BRISTOL BAY DATA REPORT NO. 59
Spawning Ground Surveys in the Nushagak and Togiak Districts of Bristol Bay, 1976
by
Michael L. Nelson Fishery Biologist
STATE OF ALASKA ·· .. DEPARTMENT OF FISH ANp G:~~ed tv,'~:J UBRARY LN :til\LIS P.O. BOX 3-2000 ' CHoj;"GE, ALASKA JUNEAU AI A., ·"· 1997 ' • ...... _KA 99802-2000
Alaska Department of Fish and Game Division of Commercial Fisheries Dillingham, Alaska A.Jf.tLIS AlaskaResol!rccs Libr TABLE OF CONTENTS Page{s) Introduction and Background------~------1 Data Analysis Methods------2 Results------2 Sockeye Salmon------··------2 Wood River Lakes------~------2 Tikchik Lakes------5 Lake Nunavaugaluk------6 Togiak District------~------6 King Salmon------6 Chum Salmon------~------7 Pink Salmon------8 Figures 1 - 6------9-14 Appendix------~------15 Tables 1 - 3 Wood River Sockeye Salmon------~------ 16-20 Tab 1es 4 - 5 Tikchik Sockeye Salmon------ 21-22 Tab 1es 6 - 7 Snake River/Togiak Sockeye Salmon------ 23 Table 8 Wood ~iver Sockeye Spawner Distribution------ 24 Tables 9 - 10 Nushagak King Salmon------ 25-27 Table 11 Togiak King Salmon------ 28 Tab 1es 12 - 13 Togiak Chum Salmon------ 29-30 Table 14 Nushagak/Togiak Pink Salmon------31 SPAWNING GROUND SURVEYS IN THE NUSHAGAK AND TOGIAK DISTRICTS OF BRISTOL BAY, 1976 'by Michael L. Nelson, Fishery Biologist Alaska Department of Fish and Game Division of Commercial Fisheries Dillingham, Alaska INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND Spawning ground aerial surveys were again conducted in Nushagak and Togiak district drainages in 1976 for the twenty-first consecutive year. The present survey program has evolved from earlier years when all river systems in these two districts were examined for sockeye salmon distribution and abundance. As accurate sockeye escapement programs were developed, (via stationary land-based counting towers) survey emphasis was shifted to those systems where escapement estimates were not available, and to other salmon species in areas where distribution and abundance were not available. In 1976, aerial surveys directed toward sockeye distribution and abundance were conducted in the Hood River Lakes, Lake Nunavaugaluk (Snake River Lake}, Kulukak system and tributaries of the Togiak River system. For the second consecutive year Tikchik Lake system received a large sockeye escapement, and survey efforts were again expanded to monitor distribution in this multi-lake basin. King, chum and pink salmon distribution and abundance studies in both Nushagak and Togiak areas have assumed more importance as these species become more economically valuable. King, chum and pink surveys were continued and expanded in 1976 to cover "most areas" utilized by these three species. Aerial survey methods employed in 1976 were comparable to those in the past · (see Appendix A of the 1972 Spawning Ground Report, Bristol Bay Data Report No. 34}. The author flew all surveys, and 1976 is the fifteenth consecutive year the author has conducted these surveys. Weather conditions in 1976 were good to excellent, and all surveys were completed on schedule. 2 DATA ANALYSIS METHODS The proportional factor method was again used to determine sockeye salmon spawning populattons by major spawning area in the Hood River Lakes system. Total spawning population estimates of king and chum salmon in Togiak district, and sockeye salmon in Togiak tributaries and Kulukak River systems were based on peak aerial surveys and a variation of the factor method. King and chum salmon total population escapement estimates in Nushagak district were based on aerial survey data and represent the best estimated escapement for these species. Until total population counts are available in these areas, the present method of estimating escapements will be utilized. The author believes that the "estimated escapements" are a good approximation of total escapement size. Pink salmon total escapement estimates in both districts were derived from aerial survey data as 11e 11 as actua 1 enumeration at se 1ected counting towers. Bristol Bay Data Report No. 52 details data analysis methods and fully explains the "proportional factor" and other met.hods used to derive escapement estimates. RESULTS SOCKEYE SALMON Sockeye salmon aerial surveys were conducted in the Hood River Lakes, Nunavaugaluk Lake system (Snake River Lake) and Tikchik Lakes to determine spawner distribution and abundance by major spawning area, and in Togiak River: and tributaries and Kulukak system of Togiak district to determine spawning escapement (Figures 1 to 5). Wood River Lakes Peak aerial escapement estimates of sockeye salmon by spawning colony for the Wood River Lakes in 1974-76 are shown on Table 1; final population estimates adjusted to the to11er count for 1974-76 are shown