish populations produced within the study area (Figure B); 2 o RJ -determine the seasonal distribution and relative abun- dance of selected resident and juvenile anadromous fish populations within the study area; and 3. AH characterize the selected anadromous and seasonal resident habitat requirements of fish species within the study area and the relationship between the availability of these habitat conditions and the mainstem discharge of the Susitna Rivero The 1982 ADF&G portion (Figures C and D) of the overall feasibility project study area (Figure B) was limited to the mainstem Susitna River and the mouths of major tributaries. Portions of tributaries which will be inundated by the proposed impoundments were also evaluated. Descriptions of study sites are presented in each of these volumes including the ADF&G reports (ADF&G 1981a, b, c, d, e, f). The Susitna River is approximately 275 miles long from its sources in the Alaska Mountain Range to its point of discharge into Cook Inlet. Its drainage encompasses an area i i; of 19, 400 square iir:L{~e mainstem Alaska Resources Library & Information Services Anchorage, AlP. ka ·,!;',, ' --~' ....... < 0 25 • ADF 8G FIELD CAMPS Figure B. Susitna River drainage basin. J l _I I I < 0 25 mile a 1 ,""" I I ,-" 1 / / / / / / ' ', ........... -J .......... .......... .... , _,/ ------~ ,. ---- \ \ ' I I I I I I I I l 1982 OPEN WATER SEASON STUDY AREAS 1m1 UPPER RIVER WI STUDY AREA ~ LOWER RIVER ~ STUDY AREA --DRAINAGE BOUNDARY Figure C. 1982 ADF&G open water season (May through October) study area. < ...... 1 0 ......... ..., 0 25 mile a / I , ,"* ,, // nchorage / / / ' ' ....... .......... .......... .......... \ \ ' I I I I I I I ~~ / / ,.-..... _,_,-, ..... ___ _ 1981-82 ICE-COVERED SEASON STUDY AREAS LOWER RIVER STUDY AREA UPPER RIVER STUDY AREA DRAINAGE BOUNDARY Figure D. 1981-82 ADF&G ice-covered season (October through May) study area. J J j - - - - ·-' - and major tributaries of the Susitna River, including the Chulitna, Talkeetna and Yentna rivers, originate in glaciers and carry a heavy load of glacial flour during the ice-free months (approximately May through October). There are many smaller tributaries which are perennially clear. Questions concerning these reports should be directed to: Thomas W. Trent Aquatic Studies Coordinator Alaska Department of Fish & Game Su Hydro Aquatic Studies Program 2207 Spenard Road Anchorage, Alaska 99503 Telephone (907) 274-7583 vii - - - PREFACE REFERENCES Acres American, Inc. (Acres) 1980. Susitna Hydroelectric Project Plan of Study. Prepared for the Alaska Power Authority. Anchorage, Alaska. Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G). 1974. An assessment of the anadromous fish populations in the Upper Susitna River Watershed between Devil Canyon and the Chulitna River. Anchorage, Alaska. 1976. Fish and Wildlife studies related to the Corps of Engineers Devil Canyon, Watana Reservoir Hydroelectric Project. ADF&G. Anchorage, Alaska. 1977. Preauthorization assessment of the proposed Susitna Hydroelectric Projects: preliminary investigations of water quality and aquatic species composition. ADF&G. Anchorage, Alaska. 1978. Preliminary environmental assessment of hydroelectric development on. the Susitna River. Anchorage, Alaska. 1979. Preliminary final plan of study fish and studies proposed by the ADF&G. ADF&G. Anchorage, Alaska. ADF&G. 1981a. Aquatic studies procedures manual. Phase I. Final Draft. Subtask 7 .10. Prepared for Acres American, Incorporated, by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game/Su Hydro. Anchorage, Alaska. 1981b. Adult anadromous fisheries project. Phase I. Final Draft. Subtask 7 .10. Prepared for Acres American, Incorporated, by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game/Su Hydro. Anchorage, Alaska. 1981c. Aquatic habitat and instream flow project. Phase I. Final Draft. Prepared for Acres American, Incorporated, by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game/Su Hydro. Anchorage, Alaska. 1981d. Resident fish investigation on the lower Susitna River. Phase I. Final Draft. Prepared for Acres American, Incorporated by Alaska Department of Fish and Game/Su Hydro. Anchorage, Alaska. 198le. Resident fish investigations on the lower Susitna River. Phase I. Final Draft. ADF &G Su Hydro Aquatic Studies Program. Anchorage, Alaska. 1981f. Resident fish investigations on the upper Susitna River. Phase I. Final Draft. ADF&G Su Hydro Aquatic Studies Program. Anchorage, Alaska. 1982. Aquatic Studies Program. Phase I. Final Draft. Sub task 7 .10. Prepared for Acres American, Incorporated by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game/Su Hydro. Anchorage, Alaska. - - - - - - TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE PREFACE............................................................. i TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................... viii LIST OF FIGURES..................................................... XV LIST OF TABLES.................................................... xxi i LIST OF PLATES..................................................... xxi x PRINCIPAL CONTRIBUTORS ..................... ,., ••••••••• Cl •••••••••••• xxxi ACKNOWLEDGf~ENTS ....................... .,. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• xxxii LIST OF APPENDIX FIGURES .••.••....•..•.•..•.•.•..•........•••.•• Part B LIST OF APPENDIX TABLES ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Part B LIST OF APPENDIX REPORTS .•..•.••••..•••...••....••••••.•.....••• Part B 1 .0 OBJECTIVES........................................................... 1 2. 0 ME .. rHODS. . . . . . . • . . . . • • . . . • . . • . . . . . . . • . . . . • .. . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . 2 2.1 Eulachon ••••••••••••••••••••••••.•••••••••••••••.•••••••••••••••• 2 2. 1.1 2.1 . 2 Estuary •••••.•••••••.• Main Channel •.•.••..•. 2.2. Adult Salmon •••••••••••••• ~ ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 2.2.1 Main Channel ... 2.2.1.1 2.2.1.2 2.2.1.3 Sonar ....•. Fishwheel Tagging .. viii 2 4 7 7 9 10 12 ,..._, ,.._ - 2.2.1.4 Age, Length and Sex .................................. 2.2.1.5 2.2.1.6 2.2.1.7 Radio Telemetry •....•.. Lower Devil Canyon Gill Stock Separation ...... . 2.2.2 Spawning .•.•..•.. 2.2.2.1 Main Channel. ..•.... 2.2.2.2 Sloughs and Streams. Netting .• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ ......... . 2.2.2.2.1 Chinook Salmon Index Surveys •. 2.3 Bering Cisco .................................................... . 2. 3 01 2.3.2 Main Channel Escapement •. Main Channel Spawning ..•. 2.4 Data Analysis and Evaluation ....•..•....•••....••.....•.•....•.•• 2.4. 1 2.4.2 2.4.3 2.4.4 2.4.5 Eul a chon Length Data ...•....•....•........•.•.• Salmon Tag and Recapture Escapement Estimates. Presentation of Salmon Escapement Estimates ..•............... Calculation of Main Channel Escapement Timing. Age Determination ........................................... . 3.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION .•....•..•.•.......•.........•......•........ 3.1 Eulachon ......................................................... . 3 01.1 3. 1. 2 Estuary ..... Main Channel 3.2 Adult Salmon Chinook Salmon .......•..... 3. 2. 1 3.2.1.1 Estuary to Talkeetna ..........•...•..•.•...•... ix PAGE 14 14 16 16 17 17 18 20 20 20 21 21 21 22 24 28 28 29 29 29 34 51 51 51 3.2.1.1.1 3.2.1.1.2 ~1a in Channe 1 Main Channel Escapement .. Spawning .... 3.2.1.2 Talkeetna to Upper Devil Canyon .. 3.2.1.2.1 3.2.1.2.2 3.2.1.2.3 3.2.1.2.4 Main Channel Escapement •• Radio Telemetry ...••..•.. Lower Devil Spawning .•. Canyon Milling ... 3.2.1.2.4.1 Main Channel. .•......• Sloughs and Streams •. 3.2.1.2.4.2 3.2.1.3 Escapement Index Surveys .•.•..•.. 3.2.2 Sockeye Salmon ..•....•..•.••.. 3.2.2.1 Estuary to Talkeetna •..•.. 3.2.2.1.1 Main Channel Escapement ..•... • •• t!' •.•• Cl 3.2.2.1.1.1 F i rs t Run . . . . . . . • . • . . • . • . . ~ • • • . • . . ~ ...••. Q ........ . 3.2.2.1.1.2 3.2.2.1.2 Second Run ............................ s w. ~~ ••••••••• Spawning ............•..... 3.2.2.1.2.1 Main Channel •.••...•.. 3.2.2.1.2.2 Sloughs and Streams •..•.. First Run ....•...••. 3.2.2.1.2.2.1 3.2.2.1.2.2.2 Second Run .• 3.2.2.2 Talkeetna To Upper Devil Canyon 3.2.3 Main Channel 3.2.2.2.1 3.2.2.2.1.1 Escapement .. First Run ..••..•. 3.2.2.2.1.2 Second Run ••••.• 3.2.2.2.2 Lower De vi 1 Canyon Milling ••. 3.2.2.2.3 Spawning ...•........... 3.2.2.2.3.1 Main Channel ..•••.. 3.2.2.2.3.2 Sloughs and Streams •. 3.2.2.2.4 Stock Separation ..•....•. Pink Salmon ..•......•...... 3.2.3. 1 Estuary to Talkeetna •.. 3.2.3.1.1 ~1a in Channel Escapement .. X • ••• ill •••••••• . ............ •• 0 ••• e e e e e _. II • e • e e e . . .. . . . ......... • •• !II ••••••• . ...... •• & ...... PAGE 51 57 57 57 66 71 74 74 74 79 84 84 84 84 86 96 96 96 96 98 100 100 100 100 105 106 106 106 108 108 108 108 {I - - PAGE 3.2.3.1.2 Main Channel Spawning ....••..•.•..•....•.••...•..••. 113 3.2.3.2 Talkeetna To Upper Devil Canyon .........•..•..•...•.••.. 113 3.2.3.2.1 Main Channel Escapement............................. 113 3.2.3.2.2 Lower Devil Canyon Milling .•....•....••.......•..... 117 3.2.3.2_.3 Spawning ............................................. 119 3.2.3.2.3.1 Main Channel .••.•..•.•....•..•...•......•.....•• 119 3.2.3.2.3.2 Sloughs and Streams ............•.•..•...•..•.... 119 3.2.4 Chum Salmon................................................. 121 3.2.4.1 Estuary to Ta~lkeetna .................................... 121 3.2.4.1.1 Main Channel Escapement............................. 121 3.2.4.1.2 Main Channel Spawning •..•.•........••.•.....•.....•. 130 3.2.4.2 Talkeetna To Upper Devil Canyon ...•....•.•..•.•.•.•.... 130 3.2.4.2.1 Main Channel Escapement............................. 130 3.2.4.2.2 Radio Telemetry..................................... 135 3.2.4.2.3 Lower Devil Canyon Milling ...•..•.•....•.•....••..•. 138 3.2.4.2.4 Spawning ............................................ 140 3.2.4.2.4.1 Main Channel ..•.•.•..•.....•••••.••••........... 140 3.2.4.2.4.2 Sloughs and Streams............................. 141 3.2.5 Coho Salmon................................................. 144 3 .. 2.5. 1 Estuary to Talkeetna.................................... 144 3.2.5.1.1 Main Channel Escapement............................. 144 3.2.5.1.2 Main Channel Spawning............................... 152 3. 2. 5. 2 Ta 1 keetna to Upper De vi 1 Canyon. • . . • . . • . . . . . . . . • . • • . . . . . 152 3.2.5.2.1 Main Channel Escapement •...•.•.••.•.•.....••...•..•. 152 3.2.5.2.2 Radio Telemetry ..................................... 155 3.2.5.2.3 Lower Devil Canyon Milling.......................... 161 3.2.5.2.4 Spawning ............................. "."············ 164 3.2.5.2.4.1 Main Channel ..••.......•......•...••.•....•..... 164 3.2.5.2.4.2 Sloughs and Streams ....•..•.•....•.............• 164 3.3 Bering Cisco .............................. " .......... ., .......... 166 3.3.1 Estuary to Talkeetna." .....•................•...........•.... 166 3.3.1.1 Main Channel Escapement .............•................... 166 xi 3.3.1.2 Main Channel Spawning •.•.••...••..•.•..••..•.••..••••... 3.3.2 Talkeetna to Upper Devil Canyon .. 3.3.2.1 Main Channel Escapement. 3.3.2.2 Main Channel Spawning ... 4.0 SUt~MARY•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••o••••••D•o•••••••••••••••• 4.1 Eulachon ................................. ~······················ 4.2 Adult Salmon 4. 2.1 Chinook Salmon ..•.......•..••... 4.2.1.1 Estuary to Ta"lkeetna ...••... 4.2.1.1.1 Main Channel Escapement .•. 4.2.1.1.2 Main Channel Spawning ••.•••••••• 4.2.1.2 Talkeetna to Upper Devil Canyon .......•..••...•......... 4.2.1.2.1 Main Channel Escapement .•.. 4.2.1.2.2 Radio Telemetry .•..••••.•.. 4.2.1.2.3 Lower Devil Canyon Milling ..•.•.•.. 4.2.1.2.4 Spawning ..... tj ••••••••••••••• " •••••••••••••••••••••• 4.2.1.2.4.1 Main Channel •..••••.•. 4.2.1.2.4.2 Sloughs and Streams .•. 4.2.1.3 Escapement Index Surveys •••.••......•....•..••..•..••... 4.2.2 4.2.2. 1 Estuary to Talkeetna ....••.• 4.2.2.1.1 Main Channel Escapement 4.2.2.1.1.1 First Run ...... 4.2.2.1.1.2 Second Run .. 4.2.2.1.2 Spawning •....•.. 4.2.2.1.2.1 Main Channel •. 4.2.2.1.2.2 Sloughs and Streams. 4.2.2. 1 .2.2.1 First Run •.• 4.2.2.1.2.2.2 Second Run ..•.......•..•. xii PAGE 169 171 171 172 173 173 174 175 175 175 178 178 178 182 184 185 185 185 186 187 187 187 187 188 193 193 193 193 193 -~ - - - - - - L - PAGE 4. 2. 2. 2 Ta 1 keetna To Upper De vi 1 Canyon . • . . • . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . • • . . 193 4.2.2.2.1 Main Channel Escapement .••....•.......•.....•.•... 193 4. 2. 2. 2. 1 . 1 First Run. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 4.2.2.2.1.2 Second Run •.•...•....••..•••....•.••...••.••. 194 4.2.2.2.2 Lower Devil Canyon Milling .••..•.•••.•.•••......•• 197 4.2.2.2.3 Spawning .......................................... 197 4.2.2.2.3.1 Main Channel ........•....•.•..•........•...... 197 4.2.2.2.3.2 Sloughs and Streams ..••..•.•...........•.•.•.. 198 4.2.2.2.4" Stock Separation.................................. 200 4 • 2 • 3 P i n k Sa 1 rna n • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ~ • • • • • • • 2 0 0 4.2.3~ 1 Estuary to Talkeetna.................................... 200 4.2.3.1.1 Main Channel Escapement............................. 200 4.2.3.1.2 Main Channel Spawning •.•••..•.•.•..••...•.•••.....•• 204 4.2.3.2 Talkeetna To Upper Devil Canyon •..•.•.•.••....•.••••••.• 204 4.2.3.2.1 Main Channel Escapement............................. 204 4.2.3.2.2 Lower Devil Canyon Milling ....•.•.•••••...•.•.•...•. 206 4.2.3.2.3 Spawning ............................................ 206 4.2.3.2.3.1 Main Channel ••..•.•.......••••••.•......•••..••• 206 4.2.3.2.3.2 Sloughs and Streams............................. 207 4.2.4 Chum Salmon................................................. 209 4.2.4.1 Estuary to Talkeetna .................................... 209 4.2.4.1.1 Main Channel Escapement ....•.••.•.••.•••••...••..••. 209 4.2.4.1.2 Main Channel Spawning .•....•.................•••.... 212 4.2.4.2 Talkeetna To Upper Devil Canyon .•..••...•.•......••...• 213 4.2.4.2.1 Main Channel Escapement ....•...••.....••....•••..... 213 4.2.4.2.2 Radio Telemetry ..................................... 215 4.2.4.2.3 Lower Devil Canyon Milling.......................... 217 4.2.4.2.4 Spawning .............. ,.............................. 218 4.2.4.2.4.1 Main Channel ...•....•.......•........•.......... 218 4.2.4.2.4.2 Sloughs and Streams .••......•........•..•....... 218 4 . 2 . 5 Coho Sa 1 mo n . . . . . ,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . " . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2 2 xiii PAGE 4.2.5.1 Estuary to Talkeetna ....•••.......•.•.......•.••...•.... 222 4.2.5.1.1 Main Channel Escapement .•.........••.•...•••.•.••... 222 4.2.5.1.2 Main Channel Spawning............................... 227 4.2.5.2 Talkeetna to Upper Devil Canyon .•.•...•.•.•.•...•.••.••. 227 4.2.5.2.1 Main Channel Escapement ...••.•.•.........••••.•.•..• 227 4.2.5.2.2 Radio Telemetry ........ a•••"•"Bo•••c"'••••••••••••••• 230 4.2.5.2.3 Lower Devil Canyon Milling •.•...••.•••....••.••..••• 231 4.2.5.2.4 Spawning ........................................ ".... 231 4.2.5.2.4.1 Main Channel •....••..•.••.•...••..•...•••..••... 231 4.2.5.2.4.2 Sloughs and Streams •.•.••.•••..•..••.......••..• 232 4.3 Bering Cisco ..•.••.••••...••..••••.••...•.••••......•••.•..•.... 233 4 . 3 • 1 Estuary to T a 1 k ee t n a .•..•.. -. . • • • . • • . . . . • . . . . . . . • • . . • . . . . "' • . . 2 3 3 4.3.1.1 Main Channel Escapement •...•.••.•••..•..•••...•...••..•• 233 4.3.1.2 Main Channel Spawning................................... 236 4.3.2 Talkeetna to Upper Devil Canyon .•..•..•.•.••••.....•.••...•. 237 4.3.2.1 Main Channel Escapement ••.•....•••..•...••.•...•.•...•.. 237 4.3.2.2 Main Channel Spawning ..••.•.•.•..••.•.•••.••.••...•.••.. 237 REFERENCES ••••••••••••••• It •• ., •••••••• ., ••••••••• c., •••••••• "' ••••• c.. 238 xiv - - - - - - - -i .... ' Figure 2-2-1 . Figure 2-2-2. Figure 2-3-1. Figure 2-3-2. Figure 2-3-3. Figure 2-3-4. Figure 2-3-5. LIST OF FIGURES Susitna River estuary with eulachon set net sites defined. Susitna River basin map showing field stations and major glacial streams. Mean number of pre-spawning eulachon intercepted per net minute in the Susitna River estuary and corresponding high tide ranges and temperatures. Lower Susitna River reach from estuary to Sheep Creek. Daily temperature data (°C) by six hour increments for main channel Susitna River at RM 26, May 16-June 10, 1982. Age composition of (a-b) first period 5/16-5/31 intercepted male and female eulachon and (c-d) second period 6/l-6/9 intercepted male and female eulachon. Mean hourly and cumulative percent fishwheel catch of chinook salmon by two day periods at Yentna and Sunshine stations. XV PAGE 3 8 32 40 43 44 52 -----------·----··--·--------- Figure 2-3-6 Figure 2-3-7. Figure 2-3-8. Figure 2-3-9. Figure 2-3-10. Figure 2-3-11. Figure 2-3-12. Age composition of fishwheel intercepted chinook salmon at Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations. Mean hourly and cumulative percent fishwheel catch of chinook salmon by two day periods at Talkeetna and Curry stations. Migrational rates of chinook salmon between (a) Sunshine and Talkeetna stations, (b) Talkeetna and Curry stations and (c) Sunshine and Curry stations based on fishwheel recaptures. Movements of Talkeetna and Curry stations radio tagged chinook salmon in the Susitna River during June and July. Set gill net fishing locations on main channel Susitna River in lower Devil Canyon. Map illustrating location of Cheechako Creek and Chinook Creek in relationship to Susitna River Devil Canyon reach. Susitna River basin with chinook salmon index streams def·i ned. xvi PAGE 60 62 64 68 72 76 82 - - - -- - -I - -i Figure 2-3-13. Figure 2-3-14. Figure 2-3-15. Figure 2-3-16. Figure 2-3-17. Figure 2-3-18. Figure 2-3-19. Mean hourly and cumulative percent fishwheel catch of sockeye salmon by two day periods at Susitna Station. Mean hourly and cumulative percent fishwheel catch of sockeye salmon by two day periods at Yentna and Sunshine stations. Age composition of fishwheel intercepted sockeye salmon at Susitna, Yentna, Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations. Destination of first run sockeye salmon tagged at Sunshine Station on the Susitna River. PAGE 92 93 97 99 Mean hourly and cumulative percent fishwheel catch 102 of sockeye salmon by two day periods at Ta"l keetna and Curry stations. Migrational rates of sockeye salmon between (a) Sunshine and Talkeetna stations, (b) Talkeetna and Curry stations and (c) Sunshine and Curry stations based on fishwheel recaptures. Mean hourly and cumulative percent fishwheel catch of pink salmon by two day periods at Susitna Station. xvii 103 111 Figure 2-3-20. Figure 2-3-21. Figure 2-3-?2. Figure 2-3-23. Figure 2-3-24. Figure 2-3-25. Mean hourly and cumulative percent fishwheel catch of pink salmon by two day periods at Yentna and Sunshine stations. PAGE 112 Mean hourly and cumulative percent fishwheel catch 116 of pink salmon by two day periods at Talkeetna and Curry stations. Migrational rates of pink salmon between (a) Sunshine and Talkeetna stations, (b) Talkeetna and Curry stations and (c) Sunshine and Curry stations based on fishwheel recaptures. Mean hourly and cumulative percent catch of chum salmon by two day periods at Susitna Station. Mean hourly and cumulative percent catch of chum salmon by two day periods at Yentna and Sunshine stations. Age composition of fishwheel intercepted chum salmon at Susitna, Yentna, Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations. xviii 118 123 124 129 -' - ·'"""~ - - - -Figure 2-3-26. - Figure 2-3-27. - - ~ Figure 2-3-28. Figure 2-3-29. Figure 2-3-30. - Figure 2-3-31. Mean hourly and cumulative percent fish- wheel catch of chum salmon by two day periods at Talkeetna and Curry stations. Migrational rates of chum salmon between (a) Sunshine and Talkeetna stations, {b) and Curry stations and {c) Sunshine and stations based on fishwheel recaptures. Talkeetna Curry Movements of Talkeetna and Curry stations radio tagged chum salmon in the Susitna River during July, August and September. Mean hourly and cumulative percent fishwheel catch of coho salmon by two day periods at Susitna Station. Mean hourly and cumulative percent fishwheel catch of coho salmon by two day periods at Yentna and Sunshine stations. Age composition of fishwheel intercepted coho salmon at Susitna, Yentna, Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations. xix PAGE 132 133 137 146 147 150 Figure 2-3-32. Figure 2-3-33. Figure 2-3-34. Figure 2-4-1. Figure 2-4-2. Figure 2-4-3. Figure 2-4-4. Mean hourly and cumulative percent fishwheel catch of coho salmon by two day periods at Talkeetna and Curry stations. Movements of Talkeetna and Curry stations radio tagged coho salmon in the Susitna River drainage during August and September. Mean hourly fishwheel catch of Bering cisco by two day periods at Susitna and Sunshine stations. Migrational timing of chinook salmon at selected sampling locations in the Susitna River basin in 1981 and 1982. Migrational timing of second run sockeye salmon at selected sampling locations in the Susitna River basin in 1981 and 1982. Sockeye salmon live counts by date in (a) Slough No. 11 and (b) Slough No. 21 for 1981 and 1982. Migrational timing of pink salmon at selected sampling locations in the Susitna River basin in 1981 and 1982. XX PAGE 153 159 167 180 191 199 203 - - - - ~ ~ ~ - - - - - - - - ·- .,_ I ·- Figure 2-4-5. Figure 2-4-6. Figure 2-4-7. Figure 2-4-8. Figure 2-4-9. Pink salmon live counts by date in Lane Creek for 1981 and 1982. Migrational timing of chum salmon at selected sampling locations in the Susitna River basin in 1981 and 1982. Chum salmon live counts by date in (a) Sloughs No. 9 & 9B and (b) Slough No. 11 for 1981 and 1982. Chum salmon live counts by date in (a) Slough No. 21 and (b) Lane Creek for 1981 and 1982. Migrational timing of coho salmon at selected sampling locations in the Susitna River basin in 1981 and 1982. xxi PAGE 208 210 220 221 225 - - - - - - LIST OF TABLES PAGE Table 2-2-1. Anadromous adult salmon sampling location, gear type 9 and operational dates on mainstem Susitna and Yentna rivers. Table 2-2-2. Tag type and color code used at Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations. 13 Table 2-2-3. Survey schedule of selected spawning areas between 19 RM 88 and Chulitna River (RM 98.5). Table 2-3-1. Eulachon set net catches in Susitna River estuary. 30 Table 2-3-2. Presen~e and spawning condition of eulachon in Susitna 36 River mainstem. Table 2-3-3. Sex composition and spawning condition of eulachon sampled at various Susitna River locations. Table 2-3-4. Incidence of eulachon in Susitna River by date and river mile sector. Table 2-3-5. Age composition of male and female Susitna River eulachon in percent by sampling period. xxii 38 41 42 Table 2-3-6. Table 2-3-7. Eulachon length and weight data collected by age, sex and sampling period. Sex ratios of Susitna River eulachon recorded by river mile sector and date. Table 2-3-8. Apportioned sonar counts of chinook salmon by sampling station. PAGE 45 48 51 Table 2-3-9. Summary of fishwheel catches of species and sampling 53 locations. Table 2-3-10. Susitna River escapements by species and sampling 54 location. Table 2-3-11. Petersen population estimates and corresponding 95% 55 confidence intervals of adult salmon migrating to Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations. Table 2-3-12. Estimated escapement of chinook salmon 350mm or less in length at Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations. Table 2-3-13. Analysis of chinook salmon age data by percent from escapement samples collected at Susitna, Yentna, Sunshine, Ta-lkeetna and Curry stations. xxiii 56 56 - - - - PAGE Table 2-3-14. Analysis of chinook salmon lengths, in millimeters, 58 by age class from escapement samples collected at Susitna, Yentna, Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations. Table 2-3-15. Sex ratio of male and female chinook salmon by age 65 from escapement samples collected at Yentna, Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations. Table 2-3-16. Tagging location, transmitter frequency and physical characteristics of radio tagged chinook salmon. Table 2-3-17. Twenty fastest radio tagged chinook salmon movements. 67 70 Table 2-3-18. Results of set gill netting in Susitna River mainstem 73 between Devil Canyon and Portage Creek. Table 2-3-19. Electroshocking catch results in lower Devil Canyon. 74 Table 2-3~20. 1982 chinook salmon escapement surveys of Susitna River 80 basin streams. Table 2-3-21. Chinook salmon escapement counts of Susitna River basin streams from 1976 to 1982. 83 Table 2-3-22. Petersen population estimate of Susitna River first run 85 sockeye salmon migrating past Sunshine Station. xxiv PAGE Table 2-3-23. Analysis of sockeye salmon age data by percent from 86 escapement samples collected at Susitna, Yentna~ Sunshine~ Talkeetna and Curry stations. Table 2-3-24. Analysis of sockeye salmon lengths, in millimeters, by age class from escapement samples call ected at Susitna, Yentna, Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations. Table 2-3-25. Sex ratio of male and female sockeye salmon by age from escapement samples collected at Susitna~ Yentna, Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations. Table 2-3-26. Apportioned sonar counts by species and sampling location. Table 2-3-27. Escapement survey counts of tagged and untagged first run sockeye salmon tagged at Sunshine Station. 87 90 91 98 Table 2-3-28. Analysis of pink salmon lengths in millimeters from 114 escapement samples collected at Susitna, Yentna, Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations. Table 2-3-29. Analysis of chum salmon age data by percent from escapement samples collected at Susitna, Yentna, Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations. XXV 126 - - ..., ~ ' -I - - - - - - - -' I PAGE Table 2-3-30. Analysis of chum salmon lengths, in millimeters, by 127 age class from escapement samples collected at Susitna, Yentna, Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations. Table 2-3-31. Sex ratio of male and female chum salmon by age from escapement samples collected at Susitna, Yentna, Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations. Table 2-3-32. Tagging location, transmitter frequency and physical characteristics of radio tagged chum salmon. 128 136 Table 2-3-33. Twenty fastest radio tagged chum salmon movements. 139 Table 2-3-34. Mainstem Susitna River salmon spawning locations with 142 survey and egg deposition sampling results. Table 2-3-35. Analysis of coho salmon age data by percent from escapement samples collected at Susitna, Yentna, Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations. Table 2-3-36. Analysis of coho salmon lengths, in millimeters, by age class from escapement samples collected at Susitna, Yentna, Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations. xxvi 148 151 Table 2~3-37. Sex ratio of male and female coho salmon by age from escapement samples collected at Susitna, Yentna, Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations. PAGE 156 Table 2-3-38. Tagging location, transmitter frequency and physical 158 characteristics of radio tagged coho salmon. Table'2-3-39. Twenty fastest radio tagged coho salmon movements. 162 Table 2-3-40. Analysis of Bering cisco age data by percent from 168 escapement samples collected at all sampling locations. Table 2-3-41. Analysis of Bering cisco lengths, in millimeters, by age class from all escapement samples. Table 2-3-42. Sex ratios of Bering cisco collected during mainstem spawning surveys. Table 2-4-1. Susitna River drainage escapement estimates by species for 1981 and 1982. Table 2-4-2. Escapement by species and sampling location for 1981 and 1982. xxvi i 168 170 175 176 - .,, - ~ ~ - - - - PAGE Table 2-4-3. Analysis of Bering cisco age data by percent from 235 -escapement samples collected at all sampling locations in 1982 • .... - 1,_.. xxviii - - - - - - LIST OF PLATES Plate 2-2-1. Sinking gill net set in the Susitna River estuary. PAGE 4 Plate 2-2-2. Eulachon dip net sample in the Susitna River estuary. 5 Plate 2-2-3. Electroshocking eulachon in the lower Susitna River. 6 Plate 2-2-4. 1980 Model Bendix SSS counter with Sony oscilloscope 10 monitoring fish passage and corresponding counter accuracy. Plate 2-2-5. Raising a sonar substrate for debris removal and adjustment. 11 Plate 2-2-6. Fishwheel operating off east bank of the Susitna River 12 at Sunshine Station. Plate 2-2-7. Chum salmon tagged with Flay FT-4 numbered spaghetti tag. 13 Plate 2-3-1. Eulachon escapement sampling with gill net at Susitna 33 River mile 4.5. Plate 2-3-2. Electroshocking the Susitna River for eulachon. 35 Plate 2-3-3. Eulachon escapement sampling with dip net at Susitna 35 River mile 4.5. xxix Plate 2-3-4. Eulachon carcasses located at RM 15.0. Plate 2-3-5. Cheechako Creek chinook salmon spawning area at Susitna River confluence August 5. Plate 2-3-6. Chinook salmon in Devil Canyon spawning at the confluence of Cheechako Creek and Susitna River August 5. Plate 2-3-7. Preparing to deploy gill net in lower Devil Canyon near RM 150.4. Plate 2-3-8. Chum and sockeye salmon spawning in Slough 11 in early September. Plate 2-3-9. Tag recaptured coho salmon in lower Devil Canyon from Sunshine Station. XXX PAGE 50 77 78 105 143 163 - - -, '""'I ~' -) - ~ I - - -I ...... - - - - PRINCIPAL CONTRIBUTORS Adult Anadromous Project Leader Adult Anadromous Assistant Project Leader Adult Anadromous Operations Control Leader Adult Anadromous Radio Telemetry Crew Leader xxxi Bruce M. Barrett Frederick M. Thompson Susan Wick Steven Krueger ...... ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Funding for this study was provided by the State of Alaska, Alaska Power Authority. Personnel support was provided by the following Alaska Department of Fish and Game staff biologists and technicians. Fisheries Biologist III Barrett, Bruce Fisheries Biologist II Thompson, Frederick Fisheries Biologist I Fisheries Technician Bigler, Jeffrey Badgley, A"l bert Dolezal, Claude Beers, Dean Gustin, Richard Blaney, Alden Hessing, Pauline Crowe, Thomas Kerkvliet, Carol Delong, David Krueger, Steven Duffy, Heather Pechek,Stuart Fink, Mark Queral, Isaac Gieaves, John Robinette, Karen Harris, Patricia Sharp, Dan Jones, Craig Tilly, Fred Miyoshi, Lisa Wenger, Mark Patrick, James Wick, Susan Stratton, Barry Zosel, Katrin Taylor, Jeanne Volk, Don Wi 1 key, Robert Withers, James II Special thanks is given to Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Commercial Fisheries bi o 1 ogi sts Ken Tarbox and Bruce King for operation of Sus itna Station and David Benard, Glen Oliver, William Goshert and Bev Cross for providing a sockeye salmon stock separation analysis report. Appreciation is also extended to those individuals not mentioned here who assisted with this project. xxxii - - 1.0 OBJECTIVE This study was effected to meet the following objective: Objective 1.0 Determine seasonal distribution and relative abundance of the anadromous fish population within the study area. Task 1.1. Emunerate and characterize the escapements. Task 1.2 Determine timing and nature of migration, milling and spawning activities. Task 1.3 Identify spawning locations within the study area including main channel associated sloughs, side channels, stream confluences and estimate their comparative importance. Anadromous fish species investigated under 1.D Objective above were Eulachon Pacific Salmon Chinook Salmon Sockeye Salmon Pink Salmon Chum Salmon Coho Salmon Bering Cisco Thaleichthys pacificus Onchorhynchus sp ~ tshawytscha 0. nerka ~ gorbuscha 0. keta 0. kisutch Coregonus laurettae II. 2.0 METHODS 2.1 Eulachon 2.1.1 Estuary Two set net locations were selected May 16, 1982 in the Susitna River estuary at the locations shown in Figure 2-2-1. Each location was fished with a standard sinking gill net from May 16 through June 9, at a frequency of once every third high tide for the first seven days and once every fifth high tide thereafter. The standard net used was 7.6 meters (m) long, 1.5 m deep with a 3.8 centimeter (em) stretch mesh. Net deployment was accomplished using a 20 foot (ft) long river boat powered by a 75 horse power (hp) jet outboard. Each net was set perpendicular to the river channel and was anchored by a single, nine kilogram (kg) Navy anchor and marked on the surface by a single 30 cm diameter buoy at each end (Plate 2-2-1). Both set net locations were fished for a total of 30 minutes starting at site 1, 45 minutes prior to high tide and at site 2, 15 minutes following high tide (Figure 2-2-1). Time of high tide was determined by subtracting a 36 minute correction factor from the 1982 high tide table for the Anchorage District (U.S. Coast Guard, 1982). Fishing time at each location was recorded to the nearest minute, and eulachon catches were sorted and logged as pre-spawners or post-spawners. Pre-spawners were defined as gravid fish and post-spawners as eulachon essentially void of eggs or milt. The determination was made by morphological examination and when necessary, by applying slight hand pressure to the abdominal region. -2- - - BIG ISLA NO MA!;\,_ POINT •. ·. ··: COOK INLET . . . . . COOK INLET " ,, S CAL E : I : 11 8 m lie RM a R IVERMILE Figure 2-2-1. Susitna River estuary with eulachon set net sites defined, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. -3- ··, ;,, Plate 2-2-1. Sinking gill net set in the Susitna River estuary, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. 2.1.2 Main Channel Main channel sampling operations in 1982 extended from RM 4.5 in the Susitna River estuary to the Kashwitna River confluence (RM 61) for the period of May 16 through June 9. Daily sampling was conducted using dip nets and electroshocking equipment (Plates 2-2-2 and 2-2-3). All electroshocking was conducted from a 20 ft. long river boat powered by a 75 hp jet outboard. The electroshocking unit used was a Model VVP-3E Coffelt electroshocker with a 3500 watt Homelite generator as a power source. Input to the electroshocking unit was 230 volts alternating current (A. C.) and output currents available were either: A. C., direct current (D.C.) or pulsating D.C. -4- Plate 2-2-2. Eulachon dip net sample in the Susitna River estuary, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. The power output cord from the electroshocking unit was set up with the anode (+) electrode wired to a hand held dip net and the cathode (-) electrode grounded to the boat. Depression of a foot switch activated the current flow through the water. The activation period ranged from five to 10 seconds followed by a 20 to 40 second pause to avoid possible fish herding. One to 3.5 amps of D.C. or pulsating D.C. was found to be the most effective output mode for electroshocking eulachon. Safety measures followed included the use of rubber boots and gloves by personnel and a kill switch attached to the generator which was in ready reach of the boat operator at all times. -5- Plate 2-2-3. l Electroshocking eulachon in the lower Susitna River, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. A sex composition sample from a minimum of 100 eulachon was collected daily. In addition 10 age, length and weight samples per sex were taken daily in the river reach between RM 4.5 and 61. For age determination, two otoliths per fish were collected and stored in pre-labeled vials containing 50 percent ethanol solution. Eulachon lengths were taken from tip of snout to fork of tai 1 and recorded to the nearest millimeter (mm). The weights were recorded to the nearest decigram (0.1 g) using an Ohaus, Dial-0-Gram balance. Sex was determined by morphological examination. Eulachon spawning surveys were conducted on a daily basis in conjunction with other scheduled sampling duties. Three separate methods were tested in the attempt to define where eulachon were spawning. The methods in order of trial were: -6- 1. An assumption that eulachon were not spawning at a catch location unless: A. Male and female eulachon sampled were freely expel l ing milt and eggs, respectively, and were all in a vigorous free-swimming condition. B. Twenty or more eulachon were caught from a specific location that met criteria A above. 2. Eulachon spawning was occurring or had occurred in areas where substrate samples collected with an Ekman dredge or Surber sampler contained a •significant• number of eggs identifiable by a hand held magnifying glass and or the application of Rit dye. 3. A single sampling of an area supporting spawning activity would produce a catch of at least one pre-spawning condition female and one post-spawning condition female in addition to male eulachon which were all in a vigorous free-swimming condition. 2.2 Adult Salmon 2.2.1 Main Channel Escapement monitoring operations on adult salmon were conducted at five stations on the Susitna and Yentna rivers in 1982 as shown in Figure 2-2-2. Individual station maps have been provided in Appendix 2-A. Monitoring gear -7- SUNSHINE STATION STATtON Figure 2-2-2. Susitna River basin map showing field stations and major glacial streams, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. -8- used included Bendix Model 1980 side scan sonar (SSS) counters and fishwheels. The specific operating dates, and type and amount of gear deployed at each fish sampling station have been listed in Table 2-2-1. All sampling locations with the exception of Susitna Station (RM 26) were staffed in 1982 by Su Hydro, Adult Anadromous personnel. Susitna Station was staffed by ADF&G personnel from the Region II Soldotna office of the Corranercial Fisheries Division. Table 2-2-1. Anadromous adult salmon sampling location, gear type and operational dates on mainstem Susitna and Yentna Rivers, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Sampling Location Period Gear Deployed Site RlVer RlVer M1 1 e Beg1n End Sonars Flshwheels I Susitna Station Susitna 26 7/1 9/5 2 2 Yentna I Station Yentna 04 6/27 9/5 2 2 Sunshine I Station Sus itna 80 6/4 10/1 2 4 I Talkeetna I Station Susitna 103 6/5 9/14 2 4 Curry Station Susitna 120 6/9 9/18 0 2 2. 2. 1 • 1 Sonar Side scan sonar (SSS) counters were deployed at Susitna (RM 23), Yentna (RM 04), Sunshine (RM 80) and Talkeetna (RM 103) stations in accordance with the 1980 Side Scan Sonar Counter Installation and Operation Manual by Bendix Corporation (1980). -9- At each location SSS counter accuracy was checked daily for four or more 30 minute periods using a Model 323, Sony oscilloscope (Plate 2-2-4). Adjustments were made to a counter when the percent agreement between hand tallied oscilloscope counts and corresponding registered SSS counts was less than 90 percent in three consecutive monitorings (Plate 2-2-5). Attendant to each counter was a nearby fishwheel which was used to apportion SSS counts to species based on the fishwheel catch composition. Plate 2-2-4. 1980 Model Bendix SSS counter with Sony oscilloscope monitoring fish passage and corresponding counter accuracy, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. 