Scientists conservatively estimate that well over one-quarter of native Pacific salmon populations spawning in rivers and lakes from California to southern British Columbia have gone extinct. Here are lists of regional losses and salmon extinctions in the western United States.

Fishing report and conditions for Northern California's Smith River. The river is known for excellent salmon and steelhead fishing in the Winter. From the editors of Casting Pond.com. Help for your Fly Fishing Day Dreams.

Fisheries biologists in Northern California who count the salmon that return up the American, Feather and Sacramento rivers are seeing a big decline in fish for this time of year. Some runs might have as few as 20 to 25 percent of the fish normally expected by this time of year, data show

If we may paraphrase: Energy company PacifiCorp has asked a federal judge, "Pretty please, can you dismiss a lawsuit claiming our Klamath River dams are polluting the river and killing salmon?" and the judge has responded, "No, sirree, see you in court." The Klamath, which runs along the California-Oregon border, was once the third-biggest salmon p

A group of Klamath River tribal leaders, commercial salmon fishermen, recreational business owners and the Klamath Riverkeeper Group sued in federal court in Northern California, saying two PacifiCorp dams on the river cause massive toxic algae blooms.

The Salmon River is a major tributary to the Klamath River in western Siskiyou County, California.The river has its origins in the high mountains of the Trinity Alps, Russian Mountains, and Marble Mountains (all sub-ranges of the larger Klamath Mountains). The Salmon River comprises two forks, the North Fork and the South Fork, which join at the hamlet of Forks of Salmon, California to form the 17 mile long mainstem Salmon River. A large tributary stream, Wooley Creek, joins the mainstem Salmon River about four miles from its mouth at Somes Bar, California, and is nearly as large as the North Fork. The lower portion of the Salmon River defines the boundary of Siskiyou County and Humboldt County.The river's 751 square mile-watershed is entirely within the Klamath National Forest and less than 2 percent is privately owned. Nearly half of the watershed is federally-protected Wilderness Area including portions of the Trinity Alps Wilderness on the south, the Russian Wilderness on the east, and the Marble Mountain Wilderness on the north.Unlike other rivers in the region, the river is completely free flowing, with no dams or significant flow diversions of any kind. It is one of the most pristine areas in the Klamath River system and one of California's most pristine rivers. It retains the only viable population of Spring Chinook Salmon in the Klamath watershed and offers some of the best West Coast habitat for salmon, steelhead, green sturgeon, rainbow trout, and other fish.Forest fires are one of the largest threats to the river and its watershed. Fires are a natural part of this ecosystem, but are now often fueled by logging slash and fuels accumulated through decades of fire suppression efforts and therefore burn much hotter, more intensely, and more frequently than they would otherwise naturally burn. Large fires in 1977, 1987, and 2005 have greatly increased erosion, causing sediment buildup in the river and its tributaries. The excessive sediment degrades the habitat of aquatic organisms, particularly for coho salmon, Chinook salmon, sturgeon and steelhead trying to spawn.This area offers some of the finest outdoor recreation opportunities on the west coast. In mid July the waters of the salmon river warm significantly to make swimming in its sparkling clear water a pure joy. One may get the impression of swimming in neon blue silk on a hot sunny day. This river has a history of mining operations, small claims are scattered along its length. Camping is good with several mid size campgrounds available. Most are free,however some require a fee, but there are a few free spots with river access. If you enjoy the thrill of hurtling from high places into water, this is the place for you. Many of the swimming holes(of which there are many) boast large, rugged cliffs and boulders which are well suited for jumping and diving. The clarity of the water offers good underwater adventuring. ReferencesCalifornia Invasive Plant Council (PDF)The Trust for Public Land