Abundance and run timing of salmon in Blue Bill and Red Salmon Creeks, Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, 2005

A bi-directional fixed picket weir was installed and operated within Izembek National Wildlife Refuge on Red Salmon Creek (RS) from 26 June to 21 September and on Blue Bill Creek (BB) from 10 July to 21 September 2005. Underwater digital video equipment and microwave technology were used to simultaneously monitor fish passage on both streams from a single location. Sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka was the most abundant species counted through the weirs with 18,288 fish passing Red Salmon Creek and 12,690 fish passing Blue Bill Creek. The main migration began in mid July and continued until mid September with a peak in late August. Coho salmon O. kisutch were the next abundant species (RS=2,455 and BB=362). The main migration began in late August and continued until the weirs were pulled on September 21. The run in Red Salmon Creek peaked in mid September. Other fish passing the weir included pink O. gorbuscha (RS=11 and BB=7) and chum salmon O. keta (RS=64 and BB=81), Dolly Varden Salvelinus malma, and whitefish Coregonus spp.