Can Someone Explain the Concept of a "Run" For Me?

[gotarheelz14]

So as I understand it, some species of fish make a "run" up rivers, creeks and streams that feed into a lake. They spawn in the creeks/rivers/streams I think.

So, why do they feel the need to run up into creeks and rivers to spawn? Why can't they just stay in the main lake and spawn there?

Also, what do they do when they are done? Do they come back?

I've been trying to find information on "running" if anyone has a good website I would be much obliged.

Carlos Saravia

[Lund Explorer]

So now we get to test spell check by trying to type Anadromous..... Spelled correctly even though the utility doesn't think so, defines fish that live in the ocean and travel up freshwater streams to spawn.  We use the same term for fish in the Great Lakes that make the run up local rivers.

I can't quote the exact biological reasons why, but let's assume that they need certain conditions that can't be found out in the middle of big water. 

There's a lot of other fish that travel to spawn while still in the lake.  Fish that spend most of their lives in deeper water usually spawn in the shallows.

Some fish, like salmon will make their run up the rivers, finish their spawning duties and then die.  Others like trout will "drop back" to start the entire cycle over again.  I'm not sure about some of the other fish such as herring.

If you want to do more reading on the subject, google the term Anadromous Fish

[fourbizz]

The salmonids need to have highly oxygenated running water moving over the eggs. Also, rivers are a better nursery for  juvenile fish.

[Dan:]

As far as anadromous fish: in the Potomac we have shad, herring, perch, and striper that make spring time runs. From what I understand (at least about striper) is that their eggs need to be moving through highly oxygenated water for a certain period of time in order to survive; in order to give their eggs the best chance to survive, they swim upriver as far as possible (in the Potomac this point is a natural barrier created by Little Falls).

But I think you were talking about fish in lakes moving to creek arms, etc...

[Crabcakes]

Generally the term "run" refers to a concentrated migration or mass movement of fish that often results in them being easy to catch. Often times this is for spawning but it can also be temperature or food driven.

Here's an example:

Every spring Maryland gets a spawning run of rockfish (stripers) from March- May. I fish for these fish every year. In June I fish the "spring run" of stripers in New Jersey. This "run" is actually the same body of fish I was catching in Maryland the month before but this time they are "running" North towards New York and Massachusetts for food. In both places it's a "spring run" but the biological reasons aren't the same. Later on in the year I fish the "fall run" in New Jersey which is in fact the same body of stripers swimming south towards warmer water and plentiful bait off the coast of Virginia and North Carolina. 

The same general idea holds true for most fish.... They're seeking conditions suitable for what they need to do eat (eat, breed) and sometimes this concentrates them in a small area for a period of time.

[Crabcakes]

As far as anadromous fish: in the Potomac we have shad, herring, perch, and striper that make spring time runs. From what I understand (at least about striper) is that their eggs need to be moving through highly oxygenated water for a certain period of time in order to survive; in order to give their eggs the best chance to survive, they swim upriver as far as possible (in the Potomac this point is a natural barrier created by Little Falls).

A few striper spawning factoids for you:

Stripers release eggs and milt (sperm) directly into the water without making beds. They need at least some water movement to ensure the two mix properly. The eggs actually suspend in the water and develop into larvae that feed off a yolk. Water movement helps ensure the eggs stay suspended off the bottom.

They also need the proper salinity level to ensure that their eggs don't sink to the bottom. Striper eggs hatch after 48 hours and they must remain suspended in the water column before they hatch and turn into larvae.  If the water is too fresh they sink and become silted over before they can hatch.

They spawn all the way up and down the length of the Potomac in the marshes and tributaries, not just up at Little falls. Wherever they can find the right balance of salinity, turbidity (clarity), temperature and oxygen levels. Many of the real big girls  actually spawn up around the Susquehanna Flats area on the edges of the main Bay.

[gotarheelz14]

Thanks for the answers guys. I actually don't really fish for salmonoids at all as I live in NC and I don't think many salmon come flying up our creeks and rivers. I was actually thinking about White Bass when I wrote this but from what I have read so far today, most of the same stuff that you guys were saying apply just the same.

Thanks guys,

Carlos