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[Steelhawk]

Are there any hatchery people (or anyone who has connection to the Chilliwack Hatchery) here on the forum who can answer this question?  Why the coho number is so low compared to the springs which are every where? I mean we used to see tons of coho way back 10-20 years ago but now you literally have to hunt for them. Yet springs seem to be a pest everywhere. This seems to be progressively worst year after year.  Is this due to hatchery stocking reduction of coho in favour of springs? Well, we heard of the stocking cut of 600K coho. If so, why?  Isn't Coho much more sought after than springs?  Is it because coho stay much longer in fresh water before migrating out to the ocean, so they cut back on coho?  Just sad to see coho seemingly getting less & less, and much harder to catch. Just look at Chris' coho journal......   

[Sterling C]

Ribwart, Chum, Pinks and certain breeds of springs (Harrison Whites) are all ocean phenotype fish meaning they immediatly start migrating towards the ocean upon hatch and spend little time in fresh water. On the other hand coho, sockeye and certain chinooks are river phenotype meaning they spend up to two years in fresh water before migrating to the salt. That is the reason these species are typically out numbered by chums etc. because their run size is limited by a rivers smolt producing capacity. Of course, hatcheries are a 'good' way to get around this. Take for example steelhead rivers in the states that release over 1,000,000 steelhead smolts per year. These fish when released are ready to migrate and take off to the ocean reletivly quickly after being released and return as adults in massive numbers.

Vedder whites are ocean phenotype fish, therefore cheap to raise. Coho are river phenotype fish and are much more expensive to raise.