The cache has been replaced with a
recycled small container from another of my caches.The cache is
located on a very heavily used trail system, so caution in
retrieving and replacing the cache will be needed to avoid the
muggles.
The Vedder/Chilliwack River is one of
the great fishing rivers in British Columbia. It offers fishing for
Rainbow Trout, Steelhead Trout, and depending on the year,
opportunities to fish for 4 of the 5 varieties of Pacific Salmon.
The exception being the very much endangered run of Cultus Lake
Sockeye Salmon, who's numbers continue to dwindle.
All along this river you will see fish
spawning, and spawning channels have been built to further assist
the survival of those Salmon and Steelhead young which rear in
these channels.
All Pacific Salmon die shortly after
spawning, this is the "Cycle of Life" for them, which depending on
the species may range from 2 to 7 years, below are some facts about
the 5 Salmon species found in the Vedder/Chilliwack River
system.
Oncorhynchus
tshawytscha:Chinook, King, Spring, Tyee,
Blackmouth, Quinnat
Largest of the five species, chinook average 15-20 pounds, but can
weigh over 100 pounds. This species matures in 3 to 6 years. Major
stocks originate in large rivers, such as the Columbia. Juveniles
may migrate directly to the sea or rear for up to a year in
freshwater.
Oncorhynchus keta: Chum, Dog, Keta
A large species, averaging ten pounds. Juveniles migrate directly
to sea without rearing. Chum salmon mature after 3 or 4 years at
sea.
Oncorhynchus kisutch:Coho, Silver
A moderate sized species, coho average eight pounds, but can weigh
over 30 pounds. Coho rear from 1 to 2 years in freshwater and
mature in the fall of the second year at sea. Usually found in
shorter coastal rivers.
Oncorhynchus nerka:Sockeye, Red, Blueback
A smaller species, averaging about six pounds, sockeye typically
rear for 1 or 2 years in lakes prior to migrating to sea. The fish
mature after 2 or 3 years at sea.
Oncorhynchus
gorbuscha:Pink,
Humpback
The smallest and most abundant species, pink salmon average three
to five pounds. This species matures in 2 years. The juveniles
migrate directly to estuaries without rearing in
freshwater.
