We feel it is very important to understand the life cycle of the anadromous species of fish if we are to assist in the preservation of their species.

     Our reference in this article is to Fall Chinook salmon. Anadromous fish are by definition born in fresh water, make their way to the sea where they reach full maturity and then return to their place of birth to spawn and die.

     The salmon throughout its development faces many hazards from predators, human and otherwise. It often travels thousands of miles between its birth and when it returns to its birthplace to spawn.

     Classically the female prepares a bed in the sand and gravel to lay her eggs. The male fertilizes the eggs and then the female flipping her tail back and forth covers them with sand and gravel.

     After participating in the spawning process, both the male and female die from the exhaustion of their adrenal gland system. Their death provides nutrients in the stream for other forms of life and the cycle continues.

     The major goal of the Indian Creek Hatchery is to supplement the natural production of lower Rogue River Fall Chinook salmon. The lower Rogue stock was dangerously low during the 1980's but has shown dramatic improvement over the past several years. It is believed that habitat improvement and hatchery supplementation can help maintain a healthy stock especially in years of drought or poor ocean conditions.