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The Chinook or King salmon is the largest of the salmon species and can be identified by the irregular spotting and their black gums. Two genetically distinct, native species enter the Nooksack beginning in March and spawn August through early October. The North Fork run spawns in the North and Middle forks, and the South Fork stock in the South Fork. In addition, a fall chinook run (mostly nonnative) spawns in the Nooksack from September through November. All three stocks are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. All runs require deeper pools and larger gravel for spawning as well as shaded riparian areas to keep the water temperatures cold in the upper reaches of the river.
Chinook Distribution Map
Chinook Fact Sheet
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The bull trout and Dolly Varden, although two distinct species, are often grouped together because it is so difficult to differentiate them. The bull trout can be identified by its olive green to brown body that has yellow or cream colored spots. It does not have the black spots on the dorsal fin that are seen on other trout and salmon or the dark wormy markings found on Eastern Brook Trout which is also a char. The bull trout is listed as a threatened species, and is present in three stocks through the Nooksack. The bull trout requires a pristine cold environment for spawning and rearing with abundant cover and a good supply of oxygen. Spawn from late summer through December.
Char Distribution Map
Bull Trout Fact Sheet
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Many salmonids are anadromous -- they live most of their lives in the ocean but return to fresh water to spawn.
See the salmon life cycle here.
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