The Five Species of Pacific Salmon
The Nooksack River is one of three rivers in Washington that support runs of all five species of Pacific salmon! Click on fish to learn more about each of these unique species!
Chinook (spawning phase)
Chum (spawning phase)
Coho (spawning phase)
Pink (spawning phase)
Sockeye (spawning phase)
The Salmon Lifecycle
Video courtesy of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Salmon Habitat
Native Plants
Native trees and shrubs within riparian areas provide shade, stabilize streambanks, and filter pollutants out of water runoff providing the cold, clean, and clear water salmon need to survive. Large woody debris like downed trees or large limbs provide shelter for salmon to rest and hide.
Macroinvertebrates
Leaves that fall from deciduous plants are eaten by macroinvertebrates (aquatic insects) which young salmon fry will feed on once they hatch. Macroinvertebrates can also act as bioindicators of how clean water is. Check out which critters indicate healthier water below!
