Story perspectives

Chinook Salmon Return to Klamath Basin After Dam Removals

10/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Chinook salmon are returning to the upper Klamath Basin in Southern Oregon for the first time in over a century after the removal of four dams on the Klamath River in 2022.
Fisheries biologists from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and The Klamath Tribes report sightings of salmon in the Williamson River and Sprague River.
Tribal Chair William Ray, Jr. highlighted the significance of the salmon's return for the Indigenous diet.
Fishing is currently prohibited to aid salmon recovery, and habitat restoration is emphasized for future populations.

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Story summary

Chinook salmon are returning to the upper Klamath Basin in Southern Oregon for the first time in over a century after the removal of four dams on the Klamath River in 2022.
Fisheries biologists from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and The Klamath Tribes report sightings of salmon in the Williamson River and Sprague River.
Tribal Chair William Ray, Jr. highlighted the significance of the salmon's return for the Indigenous diet.
Fishing is currently prohibited to aid salmon recovery, and habitat restoration is emphasized for future populations.