by Eric Ettlinger
The deluge we received earlier in the month (more than ten inches of rain over eight days) raised Lagunitas Creek stream flows to their highest level since 2006. On the downside this may have scoured some early coho redds (and washed the eggs away), but on the upside the high water seems to have cleaned much of the streambed of accumulated fine sediments. In many places the clean gravel looks like a blank canvas on which coho are now creating their redds.
Huge male coho carcass
Before I wax poetic on all the wonderful things the flood did for the creek (you should see the debris jams!), let me get to the fish numbers. In the last two weeks coho were seen spawning throughout the creek, and in numbers not seen in six years. MMWD biologists counted 66 coho redds, including 39 in Lagunitas Creek, 15 in accessible areas of San Geronimo Creek, and 12 in Devil’s Gulch. We also counted 130 live coho and found four carcasses (including the impressive male pictured here). To date we’ve counted 160 live coho and 80 redds, which is above average for mid-December (click here to see chart). This run is shaping up to be a huge improvement over the parent generation, which spawned three years ago. Only 67 coho were seen that entire season. This year’s coho are unlikely to match the runs of their grandparents (2006-07) or great-grandparents (2003-04), but it’s been a long time since a Lagunitas Creek coho run could be described as even “above average.”
Other notable observations from recent surveys included a school of 14 coho holding in a pool in San Geronimo Creek, and possibly the largest coho redd I’ve ever seen, measuring 27’ by 19’. Mid-December is usually the peak period for coho spawning in Lagunitas Creek, with spawning tapering off through January. Typically two-thirds of coho spawn after the peak week, so it’s likely that many more coho have yet to spawn and there will be plenty of opportunities to see them do it.
[...] updates, and a lot has been happening in Lagunitas Creek over the last three weeks. Right after my previous update (12/17/12) we were hit by the second large storm of the season, which dropped over seven inches of rain. [...]
Where will people park their cars now who want to visit the Ink Wells, Leo T. Cronin Park and Fish Viewing Area and the many hiking trailheads in the immediate area now that there is no parking west of the Shafter Bridge and Leo T. Cronin Park on Sir Francis Drake Blvd. in Lagunitas/Forrest Knolls, CA? Before they repaired the road in that area there were pullouts/parking areas for cars along the shoulder of the right side of Sir Francis Drake Blvd. going west about ¼ mile past the Shafter Bridge. With those parking spots eliminated (approx. 20 or so and now posted No Parking) and Leo T. Cronin Park closing on Feb. 28 until Dec.1, there will be no place to park cars for those who want to visit the Ink Wells, Leo T. Cronin Park or any of the many hiking trailheads. Where do we park our cars now, especially for accessing hiking trails?
Parking at Leo T. Cronin Park and Fish Viewing Area is limited to 60 min. from sunrise to sunset and there are about 12 or so spots. The park will be closing on Feb 28 2013 until Dec. 1. It is open only 3 months out of 12.
Hi David,
That portion of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard is maintained by the County of Marin, so you may wish to contact the Public Works Department: http://www.marincounty.org/depts/pw/divisions/roads
MMWD manages the Leo T. Cronin Fish Viewing Area. In the winter, we open the parking lot to give the public an opportunity to witness the return of spawning salmon and steelhead. However, because this is a sensitive area that is difficult to patrol, the parking lot is closed during the rest of the year. We understand this may be disappointing; however, our first priority is the protection of the watershed and water supply. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Thanks so much for the info.
I hike alot in that area and always parked on Sir Francias Drake Blvd west of the Ink Wells on the right side road shoulder. There is just nowhere to park for 6 hours to go hiking, what a shame! Any suggestions?
David