Biologists Expect Low Returns of Wild Skagit Basin Steelhead

“Only about 5,100 wild steelhead are expected to return to the Skagit River basin this year, about 900 fish below the spawning escapement goal. The low steelhead returns are likely due to poor ocean survival, impacts of flooding in 2005 and several other factors, [state Fish and Wildlife steelhead program manager Bob] Leland said.” Mark Yuasa in the Seattle Times.