on Table 2; while Table 3 compares 1976 population estimates with the 31-year summary of escapements by area. The 1976 escapement of 817,000 sockeye salmon to Wood River was within 2 percent of the escapement goal of 800,000, and was only 8 percent lower than the 20-year (1956-75) average escapement of 889,300. The 1976 sockeye escapement to Wood River ~ontributed 55.0 percent of the total district-wide escapement, compared with the average contribution of 68 percent since 1959. (See below). Percent Tota 1 Nushagak District River System Sockeye Escapement Escapement Wood River 817,000 55.0 Igushik River 186 '1 00 12.5 Nuyakuk River (Tikchik Lakes) 425,200 28.6 Nushagak/Nul cha tna 45,200 3.0 Snake River 12 '700 0.9 Tota 1 s 1,486,200 100.0 Ocean age of sockeye salmon in Wood River heavily influences spawning distribution. Two-ocean (.2) fish distribute themselves throughout the lake system, primarily on lake beaches, while three-ocean (.3) fish utilize major rivers and some creeks. This year, 67 percent of the sockeye escapement returned as .2 ocean fish, with the result that a good distribution of spawners was realized on lake beaches. Agulowak and Agulukpak Rivers also received good escapements which were about double the long-term average (Table 3). Sockeye spawners in Wood River below the counting tower totaled 47,000, the largest ever recorded and four times the long-term average (Table 3). Percent of sockeye spawners utilizing creeks and lake beaches was down from past averages, while river spawning was significantly higher than the overall long-term average (Table 8). Heavy spawning populations in Hood, Agulowak and Agulukpak Rivers accounted for the high percentage distribution (53.8 percent) in the river area spawning category (Table 8). Ground surveys by personnel of the Fisheries Research Institute of the University of Washington confirmed that "the total number of spawners in the creeks--was slightly below the median", that ... "the heaviest concentrations of spawners appeared to be in the ... Agulowak and Agulukpak Rivers", and that "the abundance of fish on beach spawning areas was generally lower than average''. Percent fish accounted for by peak aerial estimates for Wood River is derived by dividing the sum of all peak survey counts by the total escapement as obtained from the tower counting program at the system outlet. Percent fish accounted for is useful in helping·to point out where errors in aerial estimates may have occurred. The overall 17-year (1960-76) average percent fish accounted for by peak aerial survey has averaged 51 . 3 percent. In 1976, 64.7 percent of the tota 1 escapement was accounted for by peak aerial survey counts. High percent fish accounted for estimates will always occur when river spawning populations are large, as the wide, clear and unobstructed major rivers offer a better probability for accurate population estimates. In addition, major river sockeye spawning populations (Agulowak and Agulukpak) exhibit a much shorter "stream life" than beach spawners, and therefore "more" of the total river population is available to be enumerated during aerial surveys. In several years where a high proportion of the total Wood River escapement were found in rivers, percent fish accounte for was also high: 1961 - 56.3% river soawners and 63.6% fish accounted for; 1965 - 48.3 --·· ' -- and 64.6%; 1973 - 64.6% and 58.7%, respectively; compared with 1976 - 53.8% river spawners and 64.7% fish accounted for by aerial survey. Several other notes in regards to the 1976 aerial survey program in Wood River are worth mentioning: 1. F.R.I. conducted daily escapement counts into Little Togiak Lake to augment their on-going lake fertilization study. F.R.I. 's final escapement estimate of 18,000 was not significantly larger than the aerial survey derived population estimate of .17,300 (Table 2). In 1975, the daily ground counting program indicated a 30,000 sockeye population in Little Togiak Lake, while the aerial survey derived population estimate was 23,800 (Table 2). Both years show the validity of aerial survey derived population estimates in Little Togiak Lake. 2. A significant increase in beaver activity has been noted in the Wood River Lakes system. Extremely low water in the fall of 1976, resulted in a noticeable increase in spawning stream blockage by beaver dams. On August 12 one dam was removed from Bear Creek on Lake Nerka allowing over 5,000 sockeye to ascend the creek in a 5 '. 