Salmon Watcher Program
What do Salmon Watchers do?
- Select a stream that you are willing to watch for a total of 30 minutes each week (ideally 15 minutes twice a week). The observation period runs from September 15 to early December. The actual end date will depend on weather conditions and the number of fish seen.
- Enter your observations online or on a paper form.
Continuing for 2024: Salmon Monitors
Being a Salmon Monitor is a slightly higher commitment than being a Salmon Watcher. Instead of or in addition to watching a section of stream, you will gather more detailed information and commit to do so regularly. This could include having a specific stretch of stream to walk and carefully monitor, or being a “seeker” to check on lightly monitored streams, or being added to the collecting permit so you can collect samples and measurements. Ideally, each stream section would be monitored three times per week, but the same person does not need to monitor each time. Dr. Jensen can group participants into teams that will trade off on different days of the week for coverage.
Salmon Watcher pro tip
The most essential salmon viewing gear you need is polarized sunglasses. They often make the difference between not seeing any fish and having a clear view of many fish. Polarized glasses block as much of the reflected light as possible without blocking non-reflected light. Look for yellow or amber polarized lenses, as they are better at letting a lot of light through compared to gray or smoke lenses.
Thank you to past volunteers
If you are a past Salmon Watcher, we sincerely thank you for your years of service. As always, please continue to let us know whenever you see an illicit discharge or spill in Bothell by calling our Spill Hotline, day or night, at 425-806-6750. You're helping keep our streams clean! If you're a trained Salmon Watcher and would like share your knowledge with others, please contact us. We're looking for several volunteers to talk with visitors or lead a tour along North Creek, and you can pick the date and time that works best for you.
Sign up for City eNews
Stay informed about community news, events, and workshops. Sign up here!
Follow Salmon Watchers on Instagram
Check them out at @nlwsalmonwatchers.