Ryan Fogerty (CA-NV FHC) sampling juvenile salmon at Oakdale trap site. JSFoott, FWS - Photo Credit: n/a

This spring, the California - Nevada Fish Health Center worked with Fish Bio, Cramer Fish Sciences, and the Stockton Fish and Wildlife Office in a health monitoring project for Stanislaus River juvenile Chinook salmon.  Winter and spring rains resulted in beneficial high river flow and cool water temperature.  While  a few fish had low-level bacterial infections, no diseased fish were detected and the population showed normal growth and fat accumulation.  A key enzyme for saltwater adaptation was also in normal ranges for the out-migrant smolts.  Overall, the fish were healthy and fit.