Hikers visit spawning hot spots

Mike Riehle (second from left) answers a question for Norma Funai.

Fish biologist Mike Riehle led a group of hikers to some of his favorite spots in and around the Metolius River under sunny skies on Saturday, September 28.

Riehle displayed Kokanee salmon spawning spots near Lake Creek as it enters Metolius waters.

"This is the best of two worlds as warmer water from Lake Creek mixes with colder river water," said Riehle. "It promotes diversity and health of river life and can be seen in the variety of aquatic insects and other life forms supported in the Metolius River."

The tour was sponsored by the Sisters Ranger District.

Kokanee could be seen at their nesting sites and the rites of autumn were being repeated once more. Soon these adults will perish and add to the nutrient supply of the river.

Spawning for reproduction and adult death for nutrient turnover occurs each year and ensures health of the river and nutrients for algae and aquatic insects the following spring. It also produces thousands of fry (offspring) for future generations.

Kokanee are land-locked salmon and live between Lake Billy Chinook and the Metolius River. Dams downstream have created this effect since the mid-20th century.

The name of the river, Metolius, is thought to come from the Native- American 'Meptoelas' meaning 'white fish' or the Chinook salmon that migrated up the Metolius before the dams.

Standing amongst old ponderosa pine, Riehle explained Forest Service plans for restoring health, beauty and safety in the local forest area.

The riparian area offers the greatest diversity of plant life and is vital to the health of the river. There is a narrow river trail alongside Road 700, which has shown signs of deterioration from people leaving the trail and getting to river's edge. Green restoration signs signal attempts to fix these areas.

After describing the Forest Service plans for restoration in the area, Riehle took his group of 24 people to Jack Creek Campground for views of nesting bull trout in Jack Creek. This is the boundary of the Metolius restoration project.

"The temperature remains constant at 44 degrees F.," Riehle said. "Wood in the river and stream tributaries helps the fish and other life forms find food and nesting sites. I think decay of the wood is very slow at these temperatures."

Jack Creek is one of the prettiest sites in the Metolius Basin. The headwaters, while smaller, are very similar to the start of the Metolius River, being fed by underground springs.

Bull trout size ranges from five to 30 pounds -- quite large for freshwater fish.

In the last few years, runs of Kokanee and Bull trout have been good in the Metolius River. It is hoped that Forest Service work will enhance conditions further.