2.2.1.2 Fishwheel Fishwheels were operated at all escapement monitoring stations in 1982 (Table 2-2-1). Fishwheels at Susitna Station (RM 26) were an aluminum conduit design (Barrett, 1974). Fishwheels deployed at Yentna (RM 04), Sunshine (RM 80), Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations were designed in 1981 by ADF&G/Su Hydro Adult Anadromous staff (Plate 2-2-6). Construction -10- - specifications and deployment procedures can be found in the Phase I, ADF&G/Su Hydro, Adult Anadromous Report (1981). The fishwheel design was modified in 1982 by reducing the size of fishwheel baskets to an average length and width of 2.3 m and 1.8 m respectively and building live boxes that were re-sized to 1.0 m width, 1.8 m length and 0.9 m depth at Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations. Plate 2-2-5. Raising a sonar substrate for debris removal and adjustment, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. -11- Plate 2-2-6. Fi shwheel operating off east bank of the Susitna River at Sunshine Station, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Fishwheels were operated at Yentna (RM 04) and Susitna (RM 80) stations daily with a minimum catch limit established for sonar apportionment at 150 fish. At Sunshine (RM 80), Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations fishwheels were operated continuously, 24 hours per day. Variances from this schedule included shut-downs for routine maintenance, debris problems associated with flood events, and occasionally at Sunshine Station, shutdowns due to 1 a rge catches that could not always be processed due to safety and personnel constraints. 2.2.1.3 Tagging All fishwheel intercepted chinook (~ 351 mm length), sockeye, pink, chum and coho salmon at Sunshine (RM 80), Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations were tagged in 1982. Petersen disc tags, 2.5 em in diameter, were -12- used to tag chinook salmon (~ 351 mm length), and at the three stations. These tags were also used for marking sockeye, pink, chum and coho salmon at Curry Station. Floy FT-4 spaghetti tags were used to tag sockeye, pink, chum and coho salmon at Sunshine and Talkeetna stations (Plate 2-2-7). All tags were color coded by respective station and a subsample was numbered (Table 2-2-2) 0 Plate 2-2-7. Chum salmon tagged with Floy FT-4 numbered spaghetti tag, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Table 2-2-2. Tag type and color code used at Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Location f{l ver T a g Mile Type Color Sunshine Station 80 FT-4/Spaghetti Int. Orange Petersen Disc \~hi te Talkeetna Station 103 FT-4/Spaghetti Yellow Petersen Disc Yell ow Curry Station 120 Petersen Disc Int. Orange -13- The procedures that were fo 1 1 owed in 1982 for attaching Petersen disc and spaghetti tags on salmon are defined in the Phase I Final Draft Report, Adult Anadromous Fisheries Project, ADF&G/Su Hydro, 1981. All fish recaptured at upstream sampling stations were released following species identification and recording of tag type, color and number. 2.2.1.4 Age, Length and Sex Age, length and sex composition samples were collected daily in 1982 from all fishwheel intercepted chinook salmon and from 40 sockeye, 20 chum and 20 coho salmon at each sampling station. Pink salmon, all two year old fish, were sampled at a rate of 20 fish daily at each site. Age samples were obtained by removing the •preferred scale• located two rows above the lateral line on the diagonal between the posterior insertion of the dorsal fin to the anterior insertion of the anal fin. Sex was determined from morphologic characteristics. Fork length (FL) measurements were taken from mid-eye to fork of tail and recorded to the nearest five mm on all salmon except chinook salmon where recordings were made to the nearest 10 mm. Average processing time for age, length and sex sampling per fish ranged from 20 to 30 seconds. All fish were released immediately following sampling. 2.2.1.5 Radio Telemetry In 1982, sixteen chinook, 18 chum and 16 coho salmon were intercepted by fishwheels at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (Rt1 120) stations and implanted with radio transmitters according to the following schedule: -14- - - Chinook Salmon Chum Salmon Coho Salmon June 22 -July 15 July 30 -August 28 August 17 -August 29 Two additional chum salmon were radio tagged on August 22 at the entrance of Devil Canyon (RM 150.4). All transmitters and associated tracking equipment were developed by Smith- Root Incorporated, Vancouver, Washington. Fish selection, processing, transmitter insertion and telemetry procedures were similar to those used in 1981 (ADF&G/Su Hydro, 1981). Variances in 1982 were that no live weights were recorded, and antennas were anchored in chinook and chum salmon by inserting a #2 nickel coated beak hook in the dorsal gum of the mouth instead of along either side of the roof mid-line. The 1981 'heat-to-shrink' method of anchoring transmitter antennas on chum salmon was not used in 1982 (ADF&G, 1981 a). Transmitters implanted in coho salmon in 1982 incorporated a new technique developed by Su Hydro staff and termed the 'mohair modification'. In this procedure, two 0.6 em wide mohair strips of 'ski skin' were attached with waterproof, quick cure glue opposite each other and lengthwise on the transmitter with the mohair fibers pointing anteriorly. The mohair strips were positioned flush with the di sta 1 end of the transmitter and extended anteriorly to within 0.8 em of the antenna connection. Placement of radio antenna on coho sa 1 man was accompli shed by us·i ng the hook method defined above for chinook and chum salmon and alternatively using the 'wire modification' (ADF&G, 198la). -15- Radio tracking was conducted a minimum of three times weekly from fixed wing aircraft and waterbourne craft. Chinook salmon were tracked from June 22 through August 11; chum salmon were monitored from July 30 through October 4 and coho were tracked from August 17 through October 4. Fish locations were recorded to the nearest 0.1 river mile. 2.2.1.6 Lower Devil Canyon Gill Netting Two set net locations in the lower Devil Canyon (RM 150 -151) reach were each fished on an average of two hours weekly from August 7 to September 7 in 1982. One net location was at RM 150.4 and the second at RM 150.2. The standard gill net used measured 15.2 m long and 1.5 m deep with 13.3 em stretched mesh. The nearshore end of each net was staked to the bank and the offshore net end was held in place on a downstream arc by a single 35 pound Navy anchor. All fish caught were identified to species and released. 2.2.1.7 Stock Separation For stock separation purposes, age composition data was collected from all second run sockeye salmon caught in fishwheels at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations in July, August and September. The same data was collected from a sample of 200 second run sockeye salmon from the Tokositna River, tributary to the Chulitna River (RM 98.5) and the outlet stream of Larsen Lake, tributary to the Talkeetna River (RM 97.0) in mid August using a beach seine. The Statewide Biology Group of ADF&G, Commercial Fisheries Division, analyzed the samples for stock differences by procedures as defined in Appendix 2-H. -16- - - - ~' - - - - - - - 2.2.2 Spawning 2.2.2.1 Main Channel The main channel of the Susitna River was surveyed for spawning areas by three -two member crews based at Yentna (RM 04), Sunshine (RM 80) and Gold Creek (RM 136.7) stations in 1982. The geographic area of responsibility and survey period for each crew were as defined below: Yentna Crew Sunshine Crew RM 0.0 -RM 61.0 RM 61.0-RM 98.5 Gold Creek Crew RM 98.5-RM 151.0 August 1 -September 30 August -October 7 August 7 -October 7 The surveys were conducted by a combination of four methods: 1. Electroshockers, portable and boat mounted 2. Drift gill nets 3. Egg deposition pumps 4. Visual assessment The main gear used to sample for salmon spawning were boat mounted electrofishing units. Specific models used were the VVP -3C, VVP -3E and VVP -15 Coffelt electroshockers. Each boat mounted unit was powered by a 3500 watt Homelite generator. The operation of this gear was the same as defined in section 2.1.2 of this report. All portable or backpack shockers used were the Coffelt Model BP-IC. All drift gill nets deployed measured 15.2 m long and 1.5 m deep with a 13.3 em stretch mesh. Each egg deposition pump had a backpack mounted Model XLSl Homelite two cycle engine, water pump and a standing screen cod end net which sampled a 1,800 cm 2 area of substrate. -17- Nearly all main channel areas of the Susitna River were electrofished with boat mounted units. Shallow areas which prevented boat access were sampled by portable electroshockers and drift gill nets. Foot surveys were made in areas where water clarity allowed visual observation. Anadromous fish intercepted by drift net and electrofishing gear in main channel areas were not assumed to be spawning at the catch location unless the following criteria were met: l. 2. Fish exhibited spawning maturation colors and morphology. Fish expelled eggs or milt when slight pressure was exerted on the abdomen. 3. Fish were in vigorous condition, with 25 percent or more of the eggs or milt remaining in the body cavity. 4. Additional sampling effort produced fish meeting criteria 1 through 3 above. Fish observed on foot surveys were not assumed to be spawning at a specific location unless: (1) redds were discernible and (2) subsequent site sampling with an egg deposition pump produced eggs. 2.2.2.2 Sloughs and Streams All known Susitna River sloughs and streams between Chulitna River (RM 98.5) and De vi 1 Canyon ( RM 151) were surveyed weekly from August 3 to October 7, 1982. -18- - - - - - - - Streams in the Sus itna River reach north of RM 151 to De vi 1 Creek ( RM 161 ) were surveyed as time permitted from the first through fourth week of August. A single survey of all known sloughs and streams between RM 98.5 and 161 was made during the fourth week of October. All surveys were conducted by foot except for the occasional use of a helicopter and boat. Surveyors wore polaroid sunglasses and enumerated live and dead fish with hand held tally counters. Tag recovery counts were conducted north of RM 98.5 in conjunction with the scheduled escapement surveys. Tag recovery surveys were also performed south of RM 98.5 to RM 88 in pre-selected spawning areas when visibility conditions allowed accurate distinction between live tagged and untagged fish (Table 2-2-3). These surveys were conducted on foot with the number of live tagged and untagged fish by species recorded. Table 2-2-3. Survey schedule of selected spawning areas between RM 88 and Chulitna River (RM 98.5), Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Spawning Area Location JJ Period Frequency Birch Creek 88.4 8/7 -8/25 weekly (lower) 9/15 -9/28 weekly Fish Creek 97.1 8/15 -8/28 weekly Byers Creek 97.8 8/15 -9/7 weekly Troublesome Creek 97.8 8/27 -9/15 weekly Answer Creek 84.1 9/15 -9/28 weekly Question Creek 84.1 9/15 -9/28 weekly Cache Creek 95.4 9/15 -9/28 weekly Swan Creek 97.8 9/21 -9/28 once 1/ Confluence of spawning area or its receiving waters with Susitna River mainstem. -19- 2.2.2.2.1 Chinook Salmon Index Surveys Chinook salmon escapement index surveys were made in the Susitna River basin from July 12 through August 12 on all known and suspected spawning areas north of RM 98.5, and south of RM 98.5 on major streams with known spawning activity. Surveys conducted north of Talkeetna (RM 97.0) were performed by ADF&G Su Hydro Adult Anadromous Project personnel; surveys south of Talkeetna were conducted by ADF&G, Region II, Sport Fish Division staff with minor assistance from ADF&G Su Hydro personnel. Chinook salmon index surveys were performed either by foot or helicopter with observers wearing polaroid sunglasses and enumerating individual live and dead fish by hand held tally counters. 2.3 Bering Cisco 2.3.1 Main Channel Escapement Sampling for Bering cisco was done with fishwheels at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04), Sunshine (RM 80), Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations in conjunction with scheduled 1982 adult salmon operations. Additionally, at Sunshine Station the upper east bank fishwheel was operated 24 hours per day through October 1 in 1982 to sample Bering cisco. All fishwheel catches of Bering cisco were recorded and 20 age and length samples were collected daily when available at each sampling station. Average processing time per fish for age and length sampling was 20 seconds or less. All cisco were released after sampling. -20.:. - - - - - - - - ..... - - - - - - Age samples were collected by removing the 'preferred scale' as identified in report section 2.2.1.4. Lengths were taken from the tip of snout to fork of tail and recorded to the nearest mm. 2.3.2 Main Channel Spawning The main channel of the Susitna River was surveyed from RM 0.0 to RM 151.0 for Bering cisco spawning areas in 1982 using the same methods and schedule defined in report section 2.2.2.1. Sex composition samples were collected September 15 through October 13 from all Bering cisco intercepted in the main channel. Sex and spawning ripeness determinations were made by palpitation of the abdomen of each fish to induce milt or egg release. Females were considered ripe when slight abdominal pressure caused egg release. Males were judged to be ripe when a free release of milt occurred when minimal abdominal pressure was applied. 2.4 Data Analysis and Evaluation 2.4.1. Eulachon Length Data First and second run eul a chon 1 ength data were tested at the 95 percent confidence level to determine whether significant differences in lengths existed between fish sampled of the two runs. The two tests used were: 1. Students T test (Dixon and Massey, 1969); and 2. Mann-Whitney median test (Daniel, 1978). -21- 2.4.2 Salmon Tag and Recapture Escapement Estimates Chinook (> 350 mm length), sockeye, pink, chum and coho salmon escapements to Sunshine (RM 80), Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations were calculated according to the following formula (Ricker, 1975): where: lito N = (m+l)(c+l)/(r+l) m = Number of fish successfully marked= (number originally tagged)•(tag retention (R) factor) c = Total number of fish examined for marks (tags) during sampling census r = Total number of marked (tagged) fish observed during sampling census " N = Population estimate " The 95 percent confidence 1 imits around N were determined by using the formula (Dixon and Massey, 1969): r/c + 1.9~r/c (~-r/c) (r/c < r/c -1.9o/r/c (~-r/c) = .95 A r/c (1/m) < 1/N { r/c (1/m) upper lower Tag losses were estimated by data collected from repeated surveys in spawning areas where yisibil ity conditions permitted unrestricted identification of -22- - - - - t ! shed tags, tagged scarred fish (where applicable) and live tagged fish (Appendix Table 2-F-3). Computation of tag retention by tag type and tagging location was made through the following formula: where: where: T R = S + T T = Number of live tagged fish observed by tag type and tagging station. S = Number of shed tags by tag type and tagging station and or when applicable number of tagged scarred fish. R = Tag retention factor The formula used to estimate the number of chinook salmon length (FL) 350 mm and less migrating to Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations was: 1\ J = Nb e "' N = Population estimate for fish larger than 350 mm length (FL). b = number of fish intercepted at tagging location length (FL) 350 mm and less. -23- e = number of fish intercepted at tagging location larger than 350 mm length (FL). J = Population estimate of fish length (FL) 350 rnm and less. 2.4.3 Presentation of Salmon Escapement Estimates The SSS counts recorded at Susitna (RM 26) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations have been presented in this report as relative escapement estimates by species for the respective location. The rationale for classifying Susitna Station SSS counts as relative escapement estimates can be found in the 1982 Upper Cook Inlet Data Report, ADF&G, Soldotna, Alaska (Tarbox and King, in press). The basis for classifying Sunshine Station SSS counts in the same manner were: (1) the two sonar counters at Sunshine Station were sited in a braided, non-consolidated main channel reach (Appendix Figure 2-A-3); and electroshocking in the area of Sunshine Station established the presence of adult salmon in channels that were not monitored by SSS gear (Appendix Table 2-F-1); and (2) the two SSS counters at Sunshine Station were not sited directly across from each other (Appendix Figure 2-A-3); one counter was located off the far east bank of the river at RM 79 and the west bank sonar was sited off the far west bank of the river at RM 81; a number (unquantified) of fish probably crossed between the two SSS sites and were not counted or were counted twice. The SSS counts logged at Yentna Station (RM 04) have been reported as total escapement numbers to the Yentna River (RM 28). The basis for this decision -24- ....,, - - - - - - - - - - - - was that: (1} the SSS sector data, collected in 1981 and 1982 at Yentna Station indicated that no significant (~10%} fish passage occurred offshore of the counting ranges of either sonar (Appendix 2-B}; (2} the Yentna River at RM 04 was consolidated with no side channels; (3} the bottom profiles collected at both SSS locations indicated the two sonar substrates were in full contact with the river bottom (Appendix 2-B}; (4} the two SSS counters were nearly directly across from one another therein there was probably minimal, if any fish cross-over between the two sonar installations; and (5} no alternate or •better• escapement monitoring method in use on the Yentna River. A factor which should be considered when reviewing Yentna Station (RM 04} SSS counts was that the counts were apportioned by unadjusted fishwheel catch (relative abundance} data. Inasmuch as fishwheels have been shown to be species selective (Thompson and Barrett, in press}, the Yentna Station apportioned SSS counts may be biased. It is probable that the counts recorded at Yentna Station were over apportioned for pink salmon and under apportioned for chum salmon due to general selectivity of fishwheels for pink salmon and against chum salmon and the migrational overlap of the two species in timing at Yentna Station (Thompson and Barrett, in press}. The two SSS counters at Talkeetna Station (RM 103} were: (1} sited in a non-braided main channel reach; (2} sited off opposite banks nearly in direct line with one another (Appendix 2-A}; (3} sited where bottom profiles indicated that complete stream bed contact occurred with the sonar substrates (Appendix 2-B}; and {4} sited at a location on the main channel where the resultant sector distribution data did not indicate significant (~ 10%} fish -25- migration offshore of the two counting ranges (Appendix 2-B). Talkeetna Station SSS counts, however, were not used to report Susitna River escapement to RM 103 due to: ( 1) probab 1 e mi sapporti onment of the SSS counts due to fishwheel selectivity; and (2) an escapement estimate obtained by the Petersen method for RM 103 which was not biased by fishwheel selectivity. The Petersen population estimates have been reported as tota 1 escapement numbers by species. The estimates, however, do not represent just the number of fish by species that spawned above each of the particular tagging sites. Adult salmon milling activity occurs in the Susitna River main channel. It is common for adult salmon to migrate upstream beyond their respective spawning area and then descend and enter a system to spawn (Barrett 1974, Friese 1975). The Petersen population estimates presented in this report were the number of fish, by species, that migrated to the respective tagging sites. This includes the milling fish and the fish that spawned upstream. Six basic assumptions were made in calculating the Petersen population estimates for Sunshine (RM 80), Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations presented in this report. These assumptions listed in Began (1979) were: (1) fishwheel catches were random with respect to the population; (2) there was no mortality due to the tagging process; (3) tagged salmon had the same natural mortality as untagged salmon; (4) tagged salmon mixed randomly within the population; (5) tagged salmon were recognized during surveys; and (6) tag losses did not occur or were determined. Violation of one or more of these assumptions would bias toward an over estimate of the escapement. In an attempt to minimize this probability several preventive measurements were -26- - - - - - - - ·- - - - - .. followed. At Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations equal numbers of fishwheels were operated off each bank of the river. All wheels were operated at the same efficiency from the beginning of the season to the end. Only fish in robust conditions were tagged. Fish which appeared stressed or were lethargic were not tagged. Sampling for tag recoveries was continuous through the spawning period and was not conducted closer than five miles to the tagging location to insure random mixing of tagged and untagged fish. Tag losses were monitored and numbers adjusted to account for losses {Appendix Table 2-F-3). And lastly, tag recovery surveys were conducted only when survey conditions permitted unrestricted visibility to insure accurate distinction between tagged and untagged fish. The 1981 and 1982 Petersen population estimates reported for Sunshine (RM 80), Talkeetna (RM 103} and Curry {RM 120} stations should be considered quite reliable or •good' for estimating the salmon escapements at these locations. Exceptions in the 1981 Petersen population estimates were: {l) the pink salmon estimate for Talkeetna Station which was •average•; and (2) the pink salmon and coho salmon estimates for Curry Station which were •poor• and 'less than poor• respectively. The 1982 exceptions were: {1} the chinook and coho salmon escapement estimates for Ta ·1 keetna Station which both were •average•; and (2} the Curry Station chinook and coho salmon estimates which were •average• and •poor• respectively. These ratings were based on a 95 percent confidence interval of 20 percent, 40 percent and 60 percent of the estimated value for ratings of •good', 'average• and •poor', respectively (Cousens et al., 1982} • -27- 2.4.4. Calculation of Main Channel Escapement Timing Escapement timing by species was determined for each of the main channel stations through interpretation of fishwheel catch rate data wherein the migration was defined to have 'started', 'reached a midpoint• and 'ended' on the date when 5.0 percent, 50.0 percent and 95.0 percent respectively of the cumulative daily mean hourly fishwheel catch was attained at the respective station. 2.4.5 Age Determination Age determination was made by standard scale analysis techniques using a portable microfiche reader. Age classes were described using the Gilbert-Rich notation. By this notation, age s2 fish are those fish which return to spawn in their fifth year of life having migrated or smolted from freshwater to the marine environment in their second year of 1 ife after having spent one winter rearing in fresh water. -28- - -I - - - - - 3.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 3.1 Eul a chon 3.1 .1. Estuary Eulachon were intercepted on the first day fished with set gill nets in the estuary on May 16, 1982. This was also the day the Susitna River main channel was first ice-free. The catch of eulachon per net minute (CPUE) fished on May 16 was 1.1 pre-spawners (Table 2-3-1). From May 17 through May 22 the catches in the estuary were relatively stable with CPUE•s recorded between 1.2 and 1.5 eulachon. Over the next eight days eulachon catches declined to a 0.1 CPUE on May 30. A second run of eulachon entered the Susitna River estuary on or about June 1, 1982 (Table 2-3-1). On June 2, a CPUE of 17.9 pre-spawning eulachon was recorded, a 17,900 percent increase over the 0.1 CPUE recorded three days earlier. On June 5 and 7 CPUE values were 2.6 and 2.5 eulachon, respectively. The migration of second run eulachon was over by June 9 based on a recorded CPUE on that date of 0.0 eulachon. Second run eulachon were approximately 4.5 times more abundant than first run fish, as determined by set net catch data reported in Table 2-3-1. Eulachon set net catches in the estuary and water temperatures recorded at RM 26 are graphed in Figure 2-3-1. There is no correlation 'apparent between the two variables. -29- Table 2-3-1. Eulachon set net catches in Susitna River estuary, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Tide Y Location Fishing Time Y Eulachon Catch Time Y Site No. '}j R~1 y Net Total Pre-Post-5/ Date Ht. In Out Min. Spawners Spawners Total C.P.U.E. - 5/16 22.6 1214 1 4.0 1320 1350 30 42 0 42 1.1 5/16 22.6 1214 2 4.5 1200 1230 30 24 0 24 5/17 23.0 1333 1 4.0 1248 1322 34 72 0 72 1.5 5/17 23.0 1333 2 4.5 1348 1418 30 22 0 22 5/19 27.8 0344 1 4.0 0257 0327 30 47 0 47 1.2 5/19 27.8 0344 2 4.5 0359 0429 30 27 0 27 5/20 28.0 1642 1 4.0 1557 1627 30 31 0 31 1.4 I 5/20 28.0 1642 2 4.5 1704 1734 30 50 0 50 w c I 5/22 31.5 0532 1 4.0 0447 0517 30 60 0 60 1.3 5/22 31.5 0532 2 4.5 0546 0614 28 15 0 15 5/23 30.8 1906 1 4.0 1821 1852 31 38 8 46 0.7 5/23 30.8 1906 2 4.5 1921 1951 30 7 18 25 5/26 32.0 0825 1 4.0 0740 0810 30 32 1 33 1.0 5/26 32.0 0825 2 4.5 0840 0910 30 25 15 40 5/28 28.7 1014 1 4.0 0929 1000 31 2 3 5 0.4 5/28 28.7 1014 2 4.5 1029 1059 30 24 48 72 5/30 25.4 1245 1 4.0 1200 1230 30 1 4 5 0.1 5/30 25.4 1245 2 4.5 1300 1330 30 6 23 29 6/2 28.6 0344 1 4.0 0259 0303 4 98 1 99 17.9 6/2 28.6 0344 2 4.5 0359 0403 4 45 0 45 ] .I -J J - -J ) . i ] ] ] Table 2-3-1. Continued. I k5 I ] II 10 9 8 ..... w z 7 ...... w 1- :::> 6 z :::t ...... J:5 0 1- <{ 0 4 3 2 I I I I I I I I ~---1 --.. I \ . \ I \ I \ I \ I \ I \ I \ I \ I \ I ' I I I I I DATE Catch------ Temp.-0 0 0 Tidal Hgt.-- - - Graphs Smoothed by: a+ ~b+c ----- 32 31 30 29:.? .... ..... 28~ LLJ J: 27 LLJ Q ..... 26 J: (!) J: 24 23 22. 10 9 8 0 <..> 7- 0... ::E LLJ 6 ..... a:: LLJ 1- 5<! ~ 4 3 2 Figure 2-3-1. Mean number of pre-spawning eulachon intercepted per net minute in the Susitna River estuary and corresponding high tid~ ranges and temperatures, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. J The first run of eulachon (May 16-30) entered the estuary at high tides ranging from 22.6 to 32.9 feet. The second run (June 1-8) entered the estuary at high tides ranging from 25.5 to 29.4 feet. A plot of daily high tide levels and eulachon catches as provided in Figure 2-3-1 does not indicate a correlation between the two variables. Post-spawning condition eulachon were first intercepted in the estuary May 23 when 26 fish were caught in 61 net minutes (Table 2-3-1 and Plate 2-3-1.). Five days 1 ater on May 28 the catches peaked and then began a decline. An i nseason 1 ow was reached on June 2. Catches then began to increase and on June 7 a season high was reached when 211 post-spawners were caught in 60 net minutes. By June 9 the catch had dropped to one-tenth the June 7 catch. Based on these catch patterns two distinct downstream movements of Plate 2-3-1. Eulachon escapement sampling with gill net at Susitna River mile 4.5. -33- post-spawners occurred between May 23 and June 9. The first movement occurred between May 23 and June 2, and the second began June 5 and ended on June 9, approximately. 3.1.2 Main Channel The results of sampling the Susitna River main channel from the estuary to RM 53.8 for eulachon presence, spawning condition and sex composition are summarized in Tables 2-3-2 and 2-3-4 (Plates 2-3-2 and 2-3-3). The first run of eulachon which entered the estuary between May 16 and May 30 began spawning in the Susitna River mainstem on or about May 21 in 1982 (Tables 2-3-2 and 2-3-3). Spawning by first run fish was essentially over by May 31. The furthest point first run fish ascended was RM 40.5, approximately (Table 2-3-2). The majority of the spawning occurred below RM 28.1 (Table 2-3-4 and Figure 2-3-2). The second run of eulachon which passed through the estuary between June 1 and June 8, 1982 first initiated main channel spawning on or about June 4. Spawning by second run fish was essentially over by June 9 (Table 2-3-3). The upper limit of migration of second run fish in the Susitna River was approximately RM 48.0 (Table 2-3-2). The majority of the second run fish spawned below RM 28.1 (Table 2-3-4). Both first and second run eul achon entered the Yentna River (RM 28). The extent and nature of their migration in the Yentna River was not determined in accordance with the Phase II project scope. -34- - Plate 2-3-2. Plate 2-3-3. Electroshocking the Susitna River for eulachon, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Eulachon escapement sampling with dipnet at Susitna River mile 4.5, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. -35- I w 0'1 I Date ~/lo 5!17 5/18 5/18 5/18 5/19 5/19 5/20 5/?.0 5/20 5/20 5/20 5/21 5/21 5/21 5/21 5/21 5/21 5/21 5/21 5/21 5/21 5/21 5/21 5/21 5/22 5/23 5/23 5/23 5/23 5/24 5/?.4 5/24 5/?.4 5/24 5/24 5/24 5/24 5/24 River 11il e 4.~ 4.5 25.5 28.0 25 .5 4.5 25.5 4.5 36.7 40.4 40.5 40.8 25.5 46.9 47.0 47.1 48.4 48.5 48.8 48.9 49.0 49.4 49.5 49.0-49.8 49.1-49.3 25.5 16.3-16.5 20.1 21.9 22.0 25.5 27.8-28 .2 33.3 33.9-34 .?. 35.7 36.9 38.3 40.0 40.3 Presence and spawning condition of eulachon in Susitna River mainstem, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Sampling!/ Eulachon Sampl ingl/ Method Spawning Condition Date River Method 0/tl Elect. Present Pre. Post.Y Mile DIN Elect. Present X X X S/74 4-o-.--s-X X X X 5/24 43.3 X X X X 5/25 25.5 X X X X X 5/25 26.4-26.5 X X X X X 5/25 27.0 X X X X X X 5/25 30.7-31.0 X X X X 5/25 28.7-29.2 X X X X 5/25 30.4-30.5 X X X X X 5/26 4.5 X X X X X 5/26 7.5 X X X X 5/26 8.5 X X X 5/26 10.8 X X X X X 2 5/26 13.5 X X X 5/26 16.3 X X X 5/26 18.3 X X X 5/26 19.5 X X X 5/26 22.5 X X X 5/27 22.5 X X X 5/28 16.3 X X X 5/28 18.5 X X X 5/28 25.5 X X X 5/29 27.0 X X X 5/29 36.6-36.7 X X 5/29 43.0-43.6 X X 5/29 43.6-43.7 X X X X 3 5/29 43.7-43.8 X X X X 3 5/29 44.5 X X X X 2 5/29 46.6 X X X X 5/29 48.8-48.9 X X X X 5/29 48.9 X X X X 2 5/29 52.9 X X 5/29 53.0 X X 5/30 19.8 X X X 5/30 16.3 X X X 5/30 18.5 X X X 5/30 2?..8 X X X 5/30 24.8 X X X 5/31 25.5 X X X X 5/31 25.8 X X Eulachon Spawning Condition Pre. Post.Y X 3 X 3 X 3 X 3 X 3 X 1 X 1 X 3 X 3 X 3 X 1 X 1 X 3 X 3 X 3 X 3 X 3 X 1 X 3 X 1 X 1 X 1 I w -...,J I l l l ] Table 2-3-2. Continued. Sampl ingjj Eulachon Samplingl/ Date River Method Spawn1ng Cona1t1on Date River Method Mile 0/N Elect. Present Pre. Post • .Y Mile 0/N Elect. 5/31 Z!>.l:l-Zb.U X X X 3 ~~: 4l:l.U X 5/31 26.5 X X 49.1 X 6/l 16.3 X X X 1 6/4 53.1 X 6/1 18.5 X X X 6/4 50.7-50.9 X 6/l 19.5 X X X 6/5 9.5 X 6/1 21.0 X X X 3 6/5 15.0 X 6/1 21.0 X X X 3 6/5 25.5 X 6/1 25.5 X X X 1 6/5 27.9 X 6/2 25.5 X X X 1 6/5 31.0 X 6/2 30.1 X X X 1 6/5 31.8 X 6/2 36.8 X X X 1 6/6 15.0 X 6/2 41.4 X X X 1 6/6 16.3 X 6/2 45.8 X X X 1 6/6 25.5 X 6/2 47.9 X X X 1 6/7 35.5 X 6/2 48.7 X 6/7 45.6 X 6/2 50.4 X 6/7 45.9 X 6/3 25.5 X X X 2 6/7 47.3 X 6/3 36.8 X X X 1 6/7 47.4 X 6/3 38.4 X X X 1 6/7 49.2 X 6/3 41.4 X X X 1 6/7 49.7 X 6/3 44.0 X X X 1 6/7 50.8 X 6/3 45.0 X 6/8 18.3 X 6/3 45,7 X 6/8 20.0 X 6/3 46.0 X 6/8 21.7 X 6/3 49.1 X 6/8 31.2 X 6/3 49.2 X 6/8 31.3 X 6/3 53.8 X 6/8 32.4 X 6/4 25.5 X X X 1 6/8 34.6 X 6/4 36.8 X X X 1 6/8 34.9 X 6/4 41.4 X X X 6/8 35.0 X 6/4 45.0 X X X 3 6/8 36.1 X 6/4 45.8 X 6/8 36.7 X 6/4 47.8 X 6/9 15.0 X l/D/N ~ Dip Net; Elect. = Electrufishing y 1 = Male post spawners presP.nt; 2 = Female post spawners present; 3 = Male and fP.malP. post spawners present 1 . -l Eulachon Spawning Cond1t1on PrP.sent Pre. Post.l/ X X ~ X X 3 X X 3 X X 3 X X 3 X X 1 X X 1 X X 3 X X 3 X X 3 X X 3 X X 1 X X 3 X X 1 X X 2 X X 1 X X 3 Table 2-3-3. Sex compos1tion and spawning condition of eulachon sampled at various Susitna River locations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Spawning Condition ·~ Number (%) Date Location Sample Sex Ratio Males Females (R.~~.) Y Size Males Females (M:F) Pre. Post. Pre. Post. 5/16 4.5 110 74 36 2.1:1 100 0 100 0 5/17 4.5 173 98 75 1.3:1 100 0 100 0 5/18 25.5 11 9 2 4.5:1 5/18 28.0 53 42 11 3.8:1 5/18 28.5 106 85 21 4.1:1 5/19 4.5 103 51 52 1.0:1 100 0 100 0 5/19 25.5 117 61 56 1.1:1 5/20 4.5 151 82 69 1. 2:1 100 0 100 0 5/20 36.7 47 37 10 3.7:1 100 0 100 0 5/20 40.4 8 6 2 3.0:1 100 0 100 0 5/20 40.5 16 12 4 3.0:1 100 0 100 0 5/21 25.5 360 211 149 1.4:1 100 0 98.0 2.0 5/22 25.5 100 42 58 0.7:1 92.9 7.1 84.5 15.5 5/23 20.5 119 22 97 0.2:1 100 0 88.7 11.3 5/23 21.9 144 132 12 11.0:1 5/23 16.3 148 112 36 3.1:1 96.4 3.6 94.4 5.6 5/24 25.5 139 87 52 1. 7:1 100 0 53.9 46.1 5/25 25.5 104 80 24 3.3:1 76.2 23.8 79.2 20.8 5/25 27.0 356 352 4 88.0:1 92.3 7.7 75. 25 5/25 26.5 84 78 6 13.0:1 79.5 20.5 50 50 5/26 4.5 114 52 62 0.8:1 94.2 5.8 88.7 11.3 5/26 8.5 32 10 22 0.5:1 90 10 59.1 40.9 5/26 10.8 66 34 32 1.1:1 91.2 8.8 96.9 3.1 5/26 13.15 15 12 3 4.0:1 66.7 33.3 100 0 5/26 16.35 203 119 84 1. 4:1 88.2 11.8 100 0 5/26 18.3 222 200 22 9.1:1 85.5 14.5 95.5 4.5 5/26 19.5 112 92 20 4.6:1 56 44 80 20 5/26 22.5 100 49 51 1. 0:1 75.5 24.5 98 2 5/27 25.5 105 40 65 0.6:1 47.5 52.5 100 0 5/28 16.3 105 73 32 2.3:1 38.4 61.6 100 0 5/28 18.5 115 113 2 56.5:1 70.8 29.2 50 50 5/28 25.5 145 77 68 1.1:1 84.4 15.6 91.2 8.8 5/29 27.0 244 236 8 29.5:1 80.1 19.9 50 50 5/30 22.8 73 38 35 1.1:1 65.8 34.2 97.1 2.9 5/30 24.8 10 10 0 40 60 5/30 16.3 103 92 11 8.4:1 68.5 31.5 90.9 9.1 5/30 18.5 117 117 0 83.8 16.2 5/30 19.8 25 16 9 1.8:1 68.7 31.3 33.3 66.7 5/31 25.5 65 59 6 9.8:1 5/31 26.5 124 123 1 123.0:1 5/31 25.8 46 45 1 45.0:1 80 20 100 0 5/31 25.9 45 43 2 21.5:1 . 48.8 51.2 0 100 -38- - - - ~Table 2-3-3. Continued. Date Location Sample Number (R.M.) 1./ Size Males Females - F"" I I 6/1 16.3 486 255 6/1 18.5 214 112 6/1 19.5 209 112 6/1 21.0 259 174 6/1 21.0 265 174 6/1 25.5 143 103 6/2 25.5 109 55 6/2 30.1 179 84 6/2 36.8 104 49 6/2 41.4 236 105 6/2 45.8 6 3 6/2 47.9 17 9 6/3 25.5 216 106 6/3 36.8 155 93 6/3 38.4 3 2 6/3 -41.4 139 71 6/3 6/4 6/4 6/4 6/4 6/4 6/5 6/5 6/5 6/5 6/5 6/5 6/6 6/6 6/6 6/7 6/7 6/8 6/8 6/8 6/8 6/9 44.0 143 85 36.8 156 85 41.4 136 88 25.5 187 111 45.0 147 106 48.0 145 99 9.5 156 71 15.0 104 82 25.5 167 68 27.9 177 112 31.0 145 72 31.8 193 92 15.0 314 288 16.3 212 142 25.5 143 85 35.5 161 98 47.3 17 15 18.3 150 144 20 94 90 21.7 62 59 31.2 7 5 15.0 156 145 River Mile Pre-spawning condition: gravid Post-spawning condition: spent 231 102 97 85 91 40 54 95 55 131 3 8 110 62 1 68 58 71 48 76 41 46 85 22 99 65 73 101 26 70 58 63 2 6 4 3 2 11 Spawning Condition ~ {%) Sex Ratio Males Females (M:F) Pre. Post. Pre. Post. 1.1:1 98.8 1.2 100 1.1:1 98.2 1.8 100 1. 2:1 100 0 100 0 2.1:1 97.1 2.9 98.8 1.2 1. 9:1 97.1 2.9 98.9 1.1 2.6:1 97.1 2.9 100 0 1.0:1 96.4 3.6 100 0 0.9:1 100 0 100 0 0.9:1 100 0 100 0 0.8:1 100 0 100 0 1.0:1 100 0 100 0 1.1:1 1.0:1 100 0 98.2 1.8 1. 5:1 100 0 100 0 2.0:1 1. 0:1 100 0 100 0 1. 5:1 100 0 100 0 1. 2:1 95.3 4.7 100 0 1.8:1 100 0 100 0 1. 5:1 100 0 100 0 2.6:1 99.1 0.9 97.6 2.4 2.2:1 100 0 97.8 2.2 0.8:1 33.8 66.2 70.6 29.4 3.7:1 85.4 14.6 86.4 13.Q 0.7:1 75.0 25.0 76.7 30.3 1. 7:1 77.7 22.3 32.3 67.7 1.0:1 0.9:1 11.1:1 81.6 18.4 61.5 38.5 2.0:1 82.4 17.6 92.9 7.1 1. 5:1 44.7 55.3 55.2 44.8 1.6:1 63.3 36.7 95.2 4.8 7.5:1 0 100 100 0 24.0:1 51.4 48.6 83.3 16.7 22.5:1 48.9 51.1 100 19.7:1 0 100 66.7 33.3 2.5:1 13.2:1 26.9 73.1 0 100 -39- RM Bell lsland--+--t- RM • = 5 RIVER MILES Figure 2-3-2. Lower Susitna River reach from estuary to Sheep Creek, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. -40- - - P'~ Table 2-3-4. Incidence of eulachon in Susitna River by date and river mile sector, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. ..... River Eulachon Periodicity Y Mile Sector May June 18 19 20 21 22• 23 24 25 26 2i 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 5.1-7.0 7.1-9.0 ± 9.1-11.0 ± ± 11.1-13.0 -13.1-15.0 + ± ± ± 15.1-17.0 ± + + ± + ± ~-17.1-19.0 ± ± + + ± 19.1-21.0 ± ± ± ± + """' 21.1-22.0 + ± 22.1-24.0 ± ± -24.1-26.0 + + ± ± ± ± + ± + ± + + ± + ± ± 26.1-28.0 + I ± + ± + ± 28.1-30.0 + I ,..~ 30.1-32.0 I + + + 32.1-34.0 I I 34.1-36.0 I ± I 36.1-38.0 + I + + + I 38.1-40.0 I + 40.1-42.0 + + + + ~'-'!-.~_ 42.1-44.0 I + 44.1-46.0 I + + ± I 46.1-48.0 I I + ± + -48.1-50.0 I I I I I I 50.1-52.0 I I I 52.1-54.0 I I I ,.,., y Periodicity Code: + = Present ± = Pre and post spawning condition eulachon present ~ I = Absent -41- Spawning occurred in the Susitna River at water temperatures ranging from 3.0 to 9.5°C as recorded at RM 26 in 1982 (Figure 2-3-3). The lower limits of spawning in the Susitna River of first and second run eulachon were not established but can be estimated to be somewhere between RM 4.5 and 8.5 (Table 2-3-2). The 1982 Susitna River eulachon migration was comprised of age 31 and 41 fish based on 496 age samples (Table 2-3-5). First run males sampled were 73.6 percent age 31 and 26.4 percent age 41 • First run fema 1 e eul achon sampled were 88.5 percent age 31 and 11.5 percent age 41 (Figure 2-3-4). Second run eulachon males sampled were 76.7 and 23.3 percents age 31 and 41 , respectively. Second run females sampled had identical age composition as second run males sampled at 76.7 percent age 31 and 23.3 percent age 41. Table 2-3-5. Age composition of male and female Susitna River eulachon in percent by sampling period, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Male Female Sampling Sample Age Sample Age Period Size 3 yr. lJ yr. Size 3 yr. 4 yr. 5/16 -5/31 159 73.6 26.4 157 88.5 11.5 6/1 -6/9 90 76.7 23.3 90 76.7 23.3 Length (TL) and associated weight data collected from first and second run eulachon during 1982 are presented in Table 2-3-6. Mean 1 ength and weight of rna 1 e first and second run eul a chon sampled were 214.3 mm and 74.0 g, and 217.6 mm and 75.9 g, respectively. females sampled averaged 209.7 mm in length and 69.2 g in weight. females averaged 213.0 mm and 70.1 g. -42- First run Second run .~ - '~ d'''" 10 -(.) 8 ~ LLI 0:: 6 :::J ~ ., 0:: 4 ~., LLI a. :E LLI 2 """" ~ 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 -MAY 10 -~~ (.) 8 a. LLI 0:: 6 :::J ~ <[ 0:: 4 L!J a.. .-.. :E LLI 2 1- """" 25 I JUNE l,, 10 -(.) 0 -LLI 0:: :::J 6 1- <[ a:: LLI 4 a. ~ UJ 1- f'~c 3 4 !5 6 7 8 9 10 II JUNE f'!"~. (OC) Figure 2-3-3. Daily temperature data by six hour increments for main channe 1 Susitna River at RM 26, May 16 -June 10, 1982, Adult Anadromous Investigations, -Su Hydro Studies, 1982. -43- 100 90 80 a 10 uJ ~ 60 ~ 0 d uJ a:: u.. ?fl 50 40 30 20 10 (a.) (c.) Figure 2-3-4. MALE EULACHON 5/16-5/31 n = !59 MALE EULACHON 6/1 -6/g n = 90 0 uJ a:: u.. ~ 4 0 (b.) (d.) FEMALE EULACHON 5/16-5/31 n = 157 FEMALE EULACHON 6/J-6/g n= 90 Age composition of (a-b) first period 5/16-5/31 intercepted male and female eu1achon and (c-d) second period 6/l-6/9 intercepted male and female eulachon, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. -44- - - ,... <'ll'<ll ~- I ..j:::. 01 I l Table 2-3-6. Eulachon length and weight data collected by age, sex and sampling period, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Lenqth (mml l•Jeiqht (q) Sample Sample Ranqe 95% Conf. Sample Ranqe 95~b Conf. Age Sex Period Size Limits He an Limits Y Mediiln Size Limits Mean Limits Y 3 M 5/16-5/31 117 180-230 212.7 210.7-214.7 215.0 109 44.60-102.40 71.73 69.53-73.9?. 