Fish Count Data Search

Location: Ninilchik River
Species: Chinook
Method: Weir

Description: Chinook salmon escapement is monitored at a broodstock weir located approximately 4 miles upstream of the mouth from mid-May through early August. Since 1987, hatchery-reared Chinook salmon have been stocked in the Ninilchik River to support the Chinook salmon sport fishery. As a result of this stocking program two groups of Chinook salmon (wild and hatchery-reared) return to the Ninilchik River. Hatchery-reared Chinook salmon are distinguish from wild by the adipose fin. Hatchery Chinook salmon are missing their adipose fin and have a healed fin clip scar. In July, when most of the Chinook salmon ripen and spawn, an inriver holding area is created at the broodstock stock weir to collect and hold fish until they ripen for eggtakes. The egg take goal is to artificially spawn 140 pairs from the Ninilchik River with a minimum of 60 wild pairs for stocking back into the Ninilchik River. The progeny from the eggtakes are used also for stocking the Kachemak Bay terminal areas.

Sustainable Escapement Goal for Chinook in 2019: 750 - 1,300 (Graphed above)

Contact: Area Manager,
(907) 235-1739