For the first time in close to 100 years, Chinook salmon have been spotted in California’s North Yuba River, thanks to a restoration project by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. In October, researchers deposited salmon eggs along a 12-mile riverbed, mimicking natural spawning behaviors.
Young fish were first detected on Feb. 11, confirming the program’s early success. Since dams block their migration, the fish are being trucked downstream to continue their journey to the Pacific. This project, similar to efforts on the McCloud and Klamath Rivers, could more than double the available salmon habitat in the Yuba watershed.
“This is habitat that salmon haven’t been into for a long time,” said fisheries manager Colin Purdy, highlighting the program’s potential impact. With ongoing research, experts hope to fully restore spring-run Chinook salmon in the region, marking a major win for conservation efforts.