Lagunitas Creek. Where did the fish go?

click photo for full-size image
photo by Donald Kinney

The mighty Lagunitas Creek has settled into its summer pattern. The flow is far from a raging torrent this time of year. The volume depends on how much water the water district is willing to release from the dams several miles upstream.



click photo for full-size image
photo by Donald Kinney

From November to April the Federal Government and several State agencies get involved, and regardless of predicted rainfall or the amount of water stored behind the dams upstream the water district is mandated to increase the flow to levels that will support adequate spawning grounds for the Coho Salmon and Steelhead Trout.



click photo for full-size image
photo by Donald Kinney

Estimates on the number of Coho Salmon who return to the Lagunitas after two years at sea differ widely depending on who is doing the counting. 100 years ago, and before the dams were built, reports cite 100 times more Coho Salmon and Steelhead Trout returning to spawn. Of course, besides the dams, two other major factors have contributed to the decline--overfishing at sea and ocean pollution.



click photo for full-size image
photo by Donald Kinney

Yes, if you haven't heard, the forces of man have been deadly for Mother Nature. If you ask me, we are past the tipping-point. We have lost what we should have been wise enough to protect. Thoroughly boils my blood.



click photo for full-size image
photo by Donald Kinney

But I will continue to celebrate and appreciate what I have come to regard as my own colorful playground. During Winter months I will keep looking for the few Coho Salmon who have survived our influence.



click photo for full-size image
photo by Donald Kinney

I managed to snag the photo of this Coho Salmon (above) last December.


CLICK for the very "best" of my work on my photo website.