Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) spawner characteristics in relation to redd physical features

Abstract

We studied the spatial pattern and physical characteristics of chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) redds with respect to length of redd occupancy and when redd construction began. Spawners arriving first deposited their eggs in larger redds constructed in deeper, slower moving water. Redds constructed by late arriving fish were smaller on average and were usually located in relatively shallow, fast-flowing water. Late arriving fish also had a shorter average redd residence time. We suggest that progeny of early arriving spawners may have a selective advantage over progeny of late arriving fish in the same run.