Salmon spawning tours on Mill Creek

For some, this included spawning salmon in local streams.

Dozens of people showed up for the first of six free salmon spawning tours continuing every Saturday in December in the Mill Creek Watershed of Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park.

“They got a little taste of what it’s like” to live on the North Coast,  said tour guide Rick Hiser of the out-of-towners’ experience. “Even many people that live here haven’t seen salmon in the wild.”

December is the peak time for  viewing wild salmon during their fall migration and spawning cycle, and tours have only improved over the years, said Hiser, who’s been leading tours on Mill Creek, a tributary of the Smith River, for several years.

State parks and the Save the Redwoods League have been restoring the Mill Creek upper basin since acquiring the area in 2002. They have placed logs and other wood debris in Mill Creek to create natural salmon habitat like pools and ripples, which would already exist if not for commercial logging.

“It’s very common now to walk up to one of these logs and  see fish spawning or resting in one of those pools,” Hiser said.

As an anadromous fish, salmon return from the sea to freshwater streams and rivers to reproduce.

Female salmon dig small basins in the gravel  called “redds” to lay their eggs, then passing male salmon fertilize the eggs. Salmon die after spawning, providing nutrients to the rivers and streams.

The Mill Creek Watershed is considered one of California’s best wild coho salmon-producing streams, Hiser said, adding that it’s very accessible.

“Because of the road network and bridges, it’s relatively easy to see the fish without disturbing the fish,” Hiser said.  Wheelchair-users or people with leg injuries are welcome, Hiser said.

Attendees will car-pool along 4 miles of the watershed. Gravel road driving will be required, although 4-wheel drive is not necessary.

Polarized glasses and binoculars are suggested for best salmon viewing.

Salmon spawning tours may be canceled due to rain or other conditions that might cloud the water from viewing.

The afternoon tours run from 1 to 4 p.m. every Saturday in Dec. (3, 10, 17, 24 and 31).

The tours are free, but pre-registration is required. To reserve a place, call Rick Hiser at 707-465-6191.

The tours are offered by Redwood parks Association and Redwood National and State Parks.