Run Timing and Spawning Distribution of Copper River Chinook Salmon – Phase 2

This study used radio telemetry to estimate the spawning distribution and stock specific run timing of Chinook salmon entry in the lower Copper River drainage. Chinook salmon were captured with fishwheels at Baird Canyon by the Native Village of Eyak mark-recapture crew. A proportion of their daily catch was radiotagged throughout the run and those fish were tracked upriver with a series of 10 fixed-tracking stations and aerial surveys.

The Copper River Chinook salmon population comprises a number of different stocks varying in abundance, location, and run timing. Understanding spawning/escapement distribution at the tributary level allows managers to better assess the overall health of the Chinook salmon population and ensure sustainable escapements while optimizing subsistence fishing opportunities.