3 F 5/16-5/31 139 174-234 209.0 207,0-211.2 209.0 132 36.90-99.?.0 68.60 66.31-70.P.9 3 M 6/l-6/9 69 192-238 216.1 213.7-218.4 216.0 69 48.70-95.15 74.40 71.87-76.92 3 F 6/1-6/9 69 197-226 212.3 210.9-213.8 213.0 69 45.00-87.05 68.80 66.58-71.02 4 M 5/16-5/31 42 202-235 218.3 216.0-220.6 219.5 40 59.90-99.80 79.65 76.37-82.93 4 F 5/16-5/31 18 202-229 216.3 212.6-220.0 217.5 17 47.60-93.00 75.46 69.48-81.44 4 M 6/l-6/9 21 210-234 222.5 219.8-225.3 223.0 21 65.65-90.80 80.70 77.15-84.43 4 F 6/l-6/9 21 195-230 215.1 210.4-219.8 215.0 21 53.00-92.30 74.17 68.56-79.78 Unclassified Y M 5/16-5/31 160 180-235 214.3 212.6-215.9 216.5 150 44.60-102.40 73.96 72.06-75.86 Unclassified Y F 5/16-5/31 158 174-234 209.7 207.8-211.7 210.0 150 36.90-99.20 69.18 67.01-71.35 Unclassified Y M 6/l-6/9 90 192-238 217.6 215.6-219.5 218.0 90 48.70-95.15 75.89 73.73-78,04 Unclassified Y F 6/l-6/9 90 195-230 213.0 211.4-214.5 213.0 90 45.00-92.30 70.05 67.91-72.19 Unclassified Y 11 5/16-6/9 250 180-238 215.4 214.2-216.7 217.0 240 44.60-102.40 74.68 73.26-76.11 Unclassified '!:._/ F 5/16-6/9 248 74-234 210.9 209.6-212.3 211.0 240 36.90-99.20 69.51 67.95-71,07 y Confidence limits ~I Includes composite of aqe 3 and 4 year old eulachon. Median 73.00 69.70 73.60 69.45 79.40 75.70 83.35 76.40 75.23 70.03 75.30 70.43 75.23 70.23 First run eulachon segregated by sex and age were smaller in length (TL) than same age and sex second run eulachon sampled (Table 2-3-6). An exception was the age four females which did not have statistically different lengths at the 95 percent confidence level. The differences in length between same age and sex first and second run fish cannot fully be explained by a difference in marine rearing time which averaged less than 10 days based on the difference in estuary timing. Two reasons for this are: (1) a 3.3 mm to 4.2 mm mean length difference between same age and sex first and second run fish, which was determined to be significant by Student 1 s 11 t 11 and Mann-Whitney tests; and (2) age 41 fish sampled with one additional growth year averaged only a six mm larger length than age 31 fish sampled. If the recorded differences in length of age 31 fish were due solely to 10 additional days of marine rearing time, it would have been reasonable to expect that the age 41 eulachon sampled would have been significantly larger in length than observed. It can therefore be postulated that the length differences observed between first and second run, age 31 eulachon may have been due to other factors including possible differences in genetics and marine rearing areas. Male to female eulachon ratios, non-segregated to run timing or age, ranged from 0.2:1 to 123:1 from 80 samples of 10,547 eulachon (Table 2-3-3). Male eulachon outnumbered female eulachon in 94.7 percent of the samples. Highest male to female ratios were recorded in samples comprised of post-spawning fish (Table 2-3-3). The maturation data collected in conjunction with sex composition sampling, indicate that individual , male eulachon spawn over a several day period -46- -· - - whereas individual female eulachon spawn shortly after ripening and generally within one day (Table 2-3-3). It was also interpreted that individual male eulachon did not outmigrate or die immediately after spawning but remained in the river several days thereafter. Individual female eulachon, in contrast, either outmigrated immediately or died within approximately one day following culmination of spawning. These differences were further supported by post-spawning condition male and female eulachon intercepted in the estuary and main channel. The post-spawning males characteristically had severely frayed pectoral and pelvic fins and a dull body coloration or absence of sheen while the females had not lost their spawning coloration or sheen and showed no visual signs of fin erosion. The difference in male and female eulachon spawning life as earlier defined would explain why male eulachon sampled were substantially more abundant than female eulachon sampled once spawning began (Tables 2-3-3 and 2-3-7). A near true sex ratio of Susitna River eulachon would therefore likely be reflected in samples collected prior to significant spawning. Given this conclusion, 1982 first run male to female eulachon ratio was 1.6:1 based on samples from May 16 through May 20 (Table 2-3-3). Comparatively, the male to female ratio of second run eulachon was 1.3:1 from samples from June 1 through June 4. Nearly all the male eulachon that were sampled in the Susitna River between RM 4.5 and 48.0 were found to be either ripe (freely expelling milt) or in the post-spawning condition (Tables 2-3-2 and 2-3-3). In comparison, the females intercepted were generally all in pre-spawning condition with few in post-spawning condition and even fewer in actual spawning condition -47- - Table 2-3-7. Sex ratios 11 of Susitna River eulachon recorded by river mile sector and date, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. River Mile Sector Date 0-5.1-10.1-15.1-20.1-25.1-30.1-35.1-40.1-45.1- 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0 40.0 45.0 50.0 May -16 2.1:1 17 1.3:1 ·-18 3.6:1 19 1.0:1 1.1:1 20 1. 2:1 3.7:1 3.0:1 ~~ 21 1.4:1 22 0.7:1 23 3.1:1 1. 2:1 24 1. 7:1 ~ 25 8.6:1 26 0.8:1 0.5:1 1. 9:1 3.3:1 1. 0:1 27 0.6:1 28 5.2:1 1.1:1 29 29.5:1 ~· 30 5.4:1 3.2:1 31 21.9: 1 ~ June 1 1.1:1 1.4:1 2.6:1 -2 1.0:1 0.9:1 0.9:1 0.8:1 1.1:1 3 1.0:1 1. 6:1 1. 2:1 ~.i 4 1. 5:1 1. 2:1 2.2:1 2.2:1 5 0.8:1 3.7:1 1.1:1 0.9:1 6 11.1:1 2.0:1 1. 5:1 ~ 7 1. 5:1 7.5:1 8 23.3:1 19.6:1 2.5:1 ~I 9 13.2:1 .....,, 1/ Male: Female -· ' -48- - (freely expelling eggs). Given the problem of not being able to collect a significant number of female eulachon freely expelling eggs at any specific location, and the relative scarcity of post-spawning condition females, an inseason decision was made to define where spawning was occurring by the presence of eggs in substrate samples. Samples were collected over a variety of suspected spawning areas and only an occasional egg was found. Eggs that were located were opaque and comparable in size to large grains of sand and adhesive to debris and sand particles, all of which made their identification nearly impossible with equipment available. An attempt was made to make the eggs more eye visible by addition of a dye. In a test, several substrate samples containing planted eulachon eggs were mixed in various Rit dye concentrations. The results did not prove useful. Having been unsuccessful --in classifying spawning habitat by the previous methods, a final criteria was chosen which was that if a location were a spawning area a single sample would contain both ripe and spent (post spawning condition) female eulachon in conjunction with male eulachon. It was this criteria that was used to report general spawning habitat characteristics presented below. Areas in which 1982 electroshock and dip net sampling did not produce suspected spawning eulachon were clear water streams zones, and semi-placid main channel areas including Spawning preference areas were near cut banks and and their mixing slough habitats. where the bottom composition included unconsolidated sand and gravels, and riffle zones or bars with relatively moderate velocity (0.2 -0.6 m/sec) and unconsolidated sands and gravels. -49- Total 1982 Susitna River eulachon escapement was not empirically calculated. However, from carcass observations the 1982 escapement was estimated to be in the range of millions of fish (Plate 2-3-4). Plate 2-3-4. Eulachon carcasses located at RM 15.0, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Total 1982 eulachon sport catch from unrecorded staff observations was estimated at 3,000 to 5,000 fish. Sport fishing mainly occurred between RM 10 and 30 including the Yentna River (RM 28). The only gear observed being used by sport fisheries was hand held dip nets. -50- 3.2 Adult Salmon 3.2.1 Chinook Salmon 3.2.·1.1 Estuary to Talkeetna 3.2.1.1.1 Main Channel Escapement At Yentna (RM 04) and Susitna (RM 26) stations, fishwheels and SSS counters were operational on June 27 and July 1, 1982, respectively, which was after ~· the majority of the chinook salmon had already past these locations (ADF&G, 1982). A total of 925 chinook salmon were counted over the SSS counters at Susitna Station (RM 26) from July 1 to September 5 and there was 25 chinook salmon caught in the fishwheels between these dates (Tables 2-3-8 and 2-3-9). On the Yentna River (RM 28) at Yentna Station (RM 04) 493 chinook salmon were -counted from June 27 to September 5, 1982. Approximately 80 percent of the 127 chinook salmon caught with fishwheels at Yentna Station occurred on the south side of the river. The highest daily fishwheel catch at the station was made on July 1, 1982. The chinook salmon migration was essentially over by July 8 at Yentna Station based on fishwheel catches (Figure 2-3-5). Table 2-3-8. Sampling Location Susitna Station Yentna Station Sunshine Station Talkeetna Station Apportioned sonar counts of chinook salmon by sampling location, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Sonar Operating Chinook Salmon Period Counted 1 July -5 September 925 27 June - 5 September 1,193 6 July -12 September 2,924 4 July -14 September 2,850 -51- ..J w 1&1 I ~ ....... a: ::::> 0 .35 .25 :J: • 15 ....... I Ul 1&. .0~ 7.7 ..J5.5 1&1 1&1 :X: 3: ....... 0::: ::::> 0 :X: ....... 33 :x:· (,/) 1&. I.J 1 1 10 ~ JUNE I 10 -E(:-----J UN E Figure 2-3-5. . . . • (J) N N . .. .. . . . . . · .. f I"· . I I ... • • 10 1'- JULY YENTNA STAT ION North Bank • • • • • • • • • • South Bank {Smoothed by at2btc} 4 ..!. ~ ' CJ) . . . . . AUG, -------------/ SUNSHINE STATION East Bank • • • • • • • • • West Bank (Smoothed I ID 100 90 75 by a+2b+c ) I 4 ~ 0 I I I I I I . I ·I ~ . . . . . CD ' 1'- I 10 Cumulative 0/o---- (J) I CD ----~~-----JULY ----...;')~"(~--AUG.--...;'>~ DATE 60 45 30 15 Mean hourly and cumulative percent fishwheel catch of chinook salmon by two day peripds at Yentna and Sunshine stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. -52- 1&.1 > 1- <1: ..J ::::> :::!! ::::> 0 (JjiJ,!Jt;\ - - ''""'"' ~. - ~ .;;;.. ..... - - .,..;. ~ ~ ,..; ( .... Table 2-3-9. Sampling Location Susitna Station Yentna Station Sunshine Station Ta"l keetna Station Curry Station .!! Total River Mile 26 04 80 103 120 Summary of fishwheel catches locations, Adult Anadromous Studies, 1982. by species and sampling Investigations, Su Hydro Catch Chinook Sockeye Pink C:fium Coho 25 1,382 5,174 382 470 127 3,386 16,627 1,261 1,203 5,653 18,604 .!! 47,671 36,335 8,227 881 509 13,781 2,942 619 791 161 7,302 1,736 229 is comprised of 1,196 first run sockeye and 17,408 second run sockeye salmon. The chinook salmon escapement to Sunshine Station (RM 80) in 1982 was estimated at 52,900 fish by the Petersen method (Table 2-3-10). Approximately 49,600 of these fish were larger than 350 mm in length (FL) and 3,300 of them were 350 mm or less in length (Tables 2-3-11 and 2-3-12). Fishwheels operated at Sunshine Station intercepted a total of 5,653 chinook salmon in 1982 (Table 2-3-9). Based on the catch rates, the chinook salmon migration at Sunshine Station began on June 18, reached a midpoint on June 30 and ended on July 9. The peak of the migration occurred on June 29 approximately (Figure 2-3-5). -53- Table 2-3-10. Susitna River escapements by species and sampling location, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Sampling River Escapement _/ Location Mile Sockeye Y Chinook Pink Chum Coho Total Yentna Station 04 '{I 113 ,847 447,257 27,830 34,089 623,023 Sunshine Station 80 52,900 151,485 443,198 430,442 45,735 1,123,707 Talkeetna Station 103 10,900 3,123 73,038 49 '118 5,111 141,274 Curry Station 120 11,300 1,261 58,835 29,413 2,438 103,254 l/ Escapement numbers are derived from Petersen population estimates with the exception of the Yentna Station escapements which are determined by SSS. ~ Yentna Station was not operated during the entire chinook migration and therefore escapement numbers are not available. ll Second run fish. The age class composition of the 1982 chinook salmon escapement at Susitna (RIVI 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations was determined by escapement sampling, the results are reported in Table 2-3-13. An insufficient number of chinook salmon were caught at Susitna Station (RM 26) and aged to define possible stock characteristics. At Yentna Station (RM 04) 43.3 percent of the chinook salmon sampled were age 32 , 29.9 percent age 42 , 14.9 percent age s2 and 11.9 percent were age 62 . A 11 adult chi nook salmon sampled at Yentna Station had smelted in the second year of life. At Sunshine Station (RM 80) 14.8 percent of the escapement sample was age 32 , 27.2 percent age 42 , 20.5 percent age 52 and 36.1 percent age 62 fish. -54- - - - - ,.... ,..e:; - ~~in.-; - """'' - Approximately 99.2 percent of the chinook salmon sampled at this station smolted in the second year of life. The remaining 0.8 percent were fish that had migrated to sea in their first year of life. Table 2-3-11. Petersen population estimates and corresponding 95% confidence intervals of adult salmon migrating to Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Population Parameter 1.1 SEecies Estimate Chinook Y Sockeye ~ Location Pink Chum Coho m 5,038 15,760 4,390 32,990 6,769 Sunshine c 3,254 3882 48,447 14,912 2,708 Station r 330 403 479 1,142 400 A N 49,552 151,485 443,198 430,442 45,735 95%C. I. 44,962-138,684-406,971-407,728-41,946- 55,188 166,889 486,506 455,835 50,278 m 619 394 12,807 2,427 536 Talkeetna c 1,436 2,126 13,936 9,588 1,065 Station r 88 268 2,443 473 111 lt. N 10,011 3,123 73,038 49 '118 5,111 95%C. I. 8,334-2,809-70,500-45,155-4,349- 12,532 3,516 75,766 53,844 6,197 m 610 109 4,789 1,356 164 Curry c 642 1,970 4,470 7,802 398 Station r 35 171 363 359 26 A N 10,913 1,261 58,835 29,413 2,438 95%C. I. 8,284-1,103-53,562-26,717-1,787- 15,987 1,470 65,261 32 '713 3,835 .!! m = Number of fish marked (adjusted for tag loss) c =Total fish examined for marks during sampling census r =Total number of marked fish observed during sampling census A N = Population estimate 1\ c. I. = Confidence interval around N y Chinook salmon escapement estimates do not include fish 350mm and less in length (FL). ~ Sockeye salmon escapement estimate for Sunshine Station does not include the population estimate for first run sockeye. -55- Table 2-3-12. Sampling River Location Mile Sunshine 80 Station Talkeetna 130 Station Curry 120 Estimated escapement of chinook salmon 350mm or less in length at Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Number of chinook salmon intercepted Estimate of 350mm 350mm Chinook 350mm 5,301 352 3,300 810 71 900 763 28 400 Length (Fl) composition data of chinook salmon sampled in 1982 at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Susitna (RM 80) stations are presented in Table 2-3-14. Table 2-3-13. Collection Site Susitna Station Yentna Station Sunshine Station Talkeetna Station Curry Station y Gilbert-Rich An insufficient Analysis of chinook salmon age data by percent from escapement samples collected at Susitna, Yentna, Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Age C1ass y n 31 32 ;11:1 ;11:2 51 52 62 72 10 40.0 40.0 10.0 10.0 67 43.3 29.9 14.9 11.9 1351 0.2 14.8 0.2 27.2 0.4 20.5 36.1 0.4 358 0.6 20.1 0.6 35.2 1.1 19.5 22.3 0.6 441 1 . 1 15.9 0.8 28.5 2.5 20.0 30.8 0.5 Notation number of chinook salmon were sampled for length (Fl) at Susitna and Yentna stations to define possible stock characteristics. At Sunshine Station the age 32 ma1es sampled averaged 368 mm in length. Male and fema 1 e age 43 fish averaged 585 mm and 592 mm, age s2 ~Lmm and ,782 mm, and age 62 951 mm and 911 mm, respectively. -56- ~~· ~I - - """" IIIIo; ~ ~'if~;;! - Chinook salmon sex composition data were collected at Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations in 1982 and the results are summarized in Table 2-3-14 and illustrated in Figure 2-3-6. The overall male to female ratio recorded at Yentna Station was 6.4:1, and at Sunshine Station the ratio was 1.2:1. \ 3.2. 1.1.2 Main Channel Spawning In 1982, 811 Susitna River main channel sites between RM 7 and 98.5 were surveyed for chinook salmon spawning activity from August 1 through October 13 (Appendix 2-F). No chinook salmon spawning areas were found during the survey period in this main channel river reach in 1982. 3.2.1.2 Talkeetna to Upper Devil Canyon 3.2.1.2.1 Main Channel Escapement The 1982 chinook salmon escapement to Talkeetna Station (RM 103) was -~ estimated at 10,900 fish (Table 2-3-10). Approximately 10,000 of these fish were larger than 350 mm in length (FL) and 900 of them were 350 mm or less in length (Tables 2-3-10 and 2-3-11). An estimated 11,300 chinook salmon migrated to Curry Station (RM 120) in 1982 ~ (Table 2-3-10). Approximately 10,900 of the fish reaching Curry Station were larger than 350 mm in length (FL) and 400 were 350 mm or smaller in length (Tables 2~3-11 and 2-3-12). -57- I U1 CXl I Table 2-3-14. Analysis of chinook salmon lengths, in millimeters, by age class from escapement samples collected at Susitna, Yentna, Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Age n Range Limits · Mean 95% Conf. Limits :y Median Collection Site Class 1/ f?J m f m f m f ·, m f m- Susitna Station 32 3 1 348-430 419 398 419 417 419 42 1 3 565 510-582 565 552 565 565 52 0 1 842 842 842 62 0 1 871 871 871 Yentna Station 32 29 0 266-447 347 . 330.8,363.7 341 42 17 3 461-632 468-645 568 567 561 588 52 8 2 609-938 719-828 784 774 791 774 62 4 4 899-989 862-912 954 891 963 895 Sunshine Station 31 2 1 600-630 570 615 570 615 570 32 200 1 230-510 450 368 450 362.6,373.8 370 450 41 1 2 720 610-880 745 745 42 272 94 440-740 480-880 585 592 578.5,592.1 590 580 51 1 4 970 830-1020 970 900 970 875 52 119 157 400-920 520-1030 742 782 723.1,759.9 768.3,795.5 750 800 62 142 345 430-1160 710-1150 951 911 933.7,967.6 904.7,917.7 950 910 72 1 5 920 840-1040 920 958 920 990 Talkeetna Station 31 2 0 610-630 620 620 32 71 1 280-600 390 383 390 3 71. 0 ' 3 94 . 0 380 390 I J J t I Ul \.0 I 1 \\ ~) J -~ -I Table 2-3-14. Continued. Co 11 ecti on Site Talkeetna Station Cont. Curry Station Hales Females Age Class 41 42 51 52 62 72 31 32 41 42 51 52 62 72 -i ]j 2/ 3/ Confidence Limits on Mean 1 112 0 31 31 1 3 69 1 92 5 40 52 2 t \ } 1 l n Range Limits m f 1 940 820 14 340-730 330-880 4 855-940 39 300-1000 610-950 49 510-1100 490-1050 1 1020 880 2 490-615 610-665 1 270-470 360 2 750 835-845 34 495-695 540-675 6 835-1040 890-975 48 555-960 625-975 84 760-1200 780-1010 0 1015-1030 l c} l } l l } I i.· Mean 95% Conf. Limits'}} Median m f m f m f 820 820 567 575 551.7,581.3 580 546 891 885 761 808 780 810 916 883 945 900 1020 880 .1020 880 572 638 610 638 370 360 360.7,380.0 370 360 750 840 750 840 604 621 594.3,612.7 609.1,632.6 600 625 935 939 930 943 799 820 813 818 988 918 908.2,928.4 995 920 1023 1023 35 30 25 ..... z ~ 20 a: w 0. 15 10 I 0"1 0 5 I - - - -r v v -~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 1/ ~ 17 -~ 1/ ~ v 1/ II ll v ~ -v I ll v I II 1/ I v 35 - 30 - 25 ,_ ..... ~ 20 ,_ (.) a: w 0.. 15 ,_ 10 - - ~ v 1/ II v II ll II v v v II 1/ II 7 I I v I I I I I I I I I I I I I 7 !7 I I I I v ll I I v I I v I I ..... z 30 25 uJ 20 l) a:: uJ a. 15 10 5 ,- - - -~ II II II -v ll II 7 -1/ l7 I v 1/ I II II I v I ll -v v 1/ ~ 1/ v 1/ v ll J ll n lJ Iii II .,. 4 5 6 AGE SUNSHINE STATION n= 1351 7 4 5 AGE 6 7 TALKEETNA STATION n = 358 fll Male 0 Female 4 5 AGE 6 CURRY STATION n= 441 Figure 2-3-6. Age composition of fishwheel intercepted chinook salmon at Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. 7 .!::~ -- - The difference of approximately 400 fish in the two population estimates for Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations should not be considered significant. The 95 percent confidence limits on both estimates have range limits exceeding 4,000 fish (Table 2-3-11). It should be considered that approximately the same number of chinook salmon migrated to Talkeetna Station as migrated to Curry Station in 1982. Fishwheels operated at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) caught a total of 881 chinook salmon in 1982 (Table 2-3-9). From fishwheel catch rate data the 1982 migration began on June 26, reached a midpoint on July 4 and terminated on July 23 (Figure 2-3-7}. The peak fishwheel catch occurred on July 1. Approximately 55.3 percent of the catch was made by east bank fishwheel s. The remaining 44.7 percent of the catch was made by west bank fishwheels. The total number of SSS chinook salmon counts recorded at Talkeetna Station {RM 103) from July 4 when the counters were first installed to September 14 was 2,850 (Table 2-3-8). This count was considered a measure of the relative abundance of the chinook salmon escapement reaching RM 103 from July 4 through September 14 {Section 2.4.3). The total fishwheel catch of chinook salmon at Curry Station (RM 120) in 1982 was 791 fish {Table 2-3-9). From fishwheel catch rate data, the chinook salmon migration at Curry Station began on June 25, reached a midpoint on July 3 and ended on July 19 in 1982 (Figure 2-3-7). The peak catches r occurred on July 1 and July 4 (Appendix 2-C). At Curry Station, the east -bank fishwheel caught 55.1 percent of the catch and the balance, 44.9 percent, was intercepted by the west bank fishwheel. -61- ....1 1&.1 1&.1 X .91 .78 ~ .5 .13 I I() ' ,., I (\J : .. .. . -I / / I 10 ------/ TALKEETNA STATION East Bank • • • • • • • • • • West Bank (Smoothedby a+2bfc) 4 Cumulative o/o------ (\J I r • I ,., -co U) (\J ,., ~---------JUNE--------~~--------JULY AUG. 1.1 102 ....1 .85 1&.1 1&.1 X 3: "-.67 a:: ::::l 0 X ,.51 X {/) ..... • 17 Figure 2-3-7 I ,., JUNE .· ·· .. ·/ 't I:. t<> CD Rl I N 1'- DATE / / / .. tO , ~ JULY ......-------- CURRY STATION East Bank • • • • • • • • • • West Bank (Smoothed by a+ 2b+c ) 4 Cumulative 0/0 ---- <t m t\1 rJl I I (!) N !C1 AUG. 1'- I <0 Mean hourly and cumulative percent fishwheel catch of chinook salmon by two day periods at Talkeetna and Curry stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. -62- 100 75 0 ()' uJ > 60 i= <( ....1 ::I ::::!!: 45 ::I u - 30 J"'"'il 15 100 90 75 ~ 60 L&J > .... <( 45 5 ~ ::::!!: ::::l 30 u 15 - - ~ - r- Recapture data indicates that chinook salmon in 1982 averaged 11.2 days of travel time between Sunshine (RM 80) and Talkeetna (RM 103) stations for an average speed of 2.1 miles per day (mpd) (Figure 2-3-8). The average travel time between Ta-lkeetna and Curry stations was 7.7 days. Average travel speed 1 was 2.2 mpd. Between Sunshine and Curry stations the average travel time was - .- - 13.0 days. Average speed was 3.1 mpd. Approximately 35.2 percent of the chinook salmon sampled at Talkeetna Station ( RM 103) were age 42 , 23.3 percent age 62 , 1 9. 5 percent age 52 and 20. 1 percent age 32 fish (Table 2-3-13). Other age classes represented in the escapement sampled were: 31 , 41 , 51 and 72 . Nearly 98 percent of the chinook salmon caught at Talkeetna Station in 1982 were fish that had smolted in the second year of life and 2.3 percent were fish that had smolted in the first year of 1 ife. At Curry Station (RM 120} approximately 30.8 percent of the chinook salmon sampled were age 62 , 28.5 percent age 42 , 20.0 percent age 52 and 15.9 ¥""' percent age 32 fish (Table 2-3-13). The remaining 4.9 percent of the escapement sample were age 41 , 51 and 72 fish. Approximately 95.7 percent of the chinook salmon aged from Curry Station had smolted in the second year of life and 4.3 percent had smolted in the first year of life (Table 2-3-13). - Length (FL) composition data of chinook salmon sampled at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations in 1982 are summarized in Table 2-3-14. Chinook salmon males were more abundant than females sampled in 1982 at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) by a male to female ratio of 2.3:1 (Table 2-3-15). -63- I 0'1 ..p. I (a) 2 SUNSHINE TO TALKEETNA n=40 i= 11.2 Ranoa 3-2!5 15 Number of Daya Between Captures ,.. u c • :II 1!5 flO .. u.. 1!5 TALKEETNA TO CURRY n= 30 i= 7.7 Ranoa 1-21 15 (b) Number of Daya Between Capturu SUNSHINE TO CURRY n = 25 I= 13.0 Range 6-28 30 (c) Number of Days Between Captures 30 Figure 2~3-8. Migrational rates of chinook salmon between (a) Sunshine and Talkeetna stations, (b) Talkeetna and Curry stations and (c) Sunshine and Curry stations based on fishwheel recaptures, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. I i _} .I J J J .~ - . .,.,.,.. ·- !"""' - ~ - - - - -· - Table 2-3-15. Sex ratio of male and female chinook salmon by age from escapement samples collected at Yentna, Sunshine, Ta 1 keetna and Curry stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Sample Number Sex Collection Site Age Size Males Females Ratio (M:F) Yentna Station 3 29 29 0 4 20 17 3 5.7:1 5 10 8 2 4. 0:1 6 8 4 4 1. 0:1 Sunshine Station 3 204 202 2 101.0:1 4 370 274 96 2. 9:1 5 282 120 162 0. 7: 1 6 489 142 347 0. 4:1 7 6 1 5 0. 2: 1 Talkeetna Station 3 74 73 1 73.0:1 4 128 113 15 7.5:1 5 74 31 43 . 0.7:1 6 80 31 49 0. 6: 1 7 2 1 1 1 . 0: 1 Curry Station 3 75 72 3 24.0:1 4 129 93 36 2. 6: 1 5 99 45 54 0. 8:1 6 136 52 84 0.6:1 7 2 2 0 -65- Females sampled were more abundant than males sampled at Talkeetna Station among five and six year old fish. Males were more abundant than females among three and four year old fish sampled (Figure 2-3-6). At Curry Station (RM 120), the overall chinook salmon male to female ratio in 1982 was 1.5:1 (Table 2-3-15). Males outnumbered females among three, four and seven year old fish, and females outnumbered males among five and six year old fish sampled at Curry Station (Figure 2-3-6). 3.2.1.2.2 Radio Telemetry Seven chinook salmon were radio tagged at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) in 1982 (Table 2-3-16). Of the seven fish tagged five eventually entered spawning streams downstream or south of Talkeetna Station. The remaining two fish migrated upstream and eventually spawned in Indian River (RM 138.6) (Appendix 2-E). Four of the seven radio tagged chinook salmon at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) in 1982 descended after being released and milled in the confluence of the Chulitna, Talkeetna and Susitna rivers (RM 98±) several days before re-·i niti ati ng upstream migration (Figure 2-3-9). Another two of the seven fish tagged at RM 103 migrated upstream as far as lower Devil Canyon and then descended and entered spawning streams be 1 ow Ta 1 keetna Station. One radio tagged fish migrated directly upstream and entered Indian River (RM 138.6) (Appendix 2-E). -66- - - - l"'!!11 I - - - - I 0) '-.I I 1 J l Table 2-3-16. Tagging location, transmitter frequency and physical characteristics of radio tagged chinook salmon, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Tag and Release Transmitter Petersen Length Y Coloration 4/ Locat10n Frequency (MHz) Size Y Disc Tag Sex Date (RM) _!_! Pulse/Second Number (M/F} (em) (Dorsal/Ventral) 6/22 103.0 40.701-1 M 302 r~ 84.5 Gray-Pink/Gray 6/23 119.5 40.610-2 M 347 M 67.5 Silver-Gray/Silver-Pink 6/24 119.5 40.670-1 M 348 F 82.0 Gray-Pink/Silver-Pinr-- 6/24 103.0 40.720-3A M 349 F 89.0 Silver/Silver-Gray 6/24 103.0 40.731-1 L 326 M 94.5 Gray/Pink -- 6/25 119 0 5 40.731-3 L 344 F 96.5 Silver-Gray/Silver-Gray 6/25 103.0 40.681-3 M 336 M 80.0 Gray-Pink/Pink 6/26 103.0 40.660-1 M 345 F 80.0 Silver-Gray/Silver-Gray 6/28 119.5 40.741-2 L 154 F 87.5 Gray/Silver-Pink 6/29 119.5 40.731-2 L 333 F 94.0 Silver-Gray /Pink 6/30 119.5 40.620-1 M 155 M 67.5 Silver-Gray /Pink 7/2 103.0 40.600-2 M 156 F 91.5 Gray/Re_d_ 7/6 120.7 40. 740-3' . L 158 M 104.0 Gray/Pink-Red 7/7 103.0 40.711-3 M 161 F 90.0 Gray-Red/Gray 7/8 120.7 40.721-1 M 159 F 81.5 Gray /Pink-Gray 7/9 119.5 40.720-38 L 160 F 96.5 Gray/Pink-Gray 1/ River ~1ile: Talkeetna Station RM 103, Curry Station RM 120. "2! Transmitter sizes: S = 5.2 em long, 1.6 em wide, 18.0 em antennae 3/ M = 7.6 em long, 1.6 em wide, 13.0 em antennae y Length: mid-eye to fork of tail. Coloration: Predominate color underlined. 155 I.LI ...J -135 :::E a: I.LI > a:: ~ 115 1- (/) => (/) 95 22 24 26 28 JUNE JUNE Figure 2-3-9 TALKEETNA STATtON 4 610-2 CURRY STATION JULY Movements of Talkeetna and Curry stations radio tagged chinook salmon in the Susitna River during June and July, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1 982. -68- - - - - - - - - - #'~ - - - The two radio tagged chinook salmon released at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) in 1982 which spawned above the station did so in the Indian River (RM 138.6). The migrational movements of these fish were dissimilar. For example fish 700-1, which was tagged on June 22 at Talkeetna Station migrated past Curry Station ( RM 120) between June 24 and June 25, and was in the mouth of ·Indian River (RM 138.6) on June 26, four days after release at RM 103. Fish 730-1, which was tagged on June 24 at Talkeetna Station, displayed intra drainage milling behavior before entering Indian River. After being radio tagged, this fish descended and milled in the confluence of the Chulitna, Talkeetna and Susitna rivers (RM 98±) for approximately nine days (June 26 -July 3), then migrated up the Chulitna River 11.4 miles (July 5-9), and later moved out of the Chulitna River and re-entered the Susitna River and was in the mouth of Indian River on July 17, twenty-three days after being tagged (Appendix 2-E). The maximum (upstream) migrational speed recorded in 1982 of a chinook salmon radio tagged at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) was 19.3 mpd (Table 2-3-17). Nine chinook salmon were radio tagged in 1982 at Curry Station (RM 120) (Table 2-3-16). All nine fish migrated upstream after being tagged (Figure 2-3-9). Five of the fish selected Indian River (RM 138.6) and the remaining four fish selected Portage Creek (RM 148.9) as their final destination. Seven of the nine radio tagged fish migrated directly to these streams. One of the five chinook salmon which spawned in Indian River migrated beyond Indian River and milled in Portage Creek about six days before descending and entering Indian River. Three of the remaining four chinook salmon which (presumably) spawned in Portage Creek migrated directly to Portage Creek. -69- Table 2-3-17. Twenty fastest radio tagged chinook salmon movements, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Speed Distance Location of Traveled Traveled Hours Movement Observation {mpd) ll {miles) Elapsed (RM -RM) y Dates 26.4 1.1 1.0 138.4-139.5 6/25 22.6 4.8 5. 1 119.5-124.3 7/9 19.3 4.1 5. 1 114.1-118.2 6/24 18.8 1.8 2.3 130.8-132.6 6/25 18.0 0.9 1.2 135.4-136.3 7/2 17.8 2.0 2.7 131.0-133.0 7/2 16.6 18.0 26.1 120.4-138.4 6/24-25 16. 1 11.9 17.7 123.1-135.0 6/30-7/1 14.7 1.9 3. 1 125.3-127.2 6/25 14.7 5.5 9.0 112.0-117.5 6/30 14.0 13.8 23.6 124.8-138.6 7 /l-2 13.6 12.6 22.2 118. 2-130.8 6/24-25 13.2 9. 1 16.6 105.0-114.1 6/23-24 12.0 12.2 24.5 120.2-132.4 6/25-26 11.3 5.3 11.3 123.0-128.3 7/9 11.2 10.0 21.5 124.3-134.3 7/9-10 10.8 8.8 19.6 140.1-148.9 7/2-3 10.3 0.3 0.7 136.7-137.0 7/11 9.5 9.6 24.3 120.8-130.4 7/15-16 8.0 5.4 16.2 131 • 0-136.4 7/9-10 1/ mpd: Miles per day ""'!! Movement: River mile to river mile -70- - - - - Transmitter Number '""" 610-2 -720-38 700-1 """'r 700-1 730-2 660-1 610-2 740-2 - 670-1 660-1 -620-1 700-1 700-1 730-3 720-1 - 720-38 740-2 - 720-38 730-1 -740-3 """' ~ - - The fourth fish entered Portage Creek after spending approximately 15 days in lower Devil Canyon between RM 150.5 and 151.5 (Appendix 2-E). The number of days required of a radio tagged chinook salmon released at Curry Station (RM 120) to reach Indian River (RM 138.6) and Portage Creek (RM 148.9) in 1982 ranged from three to six days. The maximum (upstream) migrational speed displayed by chinook salmon tagged at Curry Station was ~ 26.4 mpd (Table 2-3-17). ,.- 1 - - - Individual movements of radio tagged chinook salmon released at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) station are further described in Appendix 2-E. 3.2.1.2.3 Lower Devil Canyon Milling The results of set netting at RM 150.2 and 150.4 locations, which are identified in Figure 2-3-10, are summarized in Table 2-3-18. No chinook salmon set net catches were made in the 19.6 net hours fished from August 10 through September 12. The area in the proximity of the set net site at RM 150.4 was electroshocked four times between August 11 and September 23 in 1982. No chinook salmon were caught (Table 2-3-19). Radio telemetry investigations outlined under Section 3.2.1.2.2 established chinook salmon milling activity in the lower Devil Canyon reach RM 150.4 to 151.5 from June 26 to July 14 in 1982. One of the seven and one of nine radio tagged chinook salmon released at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations, respectively, entered lower Devil Canyon in 1982. -71- I " N I J (PORTAGE CREEK:ffi149) (DEVIL CANYON CATWALK:ffi151) 0 50U @ Gl LL NET ~ITES Figure 2-3-10. Set gill net fishing locations on main channel Susitna River in lower Devil Canyon, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. J I -) I ....... w I 1 l Table 2-3-18. Results of set gill netting in Susitna River mainstem between Devil Canyon and Portage Creek, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Location Fishing Time11 Catch Site River Total Date No. Mile Begfn End Hours Sockeye Pink Chum Coho Other Remarks 8/10 150.4 1100 1300 2.0 0 0 0 0 Net fished excellent; RM 103 on 8/6/82. pink was tagged at 8/10 2 150.2 1115 1315 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 Net fished well (good). 8/16 150.4 1230 1330 1.0 0 0 2 0 0 Net fished excellent; all fish in pre- spawning condition. 8/16 2 150.2 1230 1400 1.5 0 0 0 0 Net fished well; chum in excellent pre- spawning condition, 8/16 150.4 1400 1800 4.0 0 0 7 0 0 Net fished excellent; all fish in pre- spawning condition; 1 chum tagged RM 103 on 8/3/82; 1 chum tagged RM 120 on 8/6/82. 8/16 2 150.2 1430 1830 4.0 0 0 0 0 0 Net fished well. 8/22 150.4 1140 1200 0,3 0 0 14 0 0 Net fished excellent; fish in pre-spawning condition. 8/22 2 150,2 1130 1200 0.5 0 0 0 0 Net fished well; fish in pre-spawning con~ition, 8/28 150,4 1115 1130 0,2 0 0 0 3 0 Net fished excellent; fish in pre-spawning condition; 1 coho was tagged at RM 120 on 8/12/82, another was tagged RM BO,no tag number. 9/12 150.4 1300 1705 4.1 0 0 0 0 0 Net fished excellent. 11 Time in military hours. Table 2-3-19. Electroshocking catch results in 1 ower Devil Canyon, Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Date 8/11 8/18 9/5 9/23 D1stance River Shocked Mile (Yards) Cninook 150.4 150 0 150.4 200 0 150.4 200 0 150.4 100 0 3.2.1.2.4 Spawning 3.2.1.2.4.1 Main Channel Catch Socl<eye Pinl< cnum 0 2 5 0 1 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 Adult Co no 0 0 1 0 A total of 397 Susitna River main channel sites between RM 98.5 and 150 were surveyed for chinook salmon spawning activity in 1982 (Appendix 2-F). No chinook salmon spawning areas were found in the Susitna River main channel between RM 98.5 and 150 in 1982. 3.2.1.2.4.2 Sloughs and Streams In 1982, 34 sloughs were examined for chinook salmon from RM 98.6 to 161.0 between July 28 and October 25 (Appendix 2-G). No chinook salmon were observed in any slough habitat surveyed except on August 6 when a single chinook salmon was recorded milling in Moose Slough (RM 123.5). -74- ·- - - - - - ~ I - - - - - - - - - -I. ,.' I Between RM 98.6 and 161.0 chinook salmon were observed in the following 11 Susitna River streams in 1982 (Appendix 2-G): 1. Chase Creek (RM 106.9) 6. Gold Creek (RM 136.7) 2. Lane Creek (RM 113.6) 7. Indian River (RM 138.6) 3. Fifth of July Creek (RM 123.7) 8. Jack Long Creek (RM 148.9) 4. Sherman Creek (RM 130.8) 9. Portage Creek (RM 148.9) 5. Fourth of July Creek (RM 131.1) 10. Cheechako Creek (RM 152.4) 11. Chinook Creek (RM 157.0) The total of the peak survey counts of live and dead chinook salmon in 1982 for these 11 streams was 2,474 fish (Appendix 2-G). This number may represent no more than 52 percent of the total chinook salmon escapement to these streams (Neilsen and Geen, 1981). The distribution of chinook salmon in the 11 streams in respective order was: Portage Creek (50.6%), Indian River (42.6%), Fourth of July Creek (2.2%), Lane Creek (1.9%), Gold Creek (0.8%), Cheechako Creek (0.6%), Chase Creek (0.6%), Chinook Creek (0.2%), Fifth of July Creek (0.1%), Sherman Creek (0.1%) and Jack Long Creek (0.1%). The peak of chinook salmon spawning occurred during the the 1 ast week of July and the first week of August in 1982 (Appendix 2-G). Cheechako (RM 152.4) and Chinook (Rr4 157.0) creeks previously unknown as salmon spawning streams were found to contain chinook salmon by ADF&G Su Hydro Adult Anadromous staff in 1982 (Figure 2-3-11). Fish were first observed in these streams on August 4 and 5, respectively. -75- D E v I L c A N y 0 N PROPOSED DAM SITE ( RM 152.0) \~ Figure 2-3-11. Map illustrating location of Cheechako Creek and Chinook Creek in relationship to Susitna River Devil Canyon reach, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Two observations that were made on August 5, 1982 during surveys of Cheechako (RM 152.4) and Chinook (RM 157.0) creeks were: -76- - - - ~ - - - - - - 1. In excess of 50 percent of a 11 fish observed spawning and or ripening in Cheechako and Chinook creeks on August 5 were in the glacial, clear water mixing or transitional zone with the main channel Susitna River (Plates 2-3-5 and 2-3-6). 2. Two chinook salmon redds had been vacated on a semi-dewatered Plate 2-3-5. cobble shoal extending downstream 200± yards from the upper point of the Cheechako Creek confluence with main channel Susitna River. Both redds contained live eggs on August 5. Cheechako Creek chinook salmon spawning area at Susitna River confluence, August 5, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. -77- These observations indicate that at least some chinook salmon spawning had already occurred in Cheechako Creek (RM 152.4) and that spawning habitat at the mouth of Cheechako Creek is subject to the influence of main channel Susitna River flow. Additionally, it is probable that not all fish present at the Cheechako and Chinook creeks confluences on August 5 were counted due to restricted visibility in the clear-glacial water transition zones. Plate 2-3-6. Chinook salmon in Devil Canyon spawning at the confluence of Cheechako Creek and Susitna River August 5, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. -78- 3.2.1.3 Escapement Index Surveys Thirty-four chinook salmon spawning streams were surveyed in the Susitna River basin in 1982. Twenty-five streams were surveyed below Rl~ 98.5 and -nine above RM 98.6. The escapement counts recorded on these streams have been presented in Table 2-3-20. Twenty-one of the 34 chinook salmon spawning streams surveyed in 1982 are classified as index streams that normally are surveyed annually for :"""" comparison of between year escapements. The location of the index streams - -I are identified in Figure 2-3-12. The peak chinook salmon counts recorded on the index stream are listed in Table 2-3-21. Each peak count represents probably not more than 52 percent of the total stream escapement including age 31 and 32 precocious fish (Neilsen and Geen~ 1981). Nine of 21 chinook salmon index streams surveyed in 1982 were surveyed during the peak of spawning (Table 2-3-21). These nine systems were considered the 1982 chinook salmon escapement index. Based on this index~ the Susitna River chinook salmon escapement for 1982 was approximately 80 percent higher than in the previous year and above the mean average for years 1976 through 1981 (Table 2-3-21). West side Susitna River streams below RM 97 had an approximately 45 percent higher chinook salmon escapements in 1982 than in 1981 but lower than the mean average escapements for years 1976 through 1981. East side Susitna River streams below RM 97 were not surveyed during the peak -of spawning in 1982 and therefore no comparisons can be given (Table 2-3-21). --79- 011!' Table 2-3-20. 