This year’s eulachon run had all the typical ingredients. But many say it was anything but that.

Two words describe this year’s run: It’s early. But it also appears to be especially robust. Besides arriving in harvestable volumes in both river systems, eulachon are being caught as for upriver at 6 Mile Haines Highway and Chilkoot River weir.

"It’s really anyone’s guess as to why the run is early this year," said Randy Ericksen, area sportfish management biologist. "Typically it happens during the first or second week of May."

The eulachon’s sensitivity to water temperatures and a mild spring may have contributed to the early run, Ericksen said. Current and substrate size also play roles in when and where the run will take place, he said.

The early run has baffled some area subsistence fishermen.

"I’ve never seen a run this early, not in the 70 years I’ve been doing this," said Evans Willard of Haines.

"I just can’t figure it out," said Vincent Hotch of Klukwan, as he stood on the rocky bank of the Chilkoot River on a recent sunny afternoon. "Last year, I hardly got anything, but this year the run has been good. They’re early this year though, just like everything else."

Ericksen, who has spoken to several fishermen, said the run on the Chilkoot was weaker than the run on the Chilkat. "Eulachon prefer a sandy bottom to spawn in," he said. "The Chilkat’s sandy substrate likely contributed to the stronger run there."

Bucket loads of the seven-inch smelt-like fish have long played a role in both Native and non-Native lives have been pulled from both the Chilkat and Chilkoot rivers. Prized by the Tlingits, eulachon are rendered for their oil, used as a condiment, a preservative and a medicine and still are traded among natives.

"It is very important to our people. The oil from the fish has and continues to be a very valuable commodity," Willard said.

But the small fish not only are sought for their oil. Natives and non-natives alike smoke them and typically eat them the succeeding winter.

Mark Williams, a longtime Haines resident, sees his participation in the annual eulachon run as a tradition, but his use for the fish has changed this year.

"I used to get the oil from them before, but this year I’m primarily going to smoke them, freeze them and eat them," he said as he cleaned one fish after another on the banks of the Clilkoot and tossed them back into a bucket. "I could have a truckload if I wanted."

Haines resident Steve Martin also participates. "I’ve been doing this for about 20 years now," he said. "It’s a springtime tradition."

Fishing was slower for Christine Sweet of Klukwan. "I think it’s because it’s early," she said as she tossed her net into the Chilkoot, gently pulling it back toward her. "They usually come later."

"At least it’s a nice day to be outside," she said as she dropped a few fish into a basket sitting on the rocks at her feet.

Tom Bieleski, who has been participating in the run for 47 years, is guardedly optimistic.

"We’ll just have to see how it all turns out," he said.