This is a Fishwheel catching salmon during the height of a record 2005 fall chum salmon run on the Yukon River. As with many runs of fish everywhere, long periods of time (days and weeks) can pass without a single one caught. On this day that was not the case as you can see. Some historic papers going way back counted 393 Yukon River fishwheels from Canada to the river mouth (almost 1000 miles of river). Today there are a tiny tiny fraction of that amount of wheels on the Yukon (ADF&G counted 69 in 2015) and the chum runs remained healthy then and now. Estimated salmon passage past this wheel on the day of the video was 100,000 fall chum salmon. The wheel that day took about 30.
6/10/13 note: A long time ago I said I'd not be commenting anymore on the video due to negative comments but would not delete them either. Lately the video has gained quite a bit of views and with that some pretty vicious and ridiculous comments from people who get a kick out of being negative about things they have no clue about. This fishery supports native and rural fishermen living up and down the Yukon River. The fall chum salmon shown here numbered about 1 million into the river last year and is considered by the State of Alaska Department of Fish and Game to be underutilized on many years and in particular this year 2005 in the video. Nobody is killing any run off here with this traditional fishing. I will be deleting all negative comments I feel are not sincere at my leisure and discretion from now on. The Management

Also "Carry On: Stan Zuray's Journey from Boston Greaser to Alaskan Homesteader" is now available on Amazon in paperback, eBook, and audiobook. Amazon reviews always appreciated. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1521098891

Anyone interested in a signed copy has two options:
Go to: https://www.thestanproject.com/mercha... and buy a pre signed book (the simplest)
Buy a book on Amazon and follow these instructions. (Many have done this and it has worked well. Done hundreds and no mail failures yet).
1. Get two 12.5 x 9.5" priority mail flat rate envelopes at post office.
2. Selfaddress and put postage on one envelope.
3. Address other one to: Stan Zuray, Box 77172, Tanana, Alaska, 99777 and put book and other envelope in it (folded) and signing instructions if any and I'll sign and return.
Please send no money my privilege to sign but an Amazon review would be appreciated. Flat rate both ways will cost you under $15.