First Sockeye Makes Migration

Sat., Aug. 22, 1998

From Staff

The first sockeye salmon of the year has made the 900-mile migration from the Pacific Ocean to Redfish Lake in central Idaho.

The adult male was trapped Tuesday at Redfish Lake Creek. In July, three adult sockeye were observed crossing Lower Granite Dam, 400 miles downstream on the Snake River. It can take up to a month to make the journey from the dam to the lake.

Idaho Department of Fish and Game biologists said the 24-inch fish appears to be of wild origin. If that is the case, it was produced by the “residual” form of sockeye that inhabit Redfish Lake.

Residuals can produce oceangoing offspring even though they spend their entire lives in the lake. The fish most likely left Redfish in 1996.

The male will be incorporated in the 1998 spawning program at Fish and Game’s Eagle Fish Hatchery. In addition, sperm from the fish may be frozen for future use.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.

First Sockeye Makes Migration

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

Motorcyclist killed in Moscow crash

As Boise pushes for new passenger rail study, could the state catch on?

Boise botanist IDed a new plant in the Foothills. Wildfire likely burned much of it