Chum Salmon Spawning
Allison Springs
Olympia, WA
December 23, 2013
Native chum salmon spawn on local streams in November and December. Hundreds of people come to the observation platforms at McLane Creek Nature Trail and Kennedy Creek. to see the salmon and learn from volunteer Salmon Stewards.
By the end of December the activity has dwindled to a few fish. Carcasses of salmon litter outnumber spawners 10 to 1. But a few mighty fish struggle to complete their journey. The photos you see here were taken at low tide, when the stream was only a few inches deep. The salmon churn through the shallow water for several dozen feet and then rest for an extended time, gathering strength for the next few yards.