1982 chinook salmon escapement surveys of Susitna River Basin streams, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. - Survey CninooK Salmon Countea ~ Stream Surveyed Date Metfioa Conaitions Live De a a ictal Alexander Creek 7/31 Hel. Good 1,687 0 1,687 -(Mouth to Lake) Wolverine Creek 7/28 Hel. Good 537 0 537 {Alexander Creek drainage) - Sucker Creek 7/28 Hel. Good 322 0 322 (Alexander Creek drainage) Bunco Creek 8/7 Hel. Fair 168 30 198 Byers Creek 8/12 Hel. Excellent 7 0 7 Chase Creek 8/11 Foot Good 8 7 15 -Cheechako Creek 8/6 Hel. Good 16 0 16 (Devil Canyon) -Chinook Creek 8/6 Hel. Good 5 0 5 (Devil Canyon) Chulitna River 8/12 Hel. Excellent 49 51 100 _, Chulitna River 8/12 Hel. Excellent 67 52 119 {East Fork) - Chulitna River 8/12 Hel. Excellent 385 259 644 (l"liddle Fork) Clear Creek 7/21 Hel. Fair 978 4 982 Deshka River 11 8/5-9 Hel. FairY 10,471 200 10,671 4th of July Creek 7/29 Foot Good 55 1 56 Gold Creek 8/3 Hel. Good 20 1 21 Goose Creek 8/7 Hel. Good 98 42 140 Honolulu Creek 8/12 Hel. Excellent 11 16 27 Indian River 7/21 Hel. Good 1,049 4 1,053 clack Long Creek 8/4 Foot Excellent 2 0 2 Kashwitna River 8/10 Hel. Excellent 128 28 156 (North Fork) ·'""" -80- Table 2-3-2Q. Continued. - ..... Survey Chinook Salmon Counted Stream Surveyed Date Method Conditions Live Dead Total !"""' Lake Creek 8/2 Hel. Good 2~267 50 2~317 Camp Creek 8/2 Hel. Excellent 517 0 517 (Lake Creek drain age) Sunflower Creek 8/2 Hel. Excellent 743 0 743 (Lake Creek drainage) ,..... Lane Creek 7!12 Foot Excellent 47 0 47 7/28 Foot Excellent 40 1 41 Little Willow Creek 8/7 Hel. Good 190 126 316 Montana Creek 8/5 Foot Good 829 58 887 -Portage Creek 7/21 Hel. Excellent 955 0 955 Q;',3---Hel. Excellent 1~198 55 L,-253 Pra ire Creek 7/31 Hel. Excellent 3,782 62 3~844 Sheep Creek 8/7 Hel. Good 316 211 527 ,.., Spink Creek 8/7 Hel. Excellent 12 0 12 -Talachulitna River 8/1 Hel. Excellent 3,101 0 3,101 Troublesome Creek 8/12 Hel. Excellent 34 2 36 Willov1 Creek 8/6 Foot Fair 506 86 592 Deception Creek 8/6 Foot Fair 212 17 229 -(Willow Creek Drainage) ~ Jj Partial count; Mainstem Deshka from Trapper Creek to Forks; Trapper Creek not surveyable. :y Survey conditions on Deshka River and tributaries ranged from good to poor. -81- Q ..... - 1. ALEXANDER CREEK 2. T ALAC HULl TNA 3. QUARTZ CREEK 4. CANYON CREEK 5. RED CREEK 6. LAKE CREEK 7. PETERS CREEK 8. DESHKA RIVER 9. BUNCO CREEK / I ,-"" ' " I ,. ..... --I ,/" 10. CHULITNA MIDDLE FORK 11o CHULITNA EAST FORK 12. CHULITNA RIVER 13. HONOLULU CREEK 14. PORTAGE CREEK 15. INDIAN RIVER 16. BYERS CREEK 17. TROUBLESOME CREEK 18. LANE CREEK \ / \ / \ I ' ' ..... ) ........ __ ...., 19. CLEAR CREEK 20. PRAIRIE CREEK 21. MONTANA CREEK 22. GOOSE CREEK 23. SHEEP CREEK 24. KASHWITNA RIVER NORTH FORK 25. LITTLE WILLOW CREEK 26. WILLOW CREEK Figure 2-3-12. Susitna River basin with chinook salmon index streams defined, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. -82- - - - ~I - J l J ] 1 Tab 1 e 2-3-21. Chinook salmon escapement counts of Susitna River Basin streams from 1976 to 1982, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Year·!/ Stream 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 Alexander Creek 5,412 9,246 5,854 6,215 a/ a/ 2,546 Deshka River 21,693 39,642 24,639 27,385 a/ aJ 16,000 e/ Willow Creek:~ 1,660 1,065 1,661 1,086 a/ 1,357 592d/ Little Willow Creek 833 598 436 324 !;._/ y 459 316~/ Kashwitna River (North Fork) 203 336 362 457 a/ 557 156 d/ Sheep Creek 455 630 1,209 778 a/ 1,013 527d/ Goose Creek 160 133 283 b/ a/ 262 140d/ Montana Creek 1,445 1,443 881 1 ,094 .f./ a/ 814 887~/ Lane Creek b/ b/ b/ b/ b/ 40 47 'Indian River 51"7 393 1T4 285 a/ 422 1,053 Portage Creek 702 374 140 190 a/ 659 1,253 Prairie Creek 6,513 5,790 5,154 a/ a/ 1,900 3,844 I Clear Creek 1,237 769 997 864 .f./ a/ ~ 982 (X) Chulitna River w I (East Fork) 112 168 59 a/ a/ a/ 119 d/ Chulitna River (MF) 1,870 1,782 900 a/ a/ a/ 644d/ Chulitna River 124 229 62 a/ a/ a/ 100d/ Honolulu Creek 24 36 13 "'37 a/ a/ 27d/ Byers Creek 53 69 a/ 28 a/ a/ 7d/ Troublesome Creek 92 95 a/ a/ a/ a/ 36~/ Bunco Creek 112 136 a/ ~8 a/ a/ 198 Peters Creek 2,280 4,102 1 ,31"5 a/ a/ a/ a/ Lake Creek 3,735 7,391 8,931 4,196 a/ a/ 3,577 Talachulitna River 1,319 1,856 1,375 1,648 a/ 2,129 3,101 Canyon Creek 44 135 b/ b/ b/ 84 b/ Quartz Creek b/ 8 bj b/ b/ 8 b/ Red Creek b/ 1,511 385 b/ b/ 749 b/ 1/ 1976-1980 counts -(ADF&G/Kubik, S.W.) a/ No total count due to high turbid water o/ Not counted c! Poor counting conditions d/ Counts conducted after peak spawning e/ Estimated peak spawning count -(ADF&G/Delaney, K. ) The 1982 chinook salmon escapement above RM 98.6 exceeded the 1981 escapement by approximately 85 percent and the six year (1976-81) mean average by more than 200 percent. Several chinook salmon spawning streams upstream of RM 103 including Lane Creek (RM 113.6), Indian River (RM 138.6) and Portage Creek (RM 148.9) supported escapements above the historic high for years 1976 through 1981 (Table 2-3-21). 3.2.2 Sockeye Salmon 3.2.2. 1 Estuary to Talkeetna 3.2.2.1.1 Main Channel Escapement 3.2.2. 1.1. 1 First Run In accordance with Phase II studies, escapement sampling of first run sockeye salmon was conducted at Sunshine Station (RM 80) in 1982. No escapement sampling was conducted at Susitna (RM 26) and Yentna (RM 04) stations. Approximately 5,800 first run sockeye salmon reached Sunshine Station (RM 80) in 1982 (Table 2-3-22). The 95 percent confidence interval of this estimate calculated at 4,900 to 7,300 fish (Table 2-3-22). The migration of first run sockeye salmon at Sunshine Station (RM 80) began on June 9, reached a midpoint on June 13 and was essentially over by June 21 as determined by fishwheel catches (Appendix 2-C). Approximately 99.9 percent of the escapement of first run fish migrated along the east bank at Sunshine Station (RM 80) and 0.1 percent migrated along the west bank based on fishwheel catches (Appendix 2-C}. -84- - - - - , ..... - - -' Table 2-3-22. Petersen popu.l ati on estimate of Susitna River first run sockeye salmon migrating past Sunshine Station, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Number Population Examined Population 95% Estimate River Tagged For Tags Recaptures Estimates ..lJ Confidence Location Mile (m) (c) ( r) (n) Limits Sunshine 80 1 ,099 423 79 5,830 4,869-7,264 Station l/ Migration period of ,first run sockeye extended from June 6 through June 28. Age and length (FL) composition data of first run sockeye salmon sampled at Sunshine Station (RM 80) are summarized in Tables 2-3-23 and 2-3-24, respectively. Age 52 fish comprised 89.5 percent of the escapement sample followed by age 42 and age 63 fish at 6.4 and 4.1 percents, respectively. Approximately 95.9 percent of the fish sampled had smolted in the second year of life and 4.1 percent in the third year of life. The average lengths (FL) -of male and female age 42 fish were 462.9 mm and 460 mm, age s2 fish 567.1 mm and 529.5 mm and age 63 fish 557.5 mm and 527.9 mm, respectively (Table 2-3-24) •. - Sex composition data collected at Sunshine Station (RM 80) established that ,-first run sockeye salmon males were more numerous than females among age 42 fish and less numerous than the females among age 52 and 63 fish in 1982 -(Table 2-3-25). Overall, males were less numerous than females by a male to female ratio of 0.6:1. -85- - Table 2-3-23. Analysis of sockeye salmon age data by percent from escapement samples collected-at Susitna, Yentna, Sunshine, Talkeetna and - Curry stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. 7\ge Class 1/ Co 11 ecti on Site n 31 32 ~1 ~2 ~3 51 52 53 62 63 73 Susitna Station 966 0.1 0.4 0.1 22.4 0.2 0. 1 65.8 2. 1 8.8 - Yentna Station 708 0.4 3.5 0.4 27.7 0.4 -52.7 4.0 0.6 10.3 - Sunshine Station First run 314 6.4 -89.5 4. 1 Second run 648 0.3 2.8 1 . 2 22.1 0.5 69.8 0.9 0.3 2.0 0.2 Talkeetna Station 373 4.3 21.2 2.1 -70.8 0.8 -0.8 - Curry Station 105 1 . 0 21.9 30.5 9.5 -32.4 4.8 - l! Gilbert-Rich Notation 3.2.2.1.1.2 Second Run Second run sockeye salmon escapement estimates were obtained at Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations in 1982 (Table 2-3-10). No total escapement estimate was available for Susitna Station (RM 26) for reasons defined in Section 2.4.3. The Yentna River (RM 28) escapement of second run sockeye salmon in 1982 was approximately 113,800 fish as determined by SSS counters at Yentna Station (RM 04) (Table 2-3-10). At Sunshine Station (RM 80) the escapement was approximately 151,000 fish as determined by the Petersen method (Table 2-3-11). The 1982 Susitna River escapement of second run sockeye salmon was approximately 265,000 fish not including escapements to spawning systems between RM 6 and 77 excluding the Yentna River (RM 28). The estimate -86- -I - - - Table 2-3-24. Collection Site Susitna Station I co ...... I Yentna Station 1 ] J .. ) l l l Analysis of sockeye salmon lengths, in millimeters, by age class from escapement samples collected at Sus i tna. Yentna, Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Age n Range Limits Mean 95% Conf. Limits 11 Median Class m 17 fy m f m f m f m f 31 1 0 531 531 531 32 4 0 295-432 340 317 41 0 1 572 572 572 42 143 73 385-561 390-587 452 477 447.1,456.7 466.2,487.0 450 478 43 1 1 380 416 380 416 380 416 51 0 1 610 610 610 52 284 351 412-663 340-671 584 564 579.9,587.7 561.1 ,566. 9 590 567 53 11 9 422-573 445-533 500 482 516 470 63 36 49 434-630 472-603 568 556 574 562 31 1 2 510 425-572 510 499 510 499 32 18 3 277-313 445-549 297 502 296 511 41 3 0 520-601 573 598 42 150 46 306-626 400-590 477 496 467.5,486.8 482.6,508.4 458 496 43 3 0 394-437 422 434 52 243 130 430-637 447-601 582 554 577.6,586.5 548.8,558.8 589 559 53 15 13 432-604 441-557 516 490 522 485 62 3 1 594-601 590 597 590 597 590 63 37 35 456-630 445-584 570 536 525.1,546.1 577 538 Table 2-3-24. Continued. Age n Range Limits Mean 95% Conf. Limits y Median Collection Site Class mll f 2/ m f m f m f m f Sunshine Station 42 12 8 365-590 410-570 463 460 440 453 First Run 52 103 178 420-615 410-650 567 530 525.2,533.8 570 530 63 6 7 510-600 495-560 558 528 560 525 Sunshine Station 31 2 0 435-600 518 518 Second Run 32 17 1 290-400 345 330 345 325 345 41 2 6 580-610 510-645 595 568 595 553 42 70 73 385-656 375-650 472 502 457.1,487.7 488.8,515.5 453 500 I 43 2 1 315-405 380 360 380 360 380 co co 52 203 249 425-725 410-690 596 559 591.1,601.4 554.4,564.2 600 560 I 53 4 2 450-595 485-490 546 488 570 488 62 1 1 570 560 570 560 570 560 63 9 4 590-610 535-570 590 555 610 558 73 1 0 610 610 610 Talkeetna Station 32 16 0 300-410 340 343 42 53 26 370-630 410-600 524 505 504.9,542.6 485.5,524.9 530 515 43 7 1 310-370 335 349 335 350 335 52 134 130 450-655 420-650 590 566 584.0,596.0 559.8,571.3 600 570 53 2 1 490-580 500 535 500 535 500 63 1 2 440 540-600 440 570 440 570 . ·~ .I J J ··~ l ] . l Table 2-3-24. Continued. Age n Range Limits Mean 95% Conf. Limits 3/ Median Collection Site Class mll fy m f m f m f m f Curry Station 31 1 0 385 385 385 32 23 0 220-550 350 340 42 22 10 330-620 420-590 496 503 457.4,533.5 515 493 43 9 1 310-390 580 338 580 330 580 52 14 20 450-620 420-605 573 555 580 563 53 2 3 410-580 415-540 495 475 495 470 11 Male '£:../ Female I 00 3/ lO Confidence Limits on Mean I Table 2-3-25. Sex ratio of male and female sockeye salmon by age from escapement samples collected at Susitna, Yentna, Sunshine, _, Ta"lkeetna and Curry stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. """' Sample Number Sex Call ecti on Site Age Size Males Females Ratio ( M: F) Susitna Station 3 5 5 0 4 219 144 75 1 . 9: 1 5 656 295 361 0. 8:1 6 85 36 49 0.7:1 -Yentna Station 3 24 19 5 3.8:1 4 202 156 46 3. 4: 1 ~ 5 401 258 143 1 • 8: 1 6 76 40 36 1 . 1 : 1 Sunshine Station First Run 4 20 12 8 1 • 5:1 5 281 103 178 0.6:1 - 6 13 6 7 0. 9:1 .... Second Run 3 20 19 1 19.0:1 4 154 74 80 0. 9: 1 ~. 5 458 207 251 0.8:1 6 15 10 5 2.0:1 7 1 0. - Talkeetna Station 3 16 16 0 - 4 87 60 27 2. 2: 1 5 267 136 131 1 . 0: 1 .... 6 3 1 2 0. 5:1 ~ Curry Station 3 21 21 0 4 44 33 11 3. 0:1 5 40 17 23 0.7:1 -· -90- - - -' - represen,ts the combined escapements of second run sockeye salmon to Yentna Station (RM 04) and Sunshine Station (RM 80) in 1982 (Table 2-3-10). A total of 123,913 second run sockeye salmon were enumerated by SSS counters at Susitna Station (RM 26) and 75,925 were counted at Sunshine Station (RM 80) in 1982 (Table 2-3-26). These counts represent an index of escapement (Section 2.4.3). Table 2-3-26. Apportioned sonar counts by species and sampling location, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Sampling River Apportioned Sonar Counts Location r'1i 1 e Chinook 11 Sockeye Pink Chum Coho Total Susitna 26 925 123,913 493,156 20,245 33,137 680,376 Station Yentna 04 1 '193 113,847 447,257 27,830 34,089 624,216 Station Sunshine 80 2,924 75,925 352,014 178,434 42,415 651,712 Station Talkeetna 103 2,850 3,297 85,377 28,823 7,189 127,536 Station .!1 Chinook migrations were underway prior to the installation of sonar equipment. The counts should be considered as indices of abundance for the portion of the migration that the sonar equipment was operational. Determined from fishwheel catch data, the second run of sockeye salmon at Susitna Station (RM 26) in 1982 began, reached a midpoint and ended on or about July 18, July 24 and August 5, respectively (Figure 2-3-13). In the Yentna River (RM 28) at Yentna Station (RM 04), the migration began on July 18, reached a midpoint on July 24 and terminated on August 6 (Figure 2-3-14). At Sunshine Station (RM 80), the second run escapement began, reached a midpoint and ended on July 20, July 27 and August 3, respectively. -91- I <.0 N I ...J w w :X: ~ 10.0 8.0 ....... 6.0 a:: ::;) 0 X 2.0 I I I I I I I I I I I I ./ I I I I I I I .••. I • • • I ......• F I ~y . . ---- / / I I I ----------- SUS I TNA STATION East Bank • • • • • • West Bank---- ( S moot h e d by a t 2b t-c ) 4 Cum ulatlve 0lo---- I ~ I CD ..,._ ______ JULY ------....,If------AUGUST ------.......:SEPT.-+- DATE 100 80 ~ 0 sow > 1- <( ...J ::;) ~ ::;) 40 u 20 Figure 2-3-13. Mean hourly and cumulative percent fishwheel catch of sockeye salmon by two day periods at Susitna Station, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, ·1982. J J J - - - .- ..... - _J 1&.1 1&.1 ::1: 3: ....... a:: ::::> 0 ::1: ....... ::1: (I) LL. _. 1&.1 17.S IS.O 10 . 7.5 30.0 ~ 25.0 3: ....... a:: => 2QO 0 ::1: ....... ::1: (I) 15.0 LL. .:.. N !. . . . . .. . I . . . I ... , f. I :._ I I I . . ..-___ _.....----- / / I YENTNA STATION North Bank . . ..... South Bank (Smoothed by a+2b-H) 4 Cumulative 0/o---- • it; ~ 4~:..........--JUNE --~)~(~--"ULY --....;:).,o(E--AUGUST··--_,~,._-S EPTEM BE R---+ N t ... • .. . . . . . . . . . I I I / I . . , .. . . . . ,. . . . . • . I : . ,: . . . :I : I : I :, I . :; .· :..------------:' .. ..,.. . ... . .· ~ . .!.. (\j .:.. I .!. N it; JUNE )II( JULY ~ DATE ----------- I 2 SUNSHINE STATION East Bank • • • • • • • Wnt Bank (Smoothed by 0 + 2 b+ c) 4 Cumulative 0/o---- I (J) 0 0 N If) . • (I' m N AUGUST ~ SEPTEMBER_. Figure 2-3-14. Mean hourly and cumulative percent fishwheel catch of sockeye salmon by two day periods at Yentna and Sunshine stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. -93- 100 90 75 ~ 0 60 1&.1 > 1- c( 45 _. ::::> 2: ::::> 0 30 IS 100 90 75 30 15 Second run sockeye salmon were caught in fishwheels at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations in 1982. Daily and cumulative catch data have been presented in Appendix 2-C. A total of 1 ,382, 3,386 and 17,408 second run sockeye salmon were intercepted with fishwheels at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations in 1982 (Table 2-3-9)~ Peak fishwheel catches occurred on July 19 at Susi tna Station, July 20 at Yentna Station and on July 22 at Sunshine Station (Appendix 2-C). A sharp inseason reduction in fishwheel catches of sockeye salmon occurred at Sunshine Station (RM 80) on July 26, 1982 (Appendix 2-C and Figure 2-3-14). The reduction can be attributed, at least in part, to high water conditions. USGS gauging station #15292780 (RM 83.8) recorded a peak discharge of 99,300 cfs on July 26 (USGS provisional, 1982). Flows three days preceding and following this event were 66,200 and 67,900 cfs, respectively. It was suspected that the high water event on July 26 slowed migration of second run fish and to a lesser extent, reduced fishwheel efficiency. Based on ·fishwheel catches, second run sockeye salmon averaged one day or less travel for the six miles between Susitna (RM 26) and Yentna (RM 04) stations, and approximately 2.3 days travel for the 54 miles between Susitna (RM 26) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations (Appendix 2-C). These travel times were computed under the assumption of no fundamental difference in timing between stocks. Second run sockeye salmon displayed migrational preference in 1982 to the west bank at Susitna Station (RM 26), south bank at Yentna Station (RM 04) -94- - - - - ~: - - - and east bank at Sunshine Station (RM 80) based on fishwheel catches (Figures 2-3-13 and 2-3-14). These prefe-rences may be attributed to specific site characteristics including channel configuration, velocity and water depth. Age composition data collected from second run sockeye salmon at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations in 1982 are summarized in Table 2-3-23 and Figure 2-3-15. Age 52 fish comprised 65.8, 52.7 and 69.8 percent of the escapement sample from Susitna, Yentna and Sunshine stations, respectively. Next abundant were age 42 sockeye salmon which represented 22.4 percent of the age sample at Susitna Station, 27.7 percent at Yentna Station and 22.1 percent at Sunshine Station. Based on scale growth patterns 88.6 percent of the sockeye salmon sampled for age from Susitna Station (RM 26) in 1982 had smolted in the second year, 11.1 percent the third year and 0.3 percent in the first year of life. At Yentna Station (R~~ 04) these percentages in order were 84.5, 14.7 and 0.8 percent, and at Sunshine Station (RM 80) 95.0, 3.6 and 1.5 percent (Table 2-3-23). Length ("FL) composition data were collected of second run sockeye salmon sampled at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations. The results are summarized in Table 2-3-24 and Appendix 2-0. The average (FL) length of age 52 male and female second run fish sampled were: 584 mm and 564 mm at Susitna Station (RM 26); 582 mm and 554 mm at Yentna Station; and 586 mm and 547 mm at Sunshine Station (RM 80), respectively. Age 42 male and female average lengths were: 452 mm and 477 -95- mm at Susitna Station; 477 mm and 496 mm at Yentna Station; and 471 mm and 498 mm at Sunshine Station, respectively. Sex composition data from 1982 second run fish sampled at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations are reported in Table 2-3-25. At Susitna Station, males outnumbered females among three and four year old fish while females outnumbered males among five and six year old fish. At Yentna Station, males outnumbered females in all ages sampled. Males were more numerous than females in all but four and five year old fish sampled at Sunshine Station (Figure 2-3-15). Overall male to female sex ratios in 1982 were 1.0:1, 2.1:1 and 0.9:1 at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations, respectively. 3.2.2.1.2 Spawning 3.2.2.1.2.1 Main Channel The main channel of the Susitna River from R~1 7 to 98.5 was surveyed for sockeye spawning areas in 1982. A total of 811 main channel sites were examined between August 1 and October 13 (Appendix 2-F). No sockeye salmon spawning was found at any of the locations. 3.2.2.1.2.2 Streams and Sloughs 3.2.2.1.2.2.1 First Run Spawning ground surveys were conducted to provide tag recapture data for determining the escapement of first run escapement to Sunshine Station (RM 80) in 1982. The survey results are presented in Table 2-3-27. -96- I 1.0 '-I I .... z 11.1 60 60- ~40- 11.1 0.. 20- tr :J I} [J v I} -~ ~ 3 4 ~ 6 AGE SUSITNA STATION n=965 .... z 11.1 ecr 60- ~ 40- 11.1 0.. 20- 1 tr IJ IJ IJ IJ It II II II II II II} l II} tr lj II} ~ 3 4 5 6 AGE YENTNA STATION n=703 ... z 11.1 80 6 0 40 a:: 11.1 Q. 20 AGE SUNSHINE STATION n=961 ta = Male D = Female l --~ .... z 11.1 60 6 0 40 0::: 11.1 Q. 20 AGE TALKEETNA STATION n=373 ... z 11.1 0 0::: 11.1 Q. l 80- 60- 40- lr II II II 20-" II () li lr I} II II II 3 4 ~ AGE CURRY STATION n=I05 Figure 2-3-15. Age composition of fishwheel intercepted sockeye salmon at Susitna, Yentna, Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Tab 1 e 2-3-27. Escapement survey counts of tagged and untagged first run sockeye salmon tagged at Sunshine Station, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. River .l! Sunsh1ne Tags Area Survey Tagged Untagged Total Ratio Surveyed Mile Date Conditions (r) (c) ( c/r) Papa Bear Lake Inlet 97.1 8/2 Ex cell. 56 276 332 5.9 Creek Fish Creek 97.1 6/24 Good 21 57 78 3.7 .Y Confluence of stream or receiving system with Susitna River mainstem. Aerial and ground surveys in the Chulitna River drainage (RM 98.5), Susitna River basin above RM 80 and Talkeetna River system (RM 97.0) were conducted between mid July and mid August in association with 1982 scheduled chinook sa 1 man spawning surveys. No area above RM 80, other than the Fish Creek subdrainage of Chunilna (Clear) Creek a Talkeetna River stream (RM 97.0), was found to be a spawning area of first run sockeye salmon (Figure 2-3-16). The approximate spawning period of first run sockeye salmon in the Fish Creek drainage was July 21 through August 7, 1982. 3.2.2.1.2.2.2 Second Run Second run sockeye salmon surveys were conducted for tag recovery data. The results are presented in Appendix 2-G. -98- - ~ - - ..,1 - - -I I r"' I •TALKEETNA STATION (RM 103) ,v. iG eetna CURRY STATION (RM 120) • TALKEETNA SUNSHINE e STATION(RM 80) SCALE: I"= 6.2 5 miles Figure 2-3-16. Destination of first run sockeye salmon tagged at Sunshine station on the Susitna River, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. -99- ···---·------· ·-------------------------------·--- 3.2.2.2 Talkeetna to Upper Devil Canyon 3.2.2.2.1 Main Channel Escapement 3.2.2.2.1.1 First Run At Talkeetna Station (RM 103), nine sockeye salmon were intercepted in fishwheels between June 7 and 18, 1982 (Appendix 2-C). The peak catch occurred on June 9. In the 19 days from June 19 to July 7 no sockeye salmon were caught at Talkeetna Station. Data indicates that all nine sockeye salmon intercepted at Talkeetna Station between June 7 and 18 were probably first run fish. No estimate of 1982 first run sockeye salmon escapement to Talkeetna Station was made due to the absence of any known spawning areas above RM 103 or any recaptures of first run fish at Curry Station (RM 120). At Curry Station (RM 120) there were no sockeye salmon caught in the station fishwheels between June 9 and July 15, 1982 (Appendix 2-C). Based on this observation it was probable that minimal, if any, first run sockeye salmon reached or extended upstream of RM 120 in 1982. 3.2.2.2.1 .2 Second Run In 1982 approximately 3,100 second run sockeye salmon migrated to Talkeetna Station ( RM 103) as determined by the Petersen method. The 95 percent confidence interval on this estimate was calculated at 2,800 to 3,500 fish (Table 2-3-ll). -100- - - - - - .... A tot a 1 of 3, 297 second run sockeye salmon were enumerated over the SSS counters at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) in 1982 (Table 2-3-26). This number was considered an escapement index as defined in Section 2.4.3. The escapement of second run sockeye salmon to Curry Station (RM 120) was approximately 1,300 fish by the Petersen method. The 95 percent confidence interval of this estimate calculated at 1,100 to 1,500 fish (Table 2-3-11). The migration of second run sockeye salmon to Talkeetna Station (RM 103) r began on July 27, reached a midpoint on August 1 and ended on A~gust 18 in 1982 as derived from fishwheel catches (Figure 2-3-17). At Curry Station (RM - ···~ 120) the migration began on July 27, reached a midpoint on August 5 and ended on August 28 (Appendix 2-C). Peak 1982 fishwheel catches of second run sockeye salmon occurred at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) on July 29 and at Curry Station (RM 120) on August 5 (Figure 2-3-17). The average migration time of second run sockeye salmon between Sunshine (RM 80) and Talkeetna (RM 103) stations in 1982 was 8.5 days based on 57 recaptures (Figure 2-3-18). Eleven sockeye salmon averaged 2.3 days of travel between Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations (Figure 2-3-18). The minimum and maximum days travelled was one and four days respectively. Twelve recaptured fish averaged 11.7 days travelling time between Sunshine (RM 80) and Curry (RM 120) stations (Figure 2-3-18). The range was 4 to 40 days. A total of 509 an~ 161 second run sockeye salmon were intercepted in 1982 by fishwheels at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations respectively -101- ..J 11.1 11.1 ~ ~ ........ 0.4 0:: ::::l 0 ~ ........ ~ (I) 1&. ..J 11.1 11.1 :r: ~ ........ 0.2 0.1 a:: ::::l o. 0 :z: ........ :r: (J) 0.3 1&. 0.2 0.1 -~------ .... I If) • If) I If) T If) I I / I .,.. ./ / ---------- / 1/ TALKEETNA STATION East Bank • • •••• • West Bonk ---- (Smoothed by a+2 b+c) 4 Cumulative 0/0 --- /..,. ,-------.., / I .. ./~ :r . .'I : 'I : . . : J • . ., . ·.· . I .·· / :t :, • •• J .· . .._,...,:/ I (\1 . . / / // I ~ .. . . . I (\1 "' . CURRY STATION Eoat Bank • • • • • • • West Bank ---- (Smoothed by a+2 b+c} 4 Cumulative 0/0 --- !. .....----JUNE----l~;.---JULY __ ..... ,.__ AUGUST --..,.Jio-11(,.__ SEPTEMBER_,.. DATE Figure 2-3-17. Mean hourly and cumulative percent fishwheel catch of sockeye salmon by two day periods at Talkeetna and Curry stations~ Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. -102- 100 90 75 "#. - 100 .... 90 75 ~ 0 Ill 60 > t- C( ..J 45i !:) () 30 15 I 1-' 0 w I 20 :15 c • ;:, cr ~10 u.. ~ 0 5 {a) SUNSHINE TO TALKEETNA n=57 I= 8.5 Range 2-17 o~~~~~ly0~~~~~20r---------3r0-f~ Number of Days Between Copturu 25 0 IO 4 ... u.. 1 TALKEETNA TO CURRY n = II x = 2.3 Range 1-5 {b) Number of Days Between Captures SUNSHINE TO CURRY n = 12 1=11.7 Range 4-40 20 30 40 {c) Number of Days Between Captures Figure 2-3-18. Migrational rates of sockeye salmon between (a) Sunshine and Talkeetna stations, (b) Talkeetna and Curry stations and (c) Sunshine and Curry stations based on fishwheel recaptures, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. (Table 2-3-9). Based on these catches, 53.0 percent of the escapement migrated offshore of the west bank at Talkeetna Station and 47.0 percent travelled off the east bank at RM 103 {Appendix 2-C). At Curry Station 79.5 percent of the escapement migrated a 1 ong the east bank and 20.5 percent travelled along the west bank. Age and length (FL) composition data of second run sockeye salmon sampled at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations are summarized in Tables 2-3-23 and 2-3-24, respectively. At Talkeetna Station (RM 103) approximately 70.8 percent of the escapement sampled were age 52 fish followed by age 42 fish at 21.2 percent. Based on scale growth characteristics, 96.3 percent of the fish sampled had smolted in the second year of life and 3.7 percent had smolted in the third year of life. The average length (FL) of age 42 males and females was 524 mm and 505 mm while age 52 males and females sampled at Talkeetna Station averaged 590 mm and 566 mm respectively (Table 2-3-24). At Curry Station (RM 120) age 32 , 42 and 52 sockeye salmon comprised 21.9, 30.5 and.32.4 percents respectively of the age sample (Table 2-3-23 and Figure 2-3-15). Approximately 84.9 percent of the fish aged from Curry Station (RM 120) had smolted in the second year of life followed by 14.3 percent in the third year of life and 1.0 percent in the first year of life. Age 32 male sockeye salmon sampled for length (FL) at Curry Station (RM 120) averaged 350 mm and age 42 males and females averaged 496 mm and 503 mm, respectively. Age 52 males averaged 573 mm and females averaged 555 mm (Table 2-3-24). -104- - - Results of 1982 sex composition sampling at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations are reported in Table 2-3-25 and Figure 2-3-15. At Talkeetna Station sockeye salmon males were more abundant than females among the three, four and five year old fish and less abundant than females among six year old fish sampled. Overall male to female ratio was 1.3:1. At Curry Station (RM 120) males outnumbered females among the three and four year old fish sampled and were less numerous than females among five year old fish sampled. Overall male to female ratio was 2. 1:1. 3.2.2.2.2 Lower Devil Canyon Milling Set net fishing results for 1982 in lower Devil Canyon are summarized in Table 2-3-18. No sockeye salmon were caught in the 19.6 net hours fished at RM 150.2 and 150.4 from August 10 through September 12, 1982 (Plate 2-3-7). Plate 2-3-7. Preparing to deploy gill net in lower Devil Canyon near RM 150.4, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. -105- Electroshocking was conducted four times at RM 150.4 between August 11 and September 23, 1982 and did not produce a sockeye salmon catch (Table 2-3-19). Based on gill netting and electroshocking in lower Devil Canyon minimal, if any, sockeye salmon were present in lower Devil Canyon (RM 150 to 151) from August 10 through September 23, 1982. 3.2.2.2.3 Spawning 3.2.2.2.3.1 Main Channel Surveys for sockeye salmon spawning were conducted in the Susitna River reach from RM 98.5 to 150 between August 7 and October 7, 1982. A tota 1 of 397 sites were examined for sockeye salmon spawning activity (Appendix 2-F). Survey results indicated sockeye salmon did not spawn in the main channel reach between RM 98.5 and 150. 3.2.2.2.3.2 Sloughs and Streams In 1982, 34 sloughs between RM 98.6 and 161.0 were surveyed (Appendix 2-G). The following 10 sloughs were found to contain sockeye salmon: 1. Slough 8C ( RM 121.9) 6. Slough 9 ( RM 128.3) 2. Slough 88 ( RM 122.2) 7. Slough 98 ( Rt1 129. 2) 3. Moose Slough (RM 123.5) 8. Slough 9A (R~1 133.8) 4. Slough 8A ( RM 125. 1 ) 9. Slough 11 (RM 135.3) 5. Slough 8 (Rt~ 126.3 10. Slough 21 ( RM 141. 1 ) -106- - - ,- All sockeye salmon surveyed between RM 98.6 to 161.0 were second run fish as determined from escapement sampling at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations (Section 3.2.2.2.1.1). The total of the peak survey counts of live and dead sockeye salmon for all sloughs was 607 fish in 1982 (Appendix 2-G). This count represents the minimum level of escapement to the 10 referenced sloughs. Based on peak survey counts, sockeye sa 1 mon in 1982 were most abundant in sloughs: 11 (75. 1%), 8A (11.2%), and 21 (8.7%). Peak of spawning by second run sockeye salmon in slough habitats occurred during the last week of August and the first three weeks in September, 1982 (Appendix 2-G). Slough B (RM 126.3) was identified as a new anadromous fish spawning habitat by ADF&G Su Hydro Adult Anadromous staff on August 12, 1982 (Appendix 2-G). Slough B supported a peak survey count of eight sockeye salmon on September 5, 1982 (Appendix 2-G). A total of 19 streams were surveyed between RM 98.6 and 161.0 in 1982. Four sockeye salmon were observed at the mouth of Portage Creek (RM 148.9) on August 29. These were the only sockeye salmon observed in any stream habitat in 1982 (Appendix 2-G). The four sockeye salmon recorded at Portage Creek (RM 148.9) on August 29, 1982 were considered milling fish as there were no further sightings of these fish in subsequent surveys (Appendix 2-G). -107- _______________ , -----~--------- 3.2.2.2.4 Stock Separation Phase II investigations were subcontracted to the Statewide Stock Biology Group of ADF&G Commercial Fisheries Division to determine: (1) separatability of second run sockeye salmon stocks sampled at Curry (RM 120) and Talkeetna (RM 103) stations, from Larson Lake outlet stream a Talkeetna River (RM 97.0) tributary, and from the Tokositna River a Chulitna River (RM 98.5) tributa.ry; and (2) the probable fate of second run sockeye fry spawned upstream of Curry Station. Results of the stock separation work are presented in Appendix 2-H. 3.2.3 Pink Salmon 3.2.3.1 Estuary to Talkeetna 3.2.3.1.1 Main Channel Escapement Pink salmon escapement estimates were obtained for Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations in 1982 (Table 2-3-10). No total escapement estimate was available for Susitna Station (Section 2.4.3). Sonar counters operated at Susitna Station (RM 26) counted 493,156 pink salmon between July 1 and September 5, 1982 (Table 2-3-26). These counts were considered an index of the escapement to RM 26 (Section 2.4.3). Daily and cumulative SSS counts have been presented in Appendix 2-B. -108- - - - The Yentna River (RM 28) pink salmon escapement in 1982 was approximately 447,300 fish based on SSS monitoring at Yentna Station (RM 04) (Table 2-3-10). Daily and cumulative SSS counts recorded at Yentna Station have been presented in Appendix 2-B. At Sunshine Station (RM 80) the pink salmon escapement was approximately 443,200 fish estimated by the Petersen method with a 95 percent confidence h. interval of 407,000 to 486,500 fish (Table 2-3-11). - The Susitna River pink salmon escapement in 1982 was approximately 890,500 fish. This estimate does not reflect escapement to systems between RM 6 and 77 excluding the Yentna River (RM 28) and represents the combined number of pink salmon counted by sonar at Yentna Station (RM 04) and the estimate of the pink salmon migrating to Sunshine Station (RM 80) by the Peterson method (Table 2-3-10). A total of 352,014 pink salmon were counted with SSS counters at Sunshine Station (RM 80) in 1982 (Table 2-3-26). This count was considered an index of the pink salmon escapement to RM 80 (Section 2.4.3). Daily and cumulative SSS counts recorded at Sunshine Station are provided in Appendix 2-B. Pink salmon were caught in fishwheels at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations in 1982. Daily and cumulative fishwheel catch data are presented in Appendix 2-C. Fishwheels operated at Susitna Station (RM 26) intercepted a total of 5,174 pink salmon in 1982. The east bank fishwheel ~ 59.8 -109-~- percent of the catch and the 40.2 percent remainder was caught with the west bank fishwheel {Table 2-3-9). Based on fishwheel catches, the pink salmon migration at Susitna Station began on July 23, reached a midpoint on July 28 and terminated on August 6 {Figure 2-3-19). At Yentna Station (RM 04) 16,627 pink salmon were caught in fishwheels in 1982. The south bank fishwheel caught 54.5 percent of the catch and the north bank fishwheel caught 45.5 percent of the catch. Based on catch rates, the migration at Yentna Station began, reached a midpoint and ended on July 23, on July 29 and August 7, respectively {Figure 2-3-20). Approximately 85 percent of the pink salmon escapement at Yentna Station in 1982 migrated within 15 feet of the north and south shore based on SSS sector counts {Appendix 2-B). At Sunshine Station (RM 80) 47,671 pink salmon were intercepted by fishwheels in 1982 (Table 2-3-9). The migration, as indicated by fishwheel catches began July 29 and ended on August 10 with the midpoint occurring on approximately August 3 (Figure 2-3-20). Based on fishwheel catches the majority (91.7%) of the pink salmon migrated along the east bank~ Pink salmon averaged approximately one travel day for the six miles between Susitna (RM 26) and Yentna (RM 04) stations in 1982 from fishwheel catch data interpretation (Figures 2-3-19 and 2-3-20). The average travel time for pink salmon between Susitna and Sunshine (RM 80) stations, a distance of approximately 54 miles, was approximately eight days. Estimated travel rates assume no differential timing between stocks. -110- - -~ I 1--' 1--' 1--' I 25.0 ..... -/ -------------100 20.0 _J w 15.0 w J: 3: ....... 0:: ::::> 0 I 10.0 ....... J: (/) u.. 5.0 / . I · .. I ·,, I ·. SUSITNA STATION East Bank •• • • • •• West Bonk (Smoothed by at2btc) 4 Cumulat lve 0/o ---- ~---------------JULY-----------~~----------AUGUST-------------~~SEP~~ DATE Figure 2-3-19. Mean hourly and cumulative percent fishwheel catch of pink salmon by two day periods at Susitna Station, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies 1982. 80 GO w > ..... <( ..J =:l ::E 40 :::> u 20 l _. ILl ILl %: :s, ....... a: ::I 0 %: ....... %: en LL. _. ILl ILl % ~ ....... a: ::I 0 %: ....... %: en LL. 10!5 90 7!5 60 45 15 (\1 !. N . - 0 I (J) 0 I (J) ... / .· . I ~ ~---------100 90 : I .. , I~ I : 7!5 ~ . . I . YENTNA STATION North Bank ........ South Bank (Smoott.ed by a+ 2btc) 4 Cumulative 0/o---- (\1 If) ~ v "' 0 t I I I t I ~ (,'1 ~ "' 0 (D ~ If) ~ ____ _.,.....,.,___ ____ AUGUST ----.... t--SEPTEMBER~ G) j"'" !::::: dULY .... ,~ . . / . "·j J t= I : I . . I . . I . I I • I : 1 : I . : I :I :; • • :..:.. 'U.. • ., <0 II') )'I IC) I "' "' .. . . . . . . . . I Q ----------- · . SUNSHINE STATION East Bank •• ••••• Wut Bank (Smoothed by a• 2b + c ) 4 Cumulative 0/o--- (J) ~ I v I I ~ <0 II') "' £!! 0 "' I I -2! AUGUST SEPTEMBER...,..: DATE UJ > 60 ..... c( _. ::I ~ 45 ~ 30 1!5 Figure 2-3-20. Mean hourly and cumulative percent fishwheel catch of pink salmon by two day periods at Yentna and Sunshine stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. -112- - ·,;.,.,. - -· """' I - ~. Length (FL) composition data of pink salmon sampled at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations in 1982 are summarized in Table 2-3-28 and Appendix 2-D. Pink salmon ranged in length (FL) at Susitna Station (RM 26) from 245 mm to 516 mm, at Yentna Station (RM 04) from 240 mm to 593 mm and at Sunshine Station (RM 80) from 275 mm to 580 mm. Male pink salmon averaged 432 mm at Susitna Station, 433 mm at Yentna Station and 441 mm in length at Sunshine Station. Female pink salmon had average lengths of 412 mm, 422 mm and 423 mm at Susitna, Yentna and Sunshine stations, respectively. At Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations the male to female pink salmon ratios recorded from escapement sampling were 0.9:1, 1.0:1 and 1.8:1, respectively (Table 2-3-28). 3.2.3.1 .2 Main Channel Spawning In 1982, 811 Susitna River main channel sites between RM 7 and 98.6 were investigated for pink salmon spawning between August 1 and October 13 (Appendix 2-F). Survey results indicate that no pink salmon spawning occurred in the subject river reach in 1982. 3.2.3.2 Talkeetna to Devil Canyon 3.2.3.2.1 Main Channel In 1982 approximately 73,000 pink salmon migrated to Talkeetna Station (RM 103), as calculated by the Petersen method (Table 2-3-10). The 95 percent -113- I ........ ........ .{::> I Table 2-3-28. Analysis of pink s'almon lengths in millimeters from escapement samples collected at Susitna, Yentna, Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. ex Limits 1/ n Ratio Range Limits Mean 95% Conf. Median Co 11 ect ion Site m _!_/ f 2/ (M:F) m f m f m f m f Susitna Station 130 137 0.9:1 293-516 245-491 432 412 425-439 405-420 435 422 Yentna Station 638 632 1.0:1 321-593 240-539 433 422 431-436 420-424 431 423 Sunshine Station 618 342 1.8:1 275-580 275-500 441 423 438-445 420-426 440 425 Talkeetna Station 587 361 1.6:1 340-590 320-640 425 428 422-428 425-431 420 430 Curry Station 483 322 1. 