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• 41. [Article] Fish Research Project Oregon; John Day Basin Chinook Salmon Escapement and Productivity Monitoring - Annual Progress Report 2002

  Abstract -- Spring (stream-type) chinook spawning ground surveys were conducted in four main spawning areas (Mainstem, Middle Fork, North Fork, and Granite Creek System) and three minor spawning areas ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Fish Research Project Oregon; John Day Basin Chinook Salmon Escapement and Productivity Monitoring - Annual Progress Report 2002 Abstract -- Spring (stream-type) chinook spawning ground surveys were conducted in four main spawning areas (Mainstem, Middle Fork, North Fork, and Granite Creek System) and three minor spawning areas (South Fork, Camas Creek, Desolation Creek) of the John Day River during September 2001. Included in these surveys were 254.3 river kilometers (rkm; 87.6 rkm index, 91.9 rkm extensive, and 74.8 rkm exploratory) of spawning habitat. Chinook smolts were captured by beach seining while wading and with the aid of a jet boat in the Mainstem John Day River between river kilometers (rkm) 274 and 296 from February 21 to May 15, 2002. Riffles, eddies and river margins were sampled with a seine constructed of 12.7 mm mesh netting that measured 30.5 m long by 2.4 m deep with a 1.2 m x 1.2 m bag constructed of 9.5 mm mesh netting in the middle. Our sampling strategy did not include the use of standard seining sites. Instead, locations for sampling within our river kilometer reaches varied on a daily basis depending on daily discharge and success during previous sampling days. Appendix Table C-1 lists our sampling sites. ODFW, Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR) Title: Fish Research Project Oregon; John Day Basin Chinook Salmon Escapement and Productivity Monitoring - Annual Progress Report 2002 Abstract -- Spring (stream-type) chinook spawning ground surveys were conducted in four main spawning areas (Mainstem, Middle Fork, North Fork, and Granite Creek System) and three minor spawning areas (South Fork, Camas Creek, Desolation Creek) of the John Day River during September 2001. Included in these surveys were 254.3 river kilometers (rkm; 87.6 rkm index, 91.9 rkm extensive, and 74.8 rkm exploratory) of spawning habitat. Chinook smolts were captured by beach seining while wading and with the aid of a jet boat in the Mainstem John Day River between river kilometers (rkm) 274 and 296 from February 21 to May 15, 2002. Riffles, eddies and river margins were sampled with a seine constructed of 12.7 mm mesh netting that measured 30.5 m long by 2.4 m deep with a 1.2 m x 1.2 m bag constructed of 9.5 mm mesh netting in the middle. Our sampling strategy did not include the use of standard seining sites. Instead, locations for sampling within our river kilometer reaches varied on a daily basis depending on daily discharge and success during previous sampling days. Appendix Table C-1 lists our sampling sites. ODFW, Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR) Close

• 42. [Article] Willamette Biological Opinion Hatchery Research 2002-03 Addendum

  Abstract -- This report is an addendum to the report on activities in 2002 that was generated in December of that year. This report also presents results of spawning surveys and stomach content analysis ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Willamette Biological Opinion Hatchery Research 2002-03 Addendum Abstract -- This report is an addendum to the report on activities in 2002 that was generated in December of that year. This report also presents results of spawning surveys and stomach content analysis that were completed in 2003. A complete report for the 2003 survey season will be prepared after the seasons trapping and angler surveys have ended. Title: Willamette Biological Opinion Hatchery Research 2002-03 Addendum Abstract -- This report is an addendum to the report on activities in 2002 that was generated in December of that year. This report also presents results of spawning surveys and stomach content analysis that were completed in 2003. A complete report for the 2003 survey season will be prepared after the seasons trapping and angler surveys have ended. Close