45-minute period. Likewise in 1974, low water conditions allowed beaver to completely block several streams in the Lake Nerka area. On August 11, 1974 three dams were removed from Bear Creek and four from Pike Creek, one of which 1vas prohibiting over 8,000 sockeye salmon from ascending the creek. Increased beaver activity has been noted in other streams within the Wood River system (i.e.: \olliitefiSh Creek on Lake Aleknagik; Stovall, Teal, Hidden Lake and Kema Creeks on Lake Nerka, and Moose and Hope Creeks on Lake Beverley), as well as in other river systems of the district. Beaver season closures for the past four trapping seasons has probably increased beaver populations in these areas. Based on aerial observations of beaver activity it appears that beaver populations have increased to the point where trapping should again be allowed. Tikchik Lakes As in 1975, the Ti kchi k Lakes system ~1as not scheduled for aeri a 1 coverage. How ever, with the large escapement obtained, the area was included in the survey program. Unfortunately, only one survey could be scheduled and only creeks and rivers received aerial coverage. Beach surveys were not conducted in 1976. The 1976 escapement of 425,200 sockeye salmon to the Tikchik system (through Nuyakuk River) contributed 28.6 percent of the total Nushagak district escapement, the second largest escapement ever recorded, and 186 percent higher than the 20-year average of 148,900. Peak aerial estimates of sockeye salmon for those areas surveyed in 1976 are shown on Table 4, and compared with peak counts in 1974 and the record year escapement in 1975. Sockeye aerial survey estimates in Tikchik River amounted to 112,000, the largest ever recorded, and over five times the long-term average of 21,600 (Table 5). Both Cow and Koneruk Creeks (tributaries to Tikchik River) also received fish in excess or equal to long-term averages (Table 5). When reasonable estimates of fish not accounted for on peak aerial survey are included, the total sockeye spawning population in Tikchik River was estimated to be oVer b fOO,OOO fish., or 47 percent of the system total escapement. Even with the large spawning population, no evidence of significant over-crowding was noted in Tikchik River. Lake Nunavauqaluk Peak aerial escapement estimates of sockeye salmon for Lake Nunavaugaluk (Snake River Lake) by al'ea al'e-given on Table 6-, wll'ile Lhe esti1nated and actual total spawning populations are .shown on Table 7. Spawning ground distribution in 1976 was similar to previous years (Figure 3) and the estimated total sockeye escapement of 16,100 from survey data was similar to the actua 1 weir count of 12,700 (Tab 1e 7). Togiak District Peak aerial escaoement estimates of sockeye salmon for the Togiak River tributaries and the Kulukak system are shown on Table 6, while Table 7 gives the estimated total populations. Figures 4 and 5 show sockeye spa1~ning distribution by river system. Aerial survey methods of estimating sockeye escapement in minor systems of this large drainage have been employed for many years, as the large area and scattered spawning stocks have precluded establishment of costly tower enumeration programs on all systems with sockeye salmon. KING SAU10N Aerial surveys to enumerate king salmon were flown in Nushagak district for the ninth consecutive year on a comparable basis to establish relative escapement indices in key index streams important to spawning king salmon, and to produce an estimate of the total district escapement of kings (Figure 6). Table 9 gives the estimated live peak king salmon aerial estimates by river system for _1971-76 in Nushagak district. Table 10 gives a comparison of peak live king aerial counts in six selected key index streams in Nushagak district. These six streams were selected as "index" streams, due to their clear-water characteristics and long series of relatively unbroken data. Unlike 1975, weather and water conditions in 1976 were conducive to excellent 7 pbservation opportunities in the Nusnagak and ~Julchatna Rivers. Even with good survey conditions, it was apparent from the outset of the survey program that the king escapement was very large. Five of 6 "index" streams received record high escapements (Table 10), and escapements in many other areas were the largest ever recorded (Table 9). After analysis of commercial and subsistence harvests for 1976 (61 ,000 and 7,000 respectively), and examination of all available data from the aerial survey program, the total king salmon escapement into the entire Nushagak district was estimated at about 100,000 fish. The king escapement in 1976 was the largest this author has observed in fifteen years of aerial survey coverage in this area. In Togiak district all important king and chum systems are surveyed to assess distribution and escapement of both species. In 1976, after analysis of all aerial survey data, the district king escapement was estimated to total about 12,000 fish. Table ll gives the aerial survey peak live counts for 1971-76. Although escapement estimates for 1971-76 are