Uploaded January 2014 | Updated September 2026, 5 hours ago
Park geologist Vicki captured this scene on January 13, 2014 while working not far from the Prairie Creek Visitor Center: "A female coho was building a redd [a nest or spawning area]. We could see her turn sideways to excavate the gravels and build a nest for her eggs. A male coho was defending his spot on the redd and was chasing all other male challengers away. In between the skirmishes, the successful male would spawn with the female and the challenger would move downstream and rest on the gravels with his back out of the water. The sides of the males are colored a vibrant red and are hard to miss...The flow in Prairie Creek is extremely low for this time of year and it is not much higher than summer baseflow. This affords an opportunity to observe the fish since the water is clear. Typically when the fish are spawning during the winter the flows are higher and the water muddier. This will be a great opportunity for people to see fish spawning."
Take Ranger Vicki's advice and head out to Prairie Creek Redwood State Park to see for yourself. For more info, give us a call at 707-465-7335 or stop by the Prairie Creek Visitor Center for updates on the latest sightings.
Park geologist Vicki captured this scene on January 13, 2014 while working not far from the Prairie Creek Visitor Center: "A female coho was building a redd [a nest or spawning area]. We could see her turn sideways to excavate the gravels and build a nest for her eggs. A male coho was defending his spot on the redd and was chasing all other male challengers away. In between the skirmishes, the successful male would spawn with the female and the challenger would move downstream and rest on the gravels with his back out of the water. The sides of the males are colored a vibrant red and are hard to miss...The flow in Prairie Creek is extremely low for this time of year and it is not much higher than summer baseflow. This affords an opportunity to observe the fish since the water is clear. Typically when the fish are spawning during the winter the flows are higher and the water muddier. This will be a great opportunity for people to see fish spawning."
Take Ranger Vicki's advice and head out to Prairie Creek Redwood State Park to see for yourself. For more info, give us a call at 707-465-7335 or stop by the Prairie Creek Visitor Center for updates on the latest sightings.