• 43. [Article] The salmon runs of the Columbia River in 1938

  Exceptional data are available for the study of the salmon runs of the Columbia River in 1938. Detailed figures on catch were supplied by Oregon and Washington in such form that they could readily be combined ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The salmon runs of the Columbia River in 1938 Author: Oregon. Fish Commission, Rich, Willis H. (Willis Horton), 1885-1972 Exceptional data are available for the study of the salmon runs of the Columbia River in 1938. Detailed figures on catch were supplied by Oregon and Washington in such form that they could readily be combined with the counts at Bonneville Dam to provide a basis for estimating the escapement. Tables show the catch of each species for each week in each of six zones, and the counts at Bonneville and Rock Island dams. The general course of the run of each species is shown. The numbers of fish bound for the spawning grounds above Rock Island Dam are estimated as follows: Chinook salmon entering Columbia River before May 1, 4 percent; during May, 6 percent; June and July, 15 percent; and August to December, 1 percent. Blueback salmon entering the river during the above periods, 40 percent. Steelhead trout entering the river during June to September, 1 percent; during the rest of the year, 10 percent. Fishing intensities are shown by escapement to catch ratios. Percentages of chinook salmon escapement are less than 15 during May; 17 during June and July; and 33 during the remainder of the year. The June and July runs are now greatly depleted, and an important part of these runs spawns above Rock Island Dam. The blueback salmon escapement is about 20 percent, and of steelhead trout about 33 percent. Weekly and seasonal closed periods are shown to be almost entirely ineffective for increasing the spawning escapement. Exploitation is further increased by the intensive troll fishery conducted from Monterey Bay to southeastern Alaska. Chinook salmon are also subjected to a sport fishery of considerable importance. Main runs of salmon to the Columbia River are practically unprotected and are fished with destructive intensity. Title: The salmon runs of the Columbia River in 1938 Author: Oregon. Fish Commission, Rich, Willis H. (Willis Horton), 1885-1972 Exceptional data are available for the study of the salmon runs of the Columbia River in 1938. Detailed figures on catch were supplied by Oregon and Washington in such form that they could readily be combined with the counts at Bonneville Dam to provide a basis for estimating the escapement. Tables show the catch of each species for each week in each of six zones, and the counts at Bonneville and Rock Island dams. The general course of the run of each species is shown. The numbers of fish bound for the spawning grounds above Rock Island Dam are estimated as follows: Chinook salmon entering Columbia River before May 1, 4 percent; during May, 6 percent; June and July, 15 percent; and August to December, 1 percent. Blueback salmon entering the river during the above periods, 40 percent. Steelhead trout entering the river during June to September, 1 percent; during the rest of the year, 10 percent. Fishing intensities are shown by escapement to catch ratios. Percentages of chinook salmon escapement are less than 15 during May; 17 during June and July; and 33 during the remainder of the year. The June and July runs are now greatly depleted, and an important part of these runs spawns above Rock Island Dam. The blueback salmon escapement is about 20 percent, and of steelhead trout about 33 percent. Weekly and seasonal closed periods are shown to be almost entirely ineffective for increasing the spawning escapement. Exploitation is further increased by the intensive troll fishery conducted from Monterey Bay to southeastern Alaska. Chinook salmon are also subjected to a sport fishery of considerable importance. Main runs of salmon to the Columbia River are practically unprotected and are fished with destructive intensity. Close

• 44. [Article] Willamette Biological Opinion Hatchery Research 2002 Annual Report