remarkably similar in total, the total estimated runs (catch plus escapement) were not. The total run in 1976 amounted to about 42,000 kings, compared with a 16,000 total run estimate in 1975. CHUM SAU10N Extensive chum salmon aerial surveys are conducted only in Togiak district, although the "magnitude" of chum escapements into streams of Nushagak district are recorded. The Nushagak chum run as evidenced by the commercial catch of 837,000 fish was very strong. The harvest in 1976 was the largest since 1916 and was over three times larger than the 20-year (1956-75) average catch of 266,000 for this district. The escapement was equally large, and after examining all available aerial survey records, it was estimated that the total district escapement amounted to about 500,000 chum salmon. The entire Togiak district drainage was surveyed for chum escapement in a complete a1 comparable manner for the ninth consecutive year. Table 12 summarizes and compares data collected from 1971 through 1976. The Togiak chum escapement in 1976 (392,200) was the largest on record since the mid-1960's when adequate records were first available ,(previous high was 348,000 in 1968). Run strength was well distributed throughout the district, with Togiak River and tributaries accounting for 51 percent of the district-wide escapement (Table 13). PINK SALMON Beginning in 1974 and continuing in 1976 assessment of pink salmon escapement was expanded to cover all areas in Nushagak district where pinks are kn-own to spawn and are not already enumerated. Table 14 gives comparative total escapement data for 1974 and 1976 by river system. No surveys were conducted in 1975 as Nushagak pink stocks exhibit a very strong "even-year dominance", and practically no pinks return in the off-years. In 1976, aerial coverage accounted for 18 percent of the total district escapement (157,900 fish) with counting towers accounting for the balance (Table 14). Major spawning enumerated by aerial means takes place below existing counting towers on Hood, Nushagak and Nuyakuk Rivers, while Nuyakuk River (above the counting station) received over 701,000 spawners or 81 percent of the total district escapement (Table 14). Pink salmon escapements were also enumerated on the annual king/chum surveys in Togiak district. The major producer in both 1974 and 1976 was Togiak River (Table 14). ] ' J·r-·, i ' J J J ] J. ~' ; J J :J J J [J 5 0 5 J Scale in Miles r] ; Lrtdicates spawning ' . L • distribution Figure 1.--Spawning distribution in the Wood J River Lakes system, Bristol Bay, Alaska, ] ] r-· 0 5 ' Scale in Miles ] J ~ l N J J l I I 11 J TIKC.14t 1 J ] 'l , __ Indicates spawning • distribution Figure2 .--Spawning distribution in the Tikchik Lakes system, ] Bristol Bay, Alaska 0 5 Scale in Miles Indicates spawning • distribution Figure 3 .--Spawning distribution in the Lake Nunavagaluk system, Bristol Bay, Alaska r---······--,J'\c·- ---, ' 1 7~ ~- TOG.JI\1( ~ LAKE ( Oti~IVIHU:< LAI . Indicates spawning • distribution Figure 4.--Spawning distribution in the Togiak tributaries, Bristol Bay, Alaska 5 0 5 Scale in Miles N Indicates spawning • distribution KULUI< FIK ~FlY Figure 5.--Spawning distribution in the Kulukak Lake system, Bristol Bay, Alaska J J ,~-. J Q.• J '51G 13EN"O TUTNF=\ L. J J 0 J J D 25 0 2.5 Scale in Miles Indicates spawning • distribution Figure & .--Spawning distribution in the Nushagak Mulchatna Rivers system, Bristol Bay, Alaska, 10 APPENDIX TABLE 1. Comparison of peak live sockeye salmon spawning ground aerial estimates 16 in the Wood River Lakes, 1974-76. 1974 1975 1976 Area Date No. Est. Date No. Est. Date No. Est. wood River 8/17 26,000 8/18 23,000 8/20 31,400 LAKE ALEKNAGIK: Eagle Creek 7/2.8 1 ,30~i1 8/ 3 1 2901 I Hansen Creek 8/ 1 3,12~ 8/ 6 i :s3-il/ 8/ 2 38W Happy Creek 7/31 2, 13D..!l 8/ 9 1,2801/ 8/13 94oli Bear Creek 8/ 7 3,4301/ 8/ 7 1 ,85oT/ 8/ 8 3,08~¥ Yako Creek 7/28 67oT/ 7/31 560l/ 8/ 3 1 , 151l!! Whitefish Creeks 8/ 5 260Ii' 8/ 8 1,000 8/14 570l/ Hhitefish Cr. Lake Beaches 8/ 5 200 8/ 8 600 8/20 350 Ice Creek 8/10 7,300 8/ 5 9,700 8/l 0 9,500 Youth Creek 8/ 5 100 8/ 8 30 Sunshine Cr. and Lake Beach 8/10 1 ,500 8/ 8 2,000 8/10 1,800 Northshore Beaches 8/31 1 ,61 0 8/27 1 , 940 8/30 7,150 Southshore Beaches 8/31 520 8/27 720 8/30 270 Yako Beach 8/31 7,600 8/27 3,500 8/30 4,700 LAKE ALEKNAGIK TOTALS 29,740 26,300 29,890 Agulowak River and Lower River Bay 8/31 96,000 8/27 220,000 8/30 160,000 LAKE NERKA: Fenno Creek 8/ 5 3,400 8/ 5 1 ,680 8/14 2 ,29o.ll Upper River Bay Beaches, N. W. 8/31 470 8/27 290 8/30 1,740 Upper River Bay Beaches, S.E. 8/31 7,000 8/27 2,270 8/30 2,400 Allan Cr. to Ross Cr. Beaches 8/31 17,800 8/27 4,900 8/30 4,070 Pike Creek 8/10 16,000 8/ 8 2 '1 00 8/10 4,100 Stova 11 Creek 8/10 4,300 8/ 8 3,500 8/10 2,200 Stovall Lake Beaches 8/17 0 8/18 5,000 8/20 400 Bear Creek 8/l 0 4,300 8/18 400 8/10 4,000 Bear Creek Lake Beaches 8/17 200 8/18 330 8/20 700 Teal Creek 8/10 4,600 8/ 5 1 ,300 8/10 1,200 N4-N6 Beach to River Bay Beaches 8/31 12,440 8/27 3,430 8/30 5,850 Pick Creek Beach 8/31 400 8/27 200 8/30 450 Pick Creek 8/10 13,900 8/12 5,740 8/13 9,300.!.1 Elva Creek Beach . 