Despite the lack of rain and the low tide that kept the salmon out in the bay, we had so much fun at this year’s Salmon Tours at the mouth of Chico Creek on November 3rd! This was one of 8 stops throughout Kitsap that celebrated the return of the salmon. This estuary, on which GPC holds a conservation easement, is owned by the Suquamish Tribe and is in the midst of a major restoration. Thanks to the removal of a neighborhood road and culvert that formerly spanned the creek at the mouth, the salmon can travel upstream with less exertion. In 2020 their route will be made even easier with the construction of a 400 ft bridge along SR 3, replacing a 200 ft culvert that now transects the highway. This will allow the stream to return to its natural meander, creating resting spots for the chum and coho salmon on their way upstream to spawn.
Over one hundred visitors stopped at the estuary, including the many fishermen you can see dotted in the saltwater of Dyes Inlet. It’s not too late to view the returning salmon, stop by one of the viewing locations in the next week or two and you might still be able to spot some! Look at this map to find salmon near you!