  Abstract -- Possible risks of artificial propagation programs have been well documented. Hazards include disease transfer, competition for food and spawning sites, increased predation, increased incidental ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Willamette Biological Opinion Hatchery Research 2002 Annual Report Abstract -- Possible risks of artificial propagation programs have been well documented. Hazards include disease transfer, competition for food and spawning sites, increased predation, increased incidental mortality from harvest, loss of genetic variability, genetic drift, and domestication (Steward and Bjornn 1990; Hard et al. 1992; Cuenco et al. 1993; Busack and Currens 1995; NRC 1996; and Waples 1999). Hatcheries can also play a positive role for wild salmonids by bolstering populations, especially those on the verge of extirpation, providing a genetic reserve in the case of extirpation, and providing opportunities for nutrient enrichment of streams (Steward and Bjornn 1990; Cuenco et al. 1993). The objective of this project is to evaluate the potential effects hatchery programs on naturally spawning populations of Spring Chinook and winter Steelhead within the Upper Willamette River ESU. The project employs four types of activities to achieve this goal: sampling of returns to hatcheries, creels to assess fisheries, monitoring of adult and juvenile migration through the use of traps and video observations, and monitoring natural production through spawning ground surveys. Title: Willamette Biological Opinion Hatchery Research 2002 Annual Report Abstract -- Possible risks of artificial propagation programs have been well documented. Hazards include disease transfer, competition for food and spawning sites, increased predation, increased incidental mortality from harvest, loss of genetic variability, genetic drift, and domestication (Steward and Bjornn 1990; Hard et al. 1992; Cuenco et al. 1993; Busack and Currens 1995; NRC 1996; and Waples 1999). Hatcheries can also play a positive role for wild salmonids by bolstering populations, especially those on the verge of extirpation, providing a genetic reserve in the case of extirpation, and providing opportunities for nutrient enrichment of streams (Steward and Bjornn 1990; Cuenco et al. 1993). The objective of this project is to evaluate the potential effects hatchery programs on naturally spawning populations of Spring Chinook and winter Steelhead within the Upper Willamette River ESU. The project employs four types of activities to achieve this goal: sampling of returns to hatcheries, creels to assess fisheries, monitoring of adult and juvenile migration through the use of traps and video observations, and monitoring natural production through spawning ground surveys. Close

• 45. [Article] Willamette Biological Opinion Hatchery Research 2003 Annual Report

  Abstract -- Possible risks of artificial propagation programs have been well documented. Hazards include disease transfer, competition for food and spawning sites, increased predation, increased incidental ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Willamette Biological Opinion Hatchery Research 2003 Annual Report Abstract -- Possible risks of artificial propagation programs have been well documented. Hazards include disease transfer, competition for food and spawning sites, increased predation, increased incidental mortality from harvest, loss of genetic variability, genetic drift, and domestication (Steward and Bjornn 1990; Hard et al. 1992; Cuenco et al. 1993; Busack and Currens 1995; NRC 1996; and Waples 1999). Hatcheries can also play a positive role for wild salmonids by bolstering populations, especially those on the verge of extirpation, providing a genetic reserve in the case of extirpation, and providing opportunities for nutrient enrichment of streams (Steward and Bjornn 1990; Cuenco et al. 1993). The objective of this project is to evaluate the potential effects of hatchery programs on naturally spawning populations of spring chinook and winter steelhead within the Upper Willamette River ESU. The project employs four types of activities to achieve this goal: sampling of returns to hatcheries, creels to assess fisheries, monitoring of adult and juvenile migration through the use of traps and video observations, and monitoring natural production through spawning ground surveys. Title: Willamette Biological Opinion Hatchery Research 2003 Annual Report Abstract -- Possible risks of artificial propagation programs have been well documented. Hazards include disease transfer, competition for food and spawning sites, increased predation, increased incidental mortality from harvest, loss of genetic variability, genetic drift, and domestication (Steward and Bjornn 1990; Hard et al. 1992; Cuenco et al. 1993; Busack and Currens 1995; NRC 1996; and Waples 1999). Hatcheries can also play a positive role for wild salmonids by bolstering populations, especially those on the verge of extirpation, providing a genetic reserve in the case of extirpation, and providing opportunities for nutrient enrichment of streams (Steward and Bjornn 1990; Cuenco et al. 1993). The objective of this project is to evaluate the potential effects of hatchery programs on naturally spawning populations of spring chinook and winter steelhead within the Upper Willamette River ESU. The project employs four types of activities to achieve this goal: sampling of returns to hatcheries, creels to assess fisheries, monitoring of adult and juvenile migration through the use of traps and video observations, and monitoring natural production through spawning ground surveys. Close