8/31 2,650 8/27 1 ,190 8/30 8701/ Elva Creek 8/ll 2601/ 8/18 200 8/16 320-!-! Amakuk Arm Beaches 8/31 740 8/27 470 8/30 880 Amakuk Arm Beach to Ott's Bay Beach 8/31 2,650 8/27 980 8/30 2,520 Ott's Bay Beaches 8/31 4,500 8/27 1,730 8/30 2,500 Kema Creek 8/17 5,600 8/18 2,700 8/15 2,100 Kema Creek Lake Beaches 8/17 0 8/18 0 8/20 0 Hidden Lake Creek 8/18 1. 530l/ 8/18 800 8/15 1 ,000 Hidden Lake Beaches 8/17 300 8/18 150 8/20 1,350 Anvil Bay Beaches 8/31 21.950 8/27 6,810 8/30 12.670 Anvil Bay Beach to Elbow Pt. Beach 8/31 7,850 8/27 1 • 210 8/30 1 ,400 Elbow Pt. Beach to Lynx Cr. Beach 8/31 2,950 8/27 1,850 8/30 2,280 Lynx Creek to Teal Cr. Beaches 8/31 780 8/27 380 8/30 580 (continued) 17 TABLE 1 . (_continued} 1974 1975 1976 Area Date No. Est. Date No. Est. Date No. Est. Lynx Creek 8/17 2 ,33o.!/ 8/20 1 ,34o.!! 8/19 3,47o.!/ Lynx Lake Beaches 8/31 25,870 8/27 9,600 8130 15,280 LAKE NERKA TOTALS 164,770 60,550 85,920 Little Togiak River 8/17 8,000 8/18 5,500 8/20 12,500 LITTLE TOGIAK LAKE: Northshore Beaches 8/31 2,240 8/27 2,550 8/30 2,350 Southshore Beaches 8/31 1 ,640 8/27 1 ,240 8/30 1 ,950 D Slough Beach 8/31 13,01)0 8/27 2,3ooY 8/30 5,000 Little Togiak Creek 8/21 300 8/18 30 8/20 200 C Creek 8/ 4 46o.!! LITTLE TOGIAK LAKE TOTALS 17,640 6,120 9,500 Agul ukpak River 8/31 130,000 8/27 160,000 8/30 110,000 LAKE BEVERLEY: Hardluck Bay Beaches 8/31 52,39aY 8/27 9,710 8/30 15' 550 Sam's Beach 8/31 3,500 8/27 750 8/30 150 Golden Horn Beaches 8/31 3,880 8/27 . 400 8/30 510 Silver Horn Beaches 8/31 5o,o4oY 8/27 13,20aY 8/30 17,270 Bl2 Beach 8/31 27,000 8/27 2,500 8/30 3,900 B9 Beach 8/31 3,110 8/27 470 8/30 150 Tsun Creek 8/17 1,600 8/18 540 8/20 500 Moose Creek 8/16 2 ,2501! 8/18 2,000 8/15 2,500 Hope Creek 8/17 1 ,200 8/18 1 ,500 8/15 3,500 Hope Creek Lake Beach 8/17 200 8/18 350 8/15 150 LAKE BEVERLEY TOTALS 145,170 31 ,420 44,180 Peace River 8/17 5,000 8/18 2,000 8/20 1,500 LAKE MIKCHALK: Narrows 8/31 700 8/27 550 8/20 400 Northshore Beaches 8/31 15,7902/ 8/27 6,8ooY 8/30 220 Southshore Beaches 8/31 1 '150 8/27 330 8/30 1 ,070 LAKE tUKCHALK TOTALS 17,640 7,680 1 ,690 Hind River 8/21 2,600 8/18 720 8/20 400 (continued} 18 TABLE 1. (continued) 1974 1975 1976 Area Date No. Est. Date No. Est. Date No. Est. LAKE KULIK: K5 Creek to Grant River Beaches 8/31 4,76D 8/27 920 8/30 690 Gran~ River to Kll Greek Beaches 8/31 23,000 8/27 2,700 8/30 4,500 K11 Creek to K10 Creek Beaches 8/31 11 ,000 8/27 5,200 8/30 9,400 :no Creek to K4 Creek Beaches 8/31 39,500 8/27 8,630 8/30 13,450 K4 Creek to K2 Creek Beaches 8/31 10,880 8/27 2,150 8/30 2,700 Southshore Beaches 8/31 15,230 8/27 4,260 8/30 1,950 14iscellaneous (K-1 & K-2 Creeks) 8/17 5,500 8/18 4,100 8/20 2,800 LAKE KULIK TOTALS 109,870 27' 960 35,490 Grant River 8/17 17,700 8/18 14,500 8/20 6,000 WOOD RIVER LAKES TOTALS 770,130 585,750 528,470 lJ Ground survey counts by ERI personnel (only live spawning fish were included). y Survey was prior to peak of spawning, hence counts were adjusted to give better estimate of population. I !:I TABLE 2. Total population estimates of sockeye salmon escapement in the Wood River Lakes by major spawning area, 1974-75. 1974 1975 197 6, 7 Area Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Hood River 40,000 2.3 36,000 2.8 47,000 5.7 Lake Aleknagik 82,000 4.8 102,000 8.0 54,600 6.7 Agulowak River 120,000 7.0 320,000 25.2 212,000 25.9 Lake Nerka 453,000 26.5 234,900 18.5 156,800 19.2 Little Togiak River 16,000 0.9 10,000 0.8 25,000 3 .1 Little Togiak Lake 48,000 2.8 23,800 1.9 17,300 2.1 Agul ukpak River 150,000 8.8 250,000 19.7 140,000 17 .1 Lake Beverley 400,000 23.4 121,900 9.6 80,600 9.9 Peace River 10,000 0.6 4,000 0.3 3,000 0.4 Lake r~i kcha 1k 47,800 2.8 29,500 2.3 3,000 0.4 Wind River 5,000 0.3 1,500 0.1 1 ,000 0.1 Lake Kulik 302,000 17.7 108,500 8.6 64,700 7.9 Grant River 35,000 2.1 28,000 2.2 12,000 1.5 HOOD RIVER LAKES TOTALS 1 '708 ,800 100.0 1 ,270,100 100.0 817,000 100.0 ]j Factor of 1.82 was applied to sum of creek and beach spawners (see text). .:.u TABLE 3. Summary of total copulation escapement estimates of sockeye salmon in the Hood River Lakes system, 1946-76. 31-Year Summary (1946-76) Area 1976 Range Average Wood River 47,000 800- 47,000 l0,50oll Lake Aleknagik 54,600 15,700- 300,000 74,700 Agulowak River 212,000 5,000- 320,000 98 '700 Lake Ner ka 2/ 181 ,800 50,000-2,000,000 377,600 Little Togiak Lake 17,300 800- 80,000 21,600 Agulukpak River 140,000 3,000- 250,000 65,600 Lake Beverley 80,600 5,000-1,000,000 192,700 Peace River 3,000 100- 19,300 6,600 Lake ~1ikchalk 3,000 600- 80,000 14,600 Wind River 1 ,000 + - 7,600 1,800 Lake Kulik3/ 76,700 3,500- 337,000· 82 '700 HOOD RIVER LAKES TOTALS 817,000 947 '1 00 l/ 1953-76 average. 