Celebrate the Fall Return of Chinook Salmon on the Shasta River

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and California Trout (CalTrout) are inviting the public to celebrate the fall return of Chinook salmon to the Shasta River with a free community event on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Big Springs Ranch Wildlife Area near Montague in Siskiyou County.

The event, running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will feature guided salmon viewing, educational talks, and family-friendly activities celebrating the resilience of these iconic fish and the river ecosystems that sustain them.

“We’re excited to highlight the return of Chinook salmon to the Klamath Basin as well as the strong conservation and community partnerships that will help safeguard this iconic species into the future,” said Michael Harris, Environmental Program Manager for CDFW’s Klamath Watershed Program.

“This event is about connecting people to the river and the incredible wildlife that depend on it,” added Ada Fowler of CalTrout.

Attendees can enjoy guided Chinook salmon viewing, nature journaling, and presentations on the geology of the Shasta Valley and its importance to salmon recovery. Partners include the Quartz Valley Indian Reservation, The Nature Conservancy, and the Siskiyou Science Festival, among others.

The event is free and open to all ages.
Location: Big Springs Ranch Wildlife Area, 4415 E Louie Rd, Montague, CA
More info: caltrout.org/events/big-springs-community-day-2025