Predictions suggest another year of low salmon returns for 2021

Official predictions for 2021 Columbia Basin Chinook and sockeye returns were released late last year by regional fishery managers. A Technical Advisory Committee, composed of Federal, Tribal, and State scientists from across the Northwest, predicts the size of yearly runs, which informs how both offshore and in-river fisheries are managed under the U.S. v Oregon court proceeding.  

The outlook for Idaho’s Snake River species in 2021 follows similar trends from the last few years: a very low abundance of wild salmon. Predictions estimate the return of 11,100 wild Idaho spring/summer Chinook to the mouth of the Columbia River, the point used for forecasting. Idaho’s sockeye are predicted to return 700 fish to the same location. No predictions have been made yet for steelhead.

Idaho Department of Fish and Game will release predictions of returns further upriver to Lower Granite dam by utilizing this information. The accuracy of predictions vary as several complex factors and environmental conditions go into their creation, so these initial numbers must be taken with a grain of salt. 

Recovery goals reflecting abundant levels of wild fish have now been widely accepted across the region, including by the State of Idaho. The wide gulf between goals that envision a future with abundant wild salmon and the current grim reality that will continue in 2021 highlights how important this year will be for our fish. 

Investment in the Northwest’s economy and infrastructure and restoring Lower Snake River habitat via dam breaching is imperative and will firmly place Idaho’s wild salmon and steelhead on the path towards abundance.

To view predicted returns, click here