Klamath dam removals: early passage and spawning above former dams; disease monitoring continues

Scientists and managers updated the council on post‑dam‑removal monitoring in the Klamath River Basin, reporting rapid recolonization of historical habitat and both promising and cautionary signs. Sonar counts at the former Iron Gate (Irongate) and camera counts at Keno documented thousands of Fall Chinook passing upstream in 2024–25, and radio‑tagging work confirmed upstream movements and spawning in tributaries and upper-basin springs.

"We're just 2 years into this major dam removal river restoration project," the presenter said, noting both the speed of reoccupation and the need for a multi‑generation perspective. Some fish were observed spawning in Upper Klamath Lake and in springs such as Harriman Springs. At the same time, researchers documented elevated concentrations of Ceratonova shasta at monitoring stations, and a mortality event in screw traps during early June was linked primarily to hatchery releases timed into an infectious zone. Managers reiterated that reintroduction plans call for a three‑generation (roughly 12‑year) evaluation period before major stock‑level conclusions are drawn.