5:1 270-525 325-480 417 421 414-420 418-423 415 420 }j Male '{! Female y Confidence Limits on Mean - -confidence interval for the escapement estimate was calculated at 70,500 to 75,800 fish (Table 2-3-11). The escapement of pink salmon to Curry Station (RM 120) in 1982 was estimated at 58,800 pink salmon by the Petersen method (Table 2-3-10). The 95 percent confidence interval was 53,600 to 65,300 fish (Table 2-3-11). ~ Fishwheels at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) caught a total of 13,781 pink salmon in 1982 with 55.6 percent of the catch being made with the two east bank """"' I ,, -...; fishwheels (Appendix 2-C). Based on fishwheel catch rates the pink salmon migration began on August 2, reached a midpoint on August 6 and terminated on August 13 (Figure 2-3-21). Side scan sonars at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) registered 85,377 pink salmon counts in 1982 {Table 2-3-26). The east and west SSS counters registered 41.8 percent and 58.2 percent of the counts respectively (Appendix 2-B). The SSS count of pink salmon at Talkeetna Station was considered an index of the escapement as discussed in Section 2.4.3. The two fishwheels at Curry Station (RM 120) intercepted a total of 7,302 pink salmon in 1982 (Table 2-3-9). From fishwheel catch rate interpretation the migration began on August 2, reached a midpoint on August 6 and terminated on August 13. Approx·imately 51.8 percent of the pink salmon migrated along the east bank of the Susitna River at Curry Station and the t-remaining 48.2 percent migrated along the west bank as indicated by fishwheel catches. -115- ------------~--------4---------------~~--,----------------------------------- 35 ~ ,... ---------100 / 30 / / TALKEETNA. STATION I 25 Eas1 Bank • • • • • • • I Wes1 Bank I -..J (Smoo1hed by a+2 bt-c) I "" I "" 20 4 ::z:: Cumulative %---I ~ ·]· ...... . . . . a: :l 15 0 ::z:: ..,.. ...... 'l: fl) 10 30 II. ,..., 5 15 -• 0 .... .., m 10 iii N CD N N I I ' I I 'j" I I I .... .., m -CD ~ CD • 0 .., N .., ,...,., JULY AUGUST 35 -,...---------100 / 30 CURRY STATION / 90 ..J / -"" East Bank• • • • • • • I ILl ::z:: 25 West Bank I 75 ~ ...... (Smoothed by a+2 b+c)' I ~ a: 4 I 0 :l 0 20 Cumulative %---60 ~ ::z:: ...... 1-::z:: c ~ fl) ..J II. 15 45 i :l (..) 10 -5 15 P., ~ CD ..,. 2 CD .., m 10 iii N .... N I I ' ~ I ' • • I • .... .., m -co N CD ~ 0 N .., .., """" JULY AUGUST DATE Figure 2-3-21. Mean hourly and cumulative percent fishwheel catch of pink salmon by two day periods at Talkeetna and Curry stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. .... -116- - In 1982, pink salmon travelled the 23 miles between Sunshine Station (RM 80) and Talkeetna Station (RM 103) in an average of 3.1 days based on tagged fish -recaptures. The range was 1 to 11 days (Figure 2-3-22). The travel time between Sunshine (RM 80) and Curry (RM 120) stations, a distance of 40 miles, - - averaged 5. 6 days with a range of 2 to 18 days. The 17 mi 1 es between Talkeetna and Curry stations was travelled in an average of 1.7 days. The minimum was less than one day and the maximum was 20 days. Pink salmon length (FL) data collected at Talkeetna (RN 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations in 1982 have been summarized in Table 2-3-28 and Appendix 2-D. At Talkeetna Station (RM 103) male pink salmon ranged in length from 340 mm to 590 mm. The average was 425 mm. Females ranged in length from 320 mm to 640 mm and the average was 428 mm. At Curry Station (RM 120) male pink salmon averaged 417 mm and females averaged 421 mm in length. Male pink salmon sampled in 1982 at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (R~1 120) stations were more abundant than females by a male to female ratio of 1.6:1 and 1.5:1, respectively (Table 2-3-28). 3.2~3.2.2 Lower Devil Canyon Milling Two set net locations in lower Devil Canyon (RM 150-151) were fished 19.6 net hours between August 10 and September 12, 1982 (Figure 2-3-10 and Tab 1 e ·· 2-3-18). The effort produced a single pink salmon. The catch occurred on August 10 at RM 150.4. The pink salmon had been tagged on August 6 at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) and had averaged a travel speed of 11.9 mpd between RM 103 and 150.4. -117- I ....... ....... ex:> I :.. u c • :I D' • .. ~ SUNSHINE TO TALKEETNA n=84 i =3.1 Range 1-11 20 30 60 ,.. 45 u c Cl) ::J CJ" ~ 30 u. "#. 15 TALKEETNA TO CURRY n = 971 i=l.7 Range 0-20 10 2.0 30 (a) Number of Days Between Captures 25 (b) Number of Days Between Captures 20 ,.. ~ 15 • ::J CJ" • ~ 10 (c) SUNSHINE TO CURRY n= 41 I= 5.6 Range 2-18 20 30 Number of Days Between Captures Figure 2-3-22. Migrational rates of pink salmon between (a) Sunshine and Talkeetna stations, (b) Talkeetna and Curry stations and (c) Sunshine and Curry stations based on fishwheel recaptures, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. - - -I """' "'""' -.11"- In lower Devil Canyon (RM 150-151) electroshocking was conducted four times between August 11 and September 23, 1982. Three pink salmon were captured. Two fish were intercepted on August 11 and a single pink salmon was caught on August 18 (Table 2-3-19}. Set net and electroshocking results indicate that pink salmon were present in lower Devil Canyon (R~1 150-151} from August 10 through 18, 1982. 3.2.3.2.3 Spawning 3.2.3.2.3. 1 Main Channel From August 7 to October 7, 397 main channel areas between RM 98.6 and 150 were surveyed for pink salmon spawning in 1982 {Appendix 2-F). Based on these survey results no pink salmon spawning occurred in the referenced main channel reach. 3.2.3.2.3.2 Sloughs and Streams Between RM 98.6 and 151, 34 sloughs were surveyed for salmon presence from July 28 to October 25, 1982 (Appendix 2-G). Ten of the sloughs contained pink salmon and these were: 1. 6A ( RM 112. 3) 6. ll ( RM 135.3) 2. Moose (RM 123.5) 7. 15 (RM 137.2) 3. 8A ( RM 125. l) 8. 19 ( RM 139. 7} 4. B ( Rr~ 126. 3) 9. 20 (RM 140.0) 5. 9 .(RM 128.3) 10. 21 (RM 141.1) -119- I I A total of 507 pink salmon were counted in the peak surveys of the 10 sloughs listed above (Appendix 2-G). Pink salmon were most abundant in sloughs: 15 (26.0%), 11 (25.8%), 20 (12.6%), 21 (12.6%), 6A (6.9%) and B (6.3%). The peak of spawning by pink salmon in slough habitats occurred during the third and fourth weeks of August in 1982. Nineteen streams were surveyed for salmon in 1982. were found to contain pink salmon: The following 14 streams 1. Whiskers Creek (RM 101.4) 8. Skull Creek (RM 124.7) 2. Chase Creek (RM 106.9) 9. Sherman Creek (RM 130.8) 3. Lane Creek (RM 113.6) 10. Fourth of July Creek (RM 131.1) 4. L. McKenzie Creek (RM 116.2) 11. Gold Creek (RM 136.7) 5. McKenzie Creek (R~1 116.7) 12. Indian River (RM 138.6) 6. L. Portage Creek (RM 117.7) 13. Jack Long Creek (RM 144.5) 7. Fifth of July Creek (RM 123.7) 14. Portage Creek (RM 148.9) The combined peak spawning count of the 14 listed streams was 2,855 pink salmon (Appendix 2-G). It should be recognized this count does not represent the total number of pink salmon that spawned in these streams due to only a portion (index) of each stream being counted, and early and late spawning fish generally not being present when peak counts are made. The highest peak spawning counts of pink salmon were made in Indian River (25.9%), Fourth of July Creek (24.6%), Lane Creek (22.4%) and Portage Creek (5.9%) in 1982. The peak of pink salmon spawning in stream habitats occurred between August 11 and August 23, 1982. Spawning in streams by pink salmon was approximately -120- -· - - - - one week earlier than the peak of spawning in the sloughs in 1982 (Appendix 2-G). 3.2.4 Chum Salmon 3.2.4.1 Estuary to Talkeetna 3.2.4.1.1 Main Channel Escapement Susitna River chum salmon escapement estimates were obtained for Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations in 1982 (Table 2-3-10). No total escapement estimate was available for Susitna Station as defined in Section 2.4.3. ~ The number of chum salmon that were counted over the SSS counters in 1982 at .,..,.. ' ' Susitna Station (RM 26) was 29,245 fish (Table 2~3-8 and Appendix 2-B). This count was considered an index of the chum salmon escapement to Susitna Station (Section 2.4.3). The 1982 escapement of chum sa 1 mon to the Yentna River ( Rt~ 28) as recorded by SSS counters at Yentna Station (RM 04) was approximately 27,800 fish (Table 2-3-10). ·Daily and cumulative Yentna Station SSS counts have been presented in Appendix 2-B. At Sunshine Station (RM 80) escapement was approximately 430,400 fish as determined by the Petersen method (Tab 1 e 2-3-10). The 95 percent confidence interval of the estimate was calculated at 407,700 to 455,800 fish (Table 2-3-11). The Susitna River chum salmon escapement in 1982 was approximately 458,000 fish not including escapements to spawning systems above RM 6 and below RM -121- 77, excluding the Yentna River (RM 28) (Table 2-3-10). This estimate was derived by summation of the SSS count of chum salmon at Yentna Station (RM 04), and the Petersen estimate of chum salmon to Sunshine Station (RM 80). The SSS counters at Sunshine Station (RM 80) recorded 178,434 chum salmon counts in 1982 (Table 2-3-26). This number was considered an index of the chum salmon escapement to Sunshine Station (Section 2.4.3). Chum salmon returning to the Susitna River drainage in 1982 were caught by fishwheels at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations. Daily and cumulative catch data have been presented in Appendix 2-C. Fishwheels at Susitna Station (RM 26) intercepted 382 chum salmon in 1982 (Table 2-3-9). The onset, midpoint and end of the chum salmon migration to Sus~tna Station derived from fishwheel catch data were approximately July 19, July 31 and August 10, respectively (Figure 2-3-23). Peak fishwheel catches occurred on August 3. At Yentna Station (RM 04) on the Yentna River (RM 28) 1,261 chum salmon were caught in fishwheels in 1982 (Table 2-3-9). From catch rate data, the chum salmon migration began on July 20, reached a midpoint on August 2 and ended on August 18 (Figure 2-3-24). Fishwheel catches peaked on August 1 (Appendix 2-C). At Sunshine Station (RM 80), the 1982 chum salmon migration began on July 29, was at midpoint on August 7 and ended on August 21 based on fishwheel catches -122- - l I 1-' N w I 1.5 1.2 -' w·9 w ::r: 3= ....... 0::: :::> ~ .6 ....... ::r: (f) LL . 3 1 l . / I I I ,.... I I I I I I I . I .. . . I . . . I : I .· I : I . I : I .. I • ,f· .. . . I . . I I I ,/ I . . . . • I ,..- / . . . . -------________ ..._. __ ..,.. J (\1 SUSITNA STATION East Bank • • • • • • • • West Bank (Smoothed by a-t-2bt-c) 4 Cumulative 0/0 ----- .... .. .~ . . . . . . .. 1 ..-------JULY-------+-+-------AUGUST ------...,_• SEPT:+- DATE Figure 2-3-23. Mean hourly and cumulative percent catch of chum salmon by two day periods at Susitna Station, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. 100 80 60 ~ 0 LL..l > 1- c;( 40 ....J :::> 20 ~ ::> u ---100 ,..-~ / / ..... / I I ..J I ~ YENTNA STATION 0 1&1 1&1 1&1 ::t: I North Bank • • • •• 9 0 .. > 31: so ~ ~ ....... 4. I South Bank ~ a:: I (Smoothed by a+2btc ) ..J ~ 4 ~ I 2 0 Cumulative 0/0 ---4~ ~ ::t: I u ,...;;, ....... ::t: J en I LL 30 - I~ -' N 0 0 m ID ., eft 0 eft ID N -N N If) I I I • ~ I • I I I &, ID ID 1'-!::::: ID ID eft ID N c.\1 .JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER • <OCT~ ... . . . . . .. 100 .. . --------. ---. /-. 90 :/ /. ..J I: 1&1 ~ 37. I . 7!5 31: I . SUNSHINE STATION ffl. ....... I a: East Bank • • • • • • • ~ I . 60 1&1 -. Wut Bank. > 0 . ::t: I (Smoothed by at 2b•c) 1-....... . ~ I . 4 ..J ::t: en 22. . Cumulative %---4!5 :) I . :I LL :) I u 1!5 . I . 30 • . I . I . . 7.!5 . I 1!5 . . I -I ..,., .. N 0 0 0 ~ eft ~ !2 eft eft N rr N eft ID N -I g) I • I I I ID I ~ • I C\i ., !l! ., ID !!!!! 1'-ID • N N N ~JUNE• II( .JULY AUGUST • Ll( SEPTEMBER )loo <Ocr..- DATE -Figure 2-3-24. Mean hourly and cumulative percent fishwheel catch of chum salmon by two day periods at Yentna and Sunshine stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. --124- - - ·~ (Figure 2-3-24). The total fishwheel catch of chum salmon at Sunshine Station in 1982 was 36,335 fish. The peak catch occurred on August 5, 1982 (Appendix 2-C). Fishwheel catches at Susitna Station (RM 26} indicated that approximately 55.5 percent of the chum salmon salmon escapement migrated off the west bank at that location and the 44.5 percent remainder migrated off the east bank in 1982 (Appendix 2-C). In the Yentna River (RM 28} at Yentna Station (RM 04) approximately 70.8 percent of the fish migrated off the north bank and 29.2 percent travelled of the south bank. At Sunshine Station (RM 80) 96.7 percent of the chum salmon migrated on the east side of the river and 3.3 percent passed on the west side. Fishwheel data indicates that chum salmon spent less than one day travelling ~~ between Susitna (RM 26) and Yentna (RM 04} stations, and 7.5 days between Susitna and Sunshine (RM 80) stations in 1982 (Appendix 2-C). These - - - estimates are valid under an assumption of no differential timing between stocks. Chum salmon age samples were collected at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations in 1982. The results are summarized in Table 2-3-29. Age 41 chum salmon represented 84.4 percent, 90.3 percent and 91.1 percent of the fish sampled at the respective stations. Other age classes represented were age 31 and 51 fish. -125- Table 2-3-29. Analysis of chum salmon age data by percent from escapement samples collected at Susitna, Yentna, Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry Stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Collection Site n Susitna Station Yentna Station Sunshine Station Talkeetna Station Curry Station ll Gilbert-Rich Notation 333 629 906 526 480 1 4.5 3.3 5.5 4.9 2. 1 Age Class lf 1 1 84.4 11.1 90.3 6.3 91.1 3.4 87.1 8.0 85.8 12. 1 Length (FL) composition data of chum salmon sampled at Susitna (Rt~ 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) station in 1982 are presented in Table 2-3-30. Age 41 males averaged 602 mm, 604 mm and 614 mm in length at Susitna, Yentna and Sunshine stations, respectively. Females of the same age class and station order averaged 594 111111, 591 mm and 600 mm lengths, respectively. Sex composition data of chum salmon sampled at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations in 1982 are presented in Table 2-3-31. Data indicates that females were more abundant than males in all age classes sampled at Susitna Station. Males outnumbered females in age 41 and 51 samples and were less numerous than females in age 31 samples at Yentna Station. At Sunshine Station females outnumbered males in age 31 and 41 samples and males outnumbered females in age 51 samples (Figure 2-3-25). -126- - - ~! - - - - I 1-' N "-...1 I l 1 I. Table 2-3-30. Analysis of chum salmon lengths, in millimeters, by age class from escapement samples collected at Susitna, Yentna, Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Age n Range Limits Mean 95% Conf. Limits 1f Median Collection Site Class m.!l f!J m f m f m f m f Susitna Station 31 3 12 556-620 456-624 583 571 573 578 41 116 165 482-679 506-657 602 594 595.0,608.0 590.3,598.6 607 597 51 16 21 583-682 577-649 630 612 603.7 ,621. 0 628 616 Yentna Station 31 5 16 535-590 515-599 . 559 557 560 554 41 323 245 398-696 500-680 604 591 600.6,608.0 587.2,594.4 605 591 51 28 12 582-694 528-651 625 606 613.9,635.1 623 613 Sunshine Station 31 19 31 465-620 455-630 558 569 570 580 41 401 424 440-710 475-690 614 600 610.6,617.5 596.8,602.8 615 600 51 4 27 585-715 415-675 633 621 630 630 Talkeetna Station 31 14 12 540-670 540-595 588 568 -. 580 565 41 297 161 500-680 495-680 610 601 606.5,613.8 596.1,605.3 610 600 51 35 7 600-700 550-690 643 637 628.9,657.1 640 650 Curry Station 31 5 5 545-660 540-585 583 565 570 560 41 218 193 530-650 420-665 603 596 600.0,606.7 591.6,600.0 605 600 51 33 25 585-680 575-680 631 627 622.0,639.2 618.8,636.0 630 630 1/ Male y Female '}__/ Confidence Limits on Mean Table 2-3-31. Sex ratio of male and female chum salmon by age from escapement samples collected at Susitna, Yentna, Sunshine, ~ Talkeetna and Curry stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Sample Number Sex -Collection Site Age Size Males Females Ratio (M:F) Susitna Station 3 15 3 12 0.3:1 ~ 4 281 116 165 0.7:1 5 37 16 21 0. 8:1 - Yentna Station 3 21 5 16 0. 3: 1 -' 4 568 323 245 1 . 3: 1 5 40 28 12 2. 3: 1 - Sunshine Station 3 50 19 31 0. 6:1 4 826 402 424 0. 9:1 """"' 5 69 42 27 1 . 6:1 - Talkeetna Station 3 26 14 12 1 • 2: 1 4 458 297 161 1 . 8: 1 pq 5 43 36 7 5. 1 : 1 ~ Curry Station 3 10 5 5 1 . 0: 1 4 412 218 194 1 . 1 : 1 5 58 33 25 1 . 3: 1 -, - -128- --l 90- 10- ... z 1&.1 0 0::: 1&.1 150- 0.. 30- I 1-' N \.0 I 10- 1 l ··-\ l J 90 90 90 90 ,_ r 70 10 70 70 ,_ ... t-t-t-z z z 1&.1 z 1&.1 1&.1 1&.1 0 ~ 150 0 ~eo 0:::50 0:::50 1&.1 1&.1 1&.1 1&.1 a. a. a. a. - ~ v ~ v v v v 30 30 30 v -~ v ~ 30 v v v v v v v ~ ~ v II 10 10 10 v -,_ II II ~ R II II v 10 3 4 5 3 4 5 AGE AGE AGE AGE AGE SUSITNA YENTNA SUNSHINE TALKEETNA CURRY STATION STATION STATION STATION STATION n= 333 n=629 n=906 n=526 n=479 fll • Male 0 • Female Figure 2-3-25. Age composition of fishwheel intercepted chum salmom1 at Susitna, Yentna, Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. In 1982 the overall male to female chum salmon ratio at Susitna Station (RM 26) was 0.7:1. At Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations the male to female ratios were 1.3:1 and 1.0:1, respectively (Table 2-3-31). 3.2.4.1.2 Main Channel Spawning A total of 811 Susitna River main channel sites were evaluated for chum salmon spawning activity in 1982 between RM 7 and 98.5 (Appendix 2-F). Survey results indicate that chum salmon did not spawn in the Susitna River main channel between RM 7 and 98.5 in 1982. 3.2.4.2 Talkeetna to Upper Devil Canyon 3.2.4.2.1 Main Channel Escapement The 1982 chum salmon escapement to Talkeetna Station (RM 103) was approximately 49,100 fish estimated by the Petersen method. The 95 percent confidence interval calculated at 45,200 to 53,900 fish (Table 2-3-11). At Curry Station (RM 120) the chum salmon escapement in 1982 was approxim~tely 29,400 fish with a 95 percent confidence interval of 26,700 to 32,700 fish. The estimate was calculated by the Petersen method (Table 2-3-11). Side scan sonar counters at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) recorded 29,245 chum salmon counts between July 4 and September 14, 1982 (Table 2-3-26). The count was 59.6 percent of the 1982 station Petersen escapement estimate of -130- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - approximately 49,100 chum salmon (Table 2-3-10). The Talkeetna Station SSS chum salmon count was considered an index of escapement as defined in Section 2.4.3. Fishwheels at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) intercepted 2,942 chum salmon between July 5 and September 14, 1982 (Table 2-3-9). Based on catch rates, the chum salmon migration at Talkeetna Station began on August 2, reach a midpoint on August 8 and terminated on August 22 (Figure 2-3-26). Peak fishwheel catches occurred on August 7. At Curry Station 1,736 chum salmon were caught in fishwheels between June 9 and September 18, 1982 (Table 2-3-9). Catch rate data indicated the chum salmon migration essentially began on August 3, reached a median on August 12 and ended on August 26. The peak fishwheel catches occurred on August 9 (Figure 2-3-26). During 1982 chum salmon migrated in higher numbers on the west side of the river at Talkeetna Station (Rt1 103) than on the east side. At Curry Station (RM 120) the majority of the chum salmon migrated on the east side of the river. The fishwheel s operating off the west bank at Talkeetna Station caught 58.4 percent of the total catch, and at Curry Station the east bank fishwheel intercepted 77.5 percent of the total catch (Appendix 2-C). Chum salmon averaged 3.1 days travelling between Sunshine (RM 80) and Talkeetna (RM 103) stations in 1982 as determined from 122 recaptures (Figure 2-3-27). The minimum recorded travel time between these stations was one day and the maximum 20 days. Average speed travelled was 7.4 mpd. Chum salmon -131- ...J ILl ILl 3.5 3.0 ::t: 2.0 3: ...... a:: 5 1.5 ::t: ...... ::t: Cl) II.. 0. 7.0 6.0 ...J 5.0 ILl ILl ::t: 31: 4.0 ::t: Cl) II.. / ("" I I I I . . . . . . . . . . "' ~ 0) 1'- I I J() ~ t\1 • • GO !! ~JULY-----~~~---------AUGUST !!! ~ ' I J() ~ N . . . . . . . . !. J() . . . . I I .. / . . . . . . I ·. m ' GO . . / / / 1'- ie -....... 10 t\1 I ~ / / / --------- TALKEETNA STATION East Bank • • • • • • • West Bank (Smoothed by 0+2 b+c) 4 Cumulative 0/o---- N 0 GO • I Gl t: SEPTEMBER -------- ....... CURRY STATION East Bank • • • • • • • • Wut Bank ---- (Smoothed by a+ 2 b-l-c ) 4 Cumulative 0/o---- t\1 I - 0 T m GO ~ .0 N ~JULY---._~------AUGUST ----------------...... +--SEPT EM 8 ER __ ......, DATE 100 90 75 ;£ 0 60 ILl > .... <l: ...J 45 ::::> ~ ::::> 0 30 15 100 90 60 ILl > .... <l: ...J ::::> 45 ~ ::::> 0 15 Figure 2-3-26. Mean hourly and cumulative percent fishwheel catch of chum salmon by two day periods at Talkeetna and Curry stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. -132- - - """" - ~ - - - - - I I-' w w I ., 10 5 (a) l SUNSHINE TO TALKEETNA n•l22 I= 3.1 Range 1-20 Number of Days Between Captures >- () c • :::ll 25 2 : 15 .. IL #. 10 3 0 ""' () c • :::ll i .. IL #. l 60 45 15 TALKEETNA TO CURRY n=66 R = 2.6 Ranoe 1-18 30 (b) Number of Days Between Captures SUNSHINE TO CURRY n=97 i = 6.4 Ranoe 2-27 10 20 (c) Number of Days Between Captures Figure 2-3~27. Migrational rates of chum salmon between (a) Sunshine and Talkeetna stations, (b) Talkeetna and Curry stations and (c) Sunshine and Curry stations based on fishwheel recaptures, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. averaged 6.4 days between Sunshine (R~·1 80) and Curry (m~ 120) stations for an averag.e speed of approximately 6.3 mpd. The minimum and maximum number of days spent between these stations was two and 27, respectively from a sample of 97 recaptures. The average time travelled between Talkeetna and Curry stations was 2.6 days based on 66 recaptures. The minimum migration time was one day and the maximum was 18 days. Chum salmon age samples were collected at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations. The majority of the chum salmon caught were age 41 fish (Table 2-3-29). At Talkeetna Station age 41 fish represented 87.1 percent and at Curry Station 85.8 percent of the escapement sample. Age 51 chum salmon were represented in 8.0 percent and 12.1 percent, and age 31 fish 4.9 percent and 2.1 percent of the Talkeetna and Curry stations sample, respectively. A total of 526 and 479 chum salmon were sampled for length (FL) and sex at Talkeetna (R~1 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations, respectively (Tables 2-3-30 and 2-3-31). Age 41 males averaged 610 mm and 603 mm and females 601 mm and 596 mm lengths, respectively at Talkeetna and Curry stations. Age 51 males sampled at Talkeetna Station averaged 643 mm and females averaged 637 mm. At Curry Station age 51 males and females averaged 631 mm and 627 mm, respectively. Male chum salmon in 1982 were generally more abundant than females at Talkeetna (R~1 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations (Table 2-3-31). The overall male to female ratio was 1.9:1 at Talkeetna Station and at Curry Station the ratio was 1.1:1 as determined from escapement samples. -134- - - - - - -I - - 3.2.4.2.2 Radio Telemetry Ten chum salmon were radio tagged at Talkeetna Station (Rt~ 103) in 1982 (Table 2-3-32). Four of the ten radio tagged fish migrated downstream and entered the Talkeetna River (RM 97.0) within three to six days (Figure 2-3-28). Another two migrated upstream beyond Curry Station (RM 120) and then descended and entered the Ta ·1 keetna River ( RM 97.0). Four of the remaining sample entered spawning streams and sloughs above Talkeetna Station including Slough 9 (RM 128.3), Fourth of July Creek (RM 131.1), Slough 21 (RM 140.0) and Portage Creek (RM 148.9). Eight chum salmon were radio tagged and released at Curry Station (RM 120) in 1982 (Table 2-3-32 and Figure 2-3-28). Two of the eight fish tagged migrated directly upstream and presumably spawned in Indian River (RM 138.6). One of the eight fish migrated ten miles above Curry Station, then descended 2.2 miles below Curry Station and later spawned in Slough 8A, 5.7 miles above Curry Station. Another radio tagged fish migrated beyond Slough 21 (R~·1 140.0) and entered lower Devil Canyon (RM 150.3) and then Portage Creek (RM 148.9) before descending and finally spawning in Slough 21. One of the eight ~ radio tagged fish spawned above the station in Slough 8C (RM 121.9) after 24 - - days at other locations, including the Indian River confluence (RM 138.6). Three of the eight chum salmon radio tagged at Curry Station (RM 120) migrated upstream to as far as the Indian River confluence (RM 138.6) and then descended (Appendix 2-E). One of the three fish entered the Talkeetna River (RM 97.0), and the second and third fish were last located below Curry Station at RM 96.0 and RM 110.6, respectively. -135- I 1-' w 0'1 I Table 2-3-32. Tagging location, transmitter frequency and physical characteristics of radio tagged chum salmon, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 19820 Tag and Release Transmitter (RM) .!/ Frequency (r~Hz) Date Location Pulse/Second 7/30 10300 400662-2 7/30 119 0 5 40.710-2 7/31 103.0 40.670-2 8/2 120.7 40.680-2 8/2 103.0 40.620-2 8/4 103.0 40.630-2 8/4 119.5 40.699-2 8/7 103.0 40.640-2 8/7 119.5 40o720-l 8/9 10300 400601-3 8/9 119 0 5 400620-3 8/12 11905 400650-2 8/13 103.0 40.660-1 8/15 103.0 400629-3 8/16 103.0 40.710-3 8/19 119.5 40.610-3 8/22 150.4 40.700-3 8/22 150.4 40.670-3 8/26 119.5 40.670-2 8/28 103.0 40.630-3 iJ River Mile: Talkeetna Station RM 103, Curry Station RM 120 I Length: mid-eye to fork of tail. I Petersen Length Y Disc Tag Sex Number (M/F) (em) 161 M 6500 162 M 6200 163 M 6300 164 ~1 64.0 165 F 58.5 166 M 67.5 167 F 66.5 168 M 61 .0 169 F 65o0 170 F 60.0 171 M 5900 173 F 62.0 172 61.0 000 M 66.0 175 M 57.0 179 F 65.0 182 M 63.5 183 M 65.0 189 F 65.0 193 M 6600 J .I 155 lLJ ...I a:: UJ -> a:: - 95 a:: '~ lLJ > a:: < Z II ~ (/) ::> en - - ,..... 30 JULY 3 ~ 7 9 II 13 IS 17 19 AU6UST 620-3 C\1 0 II) (D 30-3A TALKEETNA STATION 61 o-3 CURRY STATION SEPTEMBER Figure 2-3-28. Movements of Talkeetna and Curry stations radio tagged chum salmon in the Susitna River during July, August and September~ Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. -137- The two fastest recorded (upstream) travel speeds of a radio tagged chum salmon were 54.2 mpd over a distance of seven miles and 29.8 mpd over a 16 miles reach. The fastest recorded travel speed of a radio tagged chum salmon for a period of time not less than 24 hours was 12.5 mpd (Table 2-3-33). Chum salmon radio tagged at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) in 1982 arrived at upstream spawning destinations between 6 and 11 days after being tagged. Curry Station (RM 120) tagged chum salmon reached spawning destinations from 2 to 30 days after being tagged (Appendix 2-E). Two chum salmon were caught in a set net in lower Devil Canyon at RM 150.4 on August 22, 1982 and released with radio tags (Appendix 2-E). Both fish moved downstream after tagging and entered Portage Creek (RM 148. 9) within four days. Sometime beb.reen August 26 and September 5, the two fish exited Portage Creek and re-entered the Susitna River main channel at RM 148.9. On September 5, one of the two fish entered Indian River (RM 138.6) and remained there through at least September 9 and presumably spawned in the river. The second fish after exiting Portage Creek migrated downstream and was 1 ast detected at RM 92.0 on September 24. Indi vi dua 1 movements of radio tagged chum salmon are further described in Appendix 2-E. 3.2.4.2.3 Lower Devil Canyon Milling Twenty-five chum salmon were caught from August 10 through September 12, 1982 in 19.6 net hours fished at RM 150.2 and 150.4 (Table 2-3-18). Ten fish were -138- - - - - - - - - - - ~~ - <!"""' ~· - - Table 2-3-33. Twenty fastest radio tagged chum salmon movements, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Speed Traveled (mpd) l/ 54.2 29.8 21.6 19.4 19.0 18.0 17.5 17.2 15.6 14.5 14.4 13.4 12.5 12.4 11.6 11.6 11.6 11.4 11.4 10.5 l/ mpd: Distance Traveled (miles) 7.0 16.0 2.7 2.1 3.8 0.9 0.8 13.8 1.3 2.3 2.4 7.6 13.7 10.6 1.6 11.0 11.6 1.0 3.5 12.8 t·1i 1 es per day Hours Elapsed 3.1 12.9 3.0 2.6 4.8 1.2 1.1 19.3 2.0 3.8 4.0 13.6 26.4 20.5 3.3 22.7 24.0 2.1 7.4 29.3 Location of Movement (RII.-1 -RM) y 103.0-110.0 105.8-121.8 124.6-127.3 115.8-117.9 116.7-120.5 136.0-136.9 130.2-131.0 122.2-136.0 129.0-130.3 119.9-122.2 117.9-120.3 120.2-127.8 123.8-137.5 103.0-113.6 136.9-138.5 120.7-131.7 102.0-113.6 120.2-121.2 126.7-130.2 103.0-115.8 2! Movement: River mile to river mile -139- Observation Dates 8/15 8/7-8 8/4 8/4 8/17 8/21 8/11 8/20-21 8/27 8/20 8/6 8/4-5 7/31-8/1 8/2-3 8/21 8/2-3 7/31-8/1 8/9 8/11 8/5-6 Transmitter Number 630-3A 640-2 620-2 630-2 630-3A 610-3 620-3 610-3 670-28 610-3 630-2 700-2 710-2 620-2 610-3 680-2 670-2A 720-1 620-3 630-2 caught on August 16, and 15 on August 22. No catches were made August 10, 28 or September 12. Electroshocking efforts at RM 150.4 on four occasions between August 11 and September 23, 1982 produced 17 chum salmon (Table 2-3-19). Five fish were captured August 11, and 12 fish on August 18. No chum salmon catches were made on September 5 and 23. Gill net and electroshocking catches indicate chum salmon were present in lower Devil Canyon (RM 150-151) from August 11 through 22, 1982 and particularly abundant in the lower canyon area from August 16 through 22 (Tables 2-3-18 and 2-3-19). Two chum salmon that were caught at RM 150.4 on August 16, 1982 had been tagged at downstream locations (Table 2-3-18). One fish had been tagged at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) on August 3 and the second fish had been tagged and released at Curry Station (RM 120) on August 6. The average migrational speeds of these fish were 3.6 mpd and 3.0 mpd, respectively. Further information on chum salmon migrational behavior in lower Devil Canyon can be found in report section 3.2.4.2.2. 3.2.4.2.4 Spawning 3.2.4.2.4.1 Main Channel A total of 397 main channel sites between RM 98.5 and 150 were investigated for chum salmon spawning from August 7 to October 7, 1982 (Appendix 2-F). -140- - - - - - - - ,... ,.,.. r"" ..... - - !"""" - - r~ain channel surveys revealed nine chum salmon spawning sites in 1982 (Table 2-3-34). Maps of these sites are provided in Appendix 2-G. The nine chum salmon spawning areas were located at RM 114.4, 128.6, 129.8, 131.3, 136.0, 137.4, 138.9, 143.3 and 148.2. Spawning at these sites occurred between September 2 and September 12, 1982. 3.2.4.2.4.2 Sloughs and Streams A total of 34 sloughs were examined between July 28 and October 25 for chum sal man presence in 1982 (Appendix 2-G). Seventeen of the sloughs had chum salmon present. These were: l. 5 ( RM l 07.5) 10. 9B (RM 129.2) 2. 6A ( RM 112 . 3) ll. 9A (RM 133.8) 3. 80 ( RM 121.8) 12 . l 0 ( RM 133.8) 4. 8C (RM 121. 9) 13. 11 (RM 135.3) 5. 8B ( RM 122.2) 14. 15 ( RM 137.2) 6. Moose (Rt·1 123.5) 15. 17 (RM 138.9) 7. 8A (RM 125.1) 16. 20 (RM 140.0) 8. B (RM 126.3) 17. 21 ( RM 141. l ) 9. 9 (RM 128.3) A total of 2,244 ~hum salmon were counted in the peak spawning surveys of the 17 sloughs listed above. The highest level of spawning occurred in sloughs 21 (32.8%), 11 (20.5%), 8A (15.0%), 9 (13.4%) and 9A (5.3%) between August 7 and September 25, 1982 (Plate 2-3-8). -141- I 1-' +:> N I ) Table 2-3-34. Mainstem Susitna River salmon spawning locations with survey and egg deposition sampling results, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Location Survey Egg Deposition Samplinq No, Caught/Observed Eqg Remarks River Mile Legal Date Method Distance Sockeye Pink Chum Coho Date No. Plots Live Dead Total 114.4 S28N04W06 9/2 Electroshock 200 0 0 8 1 10/5 4 0 0 0 Chum salmon observed CAB 9/2 Visual 200 0 0 10 0 spawning 9/2. Redds silted over 10/5. 128.6 S30N03Wl6 9/5 Visual 200 0 0 10 0 10/4 4 6 0 6 Chum salmon spawning and BCA 9/7 Visual 200 0 0 7 0 redds observed 9/5. 129.8 S30N03W09 9/12 Visual BOO 0 0 5 0 10/4 2 0 2 Chum salmon spawning and DAB redds observed 9/12 131.3 S30N03W03 8/19 Electroshock 80 0 0 3 0 10/4 2 2 0 2 Chum salmon spawning and DAD 9/4 Visual 100 0 0 12 0 redds observed 9/4. 136.0 S31N02Wl9 8/12 Electroshock 400 0 20 14 4 10/3 3 2 0 2 Chum salmon spawning and AD-9/4 Visual 150 0 0 50 0 redds observed 9/4. Silted over 9/20. 137.4 S31N02Wl7 8/19 Electroshock 200 0 0 25 0 9/6 6 0 6 Chum salmon spawning and DBB redds observed 9/5. 138.2 S31N02Wl6 9/27 Visual 200 0 0 0 0 10/2 3 2 3 Live egg eyed up. BBB 138.9 S31N02W09 9/4 Visual 200 0 0 16 0 10/2 2 27 0 27 Chum salmon spawning and DBD redds observed 9/4. 143.3 S32N01W31 9/4 Visual 100 0 0 22 0 9/6 6 0 6 Chum salmon spawning and BCB redds observed 9/4. 148.2 S3?N01W26 8/18 Electroshock 125 0 0 400 0 Spawning chum salmon DCA 9/5 Electroshock 100 1 0 4 1 intercepted on 8/18 and 9/5. J ) J J - - - Spawning ground surveys indicated the peak of chum salmon spawning in slough habitats occurred between the third week of August and the third week of September, 1982. Peak spawning in sloughs 8A, 9, 9A, 11 and 21 occurred the last week of August and the first week of September. Plate 2-3-8. Chum and sockeye salmon spawning in Slough 11 September, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Studies, 1982. in early Su Hydro ,-In 1982, 19 streams were surveyed and eight were found to contain chum -salmon. These were: 1. Lane Creek (RM 113.6) 2. Little Portage Creek (RM 117.7) 3. Fifth of July Creek (RM 123.7) 4. Skull Creek (RM 124.7) 5. Fourth of July Creek (131. l) 6. Indian River (138.6) 7. Jack Long Creek (144.5) 8. Portage Creek (RM 148.9) -143- Survey results are presented in Appendix 2-G. A combined total of 1,748 chum salmon were counted at the peak of spawning in the index areas of the eight streams listed. The majority of the chum salmon were recorded in Indian River (77.0%), Fourth of July Creek (10.9%) and Portage Creek (8.8%). Based on stream surveys, the peak of chum salmon spawning occurred from the last week of August through the first week of September in 1982 (Appendix 2-G). 3.2.5. Coho Salmon 3.2.5. 1 Estuary to Talkeetna 3.2.5.1.1 Main Channel Escapement Coho salmon escapement estimates were obtained for Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations in 1982 (Table 2-3-10). No total escapement estimate was available for Susitna Station (RM 26) for reasons defined in Section 2.4.3. The Yentna River (RM 28) escapement of coho salmon in 1982 was approximately 34,100 fish as determined by SSS at Yentna Station (RM 04) (Table 2-3-10). Daily and cumulative counts are presented in Appendix 2-B. The coho salmon escapement to Sunshine Station (RM 80) in 1982 was approximately 45,700 fish with a 95 percent confidence interval calculated at 41,900 to 50,300 fish (Table 2-3-11). The estimate was calculated by the Petersen method. -144- .... - - - - - - - - The escapement of coho salmon to the Susitna River was approximately 80,000 fish (Table 2-3-10). This escapement est·imate does not include those coho salmon spawning in Susitna River streams above RM 6 and below RM 77 excluding the Yentna River (RM 28). The estimate was formulated by combining the Yentna Station (RM 04) sonar count and the Sunshine Station (RM 80) estimate of the coho salmon escapement. Coho salmon returning to the Susitna River drainage in 1982 were intercepted by fishwheels located at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations. Daily and cumulative catch data have been presented in Appendix 2-C. Susitna Station (RM 26) fishwheels intercepted 470 coho salmon in 1982 (Table 2-3-9). Daily fishwheel catches indicate that the coho salmon migration began, reached a midpoint and ended on July 19, July 31 and August 9, respectively at Susitna Station (Figure 2-3-29). The majority (72.5%) of the captures occurred with the west bank fishwheel. Yentna Station (RM 04) fishwheels captured 1,203 coho salmon in 1982 (Table 2-3-9). From catch data interpretation the migration at Yentna Station began on July 20, reached a median on August 2 and terminated on August 24. Coho salmon showed a slight preference for movement along the south bank as indicated by 56.1 percent of the catch occurring with the south bank fishwheel (Figure 2-3-30). Fishwheels at Sunshine Station (RM 80) intercepted 8,227 coho salmon (Table 2-3-9). The coho salmon migration at Sunshine Station essentially began, -145- I ...... +>- O'l I 2. ~-------------100 I 2.0 I 80 I SUSITNA STATION I East Bonk ........ I West Bonk I (Smoothed by ot2b+'C) I 4 0 .....I I soc;;:: w 1.5 Cumulative 0/o---- w I w J: I > 3: - I t-....... <t: 0::: I ....J ::> I ::> 0 ~ :z;,o I 40 :::> ........ u J: en LL ' ' ' ' 0. . 20 . ' ' ' . . ' . . +--------JULY ______ ..,._......., _____ AUGUST -------'.,....SEPT.-. DATE Figure 2-3-29. Mean hourly and cumulative percent fishwheel catch of coho salmon by two day periods at Susitna Station, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. J 3.!5 ----- ....... -- // / / ....1 2.!5 "I YENTNA STATION 7!5 I&J -:1!. I&J I·. 0 :I: North Bank . . . . . I&J :I: I > ....... I South Bank 1-a: (Smoothed by a +2b+c) "" ::I I ....1 0 4 ::I ,;,. :I: ....... I Cumulative o/o----:::E r . !5 . ,. .. . :;::) :I: I 0 U) "" I L 0.!5 1!5 ~ N 0 10 ~ ~ N rp N N I I ;-• I !2 0) I ~ N 0 I 10 I N N ID N 10 ~ N - JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER - 11.0 ---------------100 -,...-. / . / 90 . ·.; ;·. ....1 I SUNSHINE STATION 75 I&J B.O . -:1!. I&J I East Bank 0 :I: • a • • a • a :I: I&J I West Bank > ....... 60 i= a: I (Smoothed by at 2b+c) "" ::I 4 ....1 0 I :I: Cumulative 0/0 ---::I :::E ,-....... 5.0 I 45 ::I :I: I 0 U) "" I I 30 . I . I 2.0 I 15 - -- ~ N 10 10 ;;; CD ID ~ -N ,... N N N I • I 'j"' I • I 'j"' I I 10 C\i ID ~ N 0 ,... tO 10 -N 10 N .. JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER DATE Figure 2-3-30. Mean hourly and cumulative percent fishwheel catch of coho -salmon by two day periods at Yentna and Sunshine stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. - -147- reached a midpoint and terminated on August 3, August 12 and August 23, respectively from catch data. Coho salmon displayed an affinity for movement along the east bank at Sunshine Station as 89.0 percent of the captures occurred with east bank fishwheels. The 1982 coho salmon age class composition was determined from the escapement sampled at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations. The results have been summarized in Table 2-3-35. Table 2-3-35. Analysis of coho salmon age data by percent from escapement samples collected at Susitna, Yentna, Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Age Class ..lJ Collection Site n j2 \.\ ~3 2.\ ~4 54 Susitna Station 299 33.8 64.6 1.7 Yentna Station 422 31.8 66.8 1.4 Sunshine Station 342 49.3 50 01 0.3 0.3 Talkeetna Station 212 59.0 41.0 Curry Station 98 54.0 46.0 ..l! Gilbert-Rich Notation A total of 299 coho salmon from Susitna Station (RM 26) were examined for age in 1982 (Table 2-3-35). Four year old (4 3 ) coho represented the largest age class totalling 64.6 percent of those sampled followed by age class 32 fish at 33.8 percent and age s4 fish at 1.7 percent. Four year old (4 3 ) coho salmon made up 66.8 percent of the escapement sampled at Yentna Station (RM 04). Age 32 and 54 coho salmon comprised the remaining 33.2 percent of the sample at 31.8 and 1.4 percents, respectively. -148- - - -. - - -I At Sunshine Station (RM 80}, 50.1 percent of the coho salmon scales examined for age in 1982 represented four year old (4 3 ) fish followed by age classes -32 , 44 and 54 with 49.3, 0.3 and 0.3 percents, respectively. The one coho salmon determined to be age 44 was an anomaly as it did not overwinter in the ocean environment. - - - ! ~ - Coho salmon sampled at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations smelted after spending up to three years in freshwater. The majority 64.6, 66.8 and 50.1 percents at Susitna, Yentna and Sunshine stations smelted after two winters spent in freshwater while 33.8, 31.8 and 49.3 percents smolted following one winter in freshwater. Less than five percent of the fish sampled at all stations remained three winters in the freshwater. Coho salmon length (FL) data collected at Susitna (RM 26}, Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations in 1982 were tabulated by age class and sex (Table 2-3-36). Male coho salmon sampled at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations non-segregated by age were: (1) consistently larger in length (FL) than females at all stations in 1982 (Appendix 2-D); and (2) generally more abundant than females except at Susitna Station (Figure 2-3-31). The overall male to female sex ratios in 1982 were 0.6:1, 2.4:1 and 1.4:1 at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations, respectively (Table 2-3-36). -149- I ....... U1 0 I 60 .... 