A salmon run is an annual natural phenomenon where migratory fish journey upstream from larger bodies of water to their natal freshwater streams to reproduce. This instinctual journey draws them back to specific locations, offering a unique glimpse into their life cycles.
New York’s Salmon Species and Their Seasonal Runs
New York is home to several species of salmon and trout that undertake these migrations, each with distinct seasonal timings. Chinook salmon, also known as King salmon, begin their runs in late summer, with peak activity from late August through September and into early October.
Coho salmon, or Silver salmon, follow, starting their upstream movement in mid-fall and peaking in October and November. Both Chinook and Coho salmon are Pacific species introduced to New York’s Great Lakes system.
New York also experiences runs of Steelhead, which are migratory rainbow trout. Steelhead runs are prolonged, beginning in late fall, continuing through winter, and extending into early spring, with peaks from December through April. Brown trout, another popular game fish, also undertake fall spawning runs, from October into November, similar to Coho salmon.
Key Locations for Experiencing the Runs
The Salmon River, flowing into Lake Ontario in Oswego County, is a primary location for experiencing these fish migrations. This river is specifically managed to support large populations of Chinook and Coho salmon, providing ample access for observation. Its consistent flow and suitable gravel beds make it an ideal destination for returning fish.
Other significant waterways connected to Lake Ontario also host substantial runs, including the Oswego River and the Genesee River. These rivers serve as major conduits for fish migrating from the lake, offering accessible viewing opportunities. Tributaries branching off these main rivers provide additional, smaller spawning grounds.
Smaller streams and creeks that feed into Lake Ontario or other large water bodies like Lake Erie also experience varying degrees of fish runs. The presence of suitable water flow, cool temperatures, and clean gravel bottoms are all factors that draw these fish to specific locations. These diverse locations collectively support the distinct migratory patterns of New York’s salmon and trout populations.
The Spawning Imperative: Why Salmon Migrate
The primary reason for these migrations is reproduction. Salmon and trout species in the Great Lakes are anadromous, meaning they spend most of their adult lives in large bodies of water before returning to freshwater streams to spawn.
Upon reaching spawning grounds, female salmon construct nests, called redds, in the gravel beds. They deposit eggs into these redds, which male salmon then fertilize. After spawning, most Pacific salmon species, such as Chinook and Coho, complete their life cycle and perish.
The eggs remain in the gravel over winter, developing into alevin and then fry, which emerge in the spring. These young fish spend time in their natal stream before migrating downstream to the lake, where they grow and mature for several years. This completes the cycle.
Environmental Influences on Run Timing
The exact timing and intensity of a salmon run vary year to year due to several environmental factors. Water temperature is a primary trigger; cooling lake and river temperatures in late summer and fall signal the onset of spawning. A significant drop in water temperature can initiate earlier or more intense migrations.
Rainfall also plays a role, as increased precipitation leads to higher water levels and stronger currents in rivers and streams. Elevated water levels make it easier for fish to navigate upstream, encouraging more fish to enter the rivers. Periods of sustained rain can lead to more concentrated runs.
Changes in daylight hours, specifically the shortening days of autumn, also contribute to environmental cues. The combination of decreasing light, cooling waters, and increased water flow guides these fish to their spawning destinations. These variables ensure fish arrive at optimal conditions for successful reproduction each year.