2/ Includes Little Togiak River·total population estimate. ~ Includes Grant River total population estimate. 21 TABLE 4. Comparison of peak live sockeye salmon spawning ground aerial estimates in the Tikchik Lakes system, 1974-76. 9 4 19 5 976 Area Date No. Est. Date No. Est. Date No. Est. Nuyakuk River and Tributaries 8/ 3 3,100 TIKCHIK LAKE: Creek A 8/13 1,200 8/ll 5,400 8/10 6,500 Creek B 8/13 2,500 8/11 4,600 8/l 0 2 ,oool/ Creek C 8/ll 200 8/l 0 250 TIKCHIK LAKE TOTALS 3,700 10,200 8,750 TIKCHIK RIVER: Ti kchi k River 8/13 3,800 8/11 61 ,600 . 8/10 112,000 . Cow Creek 8/13 2,600 8/11 . 13' 100 8/10 14,000 Koneruk Creek 8/11 12,000 8/l 0 8,500 TIKCHIK RIVER TOTALS 6,400 86,700 134,500 NUYAKUK LAKE: Northshore Beaches 9/ 1 810 8/26 29,080 Southshore Beaches 9/ 1 290 8/26 2,820 Portage Arm Beaches 9/ 1 120 8/26 1 ,970 Mirror Bay Beaches 9/ 1 260 8/26 11 ,980l! Rapids 8/13 5,100 8/ll 20,000 8/10 15,000 NUYAKUK LAKE TOTALS 6,580 65,850 15,000 LAKE CHAUEKUKTULI: Creek No. 1 8/13 0 8/11 10 Allen River Beach 9/ 1 20,00oY 8/26 46,000 All en River 8/13 150 8/11 1 ,000 8/10 320 Northshore Beaches 9/ 1 2,220 8/26 3,290 Southshore Beaches 9/ 1 60 8/26 380 LAKE CHAUEKUKTULI TOTALS 22,430 50,680 320 TIKCHIK LAKES TOTALS 39' 110 216,530 158,570 lJ Beaver dam in the lower section of creek prevented fish passage to upper stream area. ~ Surveys did not accurately assess spawning population, therefore counts were adjusted to give a better estimate of population. 22 TABLE 5. Summary of peak live sockeye salmon spawning ground aerial estimates in the Tikchik Lakes system, 1954-76. 1976 16 Year Summary (1954-66 & 1974-76) Area No. Est. Range Average Nuyakuk River l 00- 3 'l 00 900 TI KCHI K LAKE : Creek A 6,500 l 00- 8,500 2,300 Creek B 2,000 390- l 0, 000 3,000 Creek C 250 l 0- 250 100 TIKCHIK LAKE TOTALS 8,750 5,400 TIKCHIK RIVER: Ti kchi k River 112,000 500-112 '000 21 '600 Cow Creek 14,000 l ,800- 14,000 8,300 Koneruk Creek 8,500 8,500- 12,000 10,300 TIKCHIK RIVER TOTALS 134,500 40,200 NUYAKUK LAKE: Northshore Beaches 310- 29,080 3,700 Southshore Beaches l 00- 13,320 3' l 00 Portage Arm Beaches 100- 1,970 600 Mirror Bay Beaches 230- 19,600 4,300 Rapids 15,000 50~ 20,000 3,600 NUYAKUK LAKE TOTALS 15,000 15,300 LAKE CHAUEKUKTULI: Creek No. l 0- 150 + Allen River Beach 170- 46,000 14,400 Allen River 320 0- 1,400 400 Northshore Beaches 410- 6,400 2,500 Southshore Beaches 60- 1,100 400 LAKE CHAUEKUKTULI TOTALS 320 17,700 TIKCHIK LAKES TOTALS 158,570 79,500 11-\DLI:. o. c.UIIIfJar·l ~un ur fJeaK 11 ve socKeye sa 1mon spawm ng grouna esc1111a ce~ 111 LctKe 23 Nunavaugaluk, Togiak River tributaries and Kulukak River systems, 1974-76. 1974 1975 1976 Area Date No. Est. Date No. Est. Date No. Est. LAKE NUNAVAUGALUK Snake River 8/21 6D 8/ 5 80 8/20 40 Snake R. to Eagle Cr. Beaches8/3l 1,750 8/26 1 ,200 8/30 3,000 Eagle Creek 8/ 5 130 8/ 5 90 8/10 240 Eagle Creek Lake Beaches 8/31 220 8/26 260 WestshoreBeaches 8/31 4,220 8/26 1,250 8/30 2,820 Ki 11 ian Creek 8/ 5 2' 100 8/ 5 780 8/10 470 Eastshore Beaches 8/31 2,710 8/26 710 8/30 1 ,270 East Creek 8/ 5 70 8/ 5 0 Southshore Beaches 8/31 160 8/26 100 8/30 220 LAKE NUNAVAUGALUK TOTALS 11,420 4,470 8,060 TOGIAK RIVER TRIBUTARIES Togiak River 8/13 6,000 8/14 6 '1 00 8/15 11 ,000 Gechiak Lake Beaches 8/13 1,700 8/14 830 8/15 3,300 Ongivinuck Lake Beaches 8/13 1,500 8/14 1,380 8/15 2,200 Pungokepuk Lake Beaches 8/13 1 '1 00 8/14 1,450 8/15 2,600 TOGIAK RIVER TRIBUTARY TOTALS 10,300 9,760 19' 100 KULUKAK SYSTEr1 Kul ukak System 8/13 750 8/14 780 8/15 1,460 Title Creek Ponds 8/13 1 ,700 8/14 3,500 8/15 4,150 KULUKAK SYSTEt4 TOTALS 2,450 4,280 5,610 TABLE 7. Total population estimates of sockeye salmon in Lake Nunavaugaluk, Togiak River tributaries and Kulukak Area systems, 1976. Aerial Estimate of Weir System Estimates Total Populationl/ Count LAKE NUNAVAUGALUK LAKE NUNAVAUGALUK TOTALS 8,060 12,728 TOGIAK RIVER TRIBUTARIES Togiak River 11 ,000 15,oooY Gechiak Lake 3,300 6,600 Ongivinuck Lake 2,200 4,400 Pungokepuk Lake 2,600 5,200 TRIBUTARY TOTALS 19 '1 00 31,200 KULUKAK SYSTEN Kulukak River & Lake 1 ,460 2,900 Title Creek Ponds 4,150 8,300 KULUKAK SYSTEM TOTALS 5,610 11 '200 l! Estimate of total population based on aerial estimates and factor of 2.0, which accounts for fish not counted (schooled and dead fish) on the peak surveys. y Factor of L36used to estimate total population. TABLE 8. Percentage distribution of sockeye salmon spawners in three major types of spawning areas in the Wood River system, 1959-76. Total Pop. Est. Year Creeks Beaches Rivers by Tower Count HOOD RIVER LAKES SYSTEM 1959 32.8 50.3 16.9 2,209,300 60 27.4 55.5 17. 