Schumacher Creek Smolt Trap

The Squaxin Island Natural Resources (SINR) is currently collecting data to estimate the number of coho salmon smolts outmigrating from Mill, Cranberry, Goldsborough, Schumacher and Sherwood Creeks.  These five creeks empty in to Deep South Puget Sound, with in the Squaxin Island Tribes usual and accustom areas.

The project objectives include using weir panel and Screw traps to enumerate and monitor downstream migration of coho salmon smolts, providing data for estimation of natural coho production and for the formation of relevant spawning escapement goals for Deep South Puget Sound region.   This will be the 10th year that SINR has conducted smolt trapping studies.

Goldsborough Creek Screw Trap

South Puget Sound coho smolt outmigration timing occurs during the spring from April through June.  Peak outmigration of coho smolt in the region varies from creek to creek. The peak ranges from late April through the middle of May. All salmonids captured in the traps are enumerated and measured; non salmonid species are identified and enumerated.  Species other than coho encountered in the trap are:  cutthroat, steelhead, chum, lamprey, sculpin, dace, peamouth, shiner and threespine stickleback.

Schumacher Creek Coho Smolt

VIDEO: SINR Fish Techs Michael West and Danny Synder Schumacher trap

For more information, contact:Joe Peters, fisheries biologist, Squaxin Island Tribe, (360) 432-3813.    jcpeters@squaxin.nsn.us