UC Davis researchers, working with the Solano County Water Agency, counted 170 adult salmon returning this winter to spawn in Putah Creek. Officials said the number could be as high as 200 as a number of individuals typically escape count, even with the use of a counting weir this year. Still, the total is down from 735 in 2023. “As you know, the salmon fishery has been closed the past two years, so it (low numbers) is a statewide thing and not just Putah Creek,” said Max Stevenson, the Putah Creek streamkeeper. The count started in early October and continued through Dec. 18.

Other salmon articles:

• Western Outdoor News: Rumors rampant as anticipation of what is in store for the 2025 Chinook salmon season