Estimation Of Chinook Salmon Escapement Distribution And Run Timing In The Togiak River Watershed Using Radiotelemetry Togiak National Wildlife Refuge Alaska 2012 PDF Download

The migratory timing and distribution of Kenai River Chinook salmon was examined using radio telemetry for 2014 and 2015. Spawning destinations were determined for 153 Chinook salmon in 2014 and 39 in 2015. Radiotagging data since 2010 are presented with data from 2014 and 2015 when appropriate. Of the Chinook salmon radiotagged during the early run in 2014, 81% (SE 4%) spawned in tributaries (range 72-85% since 2010). Radiotagged tributary-spawning Chinook salmon primarily spawned in the Killey River, Benjamin Creek, and Funny River during all years. Estimated Killey River Chinook salmon escapements based on weir passage and radiotag distribution within the Killey River drainage ranged from 3,564 (SE 500) to 3,934 (SE 627) during 2012-2015. In 2014, all but 2 Chinook salmon radiotagged during the late run (after 30 June) spawned in the mainstem of the Kenai River. The highest proportion of radiotagged mainstem spawners in 2014 were downstream of the Soldotna Bridge at RM 21 (39% SE 6%) and between the Moose River confluence at river mile (RM) 36.3 and Skilak Lake outlet at RM 50 (36% SE 6%). During 2012-2014, an average of 4.0% (SE 1.2%) of assigned mainstem spawning destinations were downstream of the RM 13.7 Chinook salmon sonar. For tributary spawners during 2010-2014, 69% and 95% were in waters with existing closures and restrictions upstream of Slikok Creek on July 1 and July 15, respectively. On 1 July, 23% of tributary spawners were in waters open to fishing upstream of Slikok Creek and 8% were downstream of Slikok Creek. In July, mainstem-spawning Chinook salmon radiotagged in 2012-2014 were primarily (51-59%) in waters open to fishing downstream of Slikok Creek; the rest were upstream: 23-30% in unrestricted waters and 12-20% in closed or restricted waters.