UPDATE: Salmon spawning season continues; ‘open creek’ set for Saturday

10:51 AM: Thanks to Kersti Muul for the photos from Fauntleroy Creek earlier this week. Spawning season continues and she photographed those eggs, explaining, “Some critter had dragged them up on the banks. Eventually they were eaten but it took a few days … which surprises me! Seeing that we have otters and raccoons and birds a plenty.” She also shared this photo of the 13th coho counted in the creek, a ~3-pound female:

We’re checking on where the count stands. (UPDATE: Creek steward Judy Pickens tells us it’s at 18 – that’s more than 4 times last year’s four-fish count.)

ADDED 3:55 PM: Judy has since announced there’ll be another “open creek” tomorrow:

We’ve seen 18 coho to date, witnessed active spawning, and continue to have favorable tides for bringing in more fish. Volunteers will host an “open creek” Saturday (11/10) afternoon from noon to 3:00 at the fish ladder (SW Director and upper Fauntleroy Way SW). Come to the viewpoint there and a watcher will invite you down. Children need to bring a parent and dogs should be leashed and well behaved. Decking and steps will likely be wet, so use caution.

P.S. Bonus video from Kersti:

She explains, “It’s from yesterday, a spawning pair activity making a nest, with a little Jack trying to have a turn but getting turned back by the larger male.” (A “jack” is a salmon returning a year earlier than they usually would.)

10 Replies to "UPDATE: Salmon spawning season continues; 'open creek' set for Saturday"

  • NatureNanny November 9, 2018 (11:42 am)

    Any recommended view points to find spawners? The kids and I headed down to the viewpoint Wednesday but it’s hard for the littles to see much from that far up, and we couldn’t see any easy entrance to reach the bridges that span over the fish ladder. We hiked through Fauntleroy Creek Park a bit but had to cut it short for tired legs before finishing the loop, so I’m trying to plan more thoroughly this time. 

    • WSB November 9, 2018 (11:46 am)

      I hope someone reading this might have a suggestion – I suspect what you mean by Fauntleroy Creek Park (the entrance from Barton?) is what I would suggest – but we can ask Judy, too. – TR

  • Judy Pickens November 9, 2018 (11:53 am)

    Watchers are inviting people down from the viewpoint; you must have arrived when no one was on duty.  We’re strategizing about open-creek hours this weekend.  WATCH THIS SPACE and please come back!

    • Steve Parsons November 9, 2018 (12:32 pm)

      Cool. So nice to see this. Thanks Judy. I need to visit the viewpoint, been awhile. 

    • NatureNanny November 9, 2018 (8:40 pm)

      Thanks so much for the info! Sorry we missed you, we were able to spot all sorts of fungi growing in the park in lieu of checking for spawners.  I’ll keep checking back and if you are able to pre-set visiting hours we will definitely come back down. :)

  • Trileigh November 9, 2018 (1:28 pm)

    Whoa, love that photo of the salmon eggs! Thanks for the image and the story, Kersti – really appreciate how you help all of West Seattle understand the amazing nature around us.

    • Paula November 10, 2018 (8:29 am)

      Can eggs be put back in the creek?

  • Ice November 9, 2018 (2:01 pm)

    Thanks for covering this. I love reading stories like these.

  • Dennis Hinton November 9, 2018 (4:32 pm)

    Beautiful egg shot.See you Saturday at the open  creek.

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