12,118 Fall-run Chinook have been counted as of October 24th, which is more than the total number of returns last year. According to projections by hatchery staff based on the number of returns at this time, this year may be the largest run since the hatchery was built in 1963. The peak of the run is typically during the first week of November.  

The hatchery is working towards its 10 million egg-take goal with an expected 9 million smolts, including the required 2 million mitigation fish to be released at Sherman Island. This year, an extra 2.6 million drought enhancement fish will also be produced. The majority of smolts will be trucked to release sites spanning Fort Baker, Richmond, Marin Rod & Gun Club, Tiberon, Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, and Monterrey in 2024. Last year a total of 6.4 million smolts were produced at Mokelumne Hatchery.

Nimbus Fish Hatchery

As of last Friday, the Nimbus Fish Hatchery has not started spawning. In fact, on October 30th the hatchery announced it was postponing the opening of the fish ladder citing water management issues. NBC local affiliate KCRA 3 reported last night that the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, who manages water flows into the Lower American River after being released from Folsom Dam, “confirmed that it is working to correct for anomalously low oxygen levels in the Lower American River.” Nimbus staff expect the oxygen issue will be resolved within a few days, which will allow the gates to the fish ladder to open.  

Anecdotal observations from hatchery staff are promising with those reporting that there are, as of last week, “a lot of fish and a typical number compared to prior years in the American River.” Nimbus will be taking eggs to reach a production goal of 4.5 million smolts and an additional 2 million fry, which will have parent-based tagging.

Feather River Fish Hatchery

Coleman National Fish Hatchery

The Coleman Hatchery is approaching three weeks into spawning and they have handled, as of last week, about 4,000 fish with a preliminary count downstream in Battle Creek at ~5,000. This appears to be the 2nd lowest return in many years and hatchery staff are reporting a paltry 200 fish in holding. They are expecting a little under 9 million eggs, which will translate into about 8 to 8.3 million smolts out of a goal of 12 million – falling well below targets. And to make things worse, 2024 will still represent returns from a drought year class. Thus, it is expected that returns will continue to be depressed until October 2025 when some better numbers are anticipated.