Salmon at Sulphur Creek Ranch

Story and Photographs by Matt Nesbit NOAA

            High in the Idaho wilderness at 6,000 feet above sea level Sulphur Creek Ranch is host to one of the most impressive migrations in the Northwest, if not the entire United States. The Spring Chinook salmon makes it’s way from the Pacific Ocean almost 800 river miles up the Columbia River, over four hydropower dams, up the Snake River and over another four hydropower dams, up the Salmon River, up the Middle Fork of the Salmon River and finally up and into the pristine headwaters of  Sulphur Creek.

July and August are prime months to observe these fish at the end of their journey. The stretch of Sulphur Creek directly parallel to the ranch is flawless spawning habitat. Each year new groups of adult salmon can be found in its tailouts giving life to future generations through their dance of death. Do not feel sorry for these fish because they are the chosen ones. They were not born in a hatchery facility down by Portland or raised as juveniles in the concrete raceways of the Clearwater River hatcheries. These fish were born, raised and will die in some of the most beautifully secluded waters in the country.

While at the ranch you will be able to observe the fish as both adults and juveniles. Adults will be clearly visible in the shallower tailout sections, usually in pairs or small groups, digging circular nests or “redds^*” for their eggs. Juveniles will only be two or three inches in length and will hide in the shadows and protection of undercut banks. The adults have successfully journeyed to and from the ocean, while the juveniles are about to embark on a most dangerous journey. Down through the Salmon, Snake and Columbia Rivers, through eight hydropower dams, and past all types of predators, less than 5% of the juveniles will survive to the ocean. Add the ever-changing ocean conditions that these small susceptible salmon will face once they enter the Pacific Ocean and compound these dangers by the nets, fisherman and barriers that they will encounter while in the ocean and on their return journey to Sulphur Creek and you can easily see how special the salmon of Sulphur Creek Ranch are!! For hundreds of years these fish have used these waters as the foundation of their livelihood, please join us in appreciating these fine fish and we can work together to ensure they will always be here to treasure.

*Please take care not to step on redds while walking the stream. Redds will usually appear lighter in color where the gravel has been dug up and eggs have been deposited. If you come upon salmon spawning in the creek they may spook off when they see you approach. However if you hold still or move into the shadows they will return shortly to continue their final task and might just give you a spectacular show and a photographic opportunity.