Spawning salmon are back in Bellingham. Check them out at these local creeks
Spawning salmon have returned to Whatcom County creeks.
Adult chum salmon are back in droves this fall, following the trend of returning in mid-November to lay their eggs before dying, decomposing and returning nutrients to the ecosystem.
“Please help protect the salmon, their nests, and the streamside plants that they depend on by staying on designated trails and keeping dogs and people out of streams,” the city of Bellingham said in a related announcement.
The most reliable viewing locations for seeing the salmon in person are the footbridges in Arroyo Park and Maritime Heritage Park. Viewers may also be able to see spawning salmon from the trails in Fairhaven Park downhill of the tennis courts or the footbridge over the Little Squalicum Estuary, according to the city.
The Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association is hosting the following free salmon sighting events at several local creeks:
- Noon to 3 p.m. Nov. 23 at Whatcom Creek in Bellingham at Maritime Heritage Park.
- Noon to 3 p.m. Nov. 29-30 at Chuckanut Creek in Bellingham at Arroyo Park.
A variety of salmon species have been documented returning to different Bellingham watersheds.
Chinook salmon, Coho Salmon, Chum Salmon, Pink Salmon and Sockeye Salmon have been documented in Whatcom Creek. While Chinook, Coho and Chum Salmon have been seen in Chuckanut Creek.
This story was originally published November 19, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
