Shasta River's salvation becomes group's mission

One would think the Shasta River for all logical purposes would flow into Lake Shasta. Sorry, not anywhere near Lake Shasta does it flow.

Just about a mile north of Weed, on the east side of Interstate 5, you might notice a small informative sign with a jumping fish indicating to traffic that at that point or divide it becomes the Klamath River drainage.

The Shasta River in reality does not come from Mt. Shasta at all but from the Mt. Eddy drainage to the west of Mt. Shasta. There are, however, two small streams — Carrick and Boles creeks — coming down from Shastina Center, going through Weed then into the Shasta River. Northwest of Weed, the river meanders down through meadows and grasslands just west of the village of Edgewood, then from that point about five miles into Lake Shastina.

Lake Shastina in earlier days was called Dwinell Reservoir, named after Dr. Dwinell of Montague, who was the main facilitator of the construction of Dwinell Dam. Then, a sizable canal starting at the dam was constructed to divert the water from the lake north to supply irrigation for the various ranches and a water supply for the city of Montague. This occurred some 70 or 80 years ago and is still operating as usual.

The water releases into the river channel below the dam is just a mere trickle of water sometimes, just enough to keep the rocks wet and some water for wildlife. However, as the water proceeds downstream, springs begin to feed the river ecosystem with fresh quality water providing habitat for wild trout. Parks Creek flows into the river, providing more water flow. Then, below the Louie Road crossing, massive amounts of spring water flows into the river, creating what is termed a spring creek. This water comes from an appropriately named place called Big Springs. In the same general location of Big Springs, the Nature Conservancy purchased a ranch. A local fishery biologist advised me that this section of the Shasta River has the potential of being a blue ribbon trout stream. I might add that the Shasta River is one of the rare Western rivers that actually runs north by the compass.

From this area, the river meanders through grassy meadows, juniper trees, cattle ranches and old dairies. The Little Shasta River (actually a small stream) enters the main river just south of Montague. About five miles down river, the terrain changes from meadow ranches into a rocky canyon. Very scenic, wild and rugged. It then flows five miles through the canyon and into the Klamath River.

The Shasta River contains a strain of beautiful rainbows. In the fall and winter, it hosts runs of king salmon, coho salmon and steelhead. The migratory species generally spawn where stream conditions have sufficient gravel such as the upper and lower reaches. Resident rainbows can generally be found in similar stretches of the river.

The Shasta River over many years has been abused and ignored as a precious ecosystem. Irrigation runoff, dewatering and introduction of nutrients into the river have played a role in damaging the ecosystem. As a result, the fisheries, both native and anadromous, have been dangerously reduced along with the water quality. Similar stories emerge like this all over the country.

The good news is help is on the way. The state water agencies, Department of Fish and Game, and local concerned ranchers have joined in a cooperative alliance for the salvation of the Shasta River for the good of all concerned.

If you happen to try your luck fishing this river, it is a catch-and-release stream using barbless hooks. The lower section in the canyon is mostly all open water with lots of holes, runs and pockets. It is best to ask permission in the meadow sections even though not posted. Visit the Nature Conservancy perhaps near Big Springs.

John Spencer is a longtime north state resident and fisherman.