Bird Creek is a small stream that flows into the Turnagain Arm just south of Anchorage, Alaska. Though small, Bird Creek boasts an impressive run of salmon each summer as they return from the ocean to spawn. The creek’s cold, clear waters provide excellent habitat for salmon as well as other fish species.
Salmon Species in Bird Creek
There are five species of Pacific salmon that can be found in Bird Creek at various times of year:
- Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) – Also known as king salmon, chinook are the largest salmon species. They run from May to July in Bird Creek.
- Sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) – Abundant from June to August, sockeye salmon have a bright red coloration when spawning.
- Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) – Coho enter Bird Creek beginning in late July, running through September.
- Pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) – The most abundant salmon species in Bird Creek, pink salmon run from July through September.
- Chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) – Also known as dog salmon, chums run later than other species, from July through October.
Salmon return to their natal streams to spawn after spending time feeding and growing in the ocean. When they enter freshwater they undergo physical changes to adapt for spawning. Their bodies becomes more hooked, males develop pronounced teeth, and both males and females take on bright red colors on their underbellies.
Life Cycle of Salmon
Salmon are anadromous fish, meaning they hatch in freshwater streams and rivers, migrate to the ocean to feed and grow into adults, and return to their birth streams and rivers to spawn and die. Here is a summary of the salmon life cycle:
- Eggs – Female salmon lay their eggs in freshwater gravel nests called redds in the late summer and fall. The eggs are fertilized by male salmon and incubate over winter.
- Alevin – Salmon eggs hatch into alevin in early spring. The alevin have a yolk sac attached that provides food.
- Fry – As they grow, alevin lose their yolk sac and emerge from the gravel as fry to actively feed in the stream.
- Smolt – After a year or more of feeding and growing in freshwater, salmon smolt undergo physical changes to transition to saltwater and migrate downstream to the ocean.
- Adults – Salmon spend 1-5 years feeding and maturing in the ocean before returning to their natal freshwater streams to spawn.
This migration between freshwater and saltwater environments makes salmon a unique and iconic species. Protecting stream habitat is crucial for maintaining healthy salmon runs.
Other Fish Species in Bird Creek
In addition to its abundant salmon runs, Bird Creek contains populations of resident freshwater fish species. These include:
- Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) – A type of char found in cold, clear streams and rivers draining into the North Pacific.
- Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) – Medium-sized trout with colorful bands on their sides.
- Coastrange sculpin (Cottus aleuticus) – A small bottom-dwelling fish found in rocky streams along the North Pacific coast.
- Threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) – A small fish identified by the three spines on its back.
These resident fish species are able to complete their full life cycle in freshwater without migrating to the ocean. They provide a food source for larger predatory fish as well as birds and other wildlife that feed on fish.
Protecting Bird Creek Fish Habitat
Protecting and restoring stream habitat is crucial for maintaining healthy fish populations in Bird Creek. Here are some ways habitat is protected:
- Preventing development and disturbance along stream banks
- Allowing vegetation to grow along banks to provide cover and shade
- Restricting water withdrawals for irrigation or industry
- Controlling erosion and sedimentation from land use practices
- Preventing contamination from pollutant sources
Key habitat features like clean gravel for spawning, pools and riffles that provide shelter, and large logs and woody debris should be maintained through habitat protection and restoration projects.
Fishing for Salmon on Bird Creek
The abundant salmon runs on Bird Creek provide excellent fishing opportunities from mid-summer through fall. Fishing is regulated by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Key regulations include:
- Fishing is only allowed with a valid Alaska fishing license
- Gear is restricted to a single hook and bait or artificial lures
- Only bank fishing is permitted – no wading
- Daily bag and possession limits based on species
- Mandatory recording of caught fish on catch cards
Anglers pursue salmon species like sockeye, coho, and chum as they stage in pools or run up the creek to reach spawning grounds. Careful catch-and-release fishing helps maintain fish populations while providing sustainable recreational fishing opportunities.
Conclusion
Bird Creek is an important stream that sustains runs of all five Pacific salmon species as well as populations of resident freshwater fish. Protecting habitat and managing recreational fisheries helps maintain the creek’s fish populations and ecosystems. Salmon hold great ecological, cultural, and economic significance on Bird Creek and across Alaska.