4~ z w 0 a: w a. 30 3 4 AGE SUS I TNA STATION n= 299 .... 4~ z w 0 .a:: w a. 30 YENTNA STATION n=422 60 4~ .... z ll.l 0 a: w a. 30 3 4 ~ AGE SUNSHINE STATION n=341 rzJ • Male CJ • Female 6 4~ .... z ll.l 0 .a:: ll.l a. 3 I~ TALKEETNA STATION n= 212 .... z 11.1 0 .a:: 11.1 a. 4~ 30 CURRY STATION n = 98 Figure 2-3-31. Age composition of fishwheel intercepted coho salmon at Susitna, Yentna, Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. J J j .I I ....... (J1 I-' I 1 l Tab 1 e 2-3-36 o Analysis of coho salmon lengths, in millimeters, Susitna, Yentna, Sunshine, Talkeetna and Curry Studies, 1982 o Collection Site Susitna Station Yentna Station Sunshine Station Talkeetna Station Curry Station .!! y Male Female Age Class 32 43 54 32 43 54 32 43 44 54 32 43 32 43 mY 39 74 2 99 194 4 106 91 1 1 79 47 33 23 '}_/ Confidence Limits on Mean n Range Limits fy m f 62 432-628 402-620 119 421-680 371-638 3 513-625 577-602 35 338-631 399-611 88 350-656 400-626 2 559-617 496-575 62 425-685 445-620 80 325-680 375-645 0 340 0 550 46 390-640 440-665 40 430-650 390-650 20 300-620 415-595 22 335-625 460-620 ) by age class from escapement samples collected at stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Mean 95% Confo Limits 3/ Median m f m f m f 545 525 52802,56009 513o0,536o9 556 528 561 544 550.0,571.5 534.5,553.5 570 557 569 591 569 594 539 524 527.8,549.5 507.4,540.1 550 535 549 544 541.2,556. 7 534.3,553.7 565 555 578 536 569 536 546 540 535.2,556.1 529.6,551.1 558 545 564 551 551.3,575.8 540.2 ,561. 9 575 560 340 340 550 550 546 555 533.9,558.8 543.1,567.5 550 555 562 554 570 558 501 534 510.3,556.7 540 548 544 558 565 565 3.2.5.1 .2 Main Channel Spawning The main channel Susitna River from RM 7 to 98.5 was surveyed for coho salmon spawning activity in 1982 with 811 sites examined from August 1 to October 13 (Appendix 2-F). Coho salmon did not spawn in the main channel between RM 7 and 98.5 in 1982 based on survey results. 3.2.5.2 Talkeetna to Upper Devil Canyon 3.2.5.2.1 Main Channel Escapement The coho salmon escapement to Talkeetna Station (RM 103) in 1982 was approximately 5,100 fish determined by the Petersen method (Table 2-3-10). The 95 percent confidence interval for this escapement estimate calculated at 4,300 to 6,200 fish (Table 2-3-11). Sonar counters operated at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) recorded a total of 7,189 coho salmon in 1982 (Table 2-3-26). These counts were considered an index of escapement to RM 103 per report Section 2.4.3. The 1982. coho salmon escapement to Curry Station (R~1 120) was approximately 2,400 fish from the Petersen method (Table 2-3-10). The 95 percent confidence limit calculated at 1,800 to 3,800 fish (Table 2-3-11). Fishwheels operated at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) intercepted 619 coho salmon in 1982 (Table 2-3-9). The majority, 60.3 percent, were captured with west bank fishwheels (Figure 2-3-32). Daily fishwheel catches established the coho salmon migration beginning, midpoint and completion at August 5, August 13 and September 2, respectively (Appendix 2-C). -152- - - - - - - ~~ J~ - - - 0.7 ---------- 0.6 .,.,... ,-./ / / / 0.~ / _. I TALKEETNA STATION ILl / ILl :c 0.4 Ea at Bank • • • • • • • • ~ ' West Bank a: (Smoothed by af 2 b+c) ::l 0 0.3 4 :c Cumulative Ofo---- ' :c (I) 1&. . . . 0.1 "' ~ ii ~ "' Q') .. t\1 ~ I 0 t I I j'" ~ ti N • ~ "' = ,._ !2 -4--JULY-~ ...... ~------AUGUST------~..-SEPT.EMBER---_.. _. ILl ILl :c ~ ' a: ::l 0 :c 0.35 0.30 / / I / ./ / / / / .,..------ CURRY STATION East Bank • • • • • • West Bank ----- (Smoothed by d 2 b+c) 4 ' 0.15 :c Cumulative o/o--- (I) 1&. 0.05 N alt "' "' ~ t .., Ga !! i\i "' • ~ I j'" I I t 0 .!. I "' Q') ~ "' .... !!! ~JULY~....,.. ______ _ AUGUST SEPTEMBER DATE Figure 2-3-32. Mean hourly and cumulative percent fishwheel catch of coho salmon by two day periods at Talkeetna and Curry stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. -153- g I 2! 100 90 75 ~ 0 60 ILl ~ !c _. 45 ::l 2 ::l 0 30 15 100 90 75 '#. ILl 2: 60 !c _. ::l 2 ::l 45 0 30 15 Curry Station (RM 120) fishwheels captured 229 coho salmon in 1982 (Table 2-3-9). Fishwheel catch data indicated the migration began, reached a midpoint and terminated on August 5, August 18 and September 2, respectively (Figure 2-3-32). Coho salmon migrating past Curry Station displayed essentially no bank preference as evidenced by 53.3 percent of the total catch with the west bank fishwheel and 46.7 percent with the east bank fishwheel (Appendix 2-C). Coho salmon scales from fish sampled at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations in 1982 were analyzed to determine age class composition (Table 2-3-35). Talkeetna Station coho salmon were represented by two age classes 32 and 43 comprising 59.4 and 40.6 percent of those examined, respectively. Age 32 coho salmon also dominated the fish sampled at Curry Station comprising 57.1 percent of the sample while four year old (4 3 ) fish constituted the remaining 42.9 percent. Scale analysis also indicated that 59.4 and 57.1 percent of the coho salmon at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations in 1982 had smolted after rearing one winter in freshwater. The remaining 40.6 and 42.9 percent of the fish sampled at Ta.lkeetna and Curry stations reared in freshwater two winters before outmigrating (Table 2-3-35). Length (FL) composition data of coho salmon sampled at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations have been summarized in Table 2-3-36. Talkeetna Station male and female coho salmon, age class 32 averaged 546 mm and 555 mm in 1 ength while age 43 rna 1 es and fema 1 es had average 1 engths of 501 mm and -154- ..... - - - - - - 534 mm, respectively. Age 32 male and female coho salmon sampled at Curry Station averaged 501 mm and 534 mm in length, respectively, while four year old (4 3 ) fish averaged 544 mm and 558 mm, respectively. Sex composition data of coho salmon sampled from Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations indicated males occurred in equal or larger numbers than females (Figure 2-3-31). Age 32 and 43 coho salmon examined at Talkeetna Station had male to female sex ratios of 1.7:1 and 1.2:1, respectively (Table 2-3-37). Curry Station three year old (3 2 ) male coho salmon were also more abundant than females by a ratio of 1.6:1 while age 43 males and females were equally abundant 1.0:1. The overall male to female coho salmon ratio at Talkeetna Station was 1.5:1 and at Curry Station the ratio was 1.3:1. Fishwheel recaptures of coho salmon at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations were not sufficient to define migration rates in 1982. An approximate estimate of the migrational rate can be made by comparing fishwheel catches at Sunshine (RM 80), Talkeetna and Curry stations. From these observations it is estimated that coho salmon required an average of 11 days or a travel rate of 6.2 miles per day (mpd) to travel from Sunshine Station to Talkeetna Station and an average of 5.7 additional days to Curry Station, for an overall rate of 7.0 mpd. Fishwheel catches show the distance between Talkeetna and Curry stations to be travelled in an average 1.7 days for a rate of 10.0 mpd (Figures 2-3-30 and 2-3-32). These estimates assumed no differential migration between Susitna River coho salmon stocks. 3.2.5.2.1.2 Radio Telemetry In 1982, e 1 even coho sa 1 man were radio tagged and re 1 eased at Ta 1 keetna -155- I I I I - Table 2-3-37. Sex ratio of male and female coho salmon by age from escapement samples collected at Susitna, Yentna, Sunshine, -Talkeetna and Curry stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. ..... Sample Number Sex -Collection Site Age Size ~1a 1 es Females Ratio (M: F) Susitna Station 3 101 39 62 0. 6: 1 4 193 74 119 0. 6: 1 5 5 2 3 0. 7: 1 """1 Yentna Station 3 131 97 34 2. 8:1 ~ 4 282 194 88 2. 2: 1 5 9 6 3 2.0:1 Sunshine Station 3 168 106 62 1 • 7: 1 4 172 92 80 1 . 2: 1 - 5 1 1 0 - Talkeetna Station 3 125 79 46 1 • 7: 1 4 87 47 40 1 • 2: 1 - Curry Station 3 53 33 20 1 . 6: 1 ~: 4 45 23 22 1 • 0: 1 - - - -156- - - Station (RM 103) and, similarly, five were tagged at Curry Station (RM 120) (Table 2-3-38). Ten of the 11 coho salmon tagged at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) presumably spawned below the station. Three of these fish spawned in Whiskers Creek (RM 101.2); another three descended to spawning areas in the Talkeetna River drainage (RM 97.0); two others were last detected in Birch Creek (R~4 88.4); and another two were last located at RM 97.6 and 105.6, respectively (Figures 2-3-33 and Appendix 2-E). Only one coho salmon (fish 620-3A) tagged at Talkeetna Station {RM 103) in 1982 was known to have spawned above RM 103. After being tagged and released at RM 103, fish 620-3A migrated upstream to the Chase Creek confluence (RM 106.9), then ascended to the confluence of Slough 5 (RM 107.6) and finally entered Gash Creek (RM 111.6) to spawn approximately 24 days after being released at Talkeetna Station {Appendix 2-E). A· typical example of the movements of a coho salmon tagged at Talkeetna Station {RM 103) which was suspected to have spawned in the Talkeetna River system (RM 97 .0) was as follows. Tagged on August 27, 1982, fish 600-2 descended from Talkeetna Station to RM 100.9 within 16.5 hours after its release. ·Four days later it entered the Talkeetna River (RM 97.0). Fish 600-2 continued to ascend the Ta 1 keetna River and was 1 ast detected 15.5 miles upstream in the river on September 9, 13 days after its initial release. A second example of intra-drainage milling behavior was the movements of fish 640-3 which spawned in Whiskers Creek (RM 101.2). Fish 640-3 was tagged on August 25 at RM 103. By August 31, this fish had moved downstream and had entered the TaHeetna River (RM 97.0). On September 1 the fish was located 2.2 miles upstream in the Talkeetna River. By September 3 -157- I ~ (J1 OJ I Table 2-3-38. Tagging location, transmitter frequency and physical characteristics of radio tagged coho salmon, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Tag and Release Transmitter Petersen Length l/ Coloration if Locat10n Frequency (MHz) Size Y Disc Tag Sex Date ( RM) .!/ Pulse/Second Number (M/F) (em) (Dorsal/Ventral) 8/17 103.0 40.650-1 M 176 F 58.0 Sil ver/Si 1 ver 8/17 119.5 40.699-1 M 174 r4 65.0 Red/Red 8/18 103.0 40.641-1 M 177 M 58.0 Red-Pink/Red 8/19 120.7 40.650-4 M 178 F 58.5 Silver-Pink/Silver-Gray 8/19 103.0 40.711-2 r-1 180 M 61.0 Red-Pink/Silver-Pin~ 8/21 103.0 40.721-2 ~1 181 M 56.5 Silver-Pink/Silver-Pink 8/22 119.5 40.611-1 M 184 M 61.5 Silver-Gray/Pink -- 8/25 103.0 40.640-3 M 185 M 60.0 Red-PinK]Gray-Red 8/25 119.5 40.660-3 r4 186 F 59.0 Silver/Silver-Pink 8/25 119.5 40.601-3 s 187 F 58.5 Silver/Silver-Pink 8/26 103.0 40.619-3 s 188 F 58.5 Silver/Silver-Pink 8/27 103.0 40.600-2 s 190 M 58.5 Pink/Pink 8/28 103.0 40.680-3 M 194 ~1 61.5 Red/Red 8/28 103.0 40.630-1 f·1 191 M 61.0 Gray/Red-Pink 8/28 103.0 40.610-3 M 192 F 59.5 Gray /Gray-Pink 8/28 103.0 40.600-1 ~1 195 M 66.0 Red-Pink/Red-Pink l/ River Mile: Talkeetna Station RM 103, Curry Station RM 120. y Transmitter sizes: S = 5.2 em long, 1.6 em wide, 18.0 em antennae 3/ M = 7.6 em long, 1.6 em wide, 13.0 em antennae !I Length: mid-eye to fork of tail. Coloration: Predominate color underlined. j 1 J 1'- i l I""" ["'"' ..... a: UJ > a:: ct z l-- en :J rJ) w ..J 120 115 -135 :;: a::: UJ > 0::: ct 115 z 1-- en :J {/) 95 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 AUGUST 650-3 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 AUGUST 610-3 TALKEETNA STATION 3 5 7 9 II 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 SEPTEMBER 660-3 610-1 CURRY STATION 3 5 7 9 II 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 SEPT EMS E R Figure 2-3-33. Movements of Talkeetna and Curry stations radio tagged coho salmon in the Susitna River drainage during August and September, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. -159- I I j I fish 640-3 had moved out of the Talkeetna River and was in the Susitna River at RM 98.0. The fish was next located in the Chulitna River (RM 98.6) where it remained through at 1 east September 9. By September 13 fish 640-3 had returned to the Susitna River where it was located on that date at RM 97.5. Between September 18 and 24, fish 640-3 migrated upstream and entered Whiskers Creek (RM 101.2). This fish was last detected 0.5 miles upstream in Whiskers Creek on September 27 (Appendix 2-E). Of the five radio tagged coho salmon released at Curry Station in 1982, one spawned below RM 120 presumably in the Talkeetna River (RM 97.0). The other four fish spawned upstream of RM 120 in Indian River (RM 138.6) and Portage Creek (RM 148.9) (Figure 2-3-33 and Appendix 2-E). The one radio tagged coho salmon which presumably spawned below Curry Station in 1982, exhibited the following migrational movements. Released at RM 120 on August 19 fish 650-4 descended to RM 112.8 within approximately 8.4 hours. The next day it was at RM 100.5 near the Talkeetna River confluence (Rt~ 97.0). It remained in the general area of RM 98 through at least August 23. On August 26, fish 650-4 was located in the Talkeetna River where it remained through September 9~ the last day monitored (Appendix 2-E). The migrational behavior of fish 610-1 can be considered illustrative of the milling behavior of coho salmon radio tagged at Curry Station (RM 120), which spawned upstream of the station in 1982. Fish 610-1 was tagged on August 22. On August 26 the fish was at RM 129.6 and two days later at RM 135.8. Fish 610-1 descended to RM 131.1 on or about August 29 and remained there at the confluence of Fourth of July Creek through September 7. On September 8 the -160- - .... - - - - ~ - fish moved further downstream to RM 126.5 and on the following day migrated upstream, again, to RM 131.1. By September 13, fish 610-1 had moved upstream to the mouth of Slough 15 at RM 137 .3. Between September 14 and 18, fish 610-1 entered Indian River (RM 138.6) and was last detected on September 22, 2.5 miles upstream in Indian River, 31 days after its initial release at RM 120 (Appendix 2-E). In 1982 the fastest (upstream) movement recorded of a radio tagged coho salmon released at Curry Station (RM 120) was 18.1 mpd (Table 2-3-39). A common migrational pattern exhibited by several salmon released at Talkeetna and Curry stations in 1982 was the tendency for the fish to mill or hold, for up to several days in semi-placid areas of the main channel like the mouths of clear water streams and sloughs prior to resuming migration. Examples of this behavior can be found in the tracking reports of coho salmon 610-1, 620-3A, 640-1, 650-1, 660-3 and 740-3 provided in Appendix 2-E. Further information on coho salmon mi grati ona 1 behavior can be found in Appendix 2-E. 3.2.5.2.3 Lower Devil Canyon Milling Three coho salmon were caught in 19.6 hours of set netting at RM 150.2 and 150.4 from August 10 to September 12 (Table 2-3-17). The three salmon were caught on August 28. One of the three fish had been tagged at Curry Station (RM 120) on August 12 (Plate 2-3-9). -161- ~~ Table 2-3-39. Twenty fastest radio tagged coho salmon movements, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. - Speed Distance Location of Traveled Traveled Hours Movement Observation Transmitter ~ (rnpd) .!/ (miles) Elapsed ( RM -RM) 21 Dates Number """ 21.1 4.3 4.9 118.0-122.3 8/27 660-3 11.5 2.4 5.0 128.7-131 . 1 8/19 700-1 w'.i'' 9. 1 L6 4.2 137.0-138.6 8/21 700-1 8.5 8.5 23.9 122.3-130.8 8/27-28 660-3 7.2 7.4 24.6 121.3-128.7 8/18-19 700-1 6. 1 4.5 17.6 126.5-131.0 9/8-9 610-1 5.8 3.4 14.0 97.5-100.9 9/13-14 640-3 .~~ 5.4 5.6 24.7 130.2-135.8 8/27-28 610-1 4.9 4.2 20.6 130.8-135.0 8/28-29 660-3 _, 4.6 4.3 22.5 103.0-107.3 8/18-19 640-1 3.5 3. 1 21.1 133.9-137.0 8/20-21 700-1 -3. 1 6.6 51.9 107.0-113.6 8/23-25 640-1 2.8 1.8 15.7 119.5-121.3 8/17-18 700-1 2.8 5.4 46.3 1 0 1 . 2-1 06 . 6 8/29-31 620-3 """' 2.6 2.8 25.4 131 . 1-133. 9 8/19-20 700-1 2.2 2.0 22.8 119.3-121.3 8/25-26 600-3 ~ 1.6 1 . 6 23.3 98.0-99.6 8/27-28 640-3 1.6 1.6 23.5 107.6-109.2 9/6-7 620-3 1.4 1.3 22.7 137.3-138.6 9/13-14 610-1 1.0 0.9 21.2 100.5-101.4 8/20-21 650-3 1/ mpd: Miles per day 2! ...,, Movement: River mile to river mile .... - -162- Plate 2-3-9. Tag recaptured coho salmon in lower Devil Canyon from Sunshine Station, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Electroshocking was conducted four times at RM 150.4 between August 11 and September 23, 1982. The tota 1 catch was one coho sa 1 mon on September 5 (Table 2-3-19). Gill netting and electroshocking data indicate that coho salmon were present in lower Devil Canyon (RM 150-151) from August 28 through September 5, 1982 (Tables 2-3-18 and 2-3-19). -163- 3.2.5.2.4 Spawning 3.2.5.2.4.1 Main Channel A total of 397 main channel sites were investigated for coho salmon spawning activity in 1982 (Appendix 2-G). The sites surveyed were located between RM 98.5 and 150. No Susitna River main channel habitats between RM 98.5 and 150 were found to support coho salmon spawning (Appendix 2-G). 3.2.5.2.4.2 Sloughs and Streams In 1982, 34 sloughs between RM 98.6 and 161.0 were surveyed for coho salmon from July 28 to October 24, 1982 (Appendix 2-G). Coho sa 1 mon were observed in three of the 34 s 1 oughs surveyed. The three sloughs were: 6A (R~1 112.3), 8A (RM 125.1) and 15 (RM 137.2). The peak survey count of live and dead coho salmon in Slough 6A was 35 fish, in Slough 8A 4 fish and in Slough 15, 14 fish. These counts were recorded on August 19, October 2 and August 11, respectively. Based on survey observations coho salmon spawned only in Slough 8A. The peak of spawning in Slough 8A occurred between the fourth week of September and the first week of October, 1982. The coho salmon observed in sloughs 6A and 15 were milling fish and did not spawn in these sloughs. -164- """ ~ t(!>¥~, - Nineteen streams between RIVI 98.6 and 161.0 were surveyed for coho salmon in 1982 (Appendix 2-G). Twelve streams contained coho salmon. These were: 1. Whiskers Creek (RM 101.4) 7. Little Portage Creek (RM 117. 7) 2. Chase Creek (RM 106.9) 8. Fourth of July Creek (RM 131.1) 3. Slash Creek (Rf-'1111.2) 9. Gold Creek {RM 136.7) 4. Gash Creek (RM 111.6) 10. Indian River (RM 138.6) 5. Lane Creek ( RM 113.6) 11. Jack Long Creek (RM 144.5) 6. Lower McKenzie Creek (RM 116.2) 12. Portage Creek (RM 148.9) Peak survey counts of coho salmon were recorded in the 12 listed streams between August 23 and October 2, 1982. The combined peak survey count ~ of live and dead coho salmon for these streams was 633 fish. The majority of the fish were observed in Whiskers Creek (27.8%), Lower McKenzie Creek (21.0%), Indian River (16.0%) and Portage Creek (13.9%). It should be recognized that peak survey counts do not represent the tot a 1 number of coho salmon that spawned in the streams surveyed. Early· and late spawning fish are normally absent when peak counts are recorded and only a portion {index) of each stream habitat was surveyed in this study (Appendix 2-G). Survey observations indicated that the peak of coho salmon spawning activity in stream habitats took place between the last week of August and the first .... week of October in 1982. Peak of coho salmon spawning in Whiskers Creek, Lower McKenzie Creek and Indian River were between August 23 and September 21, September 21 and October 2, and September 18 and September 30, respectively. -165- 3.3 Bering Cisco 3.3.1 Estuary to Talkeetna 3.3.1.1 Main Channel Escapement Bering cisco were captured at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations in fishwheels in 1982. Daily and cumulative catch records are presented in Appendix 2-C. At Susitna Station (RM 26) 42 Bering cisco were intercepted with fishwheels in 1982. Based on these catches, the migration started at Susitna Station on August 7 and concluded sometime after September 5, the last day the station was operated (Figure 2-3-34). The majority (75%) of the Bering cisco migrated along the east shore of the Susitna River at Susitna Station based on fishwheel catch data. Yentna Station (RM 04) fishwheels caught four Bering cisco in 1982, one per day on August 21, 29, September 2 and 3. The north bank fishwheel intercepted 75.0 percent of the total catch while the south bank fishwheel captured the remaining 25.0 percent. The Bering cisco catch at Yentna Station was not sufficient to establish migrational timing. Fishwheels at Sunshine Station (RM 80) intercepted 165 Bering cisco in 1982. From catch data, the migration can be determined to have started on September 4 and to have ended sometime after October 1, the last day fishwheels were operated. The entire catch at Sunshine Station was made with fi shwheel s operating off the east bank. -166- - - - .35 SUSITNA STATION ..J Smoothed by a'l-2b+c LLI.30 4 LLI ~ :c ~ ~.25 ::1 0 :c ....... 20 0 u (/) - u.l5 (!) z -0:: LL1 .10 a) -.0 -' ' I ' 0 C\1 1'-• io -N 10 N .7 -SUNSHINE STATION Smoothed by at 2b+C .6 4 ~ ..J LLI LLI .5 :c ~ ....... 4 a:= ::1 ,-0 :c .3 ...... 0 (.) (/) <:;·2 (!) z 0:: .I LLI CD ?~ N I .!.. I ' I I I !.. • Cl) 0 v !!! C\1 1'-10 N AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCT. DATE Figure 2-3-34. Mean hourly fi s hwhee 1 catch of Bering cisco by two day periods at Susitna and Sunshine stations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. -167- All subsequently reported age and length data of Bering cisco are based on a composite of fish captures at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations (Tables 2-3-40 and 2-3-41). Table 2-3-40. Collection Site All Locations 1/ Gilbert-Rich Analysis of Bering cisco age data by percent from escapement samples collected at all sampling locations, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982 • Sample Age Class .!! Brood Year Size lll 51 61 1977 1978 1979 100 34 62 4 4 62 34 notation Approximately 62.0 percent of the Susitna River Bering cisco escapement were age 51 fish followed by age 41 fish at 34.0 percent and age 61 fish at 4.0 percent (Table 2-3-40). Age 41 Bering cisco had a mean length (TL) of 318.9 mm and age 51 and 61 fish had mean lengths of 342.3 mm and 365.0 mm, respectively (Table 2-3-41). Table 2-3-41. Collection Site A 11 S amp 1 i n g Locations Analysis of Bering cisco lengths, in millimeters, by age class from a 11 escapement samples, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Age 95% Confidence Class .!_! n Limits Mean Limits 2/ Median 41 34 235-365 318.9 310.7-237.2 231.5 51 62 305-383 342.3 338.0-346.7 343.0 61 4 330-405 365.0 313.4-4-16.6 362.5 1 I Gilbert-Rich notation. 7:/ Confidence Limits on Mean. -168- - - - ~~. - ~ - - - - All Bering cisco intercepted in fishwheels at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations were in pre-spawning condition. No sex determinations were made due to homogeni ty in phys i ca 1 appea ranee of both sexes. 3.3.1.2 Main Channel Spawning Main channel spawning surveys began August 1 and ended on October 13, 1982. A total of 518 Bering cisco were caught or observed during this time period (Appendix 2-F). Sex composition data of Bering cisco were collected from 62 fish during the spawning surveys. It was found that prior to October 13, the male to female ratio was 3.0:1 (Table 2-3-42). The last day sampled, October 13, 18 Bering cisco were examined and 15 were females and 3 were males, for a sex ratio of 0.2:1. Assuming that electroshocking, as a method of capture, was random the incidence of males was then a function of presence and not capture avoidance.· It follows, then, that male Bering cisco left the spawning locations earlier than females. Alternatively, it may also be possible that gravid females preparing to or actually spawning were more susceptible to capture which could also cause a change in the sex ratio. Ripe female Bering cisco, as defined in Section 2.3.2, were first observed on October 2 with encounters continuing through October 13, the final day of -~ sampling. Of the fifteen females examined on October 13 for spawning ..... condition: 10 fish were considered to be actively spawning; 4 fish were determined by necropsy to have already spawned and 1 fish was a pre-spawner. The data would indicate that peak of spawning in 1982 occurred on or before October 13. -169- Table 2-3-42. Sex ratios of Bering cisco collected during mains tern spawning surveys, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Location Sample Sex Ratio (River Mile) Date Size Males Females (m:f) 79.4 10/3 12 11 1 11.0:1 34.0 10/4 5 3 2 1 . 5: 1 34.1 10/6 1 1 0 1 :0 83.4 10/6 5 4 1 4. 0:1 88.0 10/6 1 0 1 0: 1 71.5 10/8 1 1 0 1 :0 72.7 10/8 3 2 1 2. 0:1 75.0 10/8 3 1 2 0.5:1 77.6 10/8 13 10 3 3. 3:1 75.5 10/13 7 2 5 . 4: 1 77.6 10/13 9 0 9 0:9 85.2 10/13 2 1 1 1 . 0: 1 Main channel spawning investigations established a probable Bering cisco spawning site located on a relatively shallow gravel shoal extending from RM 76.8 to 77.6 (Appendix 2-G). On October 13, nine females captured at this site were all ripe. The site was classified probable as verification was not possible due to ice flows after October 13 which precluded further investigations. A samp 1 i ng drift of RM 81.2 estab 1 i shed the presence of 1 high 1 numbers (15-20) of Bering cisco at this location on October 13, 1982 (Appendix 2-G). The site was a probable spawning area. However, verification was not possible due to ice and snow conditions which prevented further sampling after October 13. -170- ...,. - - ~ - ~. - - - - _...L_ ___ _ A previously tagged Bering cisco was recaptured on September 13, 1982 at RM 31.1. The fish had been tagged on October 5, 1981 at a confirmed spawning area located at RM 77.0 (Phase I, ADF&G/Su Hydro, Resident Fish Investigation on the Lower Susitna River, 1981). An analysis of several scales from the recaptured fish revealed that it was age 41 in 1981 and age 51 in 1982. The lengths (TL) of the fish at capture and recovery were 340 mm and 352 mm, respectively translating into a 1981-82 growth rate of 12 mm. Sex was not determined. Based on the incidence of no immature Bering cisco in any catch sample, the recaptured individual was a probable 1981 spawner and ascending the river in 1982 as a potential repeat spawner. The significance of this tag recovery cannot be understated as no known occurrence of Bering ci sea repeat spawning has been reported. Scale analysis of Bering cisco stocks from the Yukon and Kuskokwim rivers indicate that repeat spawning does not occur (Alt, 1973). 3.3.2 Talkeetna to Upper Devil Canyon 3.3.2. 1 Main Channel Escapement A summary of the 1982 fishwheel catches of Bering cisco at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations are provided in Appendix 2-C. Fishwheels operating at Ta"lkeetna Station (RM 103) from June 5 through September 14 intercepted one Bering cisco on September 13, 1982. This was the only Bering cisco intercepted at this station in 1982. Curry Station (RM 120) fishwheels operated from June 9 through September 18, 1982. There were no reported Bering cisco captures during this period. -171- 3.3.2.2 Main Channel Spawning Main channel surveys investigated 397 sites between RM 98.5 and 150 in 1982. The results of these investigations have been summarized in Appendix 2-G. No Bering cisco spawning was found from RM 98.5 to 150 in 1982. A single capture on October 1 at RM 101.9 represented the only Bering cisco caught in this river reach in 1982. -172- - - - - - - ,~ """" - - - - - - - - 4.0 SUMMARY 4.1 Eul achon The Susitna River supported two eulachon runs ·in 1982. The first run of fish migrated through the Susitna River estuary from May 16 to May 30, approximately. The second run of fish entered the estuary between June 1 and 8. There was no correlation found between timing of estuary entrance of first and second run eul a chon in 1982 with changes in water temperature or Cook Inlet tide levels. In 1982 the upper limit of migration by the first run eulachon in the Susitna River was RM 40.5 approximately. The upper limit of migration by second run fish was approximately RM 48.5. Spawning by first run eulachon began on or about May 21 and extended through May 31, 1982. Second run fish spawned between June 4 and 9, approximately. First and second run eulachon principally spawned in the Susitna River main channel from RM 8.5 to the Yentna River confluence (RM 28). The major spawning areas by first and second run eul achon were 1 ocated off cut banks and in riffle zones in the Susitna River main channel where the bottom substrates were mainly unconsolidated sands and gravels. Areas that were not utilized were clear water streams including their confluences, semi-placid main channel reaches and slough habitats. -173- The spawning life of male and female eulachon differed. In 1982 male eul a chon spawned over a severa 1 day peri ad whereas fema 1 e eul a chon spawned within approximately one day upon ripening. Additionally, male eulachon did not outmigrate or die after completing spawning unlike female eulachon which either died or outmigrated within approximately one day after spawning. The 1982 first and second eulachon runs were both comprised of age 31 and 41 fish. Nearly 80 percent of both runs were age 31 fish. Male eulachon outnumbered female eulachon in both the first and second run by male to female ratios of 1.6:1 and 1.3:1, respectively. First run eulachon were, by Student•s t and Mann-Whitney tests at the 95 percent level, significantly smaller in length (TL) and weight than second run fish. The 1982 Susitna River combined escapement of first and second run eulachon was estimated in the range of millions of fish. The 1982 eulachon sport harvest was estimated at 3,000 to 5,000 fish. Sport fishing mainly occurred from RM 10 to 30 including the Yentna River (RM 28). 4.2 Adult Salmon The estimated salmon escapements in the Susitna River for 1981 and 1982 are reported in Table 2-4-1. A summary of the number of salmon migrating to Yentna (RM 04), Sunshine (RM 80), Talkeetna {RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) -174- - - - - - - - - - - - stations in 1981 and 1982 are provided in Table 2-4-2. All references to 1981 data presented in the following subsections can be found in the Phase I Final Draft Report, Adult Anadromous Fisheries Project, ADF&G/Su Hydro, 1981. Table 2-4-l. Sus itna River drainage escapement estimates by species for 1981 and 1982, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Year 1981 1982 .ll '{! Sockeye '{! 272,500 265,200 Escapement Estimate .l/ Pink 85,600 890,500 Chum 282,700 458,200 Coho 36,800 79,800 Defined as the summation of the Yentna River escapement recorded at Yentna Station and the Susitna River escapement recorded at Sunshine Station. These estimates do not include escapements to Susitna River tributaries above RM 6 and below RM 77 excluding the Yentna River { RM 28). Sockeye salmon escapement estimates do not include first run sockeye salmon escapements. 4.2.1 Chinook Salmon 4.2.1.1 Estuary to Talkeetna 4.2.1.1.1 Main Channel Escapement In accordance with Phase I and II studies, chinook salmon were investigated incidental to other salmon species at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations in 1981 and 1982. The exception in 1982 was at " Sunshine Station where chinook salmon received equal study emphasis. -175- I -' -....,J C) I J Table 2-4-2. Escapement by species and sampling location for 1981 and 1982. Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Escapement ]__/ Sampling River Chinook Sockeye y Pink Chum Coho Location Mile 1981 '{I 1982 1981 1982 1981 1982 1981 1982 1981 1982 Yentna 04 Station '}_I 139,400 113,800 36,100 447,300 19,800 27,800 17,000 34,100 Sunshine 80 52,900 133,500 151,500 49,500 443,200 262,900 430,400 19,800 45,700 Station Talkeetna 103 10,900 4,800 3,100 2,300 73,000 20,800 49,100 3,300 5 '1 00 Station Curry 120 11 ,300 2,800 1 ,300 1 ,000 58,800 13,100 29,400 1 '1 00 2,400 Station _!/ Escapement estimates are derived from Petersen population estimates with the exception of the Yentna Station escapements which are represented by sonar counts. 4/ Chinook salmon were not monitored for escapement in 1981: Yentna Station sonar equipment was installed after the onset of chinook migration and total escapement was not estimated. Second run sockeye salmon escapement. J J .. - - - - The 1982 chinook salmon escapement to Sunshine Station (RM 80) was estimated at 52,800 fish by the Petersen method. Approximately 93.8 percent of these fish were larger than 350 mm in length. The 1982 chinook salmon escapement to Sunshine Station was more than twice the 1981 escapement level based upon a between year comparison of fishwheel catch rates. In 1981, the chinook salmon migration began on or before June 22 and ended on approximately July 7. In 1982, the migration began, reached a midpoint and ended on June 18, June 30 and July 9, respectively. Chinook salmon appear to have a migrational preference for movement along the east bank at Sunshine Station (RM 80) as indicated by 87.6 percent in 1981 and 90.1 percent in 1982 of the catch occurring with the east bank fishwheels. ~ Chinook salmon sampled for age at Sunshine Station (RM 80) in 1981 were 25.6 percent age 32 , 30.5 percent age 42 , 21.8 percent age 52 and 16.6 percent age 62 fish. In 1982, 14.8 percent of the escapement sample was age 32 , 27.2 percent age 42 , 20.5 percent age 52 and 36.1 percent age 62. From freshwater growth characteristics, approximately five percent of the fish sampled in - - 1981 and· one percent in 1982 had smolted in the first year of life. The balance had smolted in the second year of life. Chinook salmon sampled for length at Sunshine Station (RM 80) averaged 22 mm more in length in 1982 than in 1981 by respective age class and sex. At Sunshine Station (RM 80) in 1981 and 1982 male chinook salmon were more abundant than females among the three and four year old fish sampled and females were more numerous than males among the six year old fish sampled. -177------------------------------------- Among five year old fish, males were more abundant than females in 1981 and less abundant than females in 1982. The overall male to female ratio, non segregated to age, in 1981 was 3.5:1 and in 1982, 1.2:1. 4.2.1.1.2 Main Channel Spawning A total of 280 and 811 Susitna River main channel sites between RM 7 and 98.5 were surveyed for chinook salmon spawning in 1981 and 1982, respectively. The surveys were conducted from July 15 to October 15, 1981 and from August 1 to October 13, 1982. Survey results indicated that chinook salmon did not spawn in the main channel between RM 7 and 98.5 in 1981 or 1982. 4.2.1.2 Talkeetna to Upper Devil Canyon 4.2.1.2. 1 Main Channel Escapement Under Phase I investigations chi nook salmon escapement estimates were not obtained for Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations in 1981. They were obtained in 1982 under Phase II studies. An estimated 10,900 and 11,300 chinook salmon migrated to Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations in 1982, respectively. Both estimates were calculated by the Petersen method and the 400 fish discrepancy between estimates was considered insignificant based on the 95 percent confidence intervals of the two estimates. Approximately 80 percent of the chinook salmon migrating to Talkeetna Station and 95 percent to Curry Station were larger than 350 mm in length (FL). -178- - - - - - - - A comparison of 1981 and 1982 chinook salmon fishwheel catches at Talkeetna (RM 103) and. Curry (RM 120) stations indicated that the 1982 escapement was more than twice the 1981 escapement level at each of the two stations. The chinook salmon migration occurred earlier in 1981 than in 1982 at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations. At Talkeetna Station the 1981 migration began on or before June. 22, peaked on June 25 and ended approximately on July 10. In 1982 these dates were June 26, July 4 and July 23, respectively. At Curry Station (.RM 120), the 1981 migration began June 17, reached a midpoint June 24 and terminated July 24. The respective dates in 1982 were June 25, July 3 and July 19 (Figure 2-4-1). Tagged recaptures were made at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations in 1982. The average migrational time of chinook salmon between Sunshine and ,-Talkeetna stations, a distance of 23 miles, was 11.2 days (2.1 mpd). Between Talkeetna and Curry stations, 17 miles, the average travelling time was 7.7 days ( 2. 2 mpd) . - - i""" - Age composition sampling at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) established that the majority· of the chinook salmon in 1981 were age classes 32 (12.6%), 42 (27.1%), s2 (21.4%) and 62 (24.4%) fish. In 1982 the major age classes were 32 (20.1%), 42 (35.2%), 52 (19.5%) and 62 (23.3%) fish. At Curry Station (RM 120) in 1981 age 32 fish represented 14.8 percent, age 42 fish 29.8 percent, age 52 fish 25.7 percent and age 62 fish 18.0 percent of the escapement sampled. These same age classes registered 15.9, 28.5, 20.0 and 30.8 percents respectively in 1982. -179- I -' co 0 I Curry Station Talkeetna Station Sunshine Station - - 15 25 5 15 25 CHI NOOK SALMON ~ 1982 I] 1981 -MEDIAN I-I .... .___ J u N E }II I II( JULY -------t~~-.-11 Figure 2-4-1. Migrational timing of chinook salmon at selected sampling locations in the Susitna River basin in 1981 and 1982, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. - - - All adult chinook salmon sampled for age at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations in 1981 and 1982 were fish that had migrated to sea (smolted) after spending no more than one winter as fry in freshwater. Approximately 88.7 percent in 1981 and 97.7 percent in 1982 of the escapement sampled at Talkeetna Station were fish that had smolted after spending one winter in freshwater. The ba 1 ance, 11.3 percent ( 1981 ) and 2. 3 percent ( 1982), had smolted before their first winter. At Curry Station, 88.3 percent in 1981 and 95.6 percent in 1982 of the adults, as fry, had smolted after one winter in freshwater. The remainder, 11.7 percent in 1981 and 4.4 percent in 1982 had smolted before their first winter. Age samples collected from Susitna River locations downstream of Talkeetna Station (R~1 103) in both 1981 and 1982 indicate an essential absence of adult chinook salmon that, as fry, had migrated to sea with less than one winter in ~ freshwater. Nearly all the returning adults sampled at downstream locations had spent one winter as fry in freshwater before smelting. The presence at Talkeetna and Curry (RM 120) stations in 1981 and 1982 of returning adults that, as fry, had smolted before their first winter may be indicative of 'high' food availability in the Susitna River reach north of RM 103. A study conducted in 1980 indicates that early chinook salmon fry outmigration is related to food availability; when food is plentiful some young-of-year fry reach smolt size early and outmigrate in the fall of their first year (Delaney et al., 1981) • ...... ~ Chinook salmon sampled for length (FL) at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) in 1981 averaged 11 mm 1 arger, segregated by age and sex, than in 1982. At Curry Station (RM 120) they averaged 20 mm smaller in 1981 than in 1982. --181- Chinook salmon intercepted with fishwheels at Talkeetna Station were shorter in length than at Curry Station by an average of 3 mm in 1981 and 32 mm in 1982. Chinook salmon males outnumbered females in 1981 at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations by ratios of 2.6:1 and 1.9:1, respectively. Males were more abundant than females at both stations in 1981 among thre~ and four year old fish and generally less abundant than females among five and six year old fish. The same was true in 1982 at both stations. ·The overall male to female ratio at Talkeetna Station in 1982 was 2.3:1 and at Curry Station 1.5:1. 