Chum salmon are now making their way up Coquitlam’s Hoy Creek.
And nature watchers can see their progress as they spawn.
The first chum salmon of the season were spotted as early as the long weekend, according to the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society, with more salmon returning during heavy rains.
And while the annual Salmon Come Home event won’t be held this year due to CoVid-19, Coquitlam residents can still celebrate the return of salmon to local creeks with a series of fun and self-guided activities.
A downloadable map of salmon-viewing locations, along with a scavenger hunt designed to help families explore nature, is available at coquitlam.ca/salmoncomehome.
There are also several salmon-viewing spots, with one of the best being Hoy Creek Linear Park, where new interpretive signs have been installed.
Here are the best viewing sites:
• Hoy Creek, close to the hatchery or along the trail in Hoy Creek Linear Park
• Scott Creek, near Runnel Drive or Guildford Way
• and Coquitlam River, at the Oxbow side channel, Galette Park and Hockaday Park
Meanwhile, here are some tips from the Hoy-Scott Watershed Society about the best ways to see salmon:
• Visit after a rain or on a clearer weather day when creek depths are lower and the water is quieter.
• Look carefully as salmon (in particular, chum salmon) have similar colours to the rocks or stones in the stream and can be camouflaged. Coho are even better at hiding than chum. If you are expecting to see bright red salmon, you’ve come to the wrong creeks.
• Wear sunglasses. Fishermen often wear polarized sunglasses to better spot fish in the water.
• Head to resting places. Salmon have an arduous journey upstream. They can often be spotted under bridges or hanging branches or fallen logs to build up strength for their next climb.
NEW SIGNS
Trail walkers can also check out eight interpretive signs that were recently installed along the flat, 2.8-kilometre trail that runs through Hoy Creek Linear Park and connects to the Hoy Creek Hatchery and other city centre destinations.
Designed in consultation with the Hoy-Scott Watershed Society, the colourful and informative signs are intended to enhance the public’s understanding and appreciation of the various facets of the park and watershed.
The project was funded in part by a grant from Trans Canada Trail to enhance the local section of The Great Trail.
Hoy Creek Linear Park stretches between Barnet Highway at the south to Walton Avenue and Pinewood Avenue at the north, and is walking distance from the Lafarge Lake-Douglas SkyTrain Station, City Centre Aquatic Centre, Pinetree Community Centre and Town Centre Park. See coquitlam.ca/parkfinder for a map link.
For more information about the Hoy-Scott Watershed Society and its work, visit hoyscottcreeks.org.
