The salmon is a powerful icon in the Pacific Northwest, symbolizing the natural resources that support the region’s economy, recreation, and quality of life. Closer to home, salmon are an integral part of the natural and social landscape of Whatcom County and the Nooksack River watershed. There are nine different species of salmonids in Whatcom County, with each filling a unique niche in our rivers and creeks. Sometimes the term “salmonid” is used to refer to salmon and other fish that are genetically similar, such as trout, whitefish, and char. Several of the salmonids have been on the decline for decades, and three of the species- Chinook, Bull Trout, and Steelhead- are listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act.
Chinook Salmon
The Chinook or King salmon is the largest of the Pacific salmon. They can be identified by the irregular spotting and their black gums. Two genetically distinct, native species enter the Nooksack beginning in March and spawn August through early October. The North Fork run spawns in the North and Middle forks, and the South Fork stock in the South Fork. In addition, a fall chinook run (mostly nonnative) spawns in the Nooksack from September through November. All three stocks are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. All runs require deeper pools and larger gravel for spawning as well as shaded riparian areas to keep the water temperatures cold in the upper reaches of the river.
Chum Salmon
The chum salmon, also known as the dog salmon for its distinct doglike teeth, is the most abundant of salmon species in Washington State. Native chum can be found throughout the Nooksack watershed, but since they are not strong jumpers, will be found predominantly in the lower reaches of the river system. They migrate into the system August through December, but don’t spawn until late October through early February.
Bull Trout
The bull trout and Dolly Varden, although two distinct species, are often grouped together because it is so difficult to differentiate them. The bull trout can be identified by its olive green to brown body that has yellow or cream colored spots. It does not have the black spots on the dorsal fin that are seen on other trout and salmon or the dark wormy markings found on Eastern Brook Trout which is also a char. The bull trout is listed as a threatened species, and is present in three stocks through the Nooksack. The bull trout requires a pristine cold environment for spawning and rearing with abundant cover and a good supply of oxygen. Spawn from late summer through December.
Coho
Coho salmon are also known as Silver salmon due to their bright silvery coloring. They can be differentiated from chinook by their gray gums and a lack of black spots on the lower lobe of the tail. Coho migrate starting in July, with spawning in late October through January. After hatching, coho fry prefer areas of calm water such as beaver ponds, lakes and pools with plenty of large woody debris where they will stay for up to two years. The coho in WRIA 1 are a candidate for endangered species listings, but are not listed as threatened yet.
Steelhead
Steelhead are rainbow trout that spend part of their life cycle in marine environments. Unlike other salmonids, steelhead can spawn more than once. Spawning steelhead can be identified by the pink to red striping along their sides. Four separate steelhead stocks are found in the Nooksack region. Three are native winter stocks found on each fork of the Nooksack and the fourth is the summer stock of the upper South Fork. Steelhead are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Pink
Pink salmon have primarily been used as a commercial canning food product and is the smallest of the Pacific salmon. The adult males can be distinguished by the pronounced hump that develops prior to spawning. Native pink salmon are found throughout the Nooksack watershed. In odd-numbered years (e.g., 2003, 2005), two-year-old pinks enter the system beginning in July and spawn from late August through October. The young fry return almost immediately to the ocean.
Cutthroat
The cutthroat trout occur as both anadromous fish (they live part of their life in the ocean) and as resident trout in lakes and streams. Both forms can be found in the Nooksack River and its tributaries, and resident cutthroats can be found in Lake Whatcom as well. The anadromous cutthroat spawn from January through July and the resident cutthroat spawn from January through June. All cutthroat prefer to spawn in small tributaries and rear in ponds, side channels and wetland areas.
Sockeye
Sockeye salmon returning to the rivers are bright to dark red on their backs and sides with pale green heads. Most sockeye spawn in or near lakes with the juveniles using the lakes for rearing. Nooksack sockeye are a distinct run that spawns in the upper reaches of both the North and South forks and then rears for up to two years in the river instead of a lake. Sockeye migrate into the river beginning in April and spawn from August through early November.
Kokanee
Kokanee are populations of sockeye salmon residing year-round in lakes, typically land-locked ones. Kokanee tend to be smaller in size than other sockeye because food sources are limited in lakes. They average between 10 and 18 inches in length and weigh from one to four pounds. Kokanee have similar markings and coloration to sockeye, with their bright silver sides, bluish-black tops and white bellies. Prior to spawning, kokanee will turn bright red with green heads and the males will also develop a humped back and hooked jaw. Here in Whatcom County, the native Lake Whatcom kokanee stock is enhanced through hatchery operations. Eggs from Lake Whatcom kokanee are used to stock lakes through the United States.