4.2.1.2.2 Radio Telemetry Migrational movements of chinook salmon radio tagged at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) were generally similar between 1981 and 1982. The Chulitna, Susitna and Talkeetna river confluences (RM 98±) was used as a milling area in both years. In 1981, all four of the radio tagged fish released at Talkeetna Station and four of the seven fish in 1982 remained there up to two weeks before re-initiating upstream migration. One difference between years was that a higher percentage of the fish tagged at Talkeetna Station in 1982 spawned below the station than in 1981. Only one of four fish tagged in 1981 spawned below Talkeetna Station while in 1982 five of the seven radio tagged fish spawned below. In 1981 and 1982, Curry Station (RM 120) tagged chinook salmon displayed similar migrational movements. Nearly all of the 21 radio tagged chinook -182- - - - - - - - - salmon released at Curry Station in 1981 and 1982 migrated upstream after tagging and entered spawning streams. Two of the 12 fish tagged at Curry Station in 1981 and one of the nine fish tagged in 1982 spent up to 15 days in lower Devil Canyon (RM 150.5 -RM 151.7) before selecting a spawning stream. Radio tagged chinook salmon released at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations in 1981 and 1982 spawned mainly in two streams, Indian River (RM 138.6) and Portage Creek (RM 148.9). \ Chinook salmon tagged at Curry Station (RM 120) migrated to their respective spawning stream in less time in 1982 than in 1981. For example, radio tagged fish were first detected at the confluence of, or in, Indian River within 2 to 11 days after being released in 1981 versus 3 to 6 days in 1982. Radio tagged fish were first detected in, or near, Portage Creek 5 to 14 days after being tagged at Curry Station in 1981 compared to 3 to 6 days in 1982. In both 1981 and 1982 a radio tagged chinook salmon spent several days in both Portage Creek (RM 148.9) and Indian Creek (RM 138.6). The significance of multi:...stream occupancy is not known. However, it may be one example of milling. Numerous radio tracking observations were recorded in 1981 and 1982 of chinook salmon ascending the Susitna River main channel several miles and then later descending and entering a spawning stream. An additional behavior difference was noted between chinook salmon tagged in 1981 and 1982 at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations. In 1981 two radio tagged fish occupied a mainstem pool at RM 123.5 for 3 to 10 days prior -183- to migrating upstream. Another fish in 1981 remained at the mouth of Sherman Creek (RM 130.8) for about three days before resuming upstream movement. In 1982 no radio tagged chinook salmon were detected holding positions at the above or other main channel locations, excluding confluence zones of spawning streams, lower Devil Canyon and the confluence of the Chulitna, Talkeetna and Sus itna rivers. 4.2.1.2.3 Lower Devil Canyon Milling In 1981, gill nets were fished 30.2 hours in lower Devil Canyon locations between R~~ 150.1 and 150.4 from July 29 through September 9. No chinook salmon were caught with this effort. In 1982, 19~6 hours were fished with the same gear at RM 150.2 and 150.4 from August 10 through September 12. As in 1981, there were no chinook salmon caught. In addition to set netting, electroshocking was also conducted in lower Devil Canyon four times at RM 150.4 between August 11 and September 23, 1982. Again, no chinook salmon catches were made. From these observations it can be concluded that there were minimal, if any, chinook salmon in lower Devil Canyon after July 28 in 1981 and after August 10 in 1982. Radio telemetry investigations under Section 4.2.1.2.2 documented chinook salmon milling activity in the lower Devil Canyon reach between RM 150 and 151.7 in 1981 and 1982. In 1981, 2 of 16 radio tagged fish at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations milled in lower Devil Canyon. The same event was documented in 1982 where 2 of the 16 radio tagged fish released at these stations milled in lower Devil Canyon. Dates of observed milling activity in 1981 were from July 5 to 7, and in 1982 from June 26 to July 14. -184- - - - - - - - - - - - - I""'' 4.2.1.2.4 Spawning 4.2.1.2.4.1 Main Channel Chinook salmon spawning surveys in the Susitna River main channel were conducted from July 15 to October 15, 1981 and from August 7 to October 7, 1982. A total of 37 and 397 sites between RM 98.5 and 150 were surveyed for spawning in 1981 and 1982, respectively. Survey results indicate that chinook salmon did not spawn in the Susitna River main channel in 1981 or 1982. 4.2.1.2.4.2 Sloughs and Streams In 1981 and 1982, 33 and 34 slough habitats respectively were surveyed for chinook salmon presence. Based on two years of survey data, chinook salmon do not use slough habitats between RM 98.6 and 161.0 for spawning. Three streams between RM 98.6 and 161.0 in 1981 were surveyed for chinook salmon presence. These were: Portage Creek (RM 148.9), Indian River (RIVI 138.6) and Lane Creek (RM 113.6). The peak numbers of fish recorded in these streams were: 659, 422 and 40 chinook salmon respectively. In 1982, 19 streams were surveyed between RM 98.6 and 161.0 and 11 were found to support chinook salmon. The peak numbers of fish recorded in the four major streams were: 1,253 fish in Portage Creek (RM 148.9), 1,053 fish in Indian River (138.6), 56 fish in Fourth of July Creek (RM 131.1) and 47 fish in Lane Creek ( Rllil 11 3 • 6 ) • -185- The combined peak survey count of chinook salmon in Portage Creek (RM 148.9), Indian River (RM 138.6) and Lane Creek (RM 113.6) was 1,121 fish in 1981 and 2,353 fish in 1982. Based on these figures, the chinook salmon escapement above RM 98.5 in 1982 was approximately twice the 1981 escapement level. This conclusion is also supported by fishwheel catches at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations in 1981 and 1982 (Section 4.2. 1.2.1). In 1982 two new chinook salmon spawning habitats were located. These were Cheechako (RM 152.4) and Chinook (RM 157.0) creeks, which enter as streams in the Devil Canyon reach (RM 151-161) of the Susitna River. Based on peak survey counts Cheechako Creek supported approximately 0.6 percent and Chinook Creek 0.2 percent of the 1982 chinook salmon escapement to the Susitna River reach above RM 98.6. 4.2.1.3 Escapement Index Surveys In 1981, 14 chinook salmon escapement index streams were surveyed in the Susitna River basin. In 1982, 21 index streams were surveyed. Based on comparative year index counts, the chinook salmon escapement to the Susitna River basin was near average in 1981 relative to previous year escapements. In 1982, the escapement was approximately 80 percent higher than the 1981 escapement and above the mean average for years 1976 through 1981. -186- '.~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - .... ., In 1982, the west side streams entering the Susitna River below RM 97 supported approximately 45 percent higher chinook salmon escapements than in 1981 but lower than mean average escapements for the years 1976 through 1981. East side Susitna River streams downstream of RM 97 in 1982 were not surveyed during peak spawning due to high turbidity and therefore no comparison can be made. The chinook salmon escapement' above RM 98.6 in 1982 exceeded 1981 escapement level by approximately 85 percent and the six year mean average by more than 200 percent. Several of the chinook salmon spawning streams upstream of RM 98.6 including Lane Creek (RM 113.6), Indian River (RM 138.6) and Portage Creek (RM 148.9) supported escapements above the historic high for years 1976 through 1981. 4.2.2 Sockeye Salmon 4.2.2.1 Estuary to Talkeetna 4.2.2.1.1 Main Channel Escapement 4.2.2.1.1.1 First Run First run sockeye salmon were not investigated under Phase I 1981 Adult Anadromous Studies, but were monitored in 1982 at Sunshine Station (RM 80) in conjunction with Phase II studies. An estimated 5,800 first run sockeye salmon migrated in 1982 to Sunshine Station (RM 80) as determined by the Petersen method. The 95 percent confidence interval of this estimate calculated at 4,900 to 7,300 fish . -187- The migration of first run sockeye salmon at Sunshine Station (RM 80) began in 1982 on June 4, reached a midpoint on June 13 and was over by June 26. Based on fishwheel catches, approximately 99.9 percent of the fish migrated along the east bank of the Susitna River at RM 80. The age composition of first run sockeye salmon at Sunshine Station (RM 80) in 1982 was 89.5 percent age 52 , 6.4 percent age 42 , and 4.1 percent age 63. Approximately 95.9 percent of the adults had migrated, as fry, to sea in their second year of life and 4.1 percent in their third year as determined by scale characteristics. The average length (FL) of age 42 first run sockeye males and females sampled at Sunshine Station (RM 80) was 463 mm and 460 mm, respectively. The age s2 males averaged 567 mm and females 530 mm while the age class 63 fish averaged 558 mm for males and 528 mm for females. Sex composition results indicate the males outnumbered the females among age 42 second run sockeye salmon sampled in 1982 at Sunshine Station (RM 80) by a 1.5:1 ratio, while the females outnumbered the males among age s2 and 63 fish sampled by 0.6:1 and 0.9:1 ratios, respectively. 4.2.2.1.1.2 Second Run The Susitna River escapement of second run sockeye salmon was approximately 273,000 fish in 1981 and 265,000 fish in 1982 not including, in both years, escapement returns to tributaries between RM 6 and 77 with exception of the Yentna River (RM 28) (Table 2-4-1). These estimates represent the combined -188- - - - - - - -- - - - - number of sockeye salmon, by respective year, counted by sonar at Yentna Station (RM 04) and estimated by the Petersen method at Sunshine Station (RM 80). The Yentna River (RM 28) averaged escapements of second run sockeye salmon in excess of 100,000 fish in 1981 and 1982 but sma 11 er escapements than were recorded in both years for the Susitna River at Sunshine Station (RM 80) (Table 2-4-2). The Yentna River escapement recorded with SSS counts at Yentna Station (RM 04) was approximately 139,400 fish in 1981 and 113,800 fish in 1982. At Sunshine Station, the escapements were approximately 133,500 fish in 1981 and 151,500 fish in 1982 calculated by the Petersen method. The migration of second run sockeye salmon occurred earlier in the Susitna River basin in 1981 than in 1982. At Susitna Station (RM 26) the migration began on July 4, was midway on July 21 and terminated on July 31. In 1982 the migration began, reached a midpoint and ended on July 18, July 24 and August 5, respectively. In the Yentna River (RM 28) at Yentna Station (RM 04), the 1981 migration began on July 10, reached a midpoint on July 18 and ended on ·July 30. In 1982, the respective dates were July 18, July 24 and August 6. At Sunshine Station (RM 80) in 1981, the migration began, reached a midpoint, and ended on July 16, July 22 and August 8, respectively. At this station in 1982 the dates were July 20, July 27 and August 3. The peak fishwheel catches of second run sockeye salmon also occurred earlier in 1981 than in 1982. The peak catches in 1981 were recorded on July 16 at -189- Susitna Station (RM 26), July 15 at Yentna Station (RM 04) and July 22 at Sunshine Station. In 1982, peak catches were recorded on July 19, July 20 and July 22 respectively. Second run sockeye salmon can generally considered to be abundant in the Susitna River main channel from RM 26 to 80 in any year from July 4 through August 8 as determined by escapement sampling in 1981 and 1982 at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations (Figure 2-4-2). Fishwheel catches and SSS counts recorded in 1981 and 1982 at main channel sampling locations indicate a preference by second run sockeye salmon to migrate along the west bank at Susitna Station (RM 26), south bank at Yentna Station (RM 04) and east bank at Sunshine Station (RM 80). The migrational time for second run sockeye salmon to travel between sampling stations in 1981 and 1982 was nearly identical in one instance and substantially different in another. Fish travelling between Susitna (RM 26) and Yentna (RM 04) stations averaged the ~ix mile trip in one day or less in both years. However, between Susitna and Sunshine (RM 80) stations, second run fish 1n 1981 had an average travel time of 6.8 days whereas in 1982, the average was 2.3 days for the 54 miles between RM 26 and 80. The results of sockeye salmon age sampling indicated that the majority (70.2-83.9%) of the second run escapement at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine stations in 1981 were age 52 fish fall owed by age 42 fish (7.5-21.0%). The same age ranking occurred in 1982 at these locations. -190- - - - - ~I - - I --' \!) --' I 1 Curry Stat ion Talkeetna Station Sunshine Station Yentna Station Susitna Station l - - SECOND RUN SOCK EYE SALMON ~ 1982 111981 - -MEDIAN !5 15 25 4 14 24 3 1'3 I 1-....... _____ JULY .... , 'Ill( AUGUST • I .... SEPT.___...., Figure 2-4-2. Migrational timing of second run sockeye salmon at selected sampling locations in the Susitna River basin in 1981 and 1982, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Distinct differences between years were the contribution of age 52 fish which were less abundant by percent composition in 1982 than in 1981. For example, at Susitna Station, 1981 second run age 52 and 42 fish were 83.9 and 8.4 percents of the escapement sample respectively whereas, in 1982 age 52 fish comprised 65.8 percent and age 42 fish were represented at 22.4 percent. Nearly all of the adult second run sockeye salmon sampled for age at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations in 1981 and 1982 had smelted as fry in their second year of life. The percent of the escapement sample in this category in 1981 was 93.0 percent at Yentna Station, 91.4 percent at Yentna Station and 92.5 percent at Sunshine Station. In 1982, the levels were 88.6, 85.4 and 95.0 percents by station order. Second run sockeye salmon were smaller in length (FL) in 1981 than in 1982 among a composite of four and five year old fish sampled at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations. In 1981, four year old males averaged 477 mm and the females averaged 520 mm, and five year old males and females averaged 600 mm and 566 mm, respectively. In 1982 four and five year old males and females measured 467 mm and 490 mm, and 584 and 555 mm, respectively. Sex composition data indicated that the overall male to female sex ratio of second run sockeye salmon sampled at Susitna Station (RM 26) was 0.9:1 and 1.0:1, at Yentna Station (RM 04) 1.2:1 and 2. 1:1, and at Sunshine Station (RM 80) 1.0:1 and 0.9:1 in 1981 and 1982, respectively. -192- - - - - - - - 4.2.2.1.2 Spawning 4.2.2. 1.2.1 Main Channel A total of 280 and 811 Susitna River main channel sites between RM 7 and 98.5 were investigated for sockeye salmon spawning in 1981 and 1982, respectively. Surveys were conducted between July 15 and October 15 in 1981 and August 7 and October 7 in 1982. The two years of investigations indicate that sockeye salmon do not utilize the Susitna River main channel between RM 7 and 98.5 for spawning. 4.2.2.1.2.2 Sloughs and Streams 4.2.2.1.2.2.1 First Run The first run of sockeye salmon that was intercepted at Sunshine Station (RM 80) in 1982 spawned in the Fish Creek subdrainage of Chuni1na (Clear) Creek, tributary to Talkeetna River (RM 97.0). No other stream or slough habitat in 1982 provided spawning habitat for these fish. 4.2.2.1.2.2.2 Second Run Selected streams and sloughs were surveyed below RM 98.5 only as required to formulate Petersen population estimates of the 1981 and 1982 escapements of second run sockeye salmon to Sunshine Station (Rr~ 80). 4.2.2.2 Talkeetna to Upper Devil Canyon 4.2.2.2.1 Main Channel Escapement -193- 4.2.2.2.1.1 First Run First run sockeye salmon were not investigated under 1981 Phase I studies. In 1982, a total of nine (suspected) first run sockeye salmon were intercepted in fishwheels at Talkeetna Station (RM 103). These nine fish, caught between June 7 and 18, were considered stays or mi 11 i ng fish as no second run fish were sampled upstream of RM 103 including Curry Station (RM 120). 4.2.2.2.1.2 Second Run The escapement of second run sockeye to Talkeetna Station (RM 103) in 1981 was approximately 4,800 fish and in 1982, 3,100 fish. At Curry Station (RM 120), the estimated escapement was 2,800 fish in 1981 and 1,300 fish in 1982. These estimates were calculated by the Petersen method. The migration of the second run sockeye sa 1 man to Ta 1 keetna ( RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations began earlier in 1981 than in 1982. In 1981 at Talkeetna Station the migration began on July 23, reached a midpoint on July 31 and ended on August 26. The migration started in 1982 on July 27, reached a midpoint on August 1 and ended on August 18. At Curry Station (RM 120), the 1981 migration began, reached a midpoint and terminated on July 23, August 5 and August 22, respectively. In 1982, these dates were July 27, August 5 and August 28. Combined fishwheel catch data, indicated that second run sockeye salmon were generally abundant in the Susitna River main channel from RM 103 to 120 -194- - - - - - - - '~ - - - - between July 23 and August 28 of any year as indicated by escapement timing data recorded in 1981 and 1982 at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations (Figure 2-4-2). Based on 1981 and 1982 fishwheel catch data, second run sockeye salmon have no strong migrational preference to either the east or west bank at Talkeetna Station (RM 103). At Curry Station (RM 120) a strong preference to migrate along the east bank is evident based upon approximately 82 percent of the total fishwheel catch at Curry Station being made in the east bank fishwheel in 1981 and 1982. The migration speeds of second run sockeye salmon between Sunshine (RM 80) and Talkeetna (RM 103) stations, from fishwheel recaptures, averaged 4.6 mpd in 1981 and 2.7 mpd in 1982. Between Talkeetna and Curry (RM 120) stations, second run sockeye salmon averaged a travel speed of 3.5 mpd in 1981 and 2.4 mpd in 1982. Second run sockeye salmon milling activity occurred between RM 80 and 120 in 1981 and 1982 based on tagged fish recaptures. Minimum and maximum recorded travel times of tagged fish between Sunshine (RM 80) and Talkeetna (RM 103) stations were 3 and 44 days in 1981 and 2 and 17 days, in 1982. Travel times between Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (Rr~ 120) stations in 1981 ranged from 1 to 28 days and from 1 to 5 days in 1982. Between Sunshine (RM ,,..._ 80) and Curry (R~1 120) stations the range in travel time was 5 and 4-1 days in 1981, and 4 and 40 days in 1982. -195- The majority of the second run sockeye salmon sampled for age at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations were age 52 and 42 fish. At Talkeetna Station age 52 fish comprised 70.2 percent of the sample in 1981 and 70.8 percent in 1982. The age 42 fish represented 22.8 percent in 1981 and 21.2 percent in 1982. At Curry Station (RM 120), age 52 fish comprised 65.9 percent and 32.4 percent in 1982. The age 42 fish represented 27.4 percent in 1981 and 30.5 percent in 1982. Approximately 95.6 percent of the second_ run sockeye salmon adults sampled for age from Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) station were fish that had smolted in their second year of life. In 1982, this percentage was 89.5. The balance of the adults sampled from these stations in 1981 and 1982 were fish that had smolted their first and third years of life. Second run sockeye salmon sampled for length (FL) at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations measured larger in 1981 than in 1982. At Talkeetna Station, five year old males averaged 571 mm in 1981 and 590 mm in 1982. The females averaged 551 mm in 1981 and 566 mm in 1982. At Curry Station five year old males averaged 584 mm in 1981 and 573 mm in 1982. The females averaged· 560 mm and 555 mm in 1981 and 1982, respectively. Four year old males sampled at Talkeetna and Curry stations had a average length of 502 mm in 1981 and 510 mm in 1982. The four year old females had a average length of 525 mm in 1981 and 505 mm in 1982. Sex composition data established male second run sockeye salmon to be more abundant than females at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations by a -196- - - - - ..... - - - average ratio of 0.7:1 in 1981 and 1.7:1 in 1982. Among four year old second run sockeye salmon sampled at both stations in both years males outnumbered -females, and among five year old fish females outnumbered males. - 4.2.2.2.2 Lower Devil Canyon Milling In 1981, gill nets were fished in lower Devil Canyon (RM 150-151) on July 29, August 5 and 26, September 2, 10 and 19 for a total of 30.2 hours. This effort produced a catch of two sockeye salmon. Both fish were intercepted on August 26, 1981. In 1982 gill nets were fished on August 10, 16, 22 and 28 and September 12 at RM 150.2 and 150.4. No sockeye salmon were caught in the 19.6 hours fished. Electroshocking conducted on August 11 and 18 and September 5 and 23 in the same area in 1982 also produced no sockeye salmon. The 1981 and 1982 set net and 1982 electroshocking efforts indicate sockeye salmon are not commonly present in lower Devil Canyon (RM 150-151) in late July, August or early September. 4.2.2.2.3 Spawning 4.2.2.2.3.1 Main Channel The Susitna River main channel was surveyed from July 15 to October 15, 1981 and from August 7 to October 7, 1982 for sockeye salmon spawning. A total of 37 and 397 main channel locations were examined in 1981 and 1982, respectively from RM 98.5 to 150. Data indicates that sockeye salmon spawning did not occur in the Susitna River main channel between RM 98.5 and 150 in 1981 or 1982. -197- 4.2.2.2.3.2 Sloughs and Streams Spawning ground surveys were conducted between RM 9S.6 and 161.0 in 33 sloughs in 19Sl and in 34 sloughs in 19S2 with the addition of Slough 8 (RM 126.3) a newly located habitat. Sockeye salmon were observed in 12 of the 33 and 10 of the 34 slough habitats, respectively in years 19Sl and l9S2. Sockeye salmon were nearly twice as abundant in slough habitats in 19Sl than in 19S2. The peak survey counts of live and dead sockeye salmon totalled 1,241 fish in 19Sl and 607 fish in 19S2. These numbers represent a relative index of the sockeye salmon escapement to slough habitats between RM 9S.6 and 161.0. In 19Sl, sockeye salmon were most abundant in sloughs: 11 (72.0%), SA (14.3%), 98 (6.5%), 21 (3.1%), 19 (1.9%), 9 (O.S%), 3A (0.6%), 17 (0.5%), 9A (0.2%) and 20 (0.2%), 38(0.1%), and 6A (0.1%). And in 19S2, these sloughs were: 11 (75.0%), SA (11.2%), 21 (S.7%), Moose (1.3%) and 8 (1.3%), S8 (O.S%) and 9 (O.S%), SC (0.3%), 98 (0.2%) and 9A {0.2%). Not a 11 s 1 oughs occupied by adult sockeye sa 1 mon in 19Sl were occupied in 19S2. Sloughs 38, 3A, 6A, 17, 19 and 20 occupied by sockeye salmon in 19Sl were not occupied in 19S2. Conversely, sockeye salmon were recorded in SC, S8, and Moose sloughs in 19S2 but not in 19Sl. Sockeye salmon were observed in Slough 8 in 19S2, a new located fish habitat. Peak spawning of sockeye salmon occurred in slough habitats during the last week of August and first three weeks of September in 19Sl and 19S2 (Figure 2-4-3). -19S- - - - - - ~ 8. - 7. -0 0 ~5. :I: (/) LL. 4.0 IJJ > _. u. 3. 0 ex: ~ 2.0 ~ :> z (a) 31 _0.5 0 0 X _0.4 :I: (/) u. 0.3 IJJ > _. 0.2 LL. 0 0 zO.I (b) 5 SLOUGH NO.II SOCKEYE ---1981 --1982 5 I 25 .,~ ./ ' ./ ' /~ ' I' ' I ' I ', I ' I ', I \ I 30 I I I 5 10 15 20 \ \ \ \ \ \ I 25 I 30 ----~,__ __ SEPT EM 8 E R -----~ SLOUGH NO. 21 SOCKEYE ---1981 --1982 I I I I I I I / / / /-..... / -.....: 10 15 2.0 25 30 5 10 15 20 25 30 -E-----AUGUST ----~~-----SEPTEMBER--~ Figure 2-4-3. Sockeye salmon live counts by date in (a) Slough No. 11 and (b) Slough No. 21 for 1981 and 1982, Adult Anadromous Invest- igations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. -199- Fifteen streams between RM 98.6 and 161.0 were surveyed for adult sockeye salmon in 1981 and 19 streams were surveyed in 1982. Only one stream in each year had sockeye salmon present. In 1981, a single sockeye salmon was observed on August 23 in lower McKenzie Creek (RM 116.2) and in 1982 four were counted in Portage Creek on August 29. These fish were not observed spawning and were considered strays or milling fish. Chase Creek (RM 106.9) and Indian River (RM 138.6) lake systems were not surveyed in 1981 and 1982 in accordance with 1981 Phase I and 1982 Phase II project scopes. These areas will require investigation before sockeye salmon can be disassociated with stream systems in the RM 98.6 to 161.0 Susitna River reach. 4.2.2.2.4 Stock Separation The sockeye salmon that migrated to Curry Station (RM 120) in 1982 may not be a discrete stock of fish but strays from the Talkeetna (RM 97.0) and Chulitna (RM 98.5) rivers in 1982. Based on a stock separation analysis, the sockeye salmon fry produced from spawning habitats upstream of Curry Station (RM 120) most likely die or rear in areas in the Susitna River basin below RM 98.5 (Bernard et al, 1983). 4.2.3 Pink Salmon 4.2.3.1 Estuary to Talkeetna 4.2.3.1.1 Main Channel Escapement The Susitna River escapement of pink salmon was approximately 85,500 fish in 1981 and 890,500 fish in 1982 not including returns in both years to systems -200- - - ~' - ~. - - between RM 6 and 77, with the exception of the Yentna River (RM 28) (Table 2-4-1). These escapement estimates represent the combined number of pink salmon by respective year counted by sonar at Yentna Station (RM 04) and estimated by the Petersen method at Sunshine Station (RM 80). The pink salmon escapement to the Yentna River (RM 28) in 1981 was approximately 36,100 fish and in 1982, 447,300 fish as determined by SSS counters. At Sunshine Station (RM 80) the escapement in 1981 was an estimated 49,500 fish and in 1982, 443,200 fish as determined by the Petersen method. Fishwheels used for escapement sampling at Susitna Station (RM 26) intercepted 691 pink salmon in 1981 and 5,174 fish in 1982. The peak catches occurred on July 28 in 1981 and July 29 in 1982. Based on fi shwheel catch rates the 1981 migration began on July 18, reached a midpoint on July 28 and ended on August 2. These dates for 1982 were July 23, July 28 and August 6. At Yentna Station (RM 04) the total fishwheel catch of pink salmon was 2,729 fish in 1981 and 16,627 fish in 1982. The peak catches occurred on July 30 in 1981 and on July 29 in 1982. Fishwheel catch rates established that the 1981 migration began, reached a midpoint and ended on July 10, July 30 and August 24. In 1982 these dates were July 23, July 29 and August 7. Sunshine Station (RM 80) fishwheel s caught 7,099 and 47,671 pink salmon in the 1981 and 1982 seasons, respectively. The peak 1981 catch occurred on August 1 and in 1982 on August 3. The migration at Sunshine Station in 1981 began on July 26, reached a midpoint on August 1 and ended on August 14. In -201- 1982 the migration began, reached a midpoint and ended on July 29, August 3 and August 10, respectively (Figure 2-4-4). Based on fishwheel catches pink salmon at Susitna (RM 26) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations in 1981 and 1982 displayed a migrational preference to travel along the east bank of the Susitna River at these locations. In 1981 at Susitna Station the east bank fishwheel intercepted 57.5 percent of the pink salmon caught at this station and 59.8 percent in 1982. The Sunshine Station (RM 80) east bank fishwheels caught 91.3 percent in 1981 and 91.7 percent in 1982 of the station catch. At Yentna Station (RM 04) 54.5 percent in 1981 and 63.2 percent in 1982 of the station catch was made with the south bank fishwheel indicating a general preference by pink salmon for travelling along the south bank. Pink salmon measured for length (FL) at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations averaged 4 mm to 49 mm larger in 1981 than in 1982. In 1981 the male and female pink salmon lengths at Susitna {RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine {RM 80) stations averaged 444 rnm and 433 mm; 478 mm and 471 mm; and 445 mm and 449 mm, respectively. The same stations in 1982 averaged· 432 mm and 412 mm; 433 mm and 422 mm; and 441 mm and 423 mm, respectively for male and female pink salmon lengths. Sex composition sampling established that female pink salmon outnumbered male pink salmon in 1981 at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations by a 0.4:1, 0.8:1 and 0.8:1 male to female ratio, respectively. In 1982 the male to female ratios recorded at Susitna and Yentna stations, 1.0:1 -202- - - - I N 0 w I Curry Stat1on 1 Talkeetna Station Sunshine Station Yentna Station Susitna Station - 5 15 25 4 14 24 l 1 PINK SALMON ~ 1982 m 1981 -MEDIAN 3 13 1'-_....__ __ J UL Y----.....;)lo:~~-· • ....._ ___ AUG US T-------1---SEPT.~ Figure 2-4-4. Migrational timing of pink salmon at selected sampling locations in the Susitna River basin in 1981 and 1982, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982,. and 1.0:1 respectively, showed that male and female pink salmon were equally abundant whereas at Sunshine Station the males outnumbered the females by a 1 . 8: 1 ratio. 4.2.3. 1.2 Main Channel Spawning The Susitna River main channel between RM 7 and 98.5 was surveyed for pink salmon spawning from July 15 to October 7, 1981 and from August 1 to October 13, 1982. Surveys were conducted at 280 sites in 1981 and 811 sites in 1982. Both years of survey data indicate that pink salmon do not spawn in the Susitna River main channel between RM 7 and 98.5 as no spawning areas were found. 4.2.3.2 Talkeetna to Upper Devil Canyon 4.2.3.2.1 Main Channel Escapement The 1982 escapements of pink salmon to Talkeetna (R~~ 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations exceeded the 1981 escapements. At Ta.lkeetna Station in 1981 the escapement calculated by the Petersen method was approximately 2,300 pink salmon while in 1982 the escapement was estimated at 73,000 fish. At Curry Station the escapement was approximately 1,000 and 58,800 pink salmon in 1981 and 1982, respectively. Based on fishwheel catch rates, the 1981 pink salmon migration at Talkeetna Station {RM 103) began, reached a midpoint and terminated on July 29, August 6 and August 20, respectively. In 1982 the migrational beginning, midpoint and end was on August 2, August 6 and August 13 respectively (Figure 2-4-4). -204- - - - ..... ~ ' I - The peak fishwhee1 catches were on August 8 in 1981 and on August 6 in 1982. At Curry Station (RM 120) the 1981 pink salmon migration began, reached a midpoint and ended on July 30, August 8 and August 21, and in 1982 on August 2, August 6 and August 13, respectively. The peak fishwheel catches at Curry Station occurred on August 8 and August 5 respectively in 1981 and 1982. Fishwheel catches at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations in 1981 ~ and 1982 indicate that pink salmon prefer to travel along the east side of the Susitna River at both locations. In 1981, 59.4 and 69.9 percent of the pink salmon were caught with east side fishwheels at Talkeetna and Curry stations, respectively. In 1982, these percentages were 55.6 and 51.8 by station order. -I Based on tagged recaptures, pink salmon migrated between Sunshine (RM 80) and Curry (RM 120) stations at a slower rate in 1981 than in 1982. Between Sunshine Station and Talkeetna Station (RM 103), and between Talkeetna Station and Curry Station the average travel speed in 1981 was 2. 6 mpd and 6.0 mpd, respectively. In 1982 the average speed between Sunshine and Talkeetna stations was 7.4 mpd and between Talkeetna and Curry stations 10.0 mpd. The faster migration rate exhibited in 1982 may be due in part to between year differences in water temperature and or water velocity (flow). Pink salmon had larger average lengths (FL) in 1981 than in 1982 at both Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations. Male and female pink salmon both averaged 434 mm in 1981 at Ta 1 keetna Station and averaged 432 mm at Curry Station. In 1982 at Talkeetna Station males averaged 425 mm and the females 428 mm. And at Curry Station the males averaged 417 mm and the females 421 mm. ___________________ ..;,ZQ5-, .. __ , ______________ _ Sex composition sampling established that male pink salmon were more abundant than females in both 1981 and 1982 at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) by a 1.2:1 and 1.6:1 male to female ratio, respectively. In 1981 at Curry Station (RM 120) males were less numerous than females by a ratio of 0.8:1 while in 1982, males outnumbered females by a 1.5:1 ratio. 4.2.3.2.2 Lower Devil Canyon Milling In 1981, gill nets were fished in lower Devil Canyon on July 29, August 5 and 26, September 2, 10 and 19, between RM 150.1 and 150.4. There were no pink salmon catches made on any of these dates. In 1982, the same gear was fished at RM 150.2 and 150.4 and one pink salmon was caught on August 10 and none were caught on August 16, 22 and 28 or September 12. Electroshocking gear was also used at RM 150.4 in 1982 on August 11, 18, September 5 and 23. Two pink salmon were. caught on August 11 and one was caught on August 18. There were no pink salmon caught on September 5 or 23. Catch results indicate that in 1981 pink salmon were not present in lower Devil Canyon from July 29 to September 19. In 1982, pink salmon were present only at relatively minimum levels between August 10 and 18. 4.2.3.2.3 Spawning 4.2.3.2.3.1 Main Channel The Susitna River main channel between RM 98.5 and 150.0 was surveyed for pink salmon spawning from July 15 to October 15, 1981 and from August 1 to October 13, 1982. A total of 37 and 397 sites were examined in 1981 and -206- - - .... ~-I_ !~ 1982, respectively. Both years of survey data indicate that pink salmon do not spawn in the Susitna River main channel between RM 98.5 and 150.0 as no spawning habitat was found. 4.2.3.2.3.2 Sloughs and Streams In 1981 and 1982, 33 and 34 sloughs, respectively between RM 98.6 and 161.0 were surveyed for salmon presence. Pink salmon were found in 3 of 33 (9.1%) sloughs surveyed in 1981 and 10 of 34 (29.4%) surveyed in 1982. The total peak counts of live and dead pink salmon in slough habitats in 1982 was 28 fish and in 1982 507 fish. The fish were most abundant in sloughs 8 (89.3%) and A (7 .1%) in 1981, and sloughs 15 (26.0%), 11 (25.8%), 20 (12.6%), 21 (12.6%), 6A (6.9%) and B (6.3%) in 1982. The peak of spawning occurred in the third and fourth weeks of August in 1981 and 1982. Stream habitats were surveyed for the presence of salmon and pink salmon were found in 9 of the 15 streams (60.0%) surveyed in 1981 and 14 of the 19 (73.7%) in 1982. Peak survey counts of live and dead pink salmon in the stream i~dex areas totalled 378 and 2,855 fish in 1981 and 1982, respectively. The pink salmon were most abundant in the index areas of Lane Creek (77.0%), Chase Creek (10.1%) and Fourth of July Creek (7.7%) in 1981, and Indian River (25.9%), Fourth of July Creek (24.6%), Lane Creek (22.4%) and Portage Creek (5.9%) in 1982. The peak of spawning by pink salmon in stream habitats, including Lane Creek, occurred in the third and fourth weeks of August in 1981 and the second and third weeks of August in 1982 as determined by index counts (Figure 2-4-5). -207- 7.0 X -J: (J) 5. IJ... w > .:.J 4 IJ... 0 a:: 3. w al ~ :::> 2.! z 5 /\ I \ I \ I \ I \ I \ \ LANE CREEK PINK ---1981 --1982 10 15 20 25 30 5 10 15 20 25 30 ~---------AUGUST----------_.4---------SEPTEMBER--------• Figure 2-4-5. Pink salmon live counts by date in Lane Creek for 1981 and 1982, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. -208-_____ ........ _.:...,. ________ ......_ ________ _;___;__:__:_ __________ _ - - - - - .... - ·- - 4.2.4 Chum Salmon '· 4.2.4.1 Estuary to Talkeetna 4.2.4.1.1 Main Channel Escapement The Susitna River escapement of chum salmon was approximately 283,000 fish in 1981 and 458,000 fish in 1982, not including escapement returns in both years to systems between RM 6 and 77 with exception of the Yentna River (R~·1 28) (Table 2-4-1). These escapement estimates represent the combined number of chum salmon counted by sonar at Yentna Station (RM 04) and estimated by the Petersen method to Sunshine Station (RM 80) for each year (Table 2-4-2). The Yentna River (RM 28) chum salmon escapement was approximately 19,800 fish in 1981 and 27,800 fish in 1982 as determined by SSS counters at Yentna Station (RM 04) (Table 2-4-2). The chum salmon escapement to Sunshine Station (RM 80) was estimated at 262,900 fish in 1981 and in 1982 at 430,400 fish by the Petersen method. Fishwheels used for escapement sampling at Susitna Station (RM 26) intercepted 250 chum salmon in 1981 and 382 in 1982. The peak catches occurred on July 31 in 1981 and on August 3 in 1982. Based on catch rates the migration of chum salmon in 1981 began on July 10, reached a midpoint on July 31 and ended on August 24 at Susitna Station. In 1982 these dates were July 19, July 31 and August 10, respectively (Figure 2-4-6). In the Yentna River (RM 28) at Yentna Station (RM 04) a total of 1,415 and 1,261 chum salmon were caught with fishwheels respectively in 1981 and 1982. The peak fishwheel catches occurred on July 23 in 1981 and on August 1 in 1982. -209- I N --' 0 I Curry Station To I keetna Station Sunshine Station Yentna Station Susitna Station CHUM SALMON ~ 1982 -. . 1981 -MEDIAN - - - - 5 I 5 25 4 14 24 3 I 3 jl-,...ol(--J U L Y -----:l)lo._.._l .... •,_ ___ AUGUST ----i)lo~j ...... E--s E PT.__..., Figure 2-4-6. Migrational timing of chum salmon at selected sampling locations in the Susitna River basin in 1981 and 1982, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. ·.