Columbia River sockeye exceed projection

Sat., June 28, 2008

Associated Press The Spokesman-Review

BOISE – Sockeye salmon are swimming up Washington’s and Oregon’s Columbia River in higher-than-expected numbers, spawning hope in Idaho that the endangered fish will also make a mass return to this state.

Through Wednesday, more than 157,000 fish had been counted at Bonneville Dam – double the preseason projection of 75,600, according to the Idaho Statesman.

Joe Hymer, with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, said it’s never been over 100,000 this early in the year.

Hymer and other scientists are at a loss to explain the robust run, which is about six times the total for all of last year.

Most of the Columbia River sockeye swim to north central Washington.

It’s too early to tell if fish bound for Idaho will also exceed preseason forecasts.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.