Skagit River coho estimate plummets

However, for the Skagit River, the coho estimate is about half of the 2022 estimate.

The estimate for Skagit River non-hatchery coho in 2022 was 80,378. This year, it is 43,146.

Because the estimate does not meet conservation objectives, fishing opportunities will likely be more restricted this fall.

State Fish and Wildlife spokesperson Chase Gunnell said state biologists believe the lower estimate is due to poor survival rates when juvenile coho were migrating out to sea during 2020 and 2021.

Hot and dry weather during those summers caused low water levels, Gunnell said.

“While in rivers and streams, coho and other salmon require cold water and shelter from predators, often in the form of logjams and other large woody debris. Lower water conditions often expose young salmon to predators as well as warmer waters,” Gunnell said.

Coho usually return to the stream in which they were born after two years. The coho that were affected in 2020 and 2021 are now returning this fall, causing the dip.