The coho salmon population returning to the Methow River Basin reached record numbers this fall, according to a recent article in the Methow Valley News. The Yakama Nation, who is responsible for the administration of the coho re-introduction program, recorded 2,432 fish passing through Wells Dam this fall. This exceeded the previous record of 600 fish.
The fish returning are bigger and better, too. Through their program, the tribe has developed a localized broodstock that can better handle the challenge of migration through nine dams. The broodstock originates from returns to the Winthrop National Fish Hatchery and Wells Dam.
With spawning comes rotting carcasses. The carcasses provide food for their own young, other fish, eagles, vegetation and mammals. Biologists will distribute the carcasses of hatchery-spawned coho along the basin’s waters.
Although program managers have more work ahead in the coho re-establishment effort, this season brings hope and promise for the future.
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Posted on December 27th, 2007 by admin
Filed under: environment and conservation, on the water | No Comments »
Merry Christmas, everyone. The Methowoutdoors family is taking a few days off to be with family. We hope you have a good one.
Posted on December 25th, 2007 by admin
Filed under: announcements | 1 Comment »
We’re busy (somewhat) at work on adding a photo gallery to the site. Eventually this gallery will display some of the fine photos of Methow Valley landscapes and the people who recreate within the valley. We’ll also have photos of places beyond the Methow.
Posted on December 24th, 2007 by admin
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As of 4:00 PM the upper Methow Valley near Mazama has received approximately 5 inches of snow. There was very few skiers out so if you like solitude on a beautiful snowy day, you will enjoy being on the trails today.
Posted on December 22nd, 2007 by Jim
Filed under: conditions, cross country skiing | No Comments »
If you have been visiting this site over the last week or so you may have noticed some changes. Ok, a lot of changes. We have gone from a few pages typed out on Notepad to what you now see, a blog format using Wordpress. I think we’ll stay here a while. So take a look around, but please excuse the mess while we remodel. And as always, if you see something that needs attention, please email at info@methowoutdoors.com or leave a comment.
Posted on December 20th, 2007 by admin
Filed under: announcements | 1 Comment »