1 1 '016 '1 00 61 11 .4 32.3 56.3 460,700 62 24.0 65.2 10.8 873,900 63 12.1 68.5 19.4 721,400 1964 18.9 64.0 17.1 1 ,076,100 65 40.6 11.1 48.3 675,100 66 16.4 54.9 28.7 1,208,700 67 9.3 66.2 24.5 515,800 68 9.9 50.8 39.3 649,300 1969 8.6 42.4 49.0 604,300 70 14.0 52.4 33.6 1 '162 '000 71 11 .2 56.8 32.0 851,200 72 17.4 45.1 37.5 430,600 73 11.5 23.9 64.6 330,500 1974 14.1 63.9 22.0 1,708,800 75 14.5 34.4 51.1 1 ,270, 100 76 12.7 33.5 53.8 817,000 Average 17.0- 48.4 34.6 921,200 LJ L...J :::____j LJ 25'-··- TABLE 9. Comparison of peak live king salmon spawning ground aerial estimates in the Nushagak district, 1971-76. 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 Stream Date No. Est. Date No. Est. Date No. Est. Date No. Est. Date No. Est. Date . No.c.Est. NUSHAGAK DRAINAGE Wood River 9/ l 0 8/ 5 10 8/10 60 Wood River Streamsl/ 8/13-9/l 0 8/5-17 20 8/18 10 8/10-20 10 Igushik River 8/ 3 40 8/ 3 40 8/l 100 8/ 5 70 7/30 170 Snake River 8/ 3 60 8/ 3 110 8/l 130 8/ 5 10 8/10 40 Weary River 8/ 3 60 8/ 3 50 8/l 40 8/ 5 0 Nushagak River: (TOTALS) 8/ 4 (1,210) 8/l-3 (5,270) 8/ 2 (4,370) 8/2-3 (6,970) Portage Creek to Ekwok 8/ 2 3oY 8/i!J 120 Ekwok to Mulchatna R. 8/ 2 3oY 8/ 2 310 r1ulchatna R. to Nuyakuk R. 8/l l ,000 8/ 2 . 120Y 8/ 2 630 Nuyakuk R. to Klutispaw Cr. 8/3 720 8/ 2 250 8/ 3 760 Klutis. Cr. to King Sal. R. 8/ 4 300 8/3 l ,620 8/ 2 l ,010 8/ 3 l ,000 King Sal. R. to Chich. R. 8/ 4 180 8/3 380 8/ 2 730 8/ 3 620 Chichitnok R. to Big Bend - 8/ 4 730 8/3 1,220 8/ 2 1,480 8/ 3 2,480 Big Bend on North 8/3 330 8/ 2 720 8/ 3 l ,050 r·1uklung River 8/ 3 280 8/ 3 150 8/l l ,01 0 8/ 3 660 8/ 5 840 Iowi th l a River 8/ 3 390 8/ 3 170 8/l 860 8/ 3 1,040 8/ 5 l. 11 0 Kokwok River 8/ 3 80 8/3 60 8/ 3 270 8/ 4 560 Klutuk Creek 8/3 160 8/ 3 300 8/ 4 500 Nuyakuk River 8/ 4 70 8/ 8 140 8/l 750 8/ 3 540 8/ 3 l • l 00 Tikchik River 8/3 50 8/ll 0 8/10 80 Klutispaw Creek 8/ 4 280 8/'8 380 8/3 440 8/ 3 670 8/ 3 l ,180 King Salmon River 8/ 4 900 8/ 8 1,470 8/3 2,000 8/ 3 2,900 8/ 3 3,510 Chichitnok River 8/ 4 l 00 8/ 8 110 8/3 350 8/ 2 710 8/ 3Y 500 NUSHAGAK DRAINAGE SUB-TOTALS 910 2,880 2,300 11 ,240 11 ,560 16,630 continued r------, [__} L__; c.__: c__:: L.J ~ \..___: c....=] c:.:.__] L.J L.J L.....:J L_J L...J c.:J L.J L_J L.J 2:- TABLE 9. (continued) 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 Stream Date No. Est. Date No. Est. Date No. Est. Date No. Est. Date ·No. Est Date ;No.< Est. MULCHATNA DRAINAGE Mulchatna River: (TOTALS) 8/4 (oY) 8/2 (5,330) 8/2 (oY) 8/2-4 (5,030) Nushagak R. to Stuyahok R. 8/2 870 8/2 oY 8/2 690 Stuyahok R. to Koktul i R.. 8/2 540 - 8/2 200 Koktuli R. to Mosquito Cr. 8/4 0 8/2 2' 160 8/2 o?J 8/4 2,580 t·1osquito R. to Chil. R. 8/2 1,590 8/4 840 Chilchitna R. to Chilik. R. 8/2 90 8/4 520 Chilikadrotna R. to Turq. Lk. 8/2 8o?J 8/4?1 200 Stuyahok River 8/4 610 .. 8/8 1,220 8/2 2,300 8/2 2,530 8/2 3,750 01 d Man Creek 8/2 40 8/4 80 Koktuli River 8/4 1,450 8/8 950 8/2 3,920 8/2- 4,080- 8/2 6,710 Mosquito Creek 8/2 710 8/2 150 8/4 1 '11 0 Chil chitna River - - 8/4 430 Chilikadrontna River 8/4 o?J - 8/2 450 - 8/2 '780 ~1ULCHATNA DRAINAGE SUB-TOTALS 2,060 2 '170 12,750 6,760 17,890 NUSIJAGAK/MULCHATNA TOTALS 910 4;940 4,470 23,990 18,320 34,520 l/ Includes Ice and Sunshine Creeks and Peace and Wind Rivers. ~ Aerial coverage not complete due to poor survey conditions. t.J • TABLE 10. Comparison of peak live king salmon spawning ground aerial estimates in selected key index streams of the Nushagak district, 1959-76. Aerial Surver EscaEement Indices Stream Year Muklung Iowi th l a Kl uti SEavJ Kinq Salmon Stuyahok Koktul i 1959 300 230 520 740 - 660. 430. 60 160 140 700 62 80 470 63 230 1964 l ,000 100 700 l '41 0 3,300 65 570 140 850 67 350 200 2,500 3,300 68 750 850 310 l ,000 2,470 4,220 1969 520 580 90 670 l ,220 1,600 70 590 700 320 l ,060 1,900 l '500 71 280 390 72 150 170 280 900 610 1,450 1973 380 l ,470 l ,220 950 74 l ,01 0 860 440 2,000 2,300 3,920 75 660 l ,040 670 2,900 2,530 4,080 76 840 l '11 0 l '180 3,510 3,750 6,710 ~ TAbcL h1 .~mp~;;..bn b-.-;leai(C . :~e K.:;:,_,~ sa~l s rkmii ng c.g.du nd~· i a l~t i m&-cd iri~.,..J T6:9..,;k ctc,..,:<:.,lic:t.~~71~ 2o- 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 Stream Date No. Est. Date No. Est. Date No. Est. Date No. Est. Date No. Est. Date . No. Est Togiak River: (Total) 8/2 ( 3 '070 ).!/ 8/2 (2 ,490) 8/2 (2,520) 7/31 (3,820) 8/ 1 (1,890) 7/31 (2,470 Togiak Bay to Gechiak Cr. 8/2 250 8/2 210 7/31 610 8/ 1 280 7/31. 