• 46. [Article] Willamette Biological Opinion Hatchery Research 2007 Interim Activities Report

  Abstract -- Possible risks of artificial propagation programs have been well documented. Hazards include disease transfer, competition for food and spawning sites, increased predation, increased incidental mortality ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Willamette Biological Opinion Hatchery Research 2007 Interim Activities Report Abstract -- Possible risks of artificial propagation programs have been well documented. Hazards include disease transfer, competition for food and spawning sites, increased predation, increased incidental mortality from harvest, loss of genetic variability, genetic drift, and domestication (Steward and Bjornn 1990; Hard et al. 1992; Cuenco et al. 1993; Busack and Currens 1995; NRC 1996; and Waples 1999). Hatcheries can also play a positive role for wild salmonids by bolstering populations, especially those on the verge of extirpation, by providing a genetic reserve as well as providing opportunities for nutrient enrichment of streams (Steward and Bjornn 1990; Cuenco et al. 1993). The objective of this project is to evaluate the potential effects of hatchery programs on naturally spawning populations of spring Chinook within the Upper Willamette River ESU. The project employs three types of activities to achieve this goal: sampling of returns to hatcheries, monitoring of adult migration through the use video observations, and monitoring natural production through spawning ground surveys. Title: Willamette Biological Opinion Hatchery Research 2007 Interim Activities Report Abstract -- Possible risks of artificial propagation programs have been well documented. Hazards include disease transfer, competition for food and spawning sites, increased predation, increased incidental mortality from harvest, loss of genetic variability, genetic drift, and domestication (Steward and Bjornn 1990; Hard et al. 1992; Cuenco et al. 1993; Busack and Currens 1995; NRC 1996; and Waples 1999). Hatcheries can also play a positive role for wild salmonids by bolstering populations, especially those on the verge of extirpation, by providing a genetic reserve as well as providing opportunities for nutrient enrichment of streams (Steward and Bjornn 1990; Cuenco et al. 1993). The objective of this project is to evaluate the potential effects of hatchery programs on naturally spawning populations of spring Chinook within the Upper Willamette River ESU. The project employs three types of activities to achieve this goal: sampling of returns to hatcheries, monitoring of adult migration through the use video observations, and monitoring natural production through spawning ground surveys. Close

• 47. [Article] Fish Research Project Oregon; John Day Basin Spring Chinook Salmon Escapement and Productivity Monitoring - Annual Report 2000

