We were one of the lucky classes to be able to attend the Kokanee Karnival field trip.  What exactly is a Kokanee Karnival?  It is the opportunity for students to see the miracle of kokanee spawning up close in the rivers of Central Oregon.

This is the tenth year the event has been organized and taught to local school children.   The volunteers who teach and organize this incredible experience are from the Wolf Tree Organization, Central Oregon Flyfishers, Sunriver Anglers, Deschutes National Forest, and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (and others).  Many, many donations from businesses and individuals help make this program possible.

Students learn about the life cycle, habitat, and food chain of kokanee.  Kokanee spawn in our area around the third week in September each year and the viewing is incredible!  

At Browns Creek and Fall River Fish Hatchery students were taught by volunteers from Central Oregon Flyfishers and Sunriver Anglers.  They learned all about stream flow, macroinvetebrates, water quality, habitat, life cycle, and more.

Note, the dye put in the river is fluorescein and is harmless. 

click to enlarge photos - great photos of a huge eagle and macroinvertebrates from the creek

Fall River Fish Hatchery Tour