Herring Spawning Sites Reported by Lawrence Kolloen in 1940

Kasiana Island

April 2 - Reported beginning at Kasiana Island.

Cape Buranoff (Cape Baranof)

April 2: Reported at Cape Buranoff April 15: Reported that there has been heavy spawning on outside waters of Cape Buranoff

Jamestown Bay

April 3 - Spawning occurred in north side of Jamestown Bay on this date. Moderate deposit on area covering approximately 100 lineal yards of beach. April 4 - Moderate spawning in area of Jamestown Bay ordering both sides sampled area. On mud flats between Cannon Is & main shore considerable number of herring tangled in eel grass and left high and dry by receding tide. Louis Burkhart: Lives at Jamestown Bay. Has witnessed spawnings for past ten years. Reports heaviest he has seen for many years. Herring stranded in eel grass on mud flats by his house. April 13-14 - Reported by Crew of Odin that another school of herring spawned in Jamestown Bay on this date.

Old Sitka Harbor / Old Sitka Rocks

April 3 - Also observed small patches of spawning on main shore in vicinity of Old Sitka Rocks. Herring present in old Sitka harbor but not yet spawning.

April 6 - Observed herring to have spawned all along south shore of Old Sitka Harbor. Moderately heavy spawn.

In Front of Block house

Apr 4 - Spawning on this date on long shallow beach in front of Block house

Between North end of Town and Halibut Point

April 6: Also several spots vicinity of Old Sitka Rocks and Halibut Point.

Apparently spawning on beach just north of cannery and in various places from north end of town to Halibut Point.

Goddard Hot Springs

Apr. 8 – Peterson of Cold Storage had reports of spawning on outside down as far as Warm Springs etc.

Apr 14 - At Goddard Hot springs. Contacted Mr. Gus Woodrow and old time resident of this area. Caretaker at home.

Mr. Woodrow reported that this year is heaviest spawn since six years ago.

Extends from Dorothy Narrows up to Kaligan Island.

No report on Crawfish inlet but fishermen report no Herring.

Observations of egg deposit in South Lagoon near Hot Springs hotel: Spawn heavy through this area, Dorothy Narrows to Caligan Island. Spawn not high on beach – would judge all to be covered by most tides. This area heavily mineralized and springs enter creeks showing presence of sulphur & iron. On entering over the beach rocks show coloration from mineralized water. Spawning especially dense where these small rivulets enter salt water, indicating that Herring favor these spots. On April 14 eggs showed eye spots and embryos very near hatching. Spawning estimated to have occurred first few days in April. Many eggs deposited on rocks and to casual observation appear dead. However large percentage alive where eggs in heavy layer since considerable moisture retained between eggs & rocks. Observed that eggs in eyed condition are very tough and considerable pressure required to burst them. Collapse on drying but still alive.