Wild Chinook salmon, some migrating more than 900 miles to the ocean from the high mountains of Idaho, once made up nearly 50% of the Columbia River Basin's salmon runs. In 2020, and over the last twenty years, wild Chinook in Idaho have been in crisis, placed on the endangered species list, and face the growing threat of extinction. In fact, only 2 % of Idaho's wild Chinook population remains. This is not only a crisis for this Idaho salmon but also for biodiversity in the Pacific Northwest. Snake River Chinook salmon are culturally important to many indigenous peoples and are the main source of food for the Southern Resident killer whales (orcas) of Puget Sound; therefore, the plight of Chinook salmon is adversely affecting native traditions and sustenance, and also the Southern Resident orcas, which are also on the endangered species list. Because Chinook salmon who originate in Idaho travel the farthest through the Columbia River Basin to the Pacific Ocean... and back... than any other Chinook population in the lower 48 states, the focus of this book is on them and their miraculous, obstacle-filled migration. It is for the fish and young people that I write this book- in hopes of enlightening and inspiring kids all over the country, not just in Idaho, to learn how very special these brave salmon are and to join me in protecting them!

This is an updated edition of the best-selling guide book, with additional waters covered.

Idaho's clear flowing rivers are world famous for fly fishing, but finding that elusive perfect spot to land a trophy in the vast wilderness requires a lot of time and knowledge. Fortunately, writer, angler and conservationist Chris Hunt has traveled to some of the state's most idyllic areas to find the best fishing the Gem State has to offer. Adventurous anglers can follow his directions off the beaten path to enjoy excellent scenery and even better fishing. Brimming with expert tips and seasonal strategies for each location, this handy guide will find its place in a dry pocket for every successful excursion.

This text examines the ecology of the Pacific salmon

Pacific salmon are an important biological and economic resource of countries of the North Pacific rim. They are also a unique group of fish possessing unusually complex life histories. There are seven species of Pacific salmon, five occurring on both the North American and Asian continents (sockeye, pink, chum, chinook, and coho) and two (masu and amago) only in Asia. The life cycle of the Pacific salmon begins in the autumn when the adult female deposits eggs that are fertilized in gravel beds in rivers or lakes. The young emerge from the gravel the following spring and will either migrate immediately to salt water or spend one or more years in a river or lake before migrating. Migrations in the ocean are extensive during the feeding and growing phase, covering thousands of kilometres. After one or more years the maturing adults find their way back to their home river, returning to their ancestral breeding grounds to spawn. They die after spawning and the eggs in the gravel signify a new cycle. Upon this theme Pacific salmon have developed many variations, both between as well as within species. Pacific Salmon Life Histories provides detailed descriptions of the different life phases through which each of the seven species passes. Each chapter is written by a scientist who has spent years studying and observing a particular species of salmon. Some of the topics covered are geographic distribution, transplants, freshwater life, ocean life, development, growth, feeding, diet, migration, and spawning behaviour. The text is richly supplemented by numerous maps, illustrations, colour plates, and tables and there is a detailed general index, as well as a useful geographical index.