Bay Area Mighty Salmon Surprise: The surge in Chinook salmon numbers and sizes in Bay Area waterways is capturing attention, especially as these fish are spotted in unexpected locations near homes and major roads. The South Bay Clean Creeks Coalition, led by Steve Holmes, has been meticulously monitoring this phenomenon for more than a decade. Holmes recently discovered salmon carcasses along the Guadalupe River, tracing their journey from the Pacific Ocean through the bay.
The South Bay Clean Creeks Coalition collaborates with UC Davis to analyze fish heads, challenging the common belief that salmon in urban waterways are primarily from hatcheries. The research indicates that many of these fish are born in streams and return to spawn in the same waterways, adding a layer of complexity to the understanding of their life cycle.
Despite these discoveries, the question of why the salmon in these waterways are notably larger than in previous years remains unanswered. Holmes speculates that factors like closed fishing seasons and the impact of global warming on available food sources might be influencing their size.
The South Bay Clean Creeks Coalition’s long-standing effort to clear over 1.3 million pounds of trash from waterways is considered a significant contributor to the increased fish population. Fisheries biologists emphasize the importance of cleaning streams and creating suitable habitats for spawning fish.
This remarkable natural event extends beyond the Bay Area, with reports of Chinook salmon sightings in other regions like Los Gatos Creek and the Mokelumne River. The coalition remains optimistic that their ongoing work will further enhance the size and population of Chinook salmon in local waterways, contributing to the overall health and sustainability of these aquatic ecosystems.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Where is the best salmon fishing in California?
The Smith River is renowned as California’s final untamed waterway and is a prime location for salmon and steelhead fishing. It boasts the state’s record for steelhead, a whopping 27-pounder, and yields some of the largest salmon catches outside of Alaska, with fish weighing between 50 to 60 pounds caught every season.
Are there salmon in San Francisco Bay?
San Francisco Bay is a prime location for Chinook Salmon fishing on the West Coast. During the summer and fall seasons, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge while chasing after King Salmon. The sight of this iconic landmark alone is enough to make any angler excited to cast their line.