New Record Set for Fall Chinook Redds in Snake River

KENNEWICK, Wash. (AP) — New data released by the Nez Perce Tribe shows that fall chinook returning to the Snake River have set a new record for the third straight year.

The Tri-City Herald reports that the data shows a new record of 9,345 redds, or gravel nests, were built by returning adults in the Snake River Basin between Lower Granite and Hells Canyon dams.

According to the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, the new record shatters the previous one set in 2014, when about 6,700 reds were counted.

The new record also coincides with the third highest adult Snake River fall chinook return of 59,300, since the four lower Snake River dams were completed more than 40 years ago.