210 Gechiak Cr. to Pungokepuk Cr. 8/2 400 8/2 370 7/31 650 8/ 1 240 7/31 250 Pungokepuk Cr. to Kashaiak R. 8/2 610 8/2 560 7/31 830 8/i 1 240 7/31 510 Kashaiak R. to Narogurum R. 8/2 320 8/2 270 7/31 300 8/ 1 160 7/31 260 Narogurum R. to Ongivinuk R. 8/2 290 8/2 530 7/31 570 8/ 1 210 7/31 450 Ongivinuk R. to Togiak Lk. 8/2 620 8/2 580 7/31 860 8/ 1 760 7/31 790 Gechiak Creek 8/2 980 8/2 1,320 8/2 470 7/31 620 8/ 1 350 7/31 550 Pungokepuk Creek 8/2 150 8/2 200 8/2 110 7/31 200 8;: 1 240 7/31 350 Kashaiak River 8/2 220 8/2 210 8/2 220 7/31 120 8/ 1 140 7/31 270 Narogurum River 8/2 180 8/2 170 8/2 140 7/31 170 8/ 1 220 7/31 120 Ongivinuk River 8/2 220 8/2 220 8/2 220 7/31 220 8/ 1 220 7/31 120 Ungalikthluk River 8/3 470 8/2 120 8/3 280 7/31 150 7/31 220 7/30 380 Kuka_vachagak River 8/3 220 8/3 '. 160' 8/3 30 8/ 1 30 7/31 80 7/30 30 Kul ukak River 8/3 2,360 8/3 650 8/3 440 8/ 1 510 7/31 1,100 7/30 1 ,080 Osviak River 7/30 100 DISTRICT TOTALS 7,870 5,540 4,450 5,840 4,460 5,470 .!J Spawner distribution by area within Togiak River not available. TAL..:.Jl2. L...:Jmpa:....__:}jn IL-...,..:eakr' "e L.....J saL_] sp::_:_j ng c:._::undL-Ji a lL..J;imc...... J i nr .. ' Tcc...:.J< dL.:...Ji ctr~71 {.::::..J [._J 2-~::.:_:___ ; 1971 1972 1973 1974 1:975 1976 '· Stream Date No. Est. Date No. Est. Date No. Est. Date No. Est. Date . No. Est. Date No. Est Slug River 8/2 23,2DO 8/2 8,000 8/2 2,700 7/31 1 '1 00 7/31 3,000 7/30 7' 100 Pierce Creek 8/2 2,400 8/2 900 8/2 700 7/31 100 7/31 600 7/30 2,700 South Creek (Hag. Is.) 8/2 1,500 8/2 1,700 8/2 700 7/31 300 7/31 100 7/30 3,000 North Creek (Hag. Is.) 8/2 2,600 8/2 1,400 8/2 3 '1 00 7/31 1,100 7/31 900 7/30 4,200 Osviak River 8/2 11 ,000 8/2 13,400 8/2 9,000 7/31 5,600 7/31 . 9,000 7/30 26' 100 Matogak River 8/2 9,300 8/2 4,000 8/2 3,400 7/31 2,100 7/31 2,600 7/30 9,600 Quigmy River 8/2 3,400 8/2 3,700 8/2 2,200 7/31 1,400 7/31 1 ,800 7/30 6,600 Kurtluk River 10GIAK RIVER: (TOTALS) 8/2 (16,200)!18/2 (21 ,300) 8/2 (22,700) 7/31 (38,700) 8/ 1 (19, 100) 7/31 (72,800 Togiak Bay to Gechiak Cr. 8/2 11 '800 8/2 9,500 7/31 15 '900 8/ 1 5,500 7/31 21 '1 00 Gechiak Cr. to Pungokepuk Cr. 8/2 1,400 8/2 2,700 7/31 3,900 8/ 1 5,200 7/31 12,600 Pungokepuk Cr. to Kashaiak R. 8/2 800 8/2 1 ,000 7/31 3,800 8/ 1 1,600 7/31 8,400 Kashaiak R. to Narogurum R. 8/2 "100 8/2 100 7/31 300 8/ 1 500 7/31 2,600 Narogurum R. to Ongivinuk R. 8/2 2,900 8/2 4,900 7/31 4,400 8/ 1 3,000 7/31 13' 000 Ongivinuk R. to Togiak Lk. 8/2 4,300 8/2 4,500 7/31 10,400 8/ 1 3,300 7/31 15 '1 00 Gechiak Creek 8/2 3,200 8/2 4,600 8/2 3 '1 00 7/31 4,300 8/ 1 2,600 7/31 9,800 Pungokepuk Creek 8/2 600 8/2 1,300 8/2 1,400 7/31 2,300 8/ 1 700 7/31 2,300 Kashaiak River 8/2 900 8/2 1 ,500 8/2 3,900 7/31 1,700 8/ 1 1,100 7/31 13,000 Narogurum River 8/2 200 8/2 100 8/2 100 7/31 100 8/ 1 . 1,400 7/31 900 Ongivinuck River 8/2 1 ,200 8/2 1,800 8/2 2,400 7/31 2,600 8/ 1 1,300 7/31 400 Ungalikthluk River 8/3 1,600 8/3 1,600 8/3 3,500 7/31 3,000 7/31 2,300 7/30 8,000 Kukayachagak River 8/3 10, 000 8/3 10,800 8/3 14,000 8/ 1 8,400 7/31 4,700 7/30 15,000 Kul ukak River 8/3 14,800 8/3 6,800 8/3 7,400 8/ 1 7,900 7/31 6,000 7/30 14,600 DISTRICT TOTALS 1 02 '1 00 82,900 80' 300 80,700 57,200 196,100 lf Spawner distribution by area within Togiak River not available. ,,, .4. TABLE 13. Total population estimates of chum salmon escapement in the Togiak district, 1976. Aerial Est. of Total Stream Estimate Populationl/ Slug River 7 'l 00 14,200 Pierce Creek 2,700 5,400 south creek (Hag. f s. ) 3,000 6,000 North Creek (Hag. Is. ) 4,200 8,400 Osviak River 26,100 52,200 t·1a togak River 9,600 19,200 Quigmy River 6,600 13,200 Togiak River 72,800 145,600 Gechiak Creek 9,800 19,600 Pungokepuk Creek 2,300 4,600 Kashaiak River 13,000 26,000 Narogurum River 900 1 ,800 Ongivinuck River 400 800 Ungalikthluk River 8,000 16' 000 Kukayachagak River 15 '000 30,000 Kulukak River 14,600 29,200 DISTRICT TOTAL 196 'l 00 392,200 lf Estimate of total population based on aerial estimates and a factor of 2.0, which accounts for fish not counted (schooled and dead fish) on the peak aerial surveys. .)I 0 .• .j TABLE 14. Total population estimates of pink salmon escapement in the Nushagak and Togiak districts, 1974, 1976 ..l/ 1974 1976 River System Date No . Est . Date No. Est. NUSHAGAK DRAINAGE Wood River 8/17 42,600 8/20 20,000 Wood River Tower 1,986 Ice Creek 8/ 5 1,800 8/20 0 Sunshine Creek 8/ 5 400 8/10 0 Igushik River 8/21 7,500 8/20 3,000 Igushik River Tower 2,070 Snake River 8/21 900 8/15 100 Nushagak River 8/ 3 13,200 8/20 41,800 Mulchatna River 8/ 2 1,900 Nuyakuk River£/ 8/21 61 '000 8/20 93,000 Nuyakuk River Tower 456,216 701,478 NUSHAGAK TOTALS 585,516 863,434 TOGIAK DRAINAGE Togiak River 8/15 6,800 8/15 32,800 Togiak River Tower 1,818 768 Matogak River 7/30 2,000 Osviak River 7/30 2,000 TOGIAK TOTALS 8,618 37,568 .lf Aerial survey total population estimates, and counting tower totals where applicable; even-years only. £1 Below counting tower.