~ :t - - - As determined from fishwheel catches, the chum salmon migration in 1981 at Yentna Station began on July 18, reached a midpoint on July 27 and terminated on August 21. In 1982 the migration began on July 20, reached a midpoint on August 2 and ended August 18 (Figure 2-4-6). Sunshine Station (RM 80) fishwheels intercepted a total of 9,168 chum salmon in 1981 and 36,335 in 1982. The peak catches were recorded on August 19 in 1981 and August 5 in 1982. Based on fishwheel catch rates the migration at Sunshine Station in 1981 began, reached ·a· midpoint and ended on July 26, August 18 and September 5. The 1982 dates were July 29, August 7 and August 21 (Figure 2-4-6). The majority (60.0%) of the chum salmon migrated past Susitna Station (RM 26) along the east bank in 1981 while in 1982 the majority (55.5%) migrated along the west bank, based upon fishwheel catches. In the Yentna River (RM 28) at Yentna Station (RM 04), 66.3 percent of the fish in 1981 and 70.8 percent in 1982 migrated off the north bank. And at Sunshine Station (RM 80) 90.8 percent in 1981 and 96.7 percent in 1982 of the chum salmon migrated along the east side of the river as indfcated by fishwheel catches. Three age classes (3 1 , 41 and 51 ) of chum salmon were sampled at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations in both 1981 and 1982. The majority of the fish aged in both years were age 41 fish. At Susitna, Yentna and Sunshine stations in 1981 the percent composition of age class 41 fish were 88.6, 84.1 and 88.7 percents; and in 1982, 84.4, 90.3 and 91.1, respectively. -211- Chum salmon lengths (FL) generally averaged less in 1981 at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations than in 1982. At Susitna Station in 1981, chum salmon ranged in length from 500 mm to 658 mm; age 41 males averaged 593 mm and females 581 mm. In 1982, lengths ranged from 458 mm to 682 mm with age 41 males averaging 602 mm and females, 594 mm. In 1981 at Yentna Station lengths ranged from 436 mm to 697 mm; age 41 males averaged 601 mm and females 585 mm. Lengths ranged from 398 mm to 696 mm in 1982 with age 41 males averaging 604 mm and females 591 mm. In 1981 at Sunshine Station lengths ranged from 455 mm to 718 mm with age 41 males averaging 624 mm and females 588 mm. Lengths in 1982 ranged from 440 mm to 715 mm with age 41 males averaging 614 mm and females 600 mm. Sex composition analysis established that chum salmon males were generally less numerous than females at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 26) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations. Male to female ratios were 0.6:1, 1.0:1 and 0.8:1, respectively. In 1982 the male to female ratio at Susitna Station was 0.6:1, at Yentna Station 1.3:1 and at Sunshine Station 1.0:1. 4.2.3.1.2 Main Channel Spawning The Susitna River main channel from RM 7 to 98.5 was surveyed for chum salmon spawning from July 15 to October 7, 1981 and from August 1 to October 13, 1982. A total of 280 and 811 sites were examined in 1981 and 1982, respectively. Six chum salmon spawning sites between RM 7 and 98.5 were located in 1981. The locations were at RM 68.3, 76.6, 83.3, 92.2, 96.8 and 97.0. The earliest -212- - - - - - - - '~ recorded spawning was September 5 at RM 83.3 and the latest recorded spawning was October 9 at RM 92.2 in 1981. All main channel chum salmon spawning sites located in 1981 were examined in 1982. The results indicated that chum salmon did not use these or any other main channel areas from RM 7 to 98.5 for spawning in 1982. 4.2.4.2 Talkeetna to Upper Devil Canyon 4.2.4.2.1 Main Channel Escapement The 1981 and 1982 estimated chum salmon escapements to Talkeetna Station (RM 103) were 20,800 and 49,100 fish, respectively (Table 2-4-2). Both estimates were calculated by the Petersen method. At Curry Station (RM 120) the chum salmon escapement was estimated, by the Petersen method, in 1981 at 13,100 fish and in 1982, 29,400 fish. Fishwheels were operated at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) in 1981 and 1982 for escapement sampling. A total of 1,285 and 2,942 chum salmon were caught respectively at this station in 1981 and 1982. The fishwheel peak catches occurred· on August 7 in both years. An evaluation of catches established that the 1981 migration of chum salmon at Talkeetna Station began July 28, reached a midpoint on August 17 and ended on September 4. The respective dates in 1982 were August 2, August 8 and August 22 (Figure 2-4-6). Curry Station (RM 120) fishwheels intercepted 1,276 and 1,736 chum salmon respectively in 1981 and 1982. The peak catches occurred on August 6 in 1981 and on August 9 in 1982. Based on fishwheel catches, the chum salmon -213- migration in 1981 began, reached a midpoint and terminated on August 5, August 17 and September 2. In 1982 the respective dates were August 3, August 12 and August 26 (Figure 2-4-6). Chum salmon were more abundant on the west side of the river than on the east side at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) in both 1981 and 1982. The west bank . fishwheels caught 51.3 percent and 58.4 percent of the Talkeetna Station catches in 1981 and 1982, respectively. At Curry Station (RM 120) the majority of the chum salmon migrated on the east side of the river. . Jn 1981 and 1982, 89.6 percent and 77.5 percent of the respective year catch was made with the east bank fishwheel at RM 120. Chum salmon took more time to migrate between Sunshine (RM 80) and Talkeetna (RM 103) stations and between Talkeetna and Curry (RM 120) stations in 1981 than in 1982. Chum salmon spent an average 4.5 days travelling the 23 miles between Sunshine and Talkeetna stations in 1981 and 3.1 days in 1982. Between Talkeetna and Curry, the average travel time was 4.5 days in 1981 and 2.6 days in 1982. The average migration time spent travelling between Sunshine and Curry stations (40 miles) in 1981 was not determined due to an insufficient number of recaptures. In 1982, a sufficient number of recaptures were made to determine the average travel time for chum salmon to be 6.4 days between Sunshine and Curry stations. Three age classes of chum salmon were represented in both the 1981 and 1982 chum salmon escapements sampled at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations. The majority of the fish were age 41 representing 85.2 percent in 1981 and 87.1 percent in 1982 of the Talkeetna Station escapement sample, and -214- - """'" - - - - - ~". 84.0 percent in 1981 and 85.8 percent in 1982 of the Curry Station escapement sample. The remainder of the fish were in age classes 31 and 51 . The average length (FL) of chum salmon was smaller in 1981 than in 1982 among the fish sampled at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations. The age 41 males averaged 586 mm in 1981 at Talkeetna Station and 610 mm in 1982. The females, age 41 , averaged 578 mm and 601 mm in 1981 and 1982, respectively. At Curry Station males averaged 593 mm in 1981 and 603 mm in 1982; females averaged 614 mm and 596 mm respectively. Male chum salmon were more abundant than female chum salmon in both 1981 and 1982 at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations. The male to female ratio was 1.3:1 at Talkeetna Station and 1.1:1 at Curry Station in 1981. In 1982, the ratios were 1.9:1 and 1.1:1, respectively. 4.2.4.2.2 Radio Telemetry Four chum salmon were radio tagged at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) in 1981 and ten were tagged there in 1982. One of the four radio tagged fish released at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) in 1981 and six of the ten fish released in 1982 spawned below Talkeetna Station mainly in the Talkeetna River (RM 97.0). These findings indicated that a major percentage of the chum salmon reaching RM 103 were not destined to upstream spawning areas but were fish milling above their spawning areas. No common milling or holding areas, however, were identified in the Susitna River mainstem among the radio tagged fish released at RM 103 in either year. -215-. Seven chum salmon were tagged at Curry Station (RM 120) in 1981 and eight were tagged at the station in 1982. Six of the radio tagged fish in 1981 and five of the fish released in 1982 migrated to upstream spawning destinations. The remainder, one fish in 1981 and 3 fish in 1982, descended the Susitna River and presumably spawned in systems below Talkeetna Station (RM 103) including an unnamed slough at RM 98.5 and the Talkeetna River (RM 97.0). The numbers of radio tagged chum salmon that spawned below Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations indicated a greater degree of milling activity among chum salmon migrating to Talkeetna Station than to Curry Station in both 1981 and 1982. Chum salmon migration speeds recorded in years 1981 and 1982 indicate that radio tagged chum salmon migrated upstream faster in 1982 than in 1981. For example, in 1982 a Talkeetna Station (RM 103) tagged fish was monitored moving at 29.8 mpd and a Curry Station (RM 120) fish was recorded travelling at 17.3 mpd. Comparatively, the fastest recorded speed of a Talkeetna and Curry station tagged chum salmon in 1981 was 16.4 mpd and 12.0 mpd, respectively. The between year differences in travel speed were probably related to main channel flow differences. In 1982, two chum salmon were radio tagged in lower Devil Canyon at RM 150.4. Both fish moved downstream from the release site within four days and entered Portage Creek (RM 148.9). These fish later departed Portage Creek and re-entered the Susitna River mainstem and continued a downstream movement. One fish entered and presumably spawned in Indian River (RM 138.6) and the -216- - - - - - - second fish descended to RM 92.0 where radio contact was lost. The milling behavior demonstrated by the movements of these two fish was considered typical. From 1981 and 1982 radio tracking observations of fish released at Talkeetna and Curry stations, chum salmon commonly exhibit such migrational movements before spawning. 4.2.4.2.3 Lower Devil Canyon Milling In 1981, gill nets were fished 30.2 hours in lower Devil Canyon (RM 150-151) between July 29 and September 19. The total catch was two chum salmon. These were caught on July 29. There were no catches made on August 5 and 26, September 2, 10 or 19. In 1982, 25 chum salmon were caught between August 10 and September 12 in 19.6 net hours. Ten fish were caught August 16, and 15 fish on August 22. No catches were made on August 10 and 28 or September 12 in 1982. Electroshocking was also conducted in lower Devil Canyon in 1982. The effort produced five chum salmon on August 11, and 12 fish on August 18. No chum salmon were caught by electroshocking on September 5 or 23. Based on.i981 and 1982 set net and 1982 electroshocking catches, chum salmon occupy lower Devil Canyon, particularly during the last three weeks of August. None of the 11 radio tagged fish released at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations in 1981 nor any of the 18 fish released at these locations in 1982 entered lower Devil Canyon (RM 150-151) (Section 4.2.4.2.2). In 1982 -217- two chum sa 1 mon caught in gi 11 nets in 1 ower De vi 1 Canyon were re 1 eased with radio tags. The results are reported in section 4.2.4.2.2. 4.2.4.2.4 Spawning 4.2.4.2.4.1 Main Channel A total of 37 and 397 main channel Susitna River sites were surveyed for chum salmon spawning in 1981 and 1982, respectively. These sites were distributed from RM 98.5 to 150. The surveys were conducted from July 15 to October 15 in 1981 and from August 7 to October 7 in 1982. Four main channel chum salmon spawning sites were located in 1981. The locations were at RM 129.2, 130.5, 131.1 and 135.2 where 2, 3, 3 and 6 chum salmon respectively were observed spawning between September 6 and 8. In 1982 main channel surveys identified nine chum salmon spawning sites. These sites were located at RM 114.4, 128.6, 129.8, 131.3, 136.0, 137.4, 138.9, 143.3 and 148.2. Chum salmon spawning activity was observed at all sites between September 2 and 12. 4.2.4.2.4.2 Sloughs and Streams Chum salmon escapement surveys were conducted in 33 sloughs in 1981 and with the addition of the newly identified Slough B (RM 126.3) 34 sloughs were surveyed in 1982. Chum salmon were observed in 20 of 33 sloughs (60.6%) surveyed in 1981 and 17 of 34 (50.0%) in 1982. -218- - - - - - -· - - - - - - - - Peak survey counts of live and dead chum salmon indicate that the escapement to slough habitats was slightly higher in 1981 than in 1982. The 1981 peak count totalled 2,567 and in 1982, 2,244 fish. In 1981 chum salmon were most abundant in sloughs 8A (24.2%), 11 (15.0%), 8 (11.8%), 21 (10.7%) and 9 (10.1%). And in 1982 sloughs 21 (32.8%), 11 (20.5%), 8A (15.0%) and 9 · (13.4%) supported the majority of the fish. Not all sloughs used by chum salmon in 1981 were used in 1982. Chum salmon were observed in sloughs 1, 2, 8, A1 , A, 13, 16, 19 and 21A in 1981 but not in 1982. Conversely, chum salmon were observed in sloughs 80, 8C, 8B and 10 in 1982 but not in 1981. Chum salmon were also observed in the newly located Slough B in 1982. Slough survey results indicated peak chum salmon spawning in sloughs occurred during the last week of August and the first week of September in 1981 and 1982 (Figures 2-4-7 and 2-4-8) . . Chum salmon were observed in 8 of the 15 streams (53.3%) surveyed in 1981 and 8 of the 19 streams (42.1%) surveyed in 1982. Peak spawning counts in 1981 established that chum salmon were most abundant in Fourth of July Creek (RM 131:0), Lane Creek (RM 113.6) and Indian River (RM 138.6) where the respective index counts were 90, 76 and 40 fish. In 1982 chum salmon were most abundant in Indian River, Fourth of July Creek and Portage Creek (RM 148.9) where 1 ,346, 191 and 153 fish, respectively were counted. Based on stream surveys the peak of chum salmon spawning occurred from the second week of August to the second week of September in 1981 and during the last week of August and the first week of September in 1982. -219- -------~·--~ ... --... --.. -·~-..---~,---- 3.0 0 2.~ 0 X -2.0 :I: en LL. w 1.5 > ....J LL. 1.0 0 0 z 0.!5 (a) SLOUGH NO. 9+98 CHUM ---1981 --1982 10 1!5 20 10 1!5 20 2!5 ~----------AUGUST--------~~------SEPTEMBER.~·--------~ 0 0 X 3.5 J: Cl) U:3.0 w ::: 2 6 _.l • -"""" u.. o2.o a:: w CD :E 1.5 :::> z 0.5 SLOUGH NO. II CHUM ---1981 --1982 I I I I , I I I " I ' ~ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ ' ' ' (b) ~~~--~~~~--~~~--~-.,--.----.--~~~~ 31 5 10 17 20 25 30 5 10 15 20 25 30 -+------AUGUST ---~------SEPT EMBER ----~ Figure 2-4-7. Chum salmon live counts by date in (a) Slough No. 9+98 and (b) Slough No. 11 for 1981 and 1982, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. -220- 5 - - - - - - - - - 7.0 -6.0 0 0 X -5.0 X: (J) LL UJ 4.0 > ...J LL 3.0 0 d z 2.0 1.0 (a) 0.8 0.7 0 ~ 0.6 X -X: ~·0.5 lL.. L&.J > -04 ...J' lL.. 0 cr 0.3 L&.J aJ ~ :::> 0.2 z 0.1 { b) 5 SLOUGH NO. 21 CHUM --~ 1981 --1982 I I /'- / ' / ' / ' / ' I ', I '......._ I ' 10 15 20 25 30 5 10 15 20 25 30 -+-----AUGUST ----~:--------SEPTEMBER---~ LANE CREEK CHUM h ---1981 --1982 , ' I \ , \ I \ , \ I \ , \ I \ , \ " I \ I \ I I \ \ I \ I \ I \ I \ I I \ I \ \ I ,, \ \ \ 10 10 AUGUST SEPTEMBER Figure 2-4-8. Chum salmon live counts by date in (a) Slough No. 21 and (b) Lane Creek for 1981 and 1982, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. -221- The 1982 peak survey count of live and dead chum salmon for all sloughs totalled 2,244 fish. This was 334 chum salmon less than the 1,910 fish recorded in 1981. However, the 1982 chum salmon escapement to Talkeetna Station (RM 103) was approximately 2.4 times greater than in 1981 (Section 4.2.4.2.1). An explanation for difference in chum salmon escapement and slough utilization may be the large increase of chum salmon observed in streams in 1982. In 1981 the peak index count for all streams totalled 245 chum salmon and in 1982 this total was 1 ,748, approximately 7.2 times greater than in 1981. 4.2.5 Coho Salmon 4.2.5. 1 Estuary to Talkeetna 4.2.5.1.1 Main Channel Escapement Susitna River and Yentna River coho salmon stocks were monitored at three sampling locations in 1981 and 1982: Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations. Susitna Station (RM 26) SSS counts in 1981 and 1982 were considered index counts a~d were not used in total escapement computations per report Section 2.4.3. Yentna Station (RM 04) SSS counters recorded an escapement of 17,000 coho salmon into the Yentna River in 1981, approximately 2.0 times less than the 34,100 fish counted in 1982. The Sunshine Station (RM 80) escapement in 1981, calculated by the Petersen method, was 19,800 coho salmon with a 95 percent confidence interval of -222- - - - - - - -I - - ..... - 18,100 to 22,000 fish. The 1982 escapement was estimated at 45,700 coho salmon with a 95 percent confidence interval of 41,900 to 50,300 fish. The Susitna River coho salmon escapement was an estimated 37,000 fish in 1981 and 80,000 fish in 1982, not including escapement returns between RM 6 and 77 excluding the Yentna River (RM 28) in both years. These estimates represent the total number of coho salmon by respective year counted by sonar at Yentna Station (RM 04) and estimated by the Petersen method to Sunshine Station (RM 80) (Table 2-4-1). In 1981 fishwheels operated for escapement sampling at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations caught respectively 329, 1,122 and 2,928 coho salmon. In 1982 470, 1,203 and 8,227 coho salmon were caught at the respective stations. Fishwheel interceptions at Susitna Station (RM 26) identified the coho salmon migration onset, midpoint and end to be on July 23, July 28 and August 9 in 1981 and on July 19, July 21 and August 9 in 1982. Coho salmon migrating past Susitna Station exhibited a strong west bank preference evidenced by 76.3 percent and 72.5 percent of the catch occurring in west bank fishwheels in 1981 and 1982, respectively • Yentna Station (RM 04) fishwheel catches indicated that the coho salmon migration in 1981 and 1982 began on July 22 and July 20, reached a midpoint on July 31 and August 2 and ended on August 17 and August 24, respectively. -223- The coho salmon migration was predominately (75.7%) along the south bank in 1981 and near equally distributed in 1982 with 56.1 percent moving along the south bank and 43.9 percent along the north bank. Based on fishwheel captures at Sunshine Station (RM 80) the coho salmon migration start, midpoint and endpoint in 1981 was on August 1, August 20 and August 28, respectively while the corresponding dates in 1982 was on August 3, August 12 and August 23. The 1981 coho salmon migration past Sunshine Station showed little bank preference with 51.6 and 48.4 percents migrating along the east and west bank, respectively. However, in 1982 a definite east bank preference occurred as indicated by 89.0 percent of the catch recorded with east bank fishwheels. Combined fishwheel catch data, indicated that coho salmon were generally abundant in the river reach between RM 26 to 80 from July 23 to August 28 in 1981 and from July 19 to August 23 in 1982 (Figure 2-4-9). The average coho salmon migration rate between Susitna Station (RM 26) and Yentna Station (RM 04) on the Yentna River (RM 28) in 1981 was 3.0 mpd, one half the 1982 rate of 6.0 mpd. The 54 miles between Susitna and Sunshine (RM 80) stations were travelled at the same rate, 3.9 mpd in both 1981 and 1982. Age class composition data indicated that a majority of the coho salmon sampled at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations in both 1981 and 1982 were age 32 and 43 fish. In 1981 age c1 ass 32 fish comprised 22.0 percent at Susitna Station, 16.1 percent at Yentna Station and 31.8 percent of the escapement sample at Sunshine Station. In 1982 these percentages were 33.8, 31.8 and 49.3 respectively. Age 43 coho salmon in -224- - - - ~I - -·, I N N U1 I Curry Stat 1an Talkeetna Station Sunshine Stat ion Yentna Stat ion Susitna Stat ion l 15 ) .. 1 1 1 - - 25 4 14 -r 24 COHO SALMON fiJ 1982 lill981 -MEDIAN 3 13 J-+-JULY.-. -••-+1-•~---AUGUST ----a.)lro-1-1-•~ SEPT.~ J Figure 2-4-9. Migrational timing of coho salmon at selected sampling locations in the Susitna River basin in 1981 and 1982, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. - l 1981 represented 68.8 percent at Susitna Station, 82.9 percent at Yentna Station and 65.1 percent of the escapement sample at Sunshine Station. In 1982 the percentages were 64.6, 66.8 and 50.1, respectively. ~ Less than 10 percent of the coho salmon escapements at Susitna, Yentna and Sunshine stations were comprised of other age class fish. Scale analysis of the coho salmon escapement samp1ed at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations in 1981 indicated that 22.0, 16.1 and 31.8 percents of the adult fish respectively had, as fry, migrated to sea after rearing one winter in freshwater. In the above station order, 33.8, 31,8 and 49.3 percent outmigrated after one winter and 64.6, 66.8 and 50.1 percent after two winters in 1982. Analysis of length (FL) data indicated that the coho salmon were 1arger in 1982 than in 1981. Age 43 fish, the dominate age class, averaged in 1981 males 519 mm and females 530 mm at Susitna Station (RM 26). In 1982, the average length was 561 mm and 544 mm respectively. At Yentna Station (RM 04} the male and female age 43 fish averaged, in 1981, respectively 541 mm and 540 mm; 1n 1982 the males averaged 549 mm and the females 544 mm. The age 43 males and females sampled at Sunshine Station (RM 80) in 1981 averaged 541 mm and 542 mm respectively while in 1982 the males averaged 564 mm and the females 551 mm. Larger lengths also exhibited for other age class coho salmon in 1982 suggests that the ocean rearing environment in 1981 was more favorable than in 1980 with a greater growth rate for these coho salmon returning to spawn in 1982. -226- - - - - - Sex composition data indicated that females were generally more abundant than males at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations in 1981 than in 1982. The 1981 male to female ratios were 0.8:1, 0.9:1 and 1.2:1, respectively. In 1982, the corresponding ratios were 0.6:1, 2.4:1 and 1.4:1. 4.2.5.1.2 Main Channel Spawning The Susitna River main channel from Rt~ 7 to 98.5 was surveyed for coho spawning at 280 and 811 sites respectively in 1981 and 1982. These sites were surveyed between July 15 and October 7 in 1981 and between August 1 and October 13 in 1982. Coho salmon catches and observations indicated that main channel spawning did not occur between RM 7 and 98.5 in 1981 or 1982. 4.2.5.2 Talkeetna to Upper Devil Canyon 4.2.5.2.1 Main Channel Escapement The coho salmon escapement to Talkeetna Station (RM 103) was an estimated 3,300 fish in 1981 and 5,100 fish in 1982 (Table 2-4-2). At Curry Station (RM 120) the 1981 escapement was approximately 1 ,100 coho salmon and in 1982, 2,400 coho salmon. These estimates were calculated by the Petersen method. The coho salmon migration at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) occurred earlier in 1982 than in 1981 as determined by fishwheel catches. The 1981 migration r-· began on August 4, reached a midpoint on August 26 and ended on September 3. In 1982, these dates were August 5, August 13 and September 2. -227- Fishwheel catch data established the migration timing of coho salmon at Curry Station. In 1981 the migration started on August 6, reached a midpoint on August 23 and ended on September 5. These dates in 1982 were August 5, August 18 and September 2. The migrational preference by coho salmon in 1981 and 1982 was for movement along the west bank at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) and based on a 60 percent average catch for both years with the west bank fishwheel. Bank preference could not be established at Curry Station with the highest percentage of fishwheel catches occurring with the east bank fishwheel (64.8%) in 1981 and the west bank fishwheel (53.3%) in 1982. The average coho salmon travel rate between Sunshine (RM 80) and Ta1keetna (RM 103) stations increased from 4.0 mpd in 1981 to 5.3 mpd in 1982. The 17 mile distance between Talkeetna and Curry (RM 120) stations was travelled by coho salmon at an average rate of 10.0 miles per day (mpd) in 1982. In 1981 the same distance was travelled in an average of 1.5 days for a mean speed of 11.3 mpd. Age analysis of the escapement sampled at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) indicated the percent contribution of age 32 coho salmo~ increased from 11.6 percent in 1981 to 59.0 percent in 1982. Age 43 fish comprised 84.8 percent of those sampled in 1981 and 41.0 percent in 1982. Curry Station (RM 120) coho salmon age analysis revealed the percent contribution of age 32 fish increased from 27.3 percent in 1981 to 54.0 percent in 1982. Age 43 coho salmon totalled 68.8 percent of those sampled in 1981 and 46.0 percent in 1982. -228- - - - - - - , ..... - Coho salmon scale analysis of the escapement sampled at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) in 1981 indicated that 12.8 percent and 85.4 percent respectively of the adults had smelted after rearing one and two winters in freshwater. In 1982 these percentages were 59.0 and 41.0, respectively. Curry Station (RM 120) coho salmon age analysis indicated that in 1981 27.3 percent and 68.8 percent of the escapement sampled had smelted after rearing one and two winters respectively in freshwater. In 1982 the percentages were 54.0 and 46.0, respectively. Length (FL) analysis of coho salmon from Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) station indicated that in all age classes the fish were larger in 1982 than in 1981. At Talkeetna Station in 1981 the age 32 males and females averaged respectively 484 mm and 510 mm; in 1982 these average lengths for age 32 males and females were 546 mm and 555 mm. The age 43 fish at Talkeetna Station in 1981 averaged males 534 mm and females 538 mm; and in 1982 the males averaged 562 mm and females 554 mm. At Curry Station in 1981 the age 32 fish averaged males 484 mm and females 492 mm; in 1982 males averaged 501 mm and females 534 mm. The age 43 fish at Curry Station in 1981 averaged 519 mm males and 541 females; in 1982 the males averaged 544 mm and females 558 mm. Male coho salmon were more abundant than females at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations in both 1981 and 1982. The male to female ratio in 1981 was 1.5:1 at Talkeetna Station and 1.9:1 at Curry Station. In 1982 the ratios were 1.5:1 and 1.3:1, respectively. -229- 4.2.5.2.2 Radio Telemetry In 1981 and 1982 the majority of radio tagged coho salmon released at Talkeetna Station (RM 103) were fish that were milling as evident by 3 of 6 fish released there in 1981 and 10 of 11 fish in 1982 that descended to spawning areas downstream of Talkeetna Station including Birch Creek (RM 88.4), Talkeetna River (97.0), Chulitna River (RM 98.5), and Whiskers Creek (RM 101.3). The remaining fish, 3 of 6 in 1981 and 1 of 11 1982, spawned above Talkeetna Station in tributaries including Gash Creek (RM 111.6) Fourth of July Creek (RM 131.1) and Indian River (RM 138.6). In 1981, spawning destinations were not determined on all radio tagged coho salmon released at Curry Station (RM 120). Evidence was that at least three of the four fish tagged at Curry Station in 1981 spawned in tributaries below Curry Station, primarily in Gash Creek (R~1 111.6). Eighty percent of the five fish sample released at the station in 1982 spawned above Curry Station in tributaries including Portage Creek (RM 148.9) and Indian River (RM 138.6). The one remaining coho salmon entered the Talkeetna River (97.0) and presumably spawned in that drainage. In 1981 and 1982, the most common habitats used by radio tagged coho salmon that milled in the Susitna River main channel were semi-placid areas and tributary confluences including slough habitats such as Wiggle Slough (RM 98.0), Slough 5 (RM 107.6), Slough 6A (RM 112.3), Slough 11 (RM 135.3) and Slough 15 (RM 137.2). -230- - - - ..... - - - - - . I None of the radio tagged coho salmon released at Talkeetna (RM 103) and Curry (RM 120) stations in-1981 (14 fish) or 1982 (16 fish) entered lower Devil Canyon (RM 150-151) based on radio tracking observations. 4.2.5.2.3 Lower Devil Canyon Milling . In 1981, gill nets were fished a of 30.2 hours in lower Devil Canyon (RM 150-150) from July 29 through September 9. A total of two coho salmon were caught. One fish-was caught on August 26 and the second fish on September 2. No coho salmon were caught on July 29, August 5, September 2, 10 or 19. In 1982, 19.6 net hours were fished in in lower Devil Canyon from August 10 through September 12. The effort produced three coho salmon. The three fish were caught on August 28. No catches were made on August 10, 16 and 22 or September 12. Electroshocking was also conducted in lower Devil Canyon on August 8, 18, September 5 and 23, 1982. Only one coho salmon was caught. The catch occurred on September 5. The test fishing results in 1981 and 1982 indicated that coho salmon generally occupy lower Devil Canyon (RM 150-151) in the last week of August and the first week of September. 4.2.5.2.4. Spawning 4.2.5.2.4.1 Main Channel The Susitna River main channel was surveyed for coho salmon spawning from July 15 to October 15 in 1981 and from August 7 to October 7 in 1982. A total of 37 sites were monitored in 1981 and 397 were surveyed in 1982. -231- In 1981 two main channel coho salmon spawning sites were reported. The sites· were at RM 117.6 and RM 129.2. In 1982 no main channel spawning sites were identified. Spawning was observed at RM 117.6, a site defined in 1981 as a main channel spawning habitat. The site was misclassified in 1981. The area, although used for coho salmon spawning, is within the influence of Little Portage Creek and therefore it is not a true main channel Susitna River habitat any more than known spawning areas below the mouth of Fourth of July Creek (RM 131.0) or Indian River (RM 138.6). 4.2.5.2.4.2 Sloughs and Streams A total of 33 and 34 sloughs were surveyed for coho salmon respectively in 1981 and 1982. Survey results indicated that adult coho salmon did not occupy slough habitats in 1981. In 1982, coho salmon were observed in three of the 34 (8.8%) sloughs surveyed. 125.1) and 15 (RM 137.2). These were sloughs: 6A (RM 112.3), 8A (RM In 1982, coho salmon spawning was recorded only in Slough 8A (RM 125.1). Coho salmon observed in sloughs 6A (RM 112.3) and 15 (RM 136.2) were milling fish and did not spawn in these sloughs. Peak spawning in slough 8A occurred between the fourth week of September and the first week of October. Stream surveys found coho salmon occupying 8 of the 15 streams (53.3%) surveyed in 1981 and 12 of the 19 streams (63.2%) surveyed in 1982. In 1981 coho salmon were observed in Whiskers Creek (RM 101.4), Chase Creek (RM 106~9), Gash Creek (RM 111.6), Lane Creek (RM 113.6), Lower McKenzie Creek -232- - - - -I - - (RM 116.2), Fourth of July Creek (RM 131.0), Indian River (RM 138.6) and Portage Creek (RM 148.9). In addition to the above streams, coho salmon were observed in Slash Creek (RM 111.2), Little Portage Creek (RM 117.7), Gold Creek (RM 136.7) and Jack Long Creek (RM 144.5) in 1982. Peak spawning counts of 1 ive and dead coho salmon for streams habitats totalled 458 and 633 fish in 1981 and 1982, respectively. Based on percent contribution, coho salmon were most abundant in Gash Creek (30.8%), Indian River (18.6%), Chase Creek (17.5%), Whiskers Creek (15.3%) and Lower McKenzie Creek (12.2%) in 1981, and Whiskers Creek (27 .8%), Lower McKenzie Creek (21.0%), Indian River (16.0%), Portage Creek (13.9%) and Gash Creek (11.5%) in 1982. Survey counts were index counts and did not reflect the total number of spawning coho salmon present in the streams surveyed. Survey results indicated the peak coho salmon spawning occurred in stream habitats during the second and third weeks of September in 1981. In 1982 the peak coho salmon spawning occurred between the second week of September and the first week of October. 4.3 Bering Cisco 4.3.1 Estuary to Talkeetna 4.3.1.1 Main Channel Escapement Bering cisco were originally documented in the Susitna River basin by ADF&G Su Hydro staff in 1981. Discovery of this species in late August allowed escapement sampling only at Sunshine Station (RM 80) in 1981, however, in 1982 escapement sampling was conducted at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine stations. -233- Susitna Station (RM 26) fishwheels intercepted a total of 42 Bering cisco in 1982. The migration essentially began August 7. Migration midpoint and termination were not determined as fishwheels were removed for winter storage prior to their occurrence. A Bering cisco movement preference along the east bank was evident with 76.2 percent and 23.8 percent of the catches distributed in east and west bank fishwheels, respectively. The 1981 whitefish catch were recorded only to the taxonomic level of Family and therefore Bering cisco catch data were not available. Yentna Station (RM 04) fishwheels captured four Bering cisco in 1982. It is probable that these captures represented mi 11 i ng activity and not spawning migration. Again, 1981 fishwheel whitefish catches were recorded only to the taxonomic level of Family. Sunshine Station (RM 80) fishwheels intercepted 165 and 392 Bering cisco in 1982 and 1981, respectively. The entire catch was made with east bank fishwheels in both years. The Bering cisco migration began at Sunshine Station on September 4 in 1982 and on September 8 in 1981 as determined by fishwheel catches. The peak fishwheel catches occurred on September 21 and September 27 in 1981 and 1982, respectively. In 1981 and 1982 the Bering cisco migration extended beyond October 1; the last day of fishwheel operations at Sunshine Station. The Bering cisco relative abundance using Sunshine Station (RM 80) fishwheel catches as an index, was approximately 2.4 times greater in 1981 than 1982. -234- - - - - .... - - Bering cisco scale samples collected from fishwheel catches at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04), and Sunshine (RM 80) stations in 1982 were analyzed call ectively and the 1981 age composition was derived from only Sunshine Station fishwheel catches. In 1982 Bering cisco age class composition segregated to 62.0 percentage age 51 , 34.0 percentage 41 and 4.0 percent age 61 fish. Observations during scale analysis suggested the occasional presence of a developing annulus on the scale's outer margin. This partially developed outer annulus was considered to represent the beginning of the current winters growth. Based on these findings 1981 Bering cisco ages were redetermined and the results presented in Table 2-4-3. This analysis of 1981 scales revealed that 74.4 percent were age 51 , 16.5 percent age 41 and 9.1 percent age 61 fish. Table 2-4-3. Analysis of Bering cisco age data by percent from escapement samples collected at all sampling locations in 1981, Adult Anadromous Investigations, Su Hydro Studies, 1982. Collection Sample Age Class 17 Brood Year Year Site Size 41 51 61 1976 197i 1978 1979 1981 All locations 121 16.5 74.4 9.1 9. 1 74.4 16.5 1982 All locations 100 34.0 62.0 4.0 4.0 62.0 34.0 .!1 Gilbert-Rich Notation Fishwheel caught Bering cisco were measured for length (TL) at Susitna (RM 26), Yentna (RM 04) and Sunshine (RM 80) stations in 1982 and Sunshine Station in 1981. Lengths, non-segregated by age class or sex averaged 335.3 mm and 337.6 mm, in 1982 and 1981, respectively. Age 41 and 51 Bering cisco -235- had mean lengths of 318.9 mm and 342.3 mm in 1982 and 304.9 mm and 337.5 mm in 1981. Age 61 Bering cisco mean lengths remained constant at 365.0 mm for both years. The Bering cisco male to female (m:f) sex ratio remained relatively stable for the two year period 1.0:1 and 1.4:1 in 1981 and 1982, respectively. 4.3.1.2 Main Channel Spawning Main channel surveys for Bering cisco extended from RM 7.0 to 98.5 in 1981 and 1982. These surveys resulted in the identification of five spawning and probable spawning areas. Three Bering cisco spawning areas were documented in 1981. They were located at RM 75, RM 76-77.5 and RM 78-79. Main channel surveys in 1982 established two probable Bering cisco spawning sites; one located at RM 76.8-77.6; and the other located at RM 81.2. The 1982 main channel survey observations also indicated that small concentrations of Bering cisco spawned throughout the RM 75-85.2 reach although not in numbers required to be called, by definition as discrete spawning sites. Peak spawning occurred during the second week of October in 1981 as substantiated by 100 percent of the females examined between October 13 and October 16 being completely spawned out. Peak spawning in 1982 also occurred during essentially the same time period. On October 13, 66.7 percent, 26.7 percent and 6.6 percent of the females were ripe, spawned out and not ripe, respectively. ADF&G, Su Hydro staff tagged 713 Bering cisco in 1981. A 1982 main channel survey crew recovered one tagged Bering cisco at RM 31.1 on September 13. -236:.. - - - - ..... I Records indicated this Bering cisco had been tagged on October 5 at RM 77, a documented spawning area. A discussion of the significance of this recapture, as being a potential repeat spawner, is presented in report Section 3.3.1.2. 4.3.2 Talkeetna to Upper Devil Canyon 4.2.3.1 Majn Channel Escapement In 1982 Talkeetna Station (RM 103) fishwheels intercepted a single Bering cisco on September 13. The 1981 fishwheel catch of whitefish were recorded to the taxonomic level of Family and no Bering cisco catch data were available. Curry Station (RM 120) fishwheels did not intercept any Bering cisco in 1982. Fishwheel catches of whitefish were recorded to the taxonomic level of Family in 1981 and no Bering cisco catch data were available. 4.3.2.2 Main Channel Spawning A total of 37 and 421 Susitna River main channel sites were examined for Bering cisco spawning in 1981 and 1982, respectively. The sites were surveyed between July 15 and October 16 in 1981 and August 1 and October 13 in 1982. No Bering cisco spawning was observed between RM 98.5 and 150 in 1981 or 1982. A single Bering cisco catch at RM 101'.9 on October 1 in 1982 and captures of one Bering cisco at RM 99.6 and 100.5 in 1981 were the only catches recorded in the Susitna River main channel, RM 98.5 to 150.0 in both years. -237- REFERENCES Alt~ K.T. 1973. Contributions to Biology of the Bering Cisco (Coregonus laurettae in Alaska. J. Fish. Res. Board Can. 30:1885-1888. Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G). 1981. Adult Anadromous phase I final species/subject report. ADF&G/Su Hydro Aquatic Studies Program. Anchorage, Alaska. 1981. Resident Fish Investigation on the Lower Susitna River. Phase I Final Draft Report. ADF&G/Su Hydro Aquatic Studies Program. Anchorage, Alaska. Barrett, B.M. 1974. An assessment of the anadromous fish populations in the upper Susitna River watershed between Devil Canyon and the Chulitna River. Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Commercial Fisheries. 56pp. Began, M. 1979. biologists. Investigating animal abundance: Edmond Arnold, London. 97pp. capture-recapture for Bendix Corporation. 1980. Installation and operation manual side scan sonar counter (1980 Model). Report NO. SP-78-017. 223pp. Cousens, N.B.F., G.A. Thomas, C.G. Swann, and M.C. Healey. 1982. A Review of Salmon Escapement Estimation Techniques. Canadian Technical Report of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, No. 1108. -238- - - .... - - - \\ Daniel, W.W. 1978. Applied nonparametric statistics. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. Delaney, K., K. Hepler, and K. Roth. 1981. Deshka River Chinook and Coho Salmon Study. Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Fed. Aid in Restoration, Annual Performance Report, 1980-1981, Project AFS-49-1&2, Volume 22. Dixon, W.J. and R.J. Massey. 1969. Introduction to statistical analysis. McGray-Hill. New York. 638pp. Kubik, S.W. Unpublished. Inventory and cataloging of sport fish and sport fish waters of lower Susitna River and Central Cook Inlet drainages, Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Fed. Aid in Fish Restoration, Annual Report of Progress, 1980-1981, Project F-9-13, 22 (GIH}. Neilson, J.D., and G. H. Geen. 1981. Enumeration of spawning salmon from spawner residence time and aerial counts. Transactions of Amer. Fisheries Society 110:554:556. Ricker, W.E. 1975. Computation and interpretation of biological statistics of fish populations. Bulletin 191, Information Canada, Ottowa. 382pp. Thompson, F.M. and B.M. Barrett. In press. Selective fishwheel captures of adult salmon on the Susitna River, Alaska. -239- ~---~------------------------------------~~==========~-------------------------