How are salmon captured and spawned?
Chinook salmon in North Dakota are found exclusively in Lake Sakakawea, Lake Oahe and the Missouri River connecting the two reservoirs. Spawning begins in October with biologists constructing ‘artificial streams’ leading from the lake. These ‘streams’ are essentially corrugated metal culverts through which lake water is pumped. In the reservoirs, the salmon are attracted to this flowing water and eventually are trapped and spawned by the biologists. If water levels are unsuitable for the streams, the biologists resort to electrofishing for the adults. Eggs from the spawned adults are brought to the hatchery to incubate. Salmon found in the Missouri River may also be collected for spawning purposes. These salmon use their sense of smell to locate the hatchery. Imprinted to the ‘flavor’ of hatchery water as juveniles, these fish are able to make their way to the hatchery following the stream that connects to the Missouri River. It’s awesome to watch as these fish make their annual migrat