  Abstract -- The John Day River subbasin supports one of the last remaining intact wild populations of spring Chinook salmon and summer steelhead in the Columbia River Basin. These populations, however, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Fish Research Project Oregon; John Day Basin Spring Chinook Salmon Escapement and Productivity Monitoring - Annual Report 2000 Abstract -- The John Day River subbasin supports one of the last remaining intact wild populations of spring Chinook salmon and summer steelhead in the Columbia River Basin. These populations, however, remain depressed relative to historic levels. Between the completion of the life history and natural escapement study in 1984 and the start of this project in 1998, spring Chinook spawning surveys did not provide adequate information to assess age structure, progeny-to-parent production values, smolt-to-adult survival (SAR), or natural spawning escapement. Further, only very limited information is available for steelhead life history, escapement, and productivity measures in the John Day subbasin. Numerous habitat protection and rehabilitation projects to improve salmonid freshwater production and survival have also been implemented in the basin and are in need of effectiveness monitoring. While our monitoring efforts outlined here will not specifically measure the effectiveness of any particular project, they will provide much needed background information for developing context for project-specific effectiveness monitoring efforts. To meet the data needs as index stocks, to assess the long-term effectiveness of habitat projects, and to differentiate freshwater and ocean survival, sufficient annual estimates of spawner escapement, age structure, SAR, egg-to-smolt survival, smolt-per-redd ratio, and freshwater habitat use are essential. We have begun to meet this need through spawning ground surveys initiated for spring Chinook salmon in 1998 and smolt PIT-tagging efforts initiated in 1999. Additional sampling and analyses to meet these goals include an estimate of smolt abundance and SAR rates, and an updated measure of the freshwater distribution of critical life stages. ODFW, Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR) Title: Fish Research Project Oregon; John Day Basin Spring Chinook Salmon Escapement and Productivity Monitoring - Annual Report 2000 Abstract -- The John Day River subbasin supports one of the last remaining intact wild populations of spring Chinook salmon and summer steelhead in the Columbia River Basin. These populations, however, remain depressed relative to historic levels. Between the completion of the life history and natural escapement study in 1984 and the start of this project in 1998, spring Chinook spawning surveys did not provide adequate information to assess age structure, progeny-to-parent production values, smolt-to-adult survival (SAR), or natural spawning escapement. Further, only very limited information is available for steelhead life history, escapement, and productivity measures in the John Day subbasin. Numerous habitat protection and rehabilitation projects to improve salmonid freshwater production and survival have also been implemented in the basin and are in need of effectiveness monitoring. While our monitoring efforts outlined here will not specifically measure the effectiveness of any particular project, they will provide much needed background information for developing context for project-specific effectiveness monitoring efforts. To meet the data needs as index stocks, to assess the long-term effectiveness of habitat projects, and to differentiate freshwater and ocean survival, sufficient annual estimates of spawner escapement, age structure, SAR, egg-to-smolt survival, smolt-per-redd ratio, and freshwater habitat use are essential. We have begun to meet this need through spawning ground surveys initiated for spring Chinook salmon in 1998 and smolt PIT-tagging efforts initiated in 1999. Additional sampling and analyses to meet these goals include an estimate of smolt abundance and SAR rates, and an updated measure of the freshwater distribution of critical life stages. ODFW, Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR) Close

• 48. [Article] Fish Research Project Oregon; John Day Basin Spring Chinook Salmon Escapement and Productivity Monitoring - Annual Progress Report 2001

  Abstract -- The John Day River subbasin supports one of the last remaining intact wild populations of spring Chinook salmon and summer steelhead in the Columbia River Basin. These populations, however, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Fish Research Project Oregon; John Day Basin Spring Chinook Salmon Escapement and Productivity Monitoring - Annual Progress Report 2001 Abstract -- The John Day River subbasin supports one of the last remaining intact wild populations of spring Chinook salmon and summer steelhead in the Columbia River Basin. These populations, however, remain depressed relative to historic levels. Between the completion of the life history and natural escapement study in 1984 and the start of this project in 1998, spring Chinook spawning surveys did not provide adequate information to assess age structure, progeny-to-parent production values, smolt-to-adult survival (SAR), or natural spawning escapement. Further, only very limited information is available for steelhead life history, escapement, and productivity measures in the John Day subbasin. Numerous habitat protection and rehabilitation projects to improve salmonid freshwater production and survival have also been implemented in the basin and are in need of effectiveness monitoring. While our monitoring efforts outlined here will not specifically measure the effectiveness of any particular project, they will provide much needed background information for developing context for project-specific effectiveness monitoring efforts. To meet the data needs as index stocks, to assess the long-term effectiveness of habitat projects, and to differentiate freshwater and ocean survival, sufficient annual estimates of spawner escapement, age structure, SAR, egg-to-smolt survival, smolt-per-redd ratio, and freshwater habitat use are essential. We have begun to meet this need through spawning ground surveys initiated for spring Chinook salmon in 1998 and smolt PIT-tagging efforts initiated in 1999. Additional sampling and analyses to meet these goals include an estimate of smolt abundance and SAR rates, and an updated measure of the freshwater distribution of critical life stages. ODFW, Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR) Title: Fish Research Project Oregon; John Day Basin Spring Chinook Salmon Escapement and Productivity Monitoring - Annual Progress Report 2001 Abstract -- The John Day River subbasin supports one of the last remaining intact wild populations of spring Chinook salmon and summer steelhead in the Columbia River Basin. These populations, however, remain depressed relative to historic levels. Between the completion of the life history and natural escapement study in 1984 and the start of this project in 1998, spring Chinook spawning surveys did not provide adequate information to assess age structure, progeny-to-parent production values, smolt-to-adult survival (SAR), or natural spawning escapement. Further, only very limited information is available for steelhead life history, escapement, and productivity measures in the John Day subbasin. Numerous habitat protection and rehabilitation projects to improve salmonid freshwater production and survival have also been implemented in the basin and are in need of effectiveness monitoring. While our monitoring efforts outlined here will not specifically measure the effectiveness of any particular project, they will provide much needed background information for developing context for project-specific effectiveness monitoring efforts. To meet the data needs as index stocks, to assess the long-term effectiveness of habitat projects, and to differentiate freshwater and ocean survival, sufficient annual estimates of spawner escapement, age structure, SAR, egg-to-smolt survival, smolt-per-redd ratio, and freshwater habitat use are essential. We have begun to meet this need through spawning ground surveys initiated for spring Chinook salmon in 1998 and smolt PIT-tagging efforts initiated in 1999. Additional sampling and analyses to meet these goals include an estimate of smolt abundance and SAR rates, and an updated measure of the freshwater distribution of critical life stages. ODFW, Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR) Close

• 49. [Article] Escapement and Productivity of Spring Chinook and Summer Steelhead in the John Day River Basin - Annual Report 2003

  Abstract -- The John Day River subbasin supports one of the last remaining intact wild populations of spring Chinook salmon and summer steelhead in the Columbia River Basin. These populations, however, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Escapement and Productivity of Spring Chinook and Summer Steelhead in the John Day River Basin - Annual Report 2003 Abstract -- The John Day River subbasin supports one of the last remaining intact wild populations of spring Chinook salmon and summer steelhead in the Columbia River Basin. These populations, however, remain depressed relative to historic levels. Between the completion of the life history and natural escapement study in 1984 and the start of this project in 1998, spring Chinook spawning surveys did not provide adequate information to assess age structure, progeny-to-parent production values, smolt-to-adult survival (SAR), or natural spawning escapement. Further, only very limited information is available for steelhead life history, escapement, and productivity measures in the John Day subbasin. Numerous habitat protection and rehabilitation projects to improve salmonid freshwater production and survival have also been implemented in the basin and are in need of effectiveness monitoring. While our monitoring efforts outlined here will not specifically measure the effectiveness of any particular project, they will provide much needed background information for developing context for project-specific effectiveness monitoring efforts. To meet the data needs as index stocks, to assess the long-term effectiveness of habitat projects, and to differentiate freshwater and ocean survival, sufficient annual estimates of spawner escapement, age structure, SAR, egg-to-smolt survival, smolt-per-redd ratio, and freshwater habitat use are essential. We have begun to meet this need through spawning ground surveys initiated for spring Chinook salmon in 1998 and smolt PIT-tagging efforts initiated in 1999. Additional sampling and analyses to meet these goals include an estimate of smolt abundance and SAR rates, and an updated measure of the freshwater distribution of critical life stages. ODFW, Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR) Title: Escapement and Productivity of Spring Chinook and Summer Steelhead in the John Day River Basin - Annual Report 2003 Abstract -- The John Day River subbasin supports one of the last remaining intact wild populations of spring Chinook salmon and summer steelhead in the Columbia River Basin. These populations, however, remain depressed relative to historic levels. Between the completion of the life history and natural escapement study in 1984 and the start of this project in 1998, spring Chinook spawning surveys did not provide adequate information to assess age structure, progeny-to-parent production values, smolt-to-adult survival (SAR), or natural spawning escapement. Further, only very limited information is available for steelhead life history, escapement, and productivity measures in the John Day subbasin. Numerous habitat protection and rehabilitation projects to improve salmonid freshwater production and survival have also been implemented in the basin and are in need of effectiveness monitoring. While our monitoring efforts outlined here will not specifically measure the effectiveness of any particular project, they will provide much needed background information for developing context for project-specific effectiveness monitoring efforts. To meet the data needs as index stocks, to assess the long-term effectiveness of habitat projects, and to differentiate freshwater and ocean survival, sufficient annual estimates of spawner escapement, age structure, SAR, egg-to-smolt survival, smolt-per-redd ratio, and freshwater habitat use are essential. We have begun to meet this need through spawning ground surveys initiated for spring Chinook salmon in 1998 and smolt PIT-tagging efforts initiated in 1999. Additional sampling and analyses to meet these goals include an estimate of smolt abundance and SAR rates, and an updated measure of the freshwater distribution of critical life stages. ODFW, Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR) Close

• 50. [Article] Escapement and Productivity of Spring Chinook and Summer Steelhead in the John Day River Basin - Annual Report 2004

  Abstract -- The John Day River subbasin supports one of the last remaining intact wild populations of spring Chinook salmon and summer steelhead in the Columbia River Basin. These populations, however, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Escapement and Productivity of Spring Chinook and Summer Steelhead in the John Day River Basin - Annual Report 2004 Abstract -- The John Day River subbasin supports one of the last remaining intact wild populations of spring Chinook salmon and summer steelhead in the Columbia River Basin. These populations, however, remain depressed relative to historic levels. Between the completion of the life history and natural escapement study in 1984 and the start of this project in 1998, spring Chinook spawning surveys did not provide adequate information to assess age structure, progeny-to-parent production values, smolt-to-adult survival (SAR), or natural spawning escapement. Further, only very limited information is available for steelhead life history, escapement, and productivity measures in the John Day subbasin. Numerous habitat protection and rehabilitation projects to improve salmonid freshwater production and survival have also been implemented in the basin and are in need of effectiveness monitoring. While our monitoring efforts outlined here will not specifically measure the effectiveness of any particular project, they will provide much needed background information for developing context for project-specific effectiveness monitoring efforts. To meet the data needs as index stocks, to assess the long-term effectiveness of habitat projects, and to differentiate freshwater and ocean survival, sufficient annual estimates of spawner escapement, age structure, SAR, egg-to-smolt survival, smolt-per-redd ratio, and freshwater habitat use are essential. We have begun to meet this need through spawning ground surveys initiated for spring Chinook salmon in 1998 and smolt PIT-tagging efforts initiated in 1999. Additional sampling and analyses to meet these goals include an estimate of smolt abundance and SAR rates, and an updated measure of the freshwater distribution of critical life stages. ODFW, Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR) Title: Escapement and Productivity of Spring Chinook and Summer Steelhead in the John Day River Basin - Annual Report 2004 Abstract -- The John Day River subbasin supports one of the last remaining intact wild populations of spring Chinook salmon and summer steelhead in the Columbia River Basin. These populations, however, remain depressed relative to historic levels. Between the completion of the life history and natural escapement study in 1984 and the start of this project in 1998, spring Chinook spawning surveys did not provide adequate information to assess age structure, progeny-to-parent production values, smolt-to-adult survival (SAR), or natural spawning escapement. Further, only very limited information is available for steelhead life history, escapement, and productivity measures in the John Day subbasin. Numerous habitat protection and rehabilitation projects to improve salmonid freshwater production and survival have also been implemented in the basin and are in need of effectiveness monitoring. While our monitoring efforts outlined here will not specifically measure the effectiveness of any particular project, they will provide much needed background information for developing context for project-specific effectiveness monitoring efforts. To meet the data needs as index stocks, to assess the long-term effectiveness of habitat projects, and to differentiate freshwater and ocean survival, sufficient annual estimates of spawner escapement, age structure, SAR, egg-to-smolt survival, smolt-per-redd ratio, and freshwater habitat use are essential. We have begun to meet this need through spawning ground surveys initiated for spring Chinook salmon in 1998 and smolt PIT-tagging efforts initiated in 1999. Additional sampling and analyses to meet these goals include an estimate of smolt abundance and SAR rates, and an updated measure of the freshwater distribution of critical life stages. ODFW, Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR) Close